Cleanup to Start of Diseased Fowl

Agricultural officials will begin cleaning up the backyards of three Simi Valley homes this week following the recent outbreak of Newcastle disease, a potentially deadly viral disorder that affects fowl.

A variety of birds infected with Newcastle disease were discovered last month on the properties in the Adam Road area, bordered by Tapo Canyon Road, Alamo Street, Kadota Street and the Ronald Reagan Freeway.

A total of 266 birds were destroyed March 31 and April 1 to halt the potential spread of the disease, officials said. In January, a chicken in Somis was discovered with the infection.

The disease has forced the destruction of nearly 3.5 million infected birds in California since the fall. It causes flu-like symptoms in the animals, such as sneezing and nasal discharge.

Though it can be fatal in animals, the disease poses no threat to humans nor does it affect the safety of eggs. It is transferred through bird droppings as well as eye and nose secretions.

A task force representing the state Department of Food and Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture has sent survey teams to homes within a mile of the infected properties to conduct inspections.

Asst. City Manager Laura Magelnicki said Monday that City Hall has received calls and e-mails from residents concerned about the visits and wanting further information.

“Some people are concerned that the task force is coming in and destroying the pet population without regard for people’s feelings,” she said.

To answer questions and allay fears, Simi Valley has invited task force officials to attend a public information session for interested residents. The 7 p.m. program will be held Monday at Simi Valley City Hall, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road.

Adrian Woodfork, a task force spokesman, said animal owners are compensated for their loss -- from $5 for each bird to more than $1,800 for rare and imported pets. The government also pays the cost of removing droppings, cleaning cages and disinfecting the area.

State statistics show that Ventura County has among the fewest infected properties in Southern California. Riverside currently has 1,025 infected properties and San Bernardino 941.

“The [spread of the] disease has slowed down.... It’s nothing like it was last November, or even two months ago,” Woodfork said.

Ventura County has been under quarantine since early January, meaning birds cannot be removed from the area without a special permit.