Newcastle Disease Declared Under Control: Pet Shelter Resumes Walk-Ins

The Newcastle disease outbreak that affected avian populations at a Berlin animal shelter has been officially declared under control. The shelter announced that no traces of the virus have been detected, allowing them to resume normal consultation hours without prior appointments.

Starting Saturday, prospective adopters can visit the shelter for consultations on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 1 PM to 4 PM. This change comes after a challenging period when strict protective measures were enforced. The outbreak was first identified in early December when the disease was confirmed in seven pigeons, leading to the unfortunate death of several birds.

In response to the outbreak, the animal shelter implemented stringent protocols aimed at protecting the nearly 400 birds in their care. These measures included extensive testing, with over 1,000 swab samples and multiple blood tests conducted to monitor the health of the avian population. During this time, individuals interested in adopting a pet could only access the shelter by making an appointment.

While Newcastle disease poses a serious threat to birds, it is not harmful to humans. The shelter is now focused on revitalizing its bird enclosures and is actively seeking contributions of tree branches or logs up to three meters long to enhance the living conditions of the birds.

The return to regular operation will undoubtedly be a relief for both staff and potential adopters eager to provide homes for the shelter's animals. As the community rallies to support the shelter, the ongoing commitment to animal welfare remains a top priority.