Bird Deaths in Armenia Linked to Newcastle Disease

The Food Safety Inspectorate has issued a statement assuring that the deaths of corvids in Yerevan are not a result of disease. The inspectorate also confirms that the corvid deaths in Yerevan are unrelated to the deaths of domestic birds recorded in other regions of the country, including Shirak province.

This was reported in a statement released by the Food Safety Inspectorate.

“Various opinions have emerged in the mass media regarding the dead birds, which has caused concern among several citizens. We inform you that the corvid deaths in Yerevan are not connected to the deaths reported in other regions of the country, including Shirak province. Linking these cases can only be the product of the imagination of certain 'experts.' Logic suggests that it is not possible for there to be recorded instances of solely corvid (large-sized birds) deaths in Yerevan, with no cases of wild small or domestic birds, including decorative ones, dying,” the statement emphasizes.

It is also noted that laboratory tests on the discovered corvids did not reveal any diseases, but only evident mechanical injuries were present.

As for the causes of poultry deaths in Shirak province, the laboratory investigation revealed Newcastle disease or false plague. The cause of the disease was the discrepancy between the statistical service and the actual number of birds present in the village, which resulted in several birds not being vaccinated. Furthermore, it was noted that Newcastle disease is not a zoonotic disease and cannot be transmitted from birds to humans.

Additionally, veterinarians have conducted inspections in areas with high waste accumulation (landfills, etc.). No dead corvids or other birds were found.

Taking into account the circulating news and the laboratory reports, if the deaths of corvids continue, the Inspectorate will consult with the police to initiate measures to uncover the 'hunters' involved.