Newcastle disease spreads in Cayo & Belize Districts

Back in November we reported an outbreak of Newcastle disease at a poultry farm on Spanish Lookout and tonight a government press release is announcing that it has spread. Reports are that while it is under control in Spanish Lookout, Newcastle Disease has spread to backyard poultry in other areas in Cayo, as well as the Belize and Stann Creek districts. BAHA says that is seeking official confirmation from the United States Department of Agriculture laboratory in Iowa and in the meantime will be vaccinating backyard poultry in all affected communities and has stepped up inspection at slaughter plants to ensure that all birds killed are from healthy flocks. Poultry producers are also mandated to get a movement permit from BAHA when moving poultry and its products from one community to another. While almost all birds affected by Newcastle Disease die within seventy-two hours without noticeable signs, some clinical signs seen in infected birds are loss of appetite, fever, depression, swelling and blue discoloration of the head, diarrhea, nervous signs such as circling, head tremors, as well as wing and leg paralysis. The public is reminded that the meat is safe for human consumption.