Newcastle Disease Outbreak in Mexico - CHIHUAHUA - At least 30 fowl have been affected by Newcastle's disease in the region. In order to fight the virus, SAGARPA (Agriculture, Farming, Rural Development, Fishing and Food Secretariat, according to its Spanish initials) personnel are currently immunizing the animals, announced Manuel Guerrero-Pando, an authorized officer of the secretariat.

He remarked that this viral disease is not transmissible to humans, and that there is no risk when eating poultry or their eggs. Mr. Guerrero-Pando also informed that rooster fights are indefinitely suspended. He announced this after the representative of gamecock farmers said that his group is willing to collaborate.

Mr. Reyes Ramon Cadena-Payan, secretary for Rural Development in the State Government said that the local outbreak has been properly detected, since it has been characterized in gamecocks and in fowl kept in the households; in Jimenez Municipality, the viral disease is under control. He added that an educational program and a vaccination program are necessary.

"It is not avian flu", Mr. Cadena-Payan emphasized, in order to reassure the population with respect to eating poultry and eggs, since these products can be consumed without any risk.

Mr. Guerrero-Pando stated that it is important to remember that Dr. Jorge Canes is the SAGARPA Regional Coordinator of the program against foot and mouth disease and other exotic diseases, and that all personnel present in Jimenez, Coronado, and Villa Lopez areas had moved to Rosales and Meoqui.

According to the report, 30 fowl were affected with Newcastle disease. The problem started in gamecocks. The outbreak has been fully identified; however, fowl within the "red area" will be sacrificed, farms will be inspected, and a peripheral zone will be designated in which inspections will be held and sanitary measures implemented in all areas containing domesticated birds and gamecocks, and movement of such animals will be prohibited.

Source: ProMed - 15th February 2006