Newcastle disease was first reported in poultry in Java in 1926 and later spread to Newcastle in England where it was first named.
Warning
Vet authorities and the NSW Department of Agriculture have urged bird enthusiasts to cancel all bird and poultry shows, pigeon races and bird gatherings following an outbreak of Newcastle Disease in the Sydney region. Pet shops and private traders have also been asked to suspend selling birds until the crisis is over. Newcastle disease poses a major threat to all birds but in particular to pigeons, parrots, poultry and wild birds. There is no treatment for the disease so any bird that becomes infected must be put to sleep. Symptoms of the disease are nervous tremors, diarrhoea and conjunctivitis. The NSW Department of Agriculture warns the disease can spread to wild birds. It is also important to restrict people who breed or work with birds coming near your property if you too breed birds. Avoid transporting birds in Sydney or outside the restricted area. This will help prevent the disease spreading.
