NSW: Four million birds vaccinated against Newcastle disease

AAP General News (Australia)
12-23-1999
NSW: Four million birds vaccinated against Newcastle disease

Authorities on the New South Wales central coast have vaccinated more than four million
birds after two sheds were found to be contaminated with a new strain of the deadly Newcastle
disease.

The air-borne virus was detected on a property in the Mangrove Mountain area earlier
this week in the same region where the disease was found in April.

More than two million birds were slaughtered during the outbreak, including family
pets on properties.

Scientists have been taking swabs from farm structures and birds since the major April
outbreak and swabs taken from two sheds this week returned positive results.

However, a NSW Agriculture spokesman says scientists are hoping an emergency vaccination
program conducted in the past few days will spare farmers from further stock losses.

Agriculture NSW chief veterinary officer Dr DICK JANE says Newcastle Disease is a major
economic concern for Australia's $2 billion poultry industry.

He says poultry farmers and the Mangrove Mountain community should be assured that
every effort is being made to prevent another disease eradication program, like the one
experienced earlier in the year.

AAP RTV ls/sb/rcg/jn

KEYWORD: NEWCASTLE (SYDNEY)

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