Newcastle Disease Reported in West Sepik
PAPUA NEW GUINEA - The country's veterinary authorities have reported an outbreak of Newcastle disease in West Sapik, affecting free-range birds.
6 May 2013
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The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received an immediate notification on 3 May 2013. According to the report, the affected population comprised free-range birds. The village is located close to the border of the Papua province of Indonesia. Newcastle disease is an endemic in Indonesia.
A total of 167 birds were found susceptible, out of which 17 cases and deaths were recorded. No birds were destroyed.
Quarantine, movement control inside the country, screening, zoning etc have been applied as control measures to contain the situation.
Birds were tested at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory, confirming the presence of the Newcastle disease virus in various regions.
The source of the outbreak remains inconclusive.
