Local Enforcement Agency Correspondence

Exotic Newcastle Disease: State of Emergency

Date: January 9, 2003

To: All Local Enforcement Agencies

This all LEA e-mail was sent on behalf of Bob Holmes, Bernie Vlach and the LEA Support Services Branch of the California Integrated Waste Management Board.

Please be informed that on January 8, 2003 Governor Davis declared a State of Emergency related to the Newcastle disease outbreak in Southern California.  The proclamation follows for your information.

The Governor's action triggers the availability of an Emergency Waiver of Standards, as set forth in Title 14, California Code of Regulations, Division 7, Chapter 3, Article 3. In a state of emergency an EA may approve and issue a waiver for the express purpose of enabling an operator of an existing permitted solid waste facility or a locally-approved temporary transfer or processing site to accept disaster debris and other nonhazardous wastes, in a manner not consistent with the terms and conditions of the relevant solid waste facilities permit, during the recovery phase of a state of emergency or local emergency.

If you have any questions regarding this message please contact Bob Holmes at  (916) 341-6376 or Robert.Holmes@calrecycle.ca.gov or Bernie Vlach at (916) 341-6320.

Thank you,
Melissa Hoover-Hartwick
LEA Support Services
(916) 341-6813

Governor Davis Declares State of Emergency in Exotic Newcastle Disease

01/08/2003

Action Targets Outbreak in Southern California

Sacramento

Governor Gray Davis today declared a state of emergency in the fight against an outbreak of Exotic Newcastle Disease among poultry in Southern California.

"Exotic Newcastle Disease is a devastating bird illness that has the potential to wipe out the poultry industry," Gov. Davis said. "I am instructing my Agriculture Secretary and Emergency Services Director to work together to stop the spread of the disease and to eradicate it as quickly as possible."

Commercial flocks and backyard birds have been diagnosed with Exotic Newcastle Disease. Quarantines are in place in San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and Orange counties.

Commercial poultry producers within quarantine zones must comply with a mandatory reporting system that identifies increased mortality, decreased egg production or any clinical symptoms suggestive of Exotic Newcastle Disease.

Poultry and poultry products may not be moved from quarantined counties. Eggs can be moved after they are washed, sanitized and packed in new materials.

The disease does not pose a risk to human health. Poultry and egg products are safe to consume.

The emergency declaration will enable state agencies to pool resources and work cooperatively with the California Department of Food and Agriculture in addressing the response to the incident. Emergency declarations are the customary means for the state to streamline such responses.

Thank you,
Melissa Hoover-Hartwick
LEA Support Services
(916) 341-6813

LEA Correspondence Home