Exotic Newcastle Disease, Sweden, February 2001

(Short Report)

The Swedish Board of Agriculture reported to the OIE on February 7, 2001 the outbreak of Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) in Skane county located in the southern part of Sweden. The last previous outbreak of END was reported in Sweden in October 1997, and as of February 2000, Sweden was considered by the USDA to be free of END. The preliminary clinical diagnosis of February 6, 2001 was confirmed on February 7, 2001 by the National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, and by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency - Weybridge, United Kingdom.

The affected population of 6,370 grandparent birds for broiler production located on the farm was destroyed. Origin of infection and mode of spread remains unknown. Control measures include enforcement of a 3-km protection zone and a 10-km surveillance zone, quarantine and movement control inside the country, stamping out affected birds, and prohibition to vaccinate against END. 

Sweden has less than 0.5% (one-half of one percent) of the world’s poultry stocks. In 1999, Sweden exported 3,053 metric tons of chicken meat, 60 metric tons of turkey meat, and 5 metric tons of duck meat. None of that product entered the U.S. The U.S. imported no live poultry from Sweden during years 1999 and 2000.

Given the above mentioned circumstances of the recent outbreak and preventive measures Sweden has enacted, U.S. exposure to END is likely to be minimal. No additional actions are recommended at this time. CEI has no further activity planned regarding the Swedish situation. If you seek more information or wish to comment on this worksheet, please reply to this message or contact Milo Muller at 970-490-7844.

Sources:

1. Office International Des Epizooties, Disease Information 14(6), February 9, 2001.
2. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), FAOSTAT Database.
3. World Trade Atlas, U.S. Edition, 2000.