A Brief Overview of Newcastle Disease

Pic credit: https://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/diseaseinfo/disease-images/?disease=newcastle-disease&lang=en

Newcastle Disease (ND) is a highly contagious and often severe viral disease that affects birds, particularly domestic poultry, and is found worldwide. It is caused by virulent strains of avian paramyxovirus type 1. ND manifests in three forms: lentogenic (mild), mesogenic (moderate), and velogenic (very virulent), with the latter often referred to simply as Newcastle disease. While lentogenic strains are widespread, they typically result in few outbreaks.



The disease primarily presents as a respiratory issue, but can also lead to symptoms like depression, nervous system disorders, or diarrhea. Importantly, Newcastle disease in its highly pathogenic form is listed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and must be reported. Due to its similarities with avian influenza, laboratory testing is essential for accurate diagnosis.

**Prevention and Control**

Preventative measures, such as prophylactic vaccination, are common in most countries that produce poultry on a commercial scale, with only a few exceptions. To demonstrate freedom from Newcastle disease, countries must adhere to surveillance guidelines outlined in the WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Poultry producers are also required to implement effective biosecurity protocols to mitigate the risk of disease introduction.

In the event that Newcastle disease arises in a disease-free area, most countries adopt a stamping out policy, which includes:



- Strict isolation or quarantine of affected areas

- Humane destruction of all infected and exposed birds, in accordance with WOAH guidelines

- Thorough cleaning and disinfection of affected premises

- Proper disposal of carcasses as per WOAH standards

- Implementing pest control measures in flocks

- Depopulating the affected area and allowing a 21-day period without poultry before restocking

- Avoiding contact with birds of unknown health status

- Controlling access to poultry farms to prevent disease spread.



These measures are crucial for controlling and preventing outbreaks of Newcastle disease in poultry populations.

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