RIGA, Nov 27 (LETA) - The Food and Veterinary Service (PVD) has detected an outbreak of Newcastle disease in a flock of 35 chickens at a poultry holding in Valdemarpils, Talsi municipality, PVD informed LETA.

Until now, Newcastle disease had not been detected in domestic birds in Latvia, but it is known to be circulating in wild bird populations, according to laboratory tests.

Newcastle disease is a severe, highly contagious infectious disease of birds, characterized by respiratory, digestive and nervous system disorders, as well as sepsis, according to the PVD.

Wild birds are a natural reservoir for the virus. Domestic birds can be infected by contact with infected wild birds. Birds can also be infected by contaminated food or objects (shoes, clothing, equipment) that have been exposed to the virus.

As in the case of an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, if Newcastle disease is detected, all birds and eggs on the holding are destroyed and disease control measures are taken to contain the outbreak.

Protection and surveillance zones of three and 10 kilometers have been established around the affected holding, within which the transport of live poultry and poultry products is prohibited.

Poultry must be vaccinated to protect them from disease, the PVD said. Vaccination against Newcastle disease is compulsory in all PVD-registered poultry holdings that are involved in food production. For birds in backyard poultry holdings, vaccination is recommended.

If vaccination cannot be carried out for objective reasons in poultry holdings registered with the PVD, strict biosecurity measures must be taken to prevent contact between poultry and wild birds.