True/False: If there is an outbreak of virulent Newcastle’s disease in the U.S., poultry will be euthanized if they are infected or exposed, but exotic pet birds will be isolated and given supportive care until they recover. Once they test negative these birds can be removed from isolation.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not sure
• D. It depends on the state

Answer: (B)

Virulent Newcastle disease spreads quickly and is controlled best by removing birds that are infected or have been exposed from the population, rather than keeping them alive with only isolation and supportive care. In a U.S. outbreak, authorities typically require euthanasia for infected or exposed birds to prevent further spread, and this approach often extends to exotic birds as well. Isolation and recovery with later removal based on a single negative test do not align with how such outbreaks are managed, because there are incubation periods and limits of testing that can allow ongoing transmission if birds are merely isolated and treated. Release from isolation generally depends on official clearance after a defined surveillance and testing process, not just a negative result. So the statement is not correct.