Some Utah County chickens test positive for deadly virus

Some privately owned chickens in Utah County have tested positive for Newcastle disease, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food announced Friday.

It’s the first confirmed case in Utah of the highly contagious and fatal virus.

The birds were brought to Utah from California, which is currently experiencing an active outbreak of the disease, which affects the respiratory, nervous and digestive systems of birds and poultry. The disease is so virulent that many birds and poultry die without showing any clinical signs of it.

The disease does not pose a food safety concern, and no human cases have ever occurred from eating poultry products, the state said in a news release.

However, it is a contagious and fatal viral disease that affects all species of birds, including poultry. Even birds that have been vaccinated are susceptible, the state explained. Signs in affected birds can include sudden death, sneezing, gasping for air, nasal discharge, coughing, green and watery diarrhea, drooping wings, tremors, circling, and swelling around the eyes and neck.

Utah agriculture authorities received a report of a possible case earlier this week and quarantined the site. Thursday, the presence of the disease in the birds was confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Iowa.

“The disease is currently contained to one domestic flock and has not been detected in any commercial poultry flocks,” the state said in a news release.

In California, where the suspect birds originated, there have been 299 confirmed cases since May 2018.

“The disease is spread when healthy birds come in contact with bodily fluids from infected birds, and contaminated surfaces,” said Utah State Veterinarian Barry Pittman. The disease can be transmitted through manure, egg flats, crates, farming materials or equipment, vehicles, or through people who have handled these materials and their clothing, hands and shoes.

Residents who own domestic chickens, geese or ducks in Utah County — and observe any sick or dying birds— should call the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food at 801-520-4311 so officials can follow up.

To report sick or dead wild birds, contact the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources office in Springville at 801-491-5678.