Newcastle Disease - Diagnosis and Prevention

Newcastle Disease (Avian Distemper, Velogenic Viscerotropic Newcastle Disease, VVND) one of the most deadly avian (bird) diseases, affecting birds of all ages, caused by a virus (toxic microscopic contagious particle could infect healthy cells (1)). In 1926, Newcastle Disease was first identified in Newcastle-on-Tyne in England. In 1944, VVND was discovered in the United States. In 1972, Newcastle Disease attributed to the deaths of millions of chickens or euthanized birds (attempt to stop the spread of the virus), originated in southern California at exotic aviary. Undertaking the eradication projects cost $56 million over three-year period (2), as result a quarantine system for imported birds instituted by Animal and Plant Health Inspection. In Southeast Asia and Central America Newcastle Disease more wide spread, compared to other parts of the world. Human exposure to infected birds can cause health concerns (3).

Animal and Plant Health Inspection (APHIS) an agency governed by U.S. Department of Agriculture, included among their responsibilities, requiring all birds imported into the United States be quarantined for 30 days, and health certificate be required in the nation of it's origin, preventing Newcastle Disease (2).

Newcastle Disease is a virus transported through blood cells, highly contagious and affects most species of birds (3) or more than 250 species susceptible (4). The virus occurs in one of three pathotypes. One of these pathotypes considered exotic to the United States (Exotic Newcastle Disease (END)) and a potential bioterroism agent. Avian Distemper can effect many species of birds, including chickens, peafowl, guineas, pheasant, pigeons, and quail (5). Most susceptible to Newcastle Disease (or END) chickens and least susceptible are ducks and geese (4). The virus spreads contagiously by the spread in droppings and nasal discharge through direct contact, and on contaminated items such as bottoms of shoes, food or infected dishes and cages. Also, an embryo can be infected, when eggshells come in contact with infected tissue or food. From the time of exposure, to the development of signs of disease (incubation): 4 to 7 days (3). Birds infected with Newcastle Disease may exhibit: Respiratory distress causing sneezing, gasping for air, nasal discharge, and coughing. Digestive disorder causes greenish watery diarrhea. Egg production limited or reduced and thin-shelled eggs. Birds may display nervousness, dropping of wings, muscular tremors, twisting of head and neck, circling and complete paralysis. Sudden death often is a result (6).

Protocol procedures prevent or limit Newcastle (Exotic Disease) virus from infecting other species: Supplier of birds either imported or domestic should provide a certificate of health, birds should transported in new or thoroughly disinfected cages, Imported birds must be quarantined in facilities outside the USA for thirty days before entering the country, birds purchased should be isolated for at least 30 day or six weeks (Those entering the quarantine area set aside shoes and clothing preventing any cross contamination with non-quarantine birds.), employees should be provided with a sanitary area to change clothing and cleansing facilities, all vehicles should be disinfected before entering and the leaving the farm, and cross contamination can be prevented by employees or owner(s) not visiting other poultry farms or operations (3). All infected species, exposed to health birds and their eggs should be destroyed. One inch of contaminated topsoil must be removed with the manure. Contaminated top - soil should be buried a minimum of five feet below ground. The disinfected facility should not be restocked for a minimum of twenty-one days. The virus can survive indefinitely in frozen material (4). Also, maintain records of all sales and shipments of flocks (birds), and avoid purchasing rare or exotic birds, including parrots from smugglers. Currently no treatment or cure for Newcastle Disease (6). When Exotic Newcastle Disease is observed or suspected, State and Federal animal health officials should be immediately contacted (4).

Vaccination is the best preventive method against Newcastle Disease, intramuscular or subcutaneous injection or vaccine added to drinking water (7). Viral vaccines are available live and inactivated (killed) (4). Commercial poultry producers should seek veterinary advice to ensure the best vaccination procedure. Schering-Plough pharmaceutical manufactures a variety of vaccinations for Newcastle Disease:

1.) Vaccine B1: Vaccination for health chickens preventing the disease.
2.) Vaccine N-63: Revaccination for chickens two weeks of age or older, previously been inoculated with a vaccination.
3.) Vaccine N-79: Revaccination for chickens two weeks of age or older, and healthy turkeys three weeks of age or older, previously been inoculated with a vaccination (8).

People working closely with infected birds (Newcastle virus) risk getting conjunctivitis (9) (pinkeye) or bloodshot eyes (10), and flu-like symptoms (13).

In December 2002, all Australian governments agreed a mandatory vaccination program throughout the poultry industry regulated by the Newcastle Disease National Management Group (11).

Agricultural Bioterrorism Act of 2002, acknowledged Newcastle disease (including Exotic Newcastle Disease) as lethal virus or agent that could pose a severe threat to animal products or animal or human health in the United States. (12).

1 - Wikipedia -Virus
2- APHS Web - Importing a Pet Bird
3 - PetEducation.com - Newcastle Disease
4 - AMA..org - Public Health updated from AVMA - Backgrounder: Exotic newcastle disease - January 26, 2006.
5 - CIDRAP - Exoctic Newcastle Disease
6 - AvianBiotech.com - Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV).
7 - Weeds, Pests & Disease - Department of Primary Industries and Water - Vaccination Against Newcastle Disease
8 - ThePoultrySite.com Schering-Plough - Newcastle vaccine - Chicken - For Veterinary Use Only
9 - CIDRAP - Exotic Newcastle Disease - updated September 19, 2003
10 - Wikipedia - Conjunctivitis
11 - Weeds, Pests & Diseases - Vaccination Against Newcastle Disease
12 - United States Department of Agriculture - Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
13 - Queensland Government - Newcastle disease factsheet