Newcastle disease under watch

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has imposed strict biosecurity and quarantine measures after the province of Tarlac declared an outbreak of Newcastle disease virus (NDV), a contagious bird disease affecting many domestic and wild avian species, and is transmissible to humans.

In a text message, Agriculture Undersecretary for Livestock Jose Reaño said the agency has already directed all regional field units in Luzon to observe strict quarantine, and possibly zero transport of poultry specially fighting cocks.