Newcastle Disease

Newcastle Disease Latest News

Recently, reports of Newcastle disease circulating across Europe, poultry producers across the UK are being urged to step up vigilance as the virus continues its westward spread. 

About Newcastle Disease

• It is caused by avian paramyxovirus serotype 1, affects chickens and a wide range of other birds. 
• It is a highly contagious and often severe disease found worldwide that affects birds including domestic poultry.
• The disease appears in three forms: lentogenic or mild, mesogenic or moderate and velogenic or very virulent.
• The lentogenic strains are very widespread but cause few disease outbreaks.
• Transmission: Infected birds shed virus in exhaled air, respiratory discharge, and feces.
• 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.
• Symptoms

• • It usually presents as a respiratory disease, but depression, nervous manifestations, or diarrhoea may be the predominant clinical form.
  • Respiratory signs – gasping, coughing, sneezing and rales
  • Nervous signs – tremors, paralyzed wings and legs, twisted necks, circling, spasms, and paralysis
  • Apartial or complete drop in egg production may occur. Eggs may be abnormal in color, shape, or surface, and have watery albumen
• Treatment: There is no treatment for Newcastle Disease, although treatment with antibiotics to control secondary infections may assist.

Source: PW

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