Abstract
A new outbreak of exotic Newcastle Disease (YVND) was announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture on February 2 I. 1979. The current outbreak i, centered in the three southern California counties of Los Angeles. Riverside and Orange. Four premises were under quarantine as of February 28. 1979. three ol which are private aviaries and the fourth, the Parrot World pet store in Garder Grove.
The U.S.D.A. quickly responded wit]: the establishment of the Newcastle Task Force in Costa Mesa. CA on February 22. 1979. On February 23rd A.F.A. representatives Lee Horton and Jerry Jennings mei with Task Force personnel to discuss the eradication procedures to be implementec during the present crisis. Task Force members in attendance were Dr. Mitchell Director. Dr. Jack Lamont, Assistant Di rector. Dr. John Orsborne. Director of al California Department of Food and Agri culture veterinary services laboratories Dr. Ongert , Acting Regional Director foi the Western Region USDA Veterinary Services, Dr. Mathis, chief of field opera tions. and Dr. Dietrick. Orange Count) Veterinarian and County Liaison. Mr Gene Hall, Mr. Frank Miser. and Dr. Raymond Kray representing commercial dealers and the private veterinary practioners respectively, were present at the A.F.A. 's request.
The U.S.D.A. Task Force has adopted the so-called Bronze Wing policy. called for with some revisions and clarifications in A.F.A. ·s lawsuit against the U.S.D.A .. which was filed in 1977 in response to a VYND outbreak at the time. The procedures to be employed by the Task. Force under the Bronze Wing Policy are rea ..• onable and A.F.A. tentatively supports them at thi-, time. but A.F.A. will still continue 'with its lawsuit until a satisfactory agreement can be reached on the regulation between A.F.A. and the U.S.D.A.
A. F. A. recommends that members cooperate \v ith Task. Force officials. should the) be contacted b) Task Force personnel. If members feel the Task. Force is not adhering to the above procedures. they should contact A.F.A. immediately. A.F.A. will be happy to answer an) questions regarding the current outbreak. and render assistance.