Newcastle Disease has broken out again in Japan. The Japanese authorities have told the OIE (World Animal Health Organisation) that the source of the outbreak is unknown.
Control measures introduced include zoning; all chickens within the affected premises are going to be destroyed; and the premises will be disinfected.
A total of 9,000 chicks were introduced onto the premises on March 29, 2005. These chickens were vaccinated with a Newcastle Disease vaccine on 3 and 4 April 3 and 4. An increased mortality became apparent on April 19.
On-site investigations will be made in commercial farms within a three-kilometre radius of the infected farm. The breeding farm where the chicks were hatched will also be investigated.
