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Protect your poultry farm against Newcastle disease
Newcastle Disease is a global concern that impacts poultry health and farm productivity worldwide. The mortality in unvaccinated birds can reach 100%. But what exactly causes this disease, and why is it so important to understand and manage it effectively?
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What causes Newcastle disease?
The Newcastle disease virus (NDV), also called Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) is part of the Paramyxoviridae family and also known as Avian paramyxovirus type 1 (APMV-1). The virus is is highly contagious and has significant impact on poultry, including chickens, turkeys, and other bird species.
There are several strains of the NDV:
- Lentogenic (Mild) Strains
- Mesogenic (Moderate) Strains
- Velogenic (Highly Virulent) Strains
The velogenic strains are responsible for the most severe form of the disease and can cause high mortality rates in poultry. The virus survives for several weeks in a warm and humid environment on feathers and in manure and other materials and can survive indefinitely in frozen material. The NDV virus is rapidly destroyed by dehydration and ultraviolet rays.
How does Newcastle disease spread?
The virus spreads rapidly and can be transmitted through direct contact with infected birds, or through:
- Contaminated feed and water,
- Contaminated equipment
- Contaminated clothing and shoes
- Even airborne transmission over short distances is possible
Newcastle disease virus survives for several weeks in the environment, even in cold weather.
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What are the symptoms of Newcastle disease?
The symptoms of the Velogenic New castle disease strains are:
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- Respiratory distress (gasping, coughing)
- Nervous signs (trembling, paralysis)
- Swelling of the head and neck
- Greenish, watery diarrhea
- High mortality
- Cessation of egg production
- Depression, droopy wings, circling
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How can you protect your flock from Newcastle disease?
Control and prevention strategies for Newcastle disease include vaccination, biosecurity measures, and surveillance. Implement strict biosecurity measures to prevent the introducing NDV focus on controlling access to the farm, disinfecting footwear and vehicles, controlling vectors such as wild birds, rodents and insects, and maintaining a clean and sanitized environment with strict cleaning & disinfection protocols.
The 5 steps to prevent Newcastle disease in chickens
As a responsible poultry farmer, it's crucial to take proactive steps to protect your chickens from Newcastle disease and prevent its spread, including implementing these five essential guidelines for safeguarding your flock and contributing to prevention efforts.:format(webp))
Avoid outbreaks through hygiene
Each person that enters the farm needs to thoroughly shower and wash to reduce pathogen pressure on the animals and prevent the introduction of disease. The New Castle Disease virus can be carried from one premises to another on contaminated shoes and clothing of service crews and visitors and their contaminated vehicles.:format(webp))
Prevent cross-contamination
Equip each poultry barn with distinct boots, tools, and clothing. By doing so, if the Newcastle disease is found in one barn, it can be contained and prevented from spreading. Implementing a color system can further simplify the process, with each barn being assigned a dedicated color for easy identification.:format(webp))
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