The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received an immediate notification on Friday, 18 August. According to the report, the outbreak was first observed on 13 August and confirmed last Thursday (17 August) after real-time PCR and virus sequencing tests were conducted on 16 and 17 August respectively at the National Veterinary Institute.

The affected population comprises a poultry farm with laying hens divided in two houses, where symptoms like egg drop and eggs without shells were noticed. However, no increase in mortality has been seen in either one of the houses.

According to the OIE, a total of 4000 layers were found to be susceptible, out of which 1600 birds were affected. Fortunately, as mentioned, no deaths were reported. However, all 4000 hens have been killed and disposed of.

The OIE reports that a protection zone (3km) and a surveillance zone (10 km) have been put in place around the infected farm, and all restrictions and other necessary measures according to Directive 92/66/EEC have been and will be applied.

Some of the control measures that have already been applied include movement control inside the country, surveillance within containment and/or protection zone, traceability, stamping out, zoning, ante- and post-mortem inspections, vaccination has been permitted depending on the availability of such a vaccine and finally, none of the affected birds have received any treatment of any sort.

Some further measures to be applied consist of official destruction of animal products, official disposal of carcasses, by-products and waste and disinfection.

While the causal agent has been identified as avian paramyxovirus type 1 (APMV-1), the source or origin of the outbreak remains inconclusive.

The following points out the location of the disease outbreak:

Further Reading

Find out more information on Newcastle disease by clicking here.