Measures against the spread of Newcastle disease
Newcastle disease was found in a poultry farm in Niederglatt. This was after the hens’ egg production had plummeted and the eggs were barely shelled. However, no dead animals were found. The poultry section of the farm was immediately closed. This means that, above all, no animals or eggs may be given away or sold and no contact with other poultry farms may take place. Only people who care for the animals and the veterinary authorities have access to the infected herd. The highest biosecurity measures must be observed. At this time, the origin of the disease is unclear. Irrespective of this, all animals in the affected herd must be killed.
Protection and surveillance zone around the epidemic farm
A protection zone and a surveillance zone with a radius of 3 resp. 10 km set up. In these zones, special regulations apply to poultry keepers. Poultry, for example, should be housed in the protection zone. Official veterinarians check the health status of the poultry in the stocks in the zones according to risk assessments. Shows of poultry or other birds in the zones are prohibited. The zones will remain in place for at least 21 days.
The municipalities affected by these measures are listed on the temporary special site zh.ch/ndv. You will also find further information there.
In rare cases transmissible to humans
This disease is a so-called zoonosis. This means that the disease can also be transmitted to humans. In rare cases, people who have had contact with the animals are affected. In humans, the virus can cause conjunctivitis.