The recent discovery of a deadly poultry virus in the Bay Area means that Lindsay Wildlife Experience, which treats thousands of sick, injured and orphaned wild animals each year, will no longer accept wild turkeys.
The deadly and highly contagious virus — Virulent Newcastle Disease — was reported in Redwood City on March 13. Six days later, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife issued warnings and protocol recommendations to wildlife rehabilitation centers across Northern California.
The detection of the virus at a Redwood City veterinary clinic has sent the poultry community into a panic. A poultry show at the San Mateo County Fair has been cancelled and people with backyard chickens are taking extraordinary steps to protect their flocks — including banning visitors — all in an attempt to prevent a repeat of what happened last year in Southern California, when more than 1 million backyard and commercial hens were euthanized because of the virus.
Lindsay rescinded the welcome mat for turkeys and any non-native domestic or exotic birds that might normally be brought to the wildlife hospital. Officials also have adopted new policies to protect birds in the center and hospital.
“We are taking the threat very seriously here at Lindsay,” said Aireo Shipman, Lindsay’s wildlife rehabilitation manager. “Our priority must be to protect our animal ambassadors, who call Lindsay home, as well as the injured birds that need our care.”
WildCare in Marin County will continue to accept birds because it already has stringent bio-security protocols. “We will follow the same quarantine and general disinfecting procedures as usual, with a couple of additional precautions,” said Melanie Piazza, director of animal care at the San Rafael center.
Although the disease hasn’t been reported in Marin County, the center alerted volunteers and staff to be particularly vigilant to help prevent the spread of disease between animals in care, and between hospital patients and pet birds at home. In addition to other practices at the center, bleach foot baths are being placed at entrances, and staff and volunteers are required to use them when entering or leaving the hospital.
Fairfield’s International Bird Rescue, which cares for aquatic birds, also is taking precautions. Although seabirds aren’t at great risk for contracting disease, executive director JD Bergeron said, the rescue wants to make sure the birds rehabbing there are safe.
Julie Skoglund, operations manager at the rescue, said as a precaution, it is not allowing any domestic waterfowl, doves or pigeons on site and have also asked volunteers with poultry at home to stop volunteering temporarily.
Newcastle Disease is a nearly always fatal respiratory infection in poultry that can spread to other birds, threatening backyard flocks and commercial operations. There is no cure, and the only way to stop the virus and eradicate the disease is to euthanize birds.
Newcastle is commonly associated with chickens, but other birds, including turkeys, pheasants, quail, parrots and parakeets, are at risk of developing and transmitting the disease.
California quail brought to the Lindsay Wildlife center will be accepted, but their care and rehabilitation will take place in an off-site quarantine area.
Volunteers and staff, who have chickens, ducks or other birds of their own, also must change their shoes and clothes before working in the rehab area or with the animal ambassadors. And Lindsay will not accept donations of any products associated with poultry, including egg cartons.
Shipman said he hopes the new protocols are just a precaution and that such actions will help prevent the spread of the disease throughout Northern California.
In the meantime, if you find an injured turkey or a young turkey in need, contact your area Animal Services.
