Current Outbreak

On October 1, 2002 Exotic Newcastle disease was confirmed by the USDA, in game fowl near Los Angeles, CA. The outbreak involved approximately 3,000 birds in 6 backyard premises, 3 of which had birds with clinical signs. Soon after, END positive poultry flocks were identified in San Bernadino and Riverside counties.

On December 30, 2002 the CDFA and the USDA received laboratory confirmation of END in two additional commercial egg-laying facilities, one in San Bernadino County and one in San Diego County. Earlier in December a commercial facility in Riverside County had tested positive. More Commercial Poultry Facilities Identified With Exotic Newcastle Disease 01/02/03.

As of January 4, 2003, USDA and CDFA had confirmed three commercial establishments and many backyard flocks with END. A taskforce of over 700 federal and state employees were working to prevent the further spread of the disease. An additional 300 were being added by the end of January.

On January 16, 2003, END was confirmed in a backyard flock in Las Vegas, NV. On January 17, Federal and State quarantines were established for all of Clark County and portions of Nye County, NV.

A map showing the California and Nevada Quarantine Zones and infection sites as of January 21st can be seen at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/issues/enc/newcastle012103b.gif.

On February 4, 2003, tests for Exotic Newcastle Disease on poultry on the Colorado River Indian Reservation in western Arizona were returned positive. The Colorado River Indian Tribes' Fish & Game Department has been working closely with the USDA's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, as well as the Arizona Department of Agriculture. All agencies are now partnering to contain the virus and prevent additional infections elsewhere in Arizona.

On February 4, 2003, END was confirmed in a backyard flock in La Paz County, AZ.

February 6, 2003 - A new commercial premises in San Bernardino County, CA, was identified as positive for END. This brought the total number positive commercial premises in California to 7.

February 13, 2003 - Tests confirmed five new infected commercial premises in CA. Three in San Bernardino County, one in Riverside County, and one in San Diego County. The total commercial flocks in California affected by END is 13 flocks.

As of 2/13/03, over 240 officials with the Nevada Department of Agriculture, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, along with many other government agencies are now conducting an Exotic Newcastle Disease eradication campaign

On February 18, 2003 2 new infected commercial premises in San Diego County, CA were confirmed, bringing the total to 15.

On February 23, 2003 2 new CA infected commercial premises, one in San Diego County and one in San Bernadino, were confirmed, bringing the total to 17.

On February 25th the CA END task force issued a press release stating its intent to begin a surveillance program in the Central Valley, north of the quarantined area. Exotic Newcastle Disease Task Force to begin Central Valley Surveillance Program 03/03/03 CDFA (PDF)

On March 12, 2003 2 new CA infected commercial premises, one in San Diego County and one in San Bernadino, were confirmed, bringing the total to 19.

On March 15, 2003 1 new CA infected commercial premises in San Bernadino, was confirmed, bringing the total to 20.

On March 19, 2003 1 new CA infected commercial premises in San Bernadino, was confirmed, bringing the total to 21.

On March 26, 2003 1 new CA infected commercial premises in San Diego county, was confirmed, bringing the total to 22.

On April 9th, END was confirmed in backyard poultry on a premises in El Paso, Texas. USDA, working cooperatively with the state of Texas, has sent a team of veterinarians and other personnel to the state to prevent the spread of the disease.

On April 11, 2003 in a press release the USDA announced the quarantines of El Paso and Hudspeth counties in Texas and Dona Ana, Luna and Otero counties in New Mexico. Press realease: USDA Quarantines Areas In Texas And New Mexico For Exotic Newcastle Disease APHIS 04/11/03. An extraordinary animal disease emergency was announced effective on April 9th and will appear in the Federal Register of April 16th.

As of May 15, 2003, the Federal quarantine area in California includes Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties. In Nevada it includes Clark and the southern tip of Nye counties, and in Arizona it includes Yuma, La Paz, and the southern portions of Mohave (below the Colorado River) counties. Also included are El Paso and Hudspeth counties in Texas and Dona Ana, Luna and Otero counties in New Mexico.

On May 19th, portions of the southern part of Kern County were added to the END quarantine area. Federal Register 05/19/03: Newcastle Quarantine expanded to part of Kern County effective 05/13/03 (PDF 64 KB). Updated map.

May 19th, the USDA announced that quarantine was lifted in Arizona and Nevada. Federal Register 05/19/03: Quarantine removed from Arizona and Nevada effective 05/14/03 (PDF 78 KB)

June 10th, the USDA announced removal of Dona Ana, Luna and Otero counties in N.M., Hudspeth County, Texas, and portions of El Paso County, Texas, from the list of quarantined areas effective 06/95/03. Press Release USDA 06/10/03. Also published in the Federal Register 06/11/03: Quarantine lifted in NM and TX counties effective 06/05/03.

Map of California areas with current infected premises - 07/15/03

According to the CDFA, as of July 23, 2003, 18,340 premises have been quarantined, 2,148 premises have been depopulated - 22 of which are commercial poultry facilities, 3,016,000 birds have been destroyed and 581 people are currently working in southern CA to eradicate the disease. 8,417 premises have been released from quarantine. Newcastle Disease Update 05/12/03 (PDF)

The CDFA reports that END is now in the final phase of eradication. The incidence of disease has dropped significantly and the END Task Force has released many individual properties from quarantine. The disease has not been found in commercial poultry facilities since late March 2003, and all commercial poultry producers within the regulated area continue to participate in a weekly monitoring program.

While it is not known exactly when the regional quarantines will be lifted, it is likely that some areas may be released over the next few months and potentially, all quarantines may be removed by the end of the year, providing that no additional disease is found.

As of July 27, 2003, the Federal quarantine area includes California - Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura and part of Kern counties.

USDA APHIS reports 3,923,678 birds have been put to death in CA, 269 in AZ and 2,746 in NV, 1,871 in TX, a total of 3,928,564. Number of positive premises - 920 CA, 1 AZ, 10 NV, 1 TX, total 932. Total premises quarantined - 18,427 (7,083 released) in CA, 67 (67 released) AZ, 155 (155 released) NV, 497 (473 released) TX, total 19,146. Total premises depopulated - 2,514 CA, 6 AZ, 147 NV, 41 TX, total 2,708. Total commercial flocks affected by END - 22 flocks - 4 premises in Riverside County (3 infected and 1 contact), 7 premises in San Diego County (7 infected), and 11 premises in San Bernardino County (11 infected). Arizona and Nevada are completed operations and theirs are final numbers. For more status information see Emergency Management Warning 108.

In CA currently 11,206 premises are quarantined. Positive premesis - 1 commercial location. Contact premises - 4 backyard locations. 642 personnel assigned.

Effective July 30, 2003 all but a portion of San Diego County in California were removed from quarantine. Reduction in Quarantine Area Federal Register 08/04/03 (PDF).

On Tuesday, September 16, the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced an end to the Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) quarantine. Extensive testing of the regulated area has been completed with no additional detections of the disease. California Statewide Quarantine Lifted – CDFA News Release and USDA Lifts Quarantine for Newcastle Disease in CA in the of Federal Register September 19th. On August 4, 2003, all but 7,300 square miles of the quarantine was released. This latest action lifts the regional quarantine in California and once again permits poultry exhibitions. The outbreak cost more than $160 million to fight and resulted in the depopulation of more than 3 million birds.

Government Quarantine Announcements & Notices

On October 3, 2002, the CDFA suspended all poultry exhibitions at local fairgrounds, and all bird owners were asked to stop the movement and sales of backyard birds. Press Release October 3, 2002

Effective November 21st, the USDA quarantined Los Angeles County, CA, and portions of Riverside and San Bernardino counties, and restricted the interstate movement of birds, poultry, products, and materials that could spread exotic Newcastle disease from the quarantined area. Federal Register: November 26, 2002

On November 21st, pursuant to the CA Food and Agricultural Code Section 9562, the State Veterinarian of California the California Department of Agriculture (CDFA) instituted a state quarantine that affects the owners of poultry, poultry products and poultry exhibitions within the quarantine boundaries. These are the affected southern California counties of Los Angeles and portions of Riverside and San Bernadino.

Effective December 30, 2002, the quarantine boundaries were extended to encompass those counties with END-positive flocks; Los Angeles, San Diego and portions of Riverside and San Bernardino, as well as Orange county. CDFA 01/02/03: More Commercial Poultry Facilities Identified With END Quarantine Extended.

Effective December 30, 2002, the USDA quarantine boundaries were expanded. The expanded quarantine boundaries encompassed those counties with END-positive flocks; Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino. Additional counties include Santa Barbara, Ventura, Imperial, and Orange. This was a necessary requirement to attempt to provide a buffer zone and prevent further spread of the disease.

On January 6, 2003 the Office of the Secretary, US Department of Agriculture signed and placed into the Federal Register of 01/10/03 a Declaration of Extraordinary Emergency Because of Exotic Newcastle Disease in CA. The extraordinary emergency declaration allows USDA to apply federal authority within the State of California.

Effective January 7, 2003, the State Veterinarian of California expanded the California quarantine boundaries to encompass Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Ventura and portions of Riverside and San Bernardino. CDFA Notice of Regional Quarantine 01/07/03 (PDF)

Effective January 7, 2003, the USDA ammended its quarantine in California to include all of Imperial, Orange, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Ventura, Riverside, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. As a result of the USDA Declaration of Extraordinary Emergency, the restrictions which apply to interstate movement of birds, poultry, products, and materials that could spread exotic Newcastle disease from the quarantined area, now also apply to intrastate movement as well. Federal Register: January 13, 2003.

On January 17, Federal and State quarantines were established for all of Clark County and portions of Nye County, NV after a backyard flock in Las Vegas tested positive. Federal Register of 01/24/03 Exotic Newcastle Disease; Additions to Quarantined Area - NV effective 01/17/03 and Press release January 16, 2002 (PDF).

On January 17, 2003 the Office of the Secretary, US Department of Agriculture signed and placed into the Federal Register of 01/24/03 a Declaration of Extraordinary Emergency Because of Exotic Newcastle Disease in NV.

A map showing the California and Nevada Quarantine Zones and infection sites as of January 21st can be seen at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/issues/enc/newcastle012103b.gif.

On February 4, 2003, the Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) Tribal Government imposed a quarantine on all domestic birds on the Colorado River Indian Reservation in western Arizona. It is likely that more birds on the reservation will be euthanized. CRIT 02/04/02 Press Release. The USDA has also quarantined the Arizona counties of Yuma, La Paz, and southern portions of Mojave (below the Colorado River).

February 5, 2003, AZ declared a State of Emergency (PDF) which applies to all birds in La Paz and Yuma Counties and a portion of Mohave County, AZ and set regulations for transporting birds and products from other states.

On February 7, 2003, the Office of the Secretary, US Department of Agriculture signed and placed into the Federal Register of 02/13/03 a Declaration of Extraordinary Emergency Because of Exotic Newcastle Disease in AZ.

On February 10, 2003, USDA instituted a federal quarantine zone to include all of La Paz and Yuma Counties and a portion of Mohave County, AZ. placed in the Federal Register at Federal Register of 02/14/03 Exotic Newcastle Disease; Additions to Quarantined Area - AZ effective 02/10/03.

February 11, 2003, the state of Arizona issued a public information notice with a quarantine zone to include all of La Paz and Yuma Counties and a portion of Mohave County, AZ. effective 2/10/03 Arizona Department of Agriculture Director's Administrative Order (PDF).

On March 17th the CDFA site published a map showing the CA, NV and AZ State & Federal Quarantine Zones http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/ah/images/CDFAquarantine-03-17-03.gif.

On April 11, 2003 in a press release the USDA announced the quarantines of El Paso and Hudspeth counties in Texas and Dona Ana, Luna and Otero counties in New Mexico. Press realease: USDA Quarantines Areas In Texas And New Mexico For Exotic Newcastle Disease APHIS 04/11/03. An extraordinary animal disease emergency was announced effective on April 9th and will appear in the Federal Register of April 16th.

As of April 11, 2003, the Federal quarantine area in California includes Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties. In Nevada it includes Clark and the southern tip of Nye counties, and in Arizona it includes Yuma, La Paz, and the southern portions of Mohave (below the Colorado River) counties. Also included are El Paso and Hudspeth counties in Texas and Dona Ana, Luna and Otero counties in New Mexico.

A map showing the Texas and New Mexico Quarantine Zones as of April 14, 2003 can be seen at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/issues/enc/end_txnm_map.html.

As of May 15, 2003, the Federal quarantine area in California includes Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties. In Nevada it includes Clark and the southern tip of Nye counties, and in Arizona it includes Yuma, La Paz, and the southern portions of Mohave (below the Colorado River) counties. Also included are El Paso and Hudspeth counties in Texas and Dona Ana, Luna and Otero counties in New Mexico.

On May 19th, portions of the southern part of Kern County were added to the END quarantine area. Federal Register 05/19/03: Newcastle Quarantine expanded to part of Kern County effective 05/13/03 (PDF 64 KB). Updated map.

May 19th, the USDA announced that quarantine was lifted in Arizona and Nevada. Federal Register 05/19/03: Quarantine removed from Arizona and Nevada effective 05/14/03 (PDF 78 KB)

June 10th, the USDA announced removal of Dona Ana, Luna and Otero counties in N.M., Hudspeth County, Texas, and portions of El Paso County, Texas, from the list of quarantined areas effective 06/95/03. Press Release USDA 06/10/03. Also published in the Federal Register 06/11/03: Quarantine lifted in NM and TX counties effective 06/05/03.

Map of California areas with current infected premises - 07/15/03

According to the CDFA, as of July 23, 2003, 18,340 premises have been quarantined, 2,148 premises have been depopulated - 22 of which are commercial poultry facilities, 3,016,000 birds have been destroyed and 581 people are currently working in southern CA to eradicate the disease. 8,417 premises have been released from quarantine. Newcastle Disease Update 05/12/03 (PDF)

While it is not known exactly when the regional quarantines will be lifted, it is likely that some areas may be released over the next few months and potentially, all quarantines may be removed by the end of the year, providing that no additional disease is found.

As of July 27, 2003, the Federal quarantine area includes California - Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, San Diego, Ventura and part of Kern counties.

USDA APHIS reports 3,923,678 birds have been put to death in CA, 269 in AZ and 2,746 in NV, 1,871 in TX, a total of 3,928,564. Number of positive premises - 920 CA, 1 AZ, 10 NV, 1 TX, total 932. Total premises quarantined - 18,427 (7,083 released) in CA, 67 (67 released) AZ, 155 (155 released) NV, 497 (473 released) TX, total 19,146. Total premises depopulated - 2,514 CA, 6 AZ, 147 NV, 41 TX, total 2,708. Total commercial flocks affected by END - 22 flocks - 4 premises in Riverside County (3 infected and 1 contact), 7 premises in San Diego County (7 infected), and 11 premises in San Bernardino County (11 infected). Arizona and Nevada are completed operations and theirs are final numbers. For more status information see Emergency Management Warning 108.

In CA currently 11,206 premises are quarantined. Positive premesis - 1 commercial location. Contact premises - 4 backyard locations. 642 personnel assigned.

Effective July 30, 2003 all but a portion of San Diego County in California were removed from quarantine. Reduction in Quarantine Area Federal Register 08/04/03 (PDF).

On Tuesday, September 16, the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced an end to the Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) quarantine. Extensive testing of the regulated area has been completed with no additional detections of the disease. California Statewide Quarantine Lifted – CDFA News Release and USDA Lifts Quarantine for Newcastle Disease in CA in the of Federal Register September 19th. On August 4, 2003, all but 7,300 square miles of the quarantine was released. This latest action lifts the regional quarantine in California and once again permits poultry exhibitions. The outbreak cost more than $160 million to fight and resulted in the depopulation of more than 3 million birds.

USDA APHIS Quarantine Information

Federal quarantine applies to the interstate movement of birds, poultry, products, and materials that could spread exotic Newcastle disease from the quarantined area. The quarantine applies to all species of birds and the quarantine areas include a buffer zone around infected areas. (see USDA APHIS Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) Page)

The USDA has issued Declarations of Extraordinary Emergency Because of Exotic Newcastle Disease for CA, NV and AZ. The extraordinary emergency declaration allows the USDA to apply federal authority within these states. Federal regulations are extended to the intrastate movement of birds as well. Thus all birds in California are affected, not just the species listed in the California quarantine. Zones are also expanded. Where more restrictive, the federal regulations apply.

Owners of any species of birds affected by these quarantines are prohibited from moving birds and bird products out of the quarantined area without a permit from the USDA. Anyone who violates the quarantine is civilly liable in an amount not to exceed $25,000.

As of July 23, 2003, the CDFA reports that END is now in the final phase of eradication. The incidence of disease has dropped significantly and the END Task Force has released many individual properties from quarantine. The disease has not been found in commercial poultry facilities since late March 2003, and all commercial poultry producers within the regulated area continue to participate in a weekly monitoring program.

While it is not known exactly when the regional quarantines will be lifted, it is likely that some areas may be released over the next few months and potentially, all quarantines may be removed by the end of the year, providing that no additional disease is found.

The USDA is part of the various END task forces in each state.
USDA APHIS Toll-Free Hotline: 1-800-940-6524

California Quarantine Information

The CA END Task Force is a cooperative effort between CDFA, USDA, the Governor's Office of Emergency Services, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the U.S. Forest Service, the California Conservation Corps, and the University of California's Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System. (see CDFA Newcastle Disease page)

The USDA Declaration of Extraordinary Emergency allows the USDA to apply federal authority within the state. The USDA quarantine applies to all species of birds and the quarantine area includes a buffer zone around infected areas. Where in conflict, USDA authority supercedes the state quarantine explained below. Comparing State and Federal Quarantines for Exotic Newcastle Disease in California 01/07/03 (PDF)

As of February 20, 2003, the Federal quarantine area in California includes Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties.

The State of California's quarantine boundaries encompass Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Ventura and portions of Riverside and San Bernardino.

The state quarantine applies to poultry species, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, partridges, pheasants, quail, guinea fowl, pea fowl (peacocks), doves, pigeons, grouse, swans and ratites (emus, ostriches and rheas), their eggs, and associated property, equipment and materials. Eggs, however, may be moved after they are washed, sanitized and packed in new materials. CDFA Notice of Regional Quarantine Affecting Bird Owners effective 01/07/03 (PDF) and Information for Bird owners - Questions and Answers on Regional Bird Quarantine 01/07/03 CA (English & Spanish PDF).

Any of the above cannot be moved out of or exhibited within the quarantine area without a compliance agreement with the CDFA. They may only be shown or sold at swap meets or sales within the quarantined area if the event manager has a signed compliance agreement with CDFA. Poultry that enter the quarantined area for exhibition or sale are NOT permitted to leave the area.

CA Food and Agricultural Code Section 9574 provides that any person who negligently or intentionally violates a quarantine is liable civilly in an amount not to exceed $25,000.

If END is diagnosed, CDFA will serve individual notices for the destruction of infected and exposed birds and bird products. CDFA will compensate owners at "fair market value" for birds that are destroyed. All cages, materials and equipment associated with infected birds must be cleaned and disinfected or destroyed.

A copy of the form - Notice of Required Action Pursuant to Quarantine - 03/17/03 CDFA (PDF) can be seen viewed and downloaded. It is the notice which will be recieved when a quarantine is imposed upon a site and includes the actions which must be taken.

Caged Birds - excerpts from Caged Birds policy issued by the END task force (US & CA) - END Task Force Expands Opportunities for Home Quarantine and Isolation for Caged Birds - 02/13/03 CDFA (PDF)

The END Task Force has formalized a policy that will change the way some birds are handled within the quarantine zone. Veterinarians working in the field will weigh several factors before making a final decision on the fate of these birds.

Any birds that test positive for END or are in dangerous contact with infected birds will be euthanized. However, in cases where birds are not infected, and bird owners can demonstrate a biosecurity program that protects the birds, they may be spared. To achieve this, the owner must adhere to a quarantine protocol that will continue to keep the pet bird in protective isolation.

END task force's Exotic Newcastle Disease Policy - Pet & Exotic Birds 02/13/03 CDFA (PDF) explains, which birds will be considered, who makes the decision, quarantine responsibilities, biosecurity requirements, testing, etc. Some excerpts follow. The quarantine compliance form in html format.

Birds considered for exemption from euthanasia include:

• Endangered species (protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act) assessed in conjunction with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is authorized to quarantine, seize, or destroy endangered species.

• Rare and/or threatened species as listed in the CITES Appendices, I & II.

• Genetically significant species or strains of exotic or domestic avian species as determined by the END task force.

• Caged birds with an effective biosecurity program that protects them from END.

An appropriate biosecurity program includes: avoiding contact with affected birds; isolating birds from loose birds in the neighborhood; preventing people from spreading the disease on contaminated clothing, shoes, and vehicles; and cleaning and disinfecting all equipment and supplies in contact with affected birds.

Owners who do not have outside birds will be considered at lower risk than those who have outside birds. If birds are housed outside, other risk factors will be considered.

Birds will be evaluated and either euthanized, quarantined on the premises as prescribed by the task force, or taken to a USDA quarantine station at the discretion of the task force Incident Commander. Any birds exempted from euthanasia will be tested, examined, and isolated at the owner's expense as prescribed by the task force. Isolation facilities must provide secure bio-containment.

Owner will do the following to minimize the potential risk of spreading disease (Biosecurity):

a) Keep bird(s) confined and in an enclosure (e.g. within a cage which is inside a residence or secure aviary).
b) Prevent free-ranging poultry from entering the property.
c) Isolate the bird(s) from visitors.
d) Do not share birds, equipment or feed with other bird owners.
e) Avoid unnecessary contact with other people's birds. Infected birds may not look sick!
f) Prior to coming in contact with birds:
  •Hands: Wash your hands in soap and water for 10 to 20 seconds.
  •Feet: Remove or thoroughly clean your shoes, paying particular attention to the soles. Spray soles with a disinfectant or use a disinfectant foot dip at the entrance to your property.
  •Other: Shower and change into clean clothing.
g) Keep visitors to your property to a minimum. If you have visitors, they should wash their hands and clean their shoes and do not let them near your birds.

The quarantine will remain in place for a minimum of 30 days. The quarantine will not be lifted until surveillance has been completed in the neighborhood around the quarantined premises (in an approximately 1-kilometer zone) and until there are no infected premises within a 3-kilometer zone around the quarantined premises. Birds will be euthanized if test results show that an exempted bird is infected with END.

Bird events such as bird marts, poultry swap meets, and exhibitions of poultry and caged birds held outside the regional quarantine area, and gatherings of birds within the quarantine area that exclude the species listed in the quarantine notice may continue. However, gathering birds increases the risk of spreading this disease. CDFA will immediately quarantine birds if END is suspected at a bird event. Costs associated with caring for or moving birds are not the responsibility of CDFA. Bird owners and event staff will be responsible for caring for birds under quarantine guidelines until the quarantine is lifted. All bird events should have plans for a three to 15-day quarantine. The quarantine will be lifted if END is not confirmed. Shows Recommended Action for Managers 01/07/03 CDFA (PDF) and CDFA Fairs Policy 011403 (PDF)

Bird clubs whose bird species are not included in the quarantine may hold their regular events. To prevent spreading infection, it is strongly recommended that no birds of any species be moved into, within, or out of the quarantined area.

Commercial poultry producers within the quarantine zone must comply with a mandatory reporting system that identifies increased mortality, decreased egg production, or any clinical symptoms suggestive of Exotic Newcastle Disease. If all parameters are normal, owners shall report this each week by fax or email on a form provided by the Department. Failure to comply is a violation of Title 3, California Code of Regulations, section 1301.8.

Birds with signs of disease will be tested at no charge. If you observe unusual disease in your birds, notify the Exotic Newcastle Disease task force hotline at 1-800-491-1899 or 562-795-1940, or the State Veterinarian at (916) 654-0881, or submit birds to one of the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratories located in:
San Bernardino: 909-383-4287
Fresno: 559-498-7740
Turlock: 209-634-5837
Davis: 530-752-8700
San Diego County: (858)-694-2838
Other locations call: (530)-752-8700

State of Nevada Quarantine Information

The Nevada State Department of Agriculture is prohibiting movement of ANY avian species into or out of the quarantine area at this time (see State of Nevada END page).

The quarantine prohibits or restricts the movement of all birds, poultry, products and other materials that could spread Exotic Newcastle Disease into or out of the quarantined area. Funds are available to purchase birds diagnosed with the disease and those euthanized in the quarantine area. Violating the quarantine is punishable by a $615.00 Nevada State fine, and up to a $25,000.00 Federal fine.

May 19th, the USDA announced that quarantine was lifted in Arizona and Nevada. Federal Register 05/19/03: Quarantine removed from Arizona and Nevada effective 05/14/03 (PDF 78 KB)

Nevada END Hotline (866)-490-2991
Nevada Department of Agriculture hotline(702)-515-5200
Las Vegas - 702 486-4690
Reno - 1-888-228-5239
Rural Nevada - 1-800-992-0900

State of Arizona Quarantine Information

Arizona Department of Agriculture, Animal Services Division operating under and supplementing Title 3, Chapter 2, Article 6, Arizona Administrative Code. Quarantine applies to all avian species, commercial traffic originating from a quarantine area in California, Nevada, or Arizona, and to bird exhibits, shows, auctions, public displays, and competitions in Arizona. (see State of Arizona Exotic Newcastle Disease Page)

May 19th, the USDA announced that quarantine was lifted in Arizona and Nevada. Federal Register 05/19/03: Quarantine removed from Arizona and Nevada effective 05/14/03 (PDF 78 KB)

Items under restriction. Birds, poultry, poultry waste, vehicles, and materials or used appliances that could transmit END.

A commercial vehicle originating from an area under quarantine in California or Nevada that is transporting feed or eggs, a vehicle of any type transporting a bird from California or Nevada shall stop at an Arizona Port-of- Entry inspection station and provide the proper documents.

Vehicles transporting any poultry meat products are required to be clean of materials that could transport END. Such vehicles exiting California or Nevada may be subject to inspection at an Arizona Port-of-Entry.

Poultry and bird events, such as exhibits, shows, auctions, competitions, or other public displays of birds of any type are prohibited in the entire state of Arizona.

AZDA END hotline (888)-742-5334

State of Texas Quarantine Information

State of Texas Exotic Newcastle Disease Page

Exotic Newcastle Disease Confirmed in Texas; Five Counties Quarantined in Texas and New Mexico TAHC 04/10/03 PDF. Infection confirmed in El Paso County. The Texas Animal Health Commission has quarantined El Paso County and the New Mexico Livestock Board has quarantined Luna, Dona Ana and Otero Counties. Federal quarantine is being placed on these counties as well as Hudspeth County in TX which form a trade area with significant movement of birds. Federal quarantine applies to all birds and all movement into, out of and within the quarantined areas.

On April 10, 2003, the Texas Animal Health Commission, operating under Chapter 58 Section 58.2 of Volume 4 of the Texas Administrative Code and Subchapter D of Chapter 161 of the Texas Agriculture Code, prohibited the movement of all fowl from El Paso County. The Executive Director is authorizing all law enforcement acting at the direction of the Executive Director to stop, inspect and detain shipments of all fowl as deemed necessary. Movement from the quarantine area will only be authorized when the disease has been contained and in accordance with protocols established by the commission. (see Notice Establishing a Quarantine on El Paso County Prohibiting Movement of Fowl TAHC 04/10/03 PDF)

June 10th, the USDA announced removal Dona Ana, Luna and Otero counties in N.M., Hudspeth County, Texas, and portions of El Paso County, Texas, from the list of quarantined areas effective 06/95/03. Press Release USDA 06/10/03. Also published in the June 11th Federal Register.

USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, in cooperation with the Texas Animal Health Commission quickly eradicated the disease in the single backyard flock in El Paso, Texas, and prevented any further spread of the disease.

The TAHC has published a TAHC Exotic Newcastle Disease brochure PDF)

TAHC - (800)-550-8242 , (512)-719-0700
TAHC END hotline (800)-550-8242

New Mexico Livestock Board (505)-841-6161

Policies of Unaffected States

Florida Bans all birds from CA, NV, AZ (January 20, 2003)
Georgia Bans all birds from southern CA, part of NV (January 17, 2003) PDF
Hawaii Bans all birds from southern CA, poultry all CA (January 24, 2003) PDF
Iowa Bans all birds & avian products from CA, NV, AZ (February 6, 2003) PDF
Massachusetts Bans all birds from CA, NV, AZ (February 5, 2003) PDF
Oregon Bans all birds and materials from CA, NV, AZ and anyplace under END quarantine (January 17, 2003) PDF
Texas Bans all birds from quarantined areas of CA, NV, AZ (February 7, 2003) PDF
Utah Bans all birds from quarantined areas of CA, NV, AZ (January 16, 2003) PDF
Washington Bans all birds and materials from quarantined areas of CA, NV, AZ (January 17, 2003) PDF