Newcastle Disease
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Hosts
- Many species of birds, both domestic and wild
- Chickens are the most susceptible poultry, ducks and geese are the least susceptible poultry
- A carrier state may exist in psittacine and some other wild birds
Transmission
- Direct contact with secretions, especially faeces, from infected birds
- Contaminated feed, water, implements, premises, human clothing, etc.
- The mortality and morbidity rates vary among species, and with the strain of virus
- Incubation period is 4-6 days
Sources of virus
- Respiratory discharge, feces
- Carcasses
- Virus is shed during the incubation period and for a limited period during convalescence
- Some psittacine birds have been demonstrated to shed the virus intermittently for over 1 year
Occurrence
Endemic in many countries. Some European countries have been free of the disease for years
Diagnosis
- Respiratory and/or nervous signs:
- gasping and coughing
- drooping wings, dragging legs, twisting of the head and neck, circling, depression, inappetence, complete paralysis
- Partial or complete cessation of egg production
- Eggs are misshapen, rough-shelled, thin-shelled and contain watery albumen
- Greenish watery diarrhoea
- Swelling of the tissues around the eyes and in the neck
- Morbidity and mortality depend on virulence of the virus strain, degree of vaccinal immunity, environmental conditions, and condition of the flock
PREVENTION AND CONTROL
There is currently no treatment.
Procedures to control the disease:
Relevant Websites: Newcastle Disease - Avian Biotech ... Electronic Discussion on Newcastle Disease in Migratory Birds and the Criteria for Newcastle Disease Diagnosis ... Mycoplasma Gallisepticum Antibody Test Kit (Products For The Detection Of Newcastle Disease Virus)
Natural Antibiotics / Strengthening Your Immunesystem Naturally ... General Avian Health References ... Many disease-causing organisms / toxins are transmitted via air and water. If you suspect a disease problem (or if you would like to prevent one), please investigate the possibility of filtering your air and purifying / treating your birds' drinking water.
NEED A VET?
USA: Find Your Local Avian Veterinarian
Information contained on this website is provided as general advice only. For application to specific circumstances, professional advice should be sought.
If you would like to add to or correct any of the above information, or would like to share with web visitors your own experiences, please e-mail the webmaster.
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