Chicken-killing Newcastle epidemic nearly eradicated

After 17 months and 1.2 million euthanized birds, the chicken-killing Newcastle disease epidemic is likely nearing its end in Southern California.
No new cases have been identified since Sept. 4 and euthanasia orders have been lifted, according to the state Department of Food and Agriculture.
On Oct. 22 the department declared the epidemic to be in its “Freedom of Disease” phase. While quarantines banning transit of poultry in Los Angeles County and much of Riverside and San Bernardi