Newcastle disease is a viral disease that can affect a wide variety of avian species, both wild birds and domestic fowl. The most severe forms of the disease, known as Virulent Newcastle disease (VND), are caused by highly pathogenic strains of the virus.
In Canada, Newcastle Disease is a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Act, and all cases must be reported to us.
On June 13th, the CFIA reported a detection of Newcastle disease in 2 poultry premises in British Columbia. Prior to these two cases, the last detection of Newcastle disease in Canda dates back to 1973.