When a virulent strain of Newcastle disease was discovered in chickens on the New South Wales Central Coast in April 1999, over two million were destroyed and another four million vaccinated. Now a plan to slaughter a further 90,000 birds has been approved by New South Wales Agriculture in a bid to completely eradicate the disease.

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From 8 January, chickens from five flocks in Moonbi, Rossmore, Llandilo and Orchard Hills will be humanely killed according to advice from relevant health authorities, in response to the discovery of the disease 11 months ago.


“Australia should regain its Newcastle disease freedom status in about six months time,” commented Col Begg, from NSW Agriculture. He explained that international trade had been affected because some countries would not import birds from countries where Newcastle disease is present.


In humans, the Newcastle disease virus can cause temporary conjunctivitis.

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