54,000 chickens euthanized after Newcastle disease outbreak in Southern California
(WorldNews Environment)

An outbreak of the bird-killing Newcastle disease has resulted in nearly 54,000 birds — mostly chickens — being euthanized in the greater Los Angeles area, with mandatory euthanasia operations ongoing in three areas. Efforts continue in neighborhoods in Compton in Los Angeles County, Muscoy in San Bernardino County and in the Mira Loma area of Riverside County. The disease, first identified by officials in mid-May, has been eradicated from eight other areas in those three counties as well as Ventura County. Virulent Newcastle disease, formerly known as exotic Newcastle disease, is a contagious and fatal viral disease affecting nearly all species of birds, according to the U.S....