Poultry keepers across the UK have been urged to be vigilant of Newcastle Disease following reported cases in flocks across Europe.
Recent cases in Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg have led Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) experts to advise that the risk of the disease in UK flocks has risen from ‘low’ to ‘medium’.
Newcastle Disease is caused by a virulent strain of paramyxovirus and can be spread through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected birds. It can cause severe losses in certain poultry species, including:
- commercial and specialist breeds
- pet chickens
- other captive birds, including racing pigeons
Public Health England advises the risk of Newcastle Disease affecting people is very low.