Following recent outbreaks of Newcastle Disease (ND) in Belgium and other European countries the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has advised that the risk of disease has increased from low to medium and the GSPCA wanted to share this important information.
All poultry and captive bird keepers in the UK have been urged to enhance their biosecurity and vigilance, by monitoring their birds for signs of disease, and reporting suspicion immediately to their private vet and to APHA and if you have any concerns in Guernsey then please do contact the Guernsey States Vet - https://www.gov.gg/article/152118/Contact-Us---States-Veterinary-Officer
The UK web pages are https://www.gov.uk, https://www.gov.wales and http://www.gov.scot for further advice.
Poultry species that are affected by Newcastle Disease may show the following clinical signs:
• Respiratory distress, such as gaping beak, coughing, sneezing, gurgling and rattling
• Nervous behaviour, such as tremors, paralysis and twisting of the neck
• Unusually watery faeces that are yellowish-green in colour
• Depression and a lack of appetite
• Produce fewer eggs which could be misshapen and soft-shelled
The UK Government and neither have the States of Guernsey imposed any restrictions on bird keepers in response to the findings of ND in Belgium and they continue to monitor the situation across the UK and the rest of Europe carefully.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said “We are constantly monitoring animal health issues that could affect us here in Guernsey and at the GSPCA we wanted to share the concerns raised by APHA in regards the outbreaks of Newcastle Disease in Belgium and other European Countries.”
“At the GSPCA we rescue and help over 1500 birds every year with around 90 to 95% from wild origins and we know that many may well of frequented Europe.”
“Newcastle Disease is a contagious viral bird disease affecting many domestic and wild avian species and it is transmissible to humans.”
“Newcastle Disease was first identified in Java, Indonesia, in 1926, and then in 1927 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England which is where it got its name.”
“Newcastle Disease is caused by a paramyxovirus that can vary in pathogenicity from mild to highly pathogenic and is usually spread by direct physical contact with infected or diseased birds and other sources of infection are contaminated equipment, carcasses, water, food and clothing.”
“We use and retail a disinfectant called Anigene which is a Defra approved disinfectant at the GSPCA which is how we ensure bio-security and will be monitoring the birds closely that arrive at the Shelter for any of the signs of Newcastle Disease.”
To visit the APHA website please visit - https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/animal-and-plant-health-agency/about/social-media-use
For more information on volunteering at the GSPCA and how to get involved please visit http://gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or call 257261
If your business or group would like to spend a day at the Shelter you can find out more by going to http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/corporate-and-group-days
To see the opening hours at the GSPCA please visit – http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-opening-visiting-times
To see our upcoming guided tours please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/services/guided-tours-gspca
If you would like to help at one of our upcoming events or book a table at our Ball please give Michelle a call on 257261 or email [email protected]
To donate to the animals in our care please visit - www.paypal.me/DonateGSPCA
To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor to sponsor the hoglets and support our work please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/angel-sponsorship-scheme-animals-needing-guernseys-everlasting-love
To see our Wish List on our website please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list
For other fund raising ideas and ways to support please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/fundraising
To visit the details on the Urgent Kennel Floor Appeal please visit - www.gspca.org.gg/blog/urgent-kennel-floor-appeal-%E2%80%93-kennel-flooring-work-discovers-need-new-drains-and-completely-ripp
To find out how your business could help us at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship
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