To guard against the risk of any future avian disease outbreak, CDFA and USDA formed the Avian Health Program. The program will consist of promoting disease recognition and prevention for backyard bird owners, hobby bird owners, and the commercial avian industry. The ban on the sale and exhibition of poultry was modified and CDFA retains the authority to monitor and test poultry sale venues to prevent disease.

The goal of the Avian Health Program (AHP) is to prevent further introduction and spread of avian diseases in backyard, hobby, and commercial poultry populations in California. 

Effective September 16, 2003, CDFA and USDA lifted all movement quarantines related to the Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) outbreak in California. Cooperation from the public and commercial poultry production greatly assisted in this eradication. 

The program involves public education and disease monitoring components. Included in these components will be disease recognition, transmission, prevention and vaccination. 

Education and monitoring efforts will specifically be directed towards neighborhoods with high backyard bird populations. Swap meets, feed stores, fairs and pet bird clubs are just a few of the groups with which AHP wants to work. 

The AHP recognizes that disease prevention education needs of the backyard and hobby bird owner are somewhat different from those of the commercial poultry producer. Therefore, the program elements will be tailored to address the various avian needs. 

The Avian Health Program phone line is operational and continues to assist the general public. To report birds with END symptoms, call 800-841-1899 or 909-947-4462. 

The AHP is under development and information will be made public as it becomes available.