China: 800 Chickens reported dead in Anshun

12/1/08 ARGUS--A national source reported that 800 chickens have died on a farm in Maguan Township, Anshun City. The birds reportedly began dying steadily in September, and local veterinary authorities reportedly confirmed that the birds died from receiving incorrect vaccinations of an unspecified type. The bird vendor from which the farmer purchased 1,200 chickens on September 3 denied that claim, the source said. The report stated that within 3 days of buying the birds, 30 had died; over the course of the next 20 days, birds had died steadily, ranging from 3 to 40 birds dead per day.

The die-off was said to have attracted local government attention, and following further investigation the birds have been initially diagnosed with a severe avian disease. The source used a word that can often refer to Newcastle disease, although Newcastle was not mentioned specifically in the report. The birds were also reportedly found to be sold as one particular breed but in fact were a mix of several; local authorities are still investigating the matter.