Newcastle Disease in Poultry

Twisting of the Head and Neck
Sometimes, we you just see your Poultry birds gasping and coughing, dragging their legs, dropping their wings, passing greenish watery faeces and most importantly twisting of the head and neck. You start to wonder what’s wrong with the birds. Let Agric Naija take you on a ride of what might be the cause, how to prevent it and what can be done in case of occurrence.


Newcastle disease is an infection of domestic poultry and other bird species with virulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV). It is a worldwide problem that presents primarily as an acute respiratory disease, but depression, nervous manifestations, or diarrhea may be the predominant clinical form. Severity depends on the virulence of the infecting virus and host susceptibility. Occurrence of the disease is reportable and may result in trade restrictions.
Newcastle Disease is caused by a virus. The first symptoms usually consists of respiratory distress and rasping followed in 1 or 2 days by a paralysis of legs and wings and bad down between legs or straight back over shoulders. A twisting of the neck (stargazing may also be observed). In adult birds, loss of production along with some respiratory distress and paralysis after 4 to 6 days.

Transmission:
Newcastle disease can be transmitted in various ways which includes;
Direct contact with secretions, especially faeces, from infected birds, Contaminated feed, water, implements, premises, human clothing, etc.
The mortality and morbidity rates vary among species, and with the strain of virus
Incubation period is 4-6 days

Symptoms / Diagnosis
Respiratory and/or nervous signs: gasping and coughing
drooping wings, dragging legs, twisting of the head and neck, circling, depression, inappetence, complete paralysis
Partial or complete cessation of egg production
Eggs are misshapen, rough-shelled, thin-shelled and contain watery albumen
Greenish watery diarrhea
Swelling of the tissues around the eyes and in the neck
Morbidity and mortality depend on virulence of the virus strain, degree of vaccinal immunity, environmental conditions, and condition of the flock

PREVENTION AND CONTROL
There is currently no treatment.
Prevention: Vaccination.

Procedures to control the disease:
  • Strict isolation of outbreaks
  • Destruction of all infected and exposed birds
  • Thorough cleaning and disinfection of premises
  • Proper carcass disposal
  • Pest control in flocks
  • Depopulation followed by 21 days before restocking
  • Avoidance of contact with birds of unknown health status
  • Control of human traffic.
  • One age group per farm ('all in-all out') breeding is recommended
  • Vaccination with live and/or oil emulsion vaccines



VIDEO: Newcastle Disease

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The next time you have a new set of birds or your birds exhibits such signs, you know what to do.
Why not drop your comments to add information about the disease that might have been omitted or your experience with Newcastle disease............ 

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