NEWCASTLE DISEASE – ITALY: (SARDINIA) WILD BIRD
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International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Date: Sat 6 Jan 2024
Source: L’Unione Sarda [in Italian, machine trans., edited]
https://www.unionesarda.it/news-sardegna/sulcis-iglesiente/tratalias-scatta-lallarme-aviaria-a5kr0b06
Avian alert in Tratalias: Numerous species of birds have been affected
by Newcastle disease, also known as avian pseudoplague. It is one of
the most feared diseases affecting birds, enough to trigger an
emergency after the arrival of the test carried out by the veterinary
service of the ASL [Azienda Sanitaria Locale/local health agency]
Sulcis on some bird carcasses found in the town before the start of
the Christmas [2023] holidays. Experts have explained that it is a
disease that can affect, as in this case, various species of birds,
with the risk that it could also spread to other species of domestic
birds and poultry. The infection, with high viral loads, can also
affect humans through direct contact, causing conjunctivitis, a
symptom that appears 24 hours after contact.
The mayor of Tratalias, Emanuele Pes, as soon as the 1st reports
arrived to the local police from citizens regarding the discovery of
some dead birds in the town, immediately contacted the Public Hygiene
Office.
“Some bird carcasses were promptly taken,” he explained a few days
ago, “to carry out analyses, and in the meantime, citizens were
informed not to touch the dead birds at all and to continue to report
their presence and position. Then we had to wait for the results of
the analyses.”
Thus, the holidays passed. “In recent days the municipal workers began
to remove other carcasses with the utmost caution,” says Pes, “and now
the bulletin has arrived with the results of the analyses. It has been
established that the mortality of the birds is due to a pathology
called Newcastle disease.”
Currently, the carcasses of 11 turtle doves and 14 starlings have been
tested. At present, a fairly low viral load has been found, and
monitoring by the local health authority is continuing.
“The disease is mainly transmitted to wild animals,” continues the
mayor, “but in some cases it can also affect some species of domestic
animals, in which case they should be reported immediately. I don’t
want to create alarmism, because for now the situation is under
control. Citizens will be constantly updated until the end of the
emergency state that has been created.”
The origin of the strain is now being studied.
“We don’t know where it comes from. A similar event occurred years
ago, and only turtle doves and pigeons died. Therefore, I renew the
absolute ban on touching the carcasses and the warning to keep your
animals at a distance.
“It is also necessary to prohibit children from approaching them. The
disease, let us remember, can also bring negative consequences to
humans if they come into direct contact with it.”
Meanwhile, 2 other carcasses have been reported in San Giovanni
Suergiu.
“We don’t know if the cause of death could be the same,” says Elvira
Usai, mayor of the town. “We promptly started the necessary checks.”
At the moment there are no reports in other neighboring
municipalities.