Newcastle disease is a pathology that usually affects poultryIt is a viral disease spread worldwide. It mainly affects the respiratory system, but there are other symptoms such as diarrhea or neurological problems. Its severity depends on the virulence of the virus and the state of the sick bird.
In this article on our site we will talk in detail about Newcastle disease, reviewing the symptoms of this pathology, its treatment or the possible contagion that can occur and, above all, how we can prevent it.
What is Newcastle disease?
Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral pathology that affects the respiratory system of hens, which are the most susceptible, and other domestic and wild birds. It is considered that the incidence is higher in poultry, which, living in communities, will be able to become infected more quickly.
It is one of the notifiable disorders in the European Union, at least the most virulent strains, which means that if a case is detected, the veterinarian has tonotify the authorities The Newcastle disease virus is a paramyxovirus that can cause the death of the bird, as some strains are very virulent. In fact, in those that are not vaccinated, mortality is very high.
It is distributed worldwide and affects birds of any age at any time of the year. It is able to survive for a long time in the environment, especially in feces. Infection occurs through contact with them and other secretions of sick birds, in addition to any utensil, food or liquid that is contaminated. The virus is shed in the incubation period, during illness, and during a variable period of convalescence.
Newcastle disease symptoms
Depending on the virulence of the strain we can find different symptoms. Thus, the most virulent, also called velogenic, will cause respiratory and nervous symptoms, they are the ones that cause the most deaths. Some of the most frequent signals are:
- Depression
- Tremors
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Paralysis in wings and legs
- Crook Neck
- Circle moves
The most virulent form is typical of respiratory signs, depression, greenish watery diarrhea and swelling of the head and neck Nervous symptoms with diarrhea are more common in Newcastle disease in pigeons. The rest of the strains, mesogenic and lentegenic, produce mild clinical signs such as coughing, sneezing, breathing problems or panting and cause lower mortality. Another symptom is the decrease in egg laying, if any, and changes in the shells. The virus is also found in eggs.
Gravity will also be influenced by the conditions of the bird, such as its age or immune status, and there may be associated bacterial complications. Young women are more susceptible. Some affected birds may remain asymptomatic and we may only notice a decrease in egg laying.
Newcastle disease in ducks usually presents in this way, although symptoms such as diarrhoea, neurological signs, anorexia and sudden death have been identifiedThis situation can also occur in Newcastle disease in canaries and other passerines, although some of these species do develop serious symptoms. Newcastle disease stands out in parrots because they can be carriers. Hence the importance of controlling its origin.
Newcastle disease: treatment
Newcastle disease can be diagnosed with a rapid test kit performed by a veterinarian. It is important to ensure the diagnosis because the symptoms can be confused with other pathologies such as avian influenza. Animals with Newcastle disease should be isolated.
There is no treatment against it, but there are vaccination protocols to prevent its appearance, although the elimination of the virus may continue to occur. These vaccines for chickens, pigeons and turkeys are effective when the strains are not excessively virulent. They can be administered as a spray or in the drinking water.
If we have birds and we want to increase the family, we must make sure that the new ones are vaccinated Vaccination protocols must be developed by professionals and adapted to each case, since there is a risk of contributing to the spread of the disease.
Is Newcastle disease contagious to humans?
Newcastle disease is a zoonotic pathology, which means that it can be transmitted to humans, in the It causes mild flu symptoms and conjunctivitis, so it does not pose a serious he alth risk. Especially affected are the professionals who come into contact with the vaccines and are regularly exposed to large quantities of the virus. Bird keepers do not appear to be affected.
