The ongoing outbreak of virulent Newcastle disease, first reported in southern California, has now spread for the first time to northern California, with a case confirmed in a rooster that was part of a backyard flock. An additional case has also been found in Utah. The disease is highly contagious and rapidly fatal to poultry, leading to concerns that the new cases may lead to further spread to commercial poultry flocks.

More details are available on the current status of the Newcastle disease outbreak at the USDA’s animal disease information page. Details on the northern California case can be seen here. 

More information on virulent Newcastle disease can be found in the MSD Veterinary Manual.