Veterinary Science & Technology

Update on Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Control Technique of Newcastle Disease

Abstract

Nesradin Yune and Nejash Abdela

Newcastle disease is an acute, contagious viral disease of birds. It is one of the most important diseases which cause great economic loss in poultry industry. The virus that cause Newcastle disease is grouped under family Paramyxoviridae in the genus Avulavirus and species avian paramyxovirus type 1 (APMV-1) or Newcastle disease virus. Based on their virulence Newcastle disease virus can be divided in to viscerotropic, neurotropic, mesogenic and lentogenic strain. Although avian paramyxovirus type 1(APMV-1) can affect many species of birds including wild birds, Chickens are highly susceptible to the disease. The objectives of this paper were to highlight the epidemiology, diagnostic technique and control measures involved in Newcastle disease. Newcastle disease is currently distributed throughout the world including Central and South America, Asia, Middle East and Africa. APMV-1 can be transmitted by inhalation or ingestion, and birds shed these viruses in both feces and respiratory secretions. The virus can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected flock and indirect contact with contaminated materials. This disease can be diagnosed based history of disease outbreak, some pathognomic sign and laboratory test such as virus isolation, serological test and molecular technique. The latter has more important being its sensitive and rapid for diagnosis of the disease. Currently both live and killed vaccines are used in many countries to control and prevent the disease in chickens. Furthermore, strict biosecurity and separation infected once from health flock are also important to control and prevent spread of disease. Generally to make poultry free of this disease, good biosecurity and continual vaccination should be maintained.