Since the first Virulent Newcastle Disease (vND) was confirmed in San Bernardino County, California on May 24, a total of a dozen have been reported in the county.

Image/wernerdetjen via pixabay
Image/wernerdetjen via pixabay

Virulent Newcastle disease has not been found in commercial poultry in the United States since 2003. The first case was reported in Los Angeles County on May 17, followed by 12 in San Bernardino County.

vND is a contagious and fatal viral disease affecting the respiratory, nervous and digestive systems of birds and poultry. The disease is so virulent that many birds and poultry die without showing any clinical signs.

vND is not a food safety concern.  No human cases of Newcastle disease have ever occurred from eating poultry products.  Properly cooked poultry products are safe to eat.  In very rare instances people working directly with sick birds can become infected with mild symptoms.