AP WASHINGTON STATE

Researchers: New form of poultry disease found

Mar 15, 2014, 2:18 PM | Updated: 2:20 pm

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) — Researchers say a serious new form of a viral poultry disease has been found in Washington state.

Infectious bursal disease virus, known as IBDV for short, is not known to infect people or other animals. Washington State University’s animal disease lab says it has been confirmed in one flock of birds here – the first confirmed case in the United States outside of California.

This form of the disease was first documented in California in 2008, said Dr. Tim Baszler, director of the WSU lab. It typically kills 25 percent to 30 percent of a flock, and birds 3 to 6 weeks old are especially susceptible. It can also suppress their immune system, making them more susceptible to secondary diseases.

Baszler said there’s no public health concern, but it is troubling for those who raise chickens or turkeys.

“It doesn’t get into the food supply,” he said Saturday. “These aren’t egg-laying birds or birds that are ready to be slaughtered for food consumption.”

No information was immediately released about where the confirmed case originated, but Baszler noted that most of the state’s poultry farms are in western Washington.

Researchers say wild birds, such as healthy ducks, guinea hens, pheasants and quail, have been found to be naturally infected, but it doesn’t appear that they play any major role in the spread of disease to domestic poultry.

Affected birds can appear lethargic and unsteady and have diarrhea, symptoms that can be caused by other illnesses. For that reason, experts advise that definitive diagnosis be made through post-mortem examination and testing.

Baszler said birds can be protected through vaccination.

(© 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.)

AP Washington State

Cascade mountains...

Associated Press

Washington state declares drought emergencies in a dozen counties

A drought emergency was declared in a dozen counties of Washington state on Monday because of early snowmelt, a lack of spring rain and low-flowing streams.

8 months ago

Marijuana farms...

Gene Johnson, Associated Press

Washington legal pot farms get back to work after pesticide concerns halted operations

A big mound of fresh dirt sits at Terry Taylor’s marijuana farm in the high desert of north-central Washington state. Each hole for a new plant gets filled with clean soil.

8 months ago

Federal court...

Associated Press

State of Washington held in contempt for not providing services to mentally ill people in jails

A federal judge has found the state of Washington in contempt and ordered it to pay more than $100 million in fines for failing to provide timely psychiatric services to mentally ill people who are forced to wait in jails.

8 months ago

Megan Rapinoe...

The Associated Press

Megan Rapinoe says she’ll retire after the NWSL season and her 4th World Cup

U.S. women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe is ready to retire after an illustrious career in which she won an Olympic gold medal, two World Cups and never shied away from using her platform to spotlight social issues.

8 months ago

Ferry accident...

Associated Press

No reports of injuries or contamination in ferry accident

A passenger ferry carrying hundreds of people ran aground near Bainbridge Island west of Seattle on Saturday but there were no reports of injuries or contamination, authorities said.

11 months ago

gun ammo...

Associated Press

Gun shop faces fine for selling high-capacity ammo magazines

A judge has ruled against a suburban Seattle gun shop owner who sold high-capacity ammunition magazines despite a state ban. The King County judge’s decision last week granted state Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s motion for partial summary judgment, finding Federal Way Discount Guns and owner Mohammed Reza Baghai in violation of Washington’s Consumer Protection Act, […]

11 months ago

Researchers: New form of poultry disease found