In Wanfried (Werra-Meißner district), the pathogen that causes Newcastle disease, which is highly contagious for poultry, was found in a feral domestic pigeon. The Werra-Meißner district announced that the viral disease is an animal disease that causes serious losses, especially in chickens and turkeys. Pigeons, geese and ducks are also susceptible. However, their infections were usually milder.
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The district administration called on chicken and turkey farmers to comply with the existing vaccination requirement against Newcastle disease and to have their animals vaccinated. Pigeon owners are not obliged to vaccinate their animals, but the veterinary office makes a corresponding recommendation.
Infection and spread
According to the announcement, the virus spreads very quickly in a susceptible bird population. The symptoms ranged from diarrhea, respiratory or central nervous symptoms, edema of the head and wattles to a decline in performance and an increased death rate, it said.
According to the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office, human infections are rare and usually affect poultry farmers, laboratory staff and veterinarians. The infection occurs via the air or via the conjunctiva after direct contact with infected poultry, especially chickens. Unilateral and sometimes bilateral conjunctivitis can be observed in infected people. The lymph nodes in front of the ears would often swell.
In Wanfried (Werra-Meißner district), the pathogen that causes Newcastle disease, which is highly contagious for poultry, was found in a feral domestic pigeon. The Werra-Meißner district announced that the viral disease is an animal disease that causes serious losses, especially in chickens and turkeys. Pigeons, geese and ducks are also susceptible. However, their infections were usually milder.
The district administration called on chicken and turkey farmers to comply with the existing vaccination requirement against Newcastle disease and to have their animals vaccinated. Pigeon owners are not obliged to vaccinate their animals, but the veterinary office makes a corresponding recommendation.
