Newcastle Disease (END)
Virulent Newcastle Disease (END) is a deadly disease that can affect all species of birds.
What is virulent Newcastle Disease (END)?
Virulent Newcastle Disease (END) previously known as Exotic Newcastle Disease is a deadly viral disease that can affect all species of birds. It spreads from bird-to-bird and is not species specific. Large scale outbreaks can happen and spread quickly, even to vaccinated poultry.
There is currently a quarantine in certain parts of California due to a Virulent Newcastle breakout. Read more to learn if you are affected. (2/27/2019)
Know the Signs
- Sudden death and increased death loss in flock
- Sneezing, gasping for air, nasal discharge, coughing
- Greenish, watery diarrhea
- Decreased activity, tremors, drooping wings, twisting of head and neck, circling, and complete stiffness
- Swelling around the eyes and neck
How Newcastle Spreads
Virulent Newcastle Disease spreads when birds come into contact with bodily fluids from sick birds. The disease can affect all birds and poultry, even birds that have been vaccinated. The virus can be spread through manure, egg flats, crates, other farming materials and equipment, and people who have picked up the virus on their clothing, shoes, or hands.
Prevention
Good biosecurity practices are your best prevention against the disease. In one single day, the bacteria can multiply and infect all birds on your premises when exposed. The following biosecurity tips will help you prevent your flock from becoming infected.
- Restricting traffic onto and off your property
- Disinfecting shoes, clothes, hands, egg trays or flats, crates, vehicles, and tires
- Avoiding visits to other poultry farms or bird owners. If you do, be sure to change clothes and clean your hands and shoes before entering your own bird area.
- Washing hands and scrubbing boots before and after entering a poultry area
- Isolating any birds returning from shows for 30 days before placing them with the rest of the flock
Source: USDA APHIS