The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received follow-up report number 2 on Tuesday, 28 February, wherein it was stated that the outbreaks first took place on 28 January and confirmed on 1 February after a reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test confirmed the presence of the Newcastle disease virus on 22 February.

All three outbreaks took place on 12 February in Fratesti, Giurgiu and Mihaiesti, Arges. In Giurgiu, a total of 39 backyard birds were found susceptible to the disease, out of which eight cases and deaths were reported. The remaining 31 birds were destroyed.

In the first farm in Mihaiesti, Arges, a total of 22 birds were found to be susceptible to the Newcastle disease virus, out of which 15 birds were found to be affected and died on 12 February. The remaining seven backyard birds were destroyed as a precautionary measure.

In Arges' second farm, also located in Mihaiesti, 38 backyard birds showed signs of susceptibility. All the birds were found dead. Hence, none were destroyed.

To sum up, a total of 99 birds were found susceptible. Out of the 99 birds, 61 cases were reported while 38 were destroyed.

Statistically, this means that the apparent morbidity and mortality rates were as high as 61.62 per cent, and the approximate case fatality rate was 100 per cent. Proportionally, as much as 100 per cent of the birds showing signs of susceptibility were lost.

While the source of the outbreaks remains inconclusive, the organisation is applying several control measures to make sure that the outbreak does not run amok. Some of these measures include:

1. Movement control inside the country
2. Disinfection / disinfestation
3. Traceability
4. Stamping out
5. Control of wildlife reservoirs
6. Zoning
7. Vaccination permitted, provided a vaccine exists

There appears to be no signs of affected animals receiving treatment, and apart from the control measures mentioned, no additional precautions have been applied.

The map below shows the areas that have been affected by the latest bout of Newcastle disease:

Further Reading

Find out more information on Newcastle Disease by clicking here.