A rare and highly unusual disease which is highly contagious and deadly among birds has surfaced in Ventura County.
Ventura County Animal Services officials say state, and federal agricultural officials have confirmed a case of Virulent Newcastle Disease in a flock of chickens. The birds had to be euthanized.
County officials say if you have backyard birds like chickens, you should restrict their movement, and not add or remove birds to the flock. County shelters say with limited facilities, they can’t accept any backyard birds. Any brought in will have to be euthanized.
Newcastle Disease is not a food safety concern, and only poses a minor risk to people handling the birds.
