Newcastle quarantine lifted in Clark County

Friday, Aug. 1, 2003 | 9:40 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- A quarantine over a small area in northeast Las Vegas, imposed to prevent the spread of the Exotic Newcastle Disease in birds, has been lifted, federal and state official say.

The quarantine went into effect Jan. 16 after the infection was discovered in chickens near Nellis Air Force Base. The disease is highly contagious.

The quarantine on all bird movement was put in place for all of Clark County and southern Nye County. It was reduced to a small section in northeast Las Vegas around the infected area in mid-May.

Dr. David Thain, the state veterinarian, said birds may now move freely throughout the state without restrictions. "The entire state of Nevada is Exotic Newcastle Disease free," he said.

The state and federal departments of Agriculture imposed the quarantine zone and announced its end Thursday. Exotic Newcastle Disease does not pose a risk to humans.

Thain said areas of Southern California continue to be under a quarantine. The U.S. Department of Agriculture must issue a special permit before birds can be moved into Nevada from Southern California.

He said a toll free number, (866) 490-2991, for reporting sick birds will remain operational for several more months.