Three Newcastle Disease Outbreaks Across Israel
ISRAEL - The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has reported three new outbreaks of Newcastle Disease in Haifa, Hamerkaz and Hadarom, wherein backyard chickens, 34-week-old table egg layers and 7-week-old turkeys have been afflicted.The OIE was sent a third follow-up report on Tuesday (28 May 2013) by the Israeli veterinary authorities, stating that the causal agent has been identified as the Newcastle disease virus.
According to the report, a 25 per cent drop in lay was observed in the table egg layers in Hamerkaz, and H9 was diagnosed in the affected turkey flock in Hadarom.
A total of 48008 birds showed signs of susceptibility, out of which 7004 cases were reported. 4502 birds were reportedly found dead. The remaining 43506 birds were destroyed.
The OIE has not yet been able to determine the source of the outbreaks.
On 22 May 2013, a pathogen isolation by egg inoculation test was conducted at the Northern Avian Diseases Laboratory, confirming the presence of the Newcastle Disease virus in the country.
Further Reading
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