A rare and highly contagious disease has been found at two commercial pigeon-breeding farms in Chilliwack.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) said Newcastle disease was found in samples collected from the facilities, resulting in primary control zones to be set up around the infected locations, the birds to be culled, and the premises to be disinfected.
"Any avian or avian product moving through a primary control zone may be subject to movement restrictions or permitting requirements," the agency stated in an email to The Chilliwack Progress. "The CFIA has determined that depopulation of the infected birds and thorough cleaning and disinfection of the premises must be completed."
CFIA was notified on May 28 of a suspicion of avian paramyxovirus in two squab pigeon farms with "unusual mortality," according to the World Organisation for Animal Health. Squab pigeons are young bird raised for their meat.
It is the first case of Newcastle disease in Canada in nearly 52 years, as the last one was detected on Dec. 29, 1973, according to the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Newcastle disease is an often fatal viral disease affecting birds, impacting their respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems. In humans, it can cause conjunctivitis (pink eye).
It is mainly transmitted by direct contact with diseased or carrier birds.
"Infected birds may shed the virus in their feces, contaminating the environment. The virus can survive for days in litter, feed, water, soil, carcasses, eggs and feathers. The disease spreads rapidly among birds in close confinement," according to the Government of Canada. "There is no treatment for Newcastle disease."
