Overview

• Lichtenberg’s veterinary authority ordered a shutdown on September 15 after Newcastle disease was confirmed in a found pigeon that was later euthanized.
• Two rounds of testing, including results received on October 17, detected no Newcastle disease virus in the shelter’s bird population.
• During the closure the shelter enforced strict hygiene and quarantine rules, canceled events, and suspended public access.
• Officials reported no danger to humans or other animals in this incident.
• To reduce future risk, the shelter plans fully separated quarantine areas for vulnerable bird species and a dedicated entrance for found pigeons.