Controlling Newcastle disease virus

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Together with Avian Influenza, Newcastle disease virus (NDV) represents one of the two most significant avian diseases. This is possibly due to their rapid spread globally and the high mortalities they cause.

Outbreaks are notifiable to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). They are also published in different media to prevent their spread to the poultry industries of other countries.

NDV is classified in the Paramyxoviridae family, genus Avulavirus. The viruses are classified into different groups according to their pathogenicity.

In general, the disease can be observed in two different forms: When infection is caused by viruses of low virulence, the clinical signs include respiratory problems with rapid spread and lesions in the respiratory system, including the air sacs.

This causes a reduction in the productive parameters of the birds and an increase in the percentage of discarded birds in slaughterhouses.

Infection with virulent viruses: The symptoms are varied depending on the type of virus causing the outbreak, therefore, anything from conjunctivitis, dyspnea, inflammation around the eyes, diarrhea, severe depression to death can be observed.

Nervous signs like torticollis, and wing & leg paralysis may be seen in the final stages of the disease. Production is also significantly affected in adult birds. Deformed eggs with weak shells, pigmentless shells are common, as well as a general drop in lay. Mortality in young birds can reach 100%.

The incubation period varies from 3 to 8 days and the clinical consequences depend on factors such as:

• Virus type
• Viral load
• Vaccination plan and type of vaccines
• Immune status of birds

Macroscopic lesions are variable depending on the type of virus affecting the birds. In some cases the lesions may be similar to those of avian influenza. Therefore, definitive diagnosis requires the identification of the virus either by isolation or by molecular methods.

Differential diagnosis

Newcastle disease virus must be differentiated from avian influenza, as these virus cause similar clinical symptoms.

Current definition of Newcastle

The World Organization of Animal Health (formerly Office International des Epizootics -OIE)  includes Newcastle disease and avian influenza in the A list. In other words, they are diseases with serious socioeconomic or public health consequences. These viruses have significant implications on the international trade of animals and their by-products.

OIE Commentary and Definition on Newcastle

The large variations in virulence and clinical signs of Newcastle disease viruses make it necessary to carefully define what constitutes Newcastle for purposes of international trade, control measures and policies.

NDV is defined as an infection of birds caused by an avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 virus (APMV-1) that meets one of the following virulence criteria:

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