Newcastle Disease

Today we will be discussing about one of the most ruthless diseases in poultry production.

What is Newcastle Disease?

Newcastle Disease is a highly contagious viral infection that affects many species of domestic and other bird species with virulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV).

Domestic fowls, turkeys, pigeons are most susceptible while a mild form of the disease affects ducks, geese, quail and guinea fowl. It is a worldwide problem that presents primarily as an acute respiratory or digestive disease, or diarrhoea may be the predominant clinical form an ad drop in egg production, profuse diarrhoea followed by collapse, or long-term nervous signs (such as twisted necks), if the birds survive.

Severe forms of the disease are highly fatal.

What Causes Newcastle Disease?

Newcastle Disease is caused by a paramyxovirus that can vary in pathogenicity from mild to highly pathogenic.

Onset of the disease is rapid, and signs appear throughout the flock within 2 to 12 days (average 5) after aerosol exposure. Young birds are the most susceptible.

Observed signs depend on whether the infecting virus has a predilection for respiratory, digestive, or nervous systems.

Ways of Contamination

Spread is usually by direct physical contact with infected or diseased birds. The virus is present in litter and is breathed out into the air.

Other sources of infection are contaminated equipment, carcasses, water, food and clothing. People can easily carry the virus from one shed or farm to another.

Newcastle Disease virus does not affect humans in the same way that it does birds but it can cause conjunctivitis in humans.

Signs of Newcastle Diseases

1. Nervous Signs:

Nervous signs of Newcastle diseases are; tremors, paralyzed wings and legs, twisted necks, circling, clonic spasms, and complete paralysis may accompany, but usually follow, the respiratory signs in neurotropic velogenic disease. Nervous signs with diarrhoea are typical in pigeons, and nervous signs are frequently seen in exotic bird species.

2. Respiratory Signs:

Respiratory signs of Newcastle diseases are; watery greenish diarrhoea, and swelling of the tissues of the head and neck are typical of the most virulent form of the disease, viscerotropic velogenic Newcastle disease, although nervous signs are often seen, especially in vaccinated poultry. Varying degrees of depression and inappetence are seen. Partial or complete cessation of egg production may occur. Eggs may be abnormal in colour, shape, or surface and have watery albumen. Mortality is variable but can be as high as 100% with NDV infections. Well-vaccinated birds may not show any signs of being infected except for a decrease in egg production, but these birds will shed virus in saliva and faeces. Poorly vaccinated birds may develop torticollis, ataxia, or body and head tremors 10 to 14 days after infection and may recover with supportive care.

Prevention and Treatment of Newcastle Disease

There is no treatment for Newcastle Disease, although treatment with antibiotics to control secondary infections may assist. The virus can remain alive in manure for up to 2 months and in dead carcasses for up to 12 months, however it is easily killed by disinfectants, fumigants and direct sunlight. Prevention relies on good quarantine and biosecurity procedures and vaccination. Newcastle Disease vaccination of commercial meat and egg layer chickens is advisable.

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