The veterinary authority in the Czech Republic has sent an Immediate Notification dated 19 December to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

The report describes an outbreak of avian paramyxovirus (similar to Newcastle disease) in a flock on 100 village pigeons in Horní Slivno in the region of Stredoceský in central Czech Republic. There were 40 cases, of which 30 birds died; the survivors have been destroyed.

Symptoms started on 23 November. The source of infection is unknown.

The area has been quarantine and movement controls are in place inside the country.

The last outbreak of the disease in the country was in February 2007.

Further Reading Find out more information on Newcastle disease by clicking here.