California Confirms H5 LPAI in Ducks

May 9, 2019

Newcastle Battle Continues

Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) has been confirmed in a flock of 9,500 breeding ducks in Monterey County, California. The virus, the H5 serotype, was found as the result of routine surveillance, according to the USDA, and no birds had previously shown signs of disease. The source of the virus is unknown, but it was subsequently found to be similar to one found in North American wild birds.

Two neighboring poultry premises in the county have been quarantined. Sample tests from these farms are pending. Movement controls and enhanced surveillance are being applied and the affected premises have been disinfected.

California animal health officials also continue to monitor and manage new cases of virulent Newcastle disease (vND). According to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), six additional cases of vND were confirmed in Riverside and San Bernardino counties from April 23 to May 2. All six cases were in backyard exhibition chickens.

The new cases bring the total number of confirmed vND cases in California in 2019 to 248. There has also been one case in Arizona and one case in Utah this year.