Outbreak prompts Belarus to ban Bulgarian poultry

Following the recent outbreak of Newcastle disease in Bulgaria, Belarus has imposed temporary restrictions on poultry and poultry products imports from the country.

According to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), Newcastle disease was found in backyard flocks in Zvinitsa, Kardzali. All susceptible birds have been destroyed.

Despite assurances that the outbreak has been stemmed, Belarusian authorities have decided to restrict the import of poultry and poultry products as a preventive measure.

The ban includes the import of live poultry, incubating eggs, poultry meat and all other kinds of processed poultry, feathers, fodder in order to prevent a spread of the disease.

Newcastle disease, also known as pseudo-fowl pest, is a deadly viral infection of chickens, turkeys, and other domestic and wild birds. It causes mild conjunctivitis and influenza-like symptoms. The lethality rate among young birds is almost 100%.