Valley News -

RIVERSIDE COUNTY – Riverside County residents with backyard chickens, and people with other birds, should take steps to protect the animals from virulent Newcastle disease, county agricultural officials urged recently. The disease has not been identified in Riverside County, but recent outbreaks in Southern California demonstrate the need for precautions.

“This disease is so virulent it could significantly affect the poultry industry nationwide if it reaches commercial flocks,” Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner Ruben Arroyo said. “To avoid the risk of spreading the disease...