A hotbed of Newcastle disease (pseudo-fowl pest) was detected in pigeons in the municipality of Chisinau. The National Food Safety Agency said that measures are being taken to eliminate the hotbed, IPN reports.

According to the Agency, Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral disease that causes respiratory and neurological signs in various wild and domestic avian species. It represents a serious economic challenge to all segments of the poultry. Various other poultry and birds as well as mammals including human, also may contract the disease. ND has been recognized in man as almost entirely a localized eye infection.

The Agency also reported three hotbeds of African swine fever in domestic pigs, in Ungheni and Soroca districts. Quarantine measures are being introduced in the localities. Steps are being taken to control the movement of animals inside the country, to screen domestic pigs and wild boars and to disinfect the scenes.