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Protect your poultry farm against Newcastle disease
Newcastle disease remains a major threat to bird health and flock productivity around the globe. In unvaccinated flocks, mortality rates can reach up to 100%. What causes this viral disease, and why is effective management so critical for protecting your farm?
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What causes Newcastle disease?
Newcastle disease stems from the Newcastle disease virus (NDV), frequently referred to as Exotic Newcastle Disease (END). It belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family as Avian paramyxovirus type 1 (APMV-1). This highly contagious pathogen severely affects various bird species, including domestic chickens and turkeys.
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. It can survive for several weeks in warm, moist conditions (particularly within feathers, manure, and litter) and remains viable indefinitely when frozen. However, the virus breaks down quickly when exposed to direct sunlight, ultraviolet radiation, and dry environments.
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 Newcastle 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 ongoing surveillance. Implementing strict biosecurity measures helps prevent the introduction of NDV to your farm. Focus on controlling access to the premises, disinfecting footwear and vehicles, managing vectors such as wild birds, rodents, and insects, and maintaining a clean environment through strict cleaning and 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
Every individual entering the premises must shower and wash thoroughly to minimize pathogen pressure on the flock and block the entry of disease. The Newcastle Disease virus spreads easily between facilities on the contaminated footwear, clothing, and equipment of service crews and visitors, as well as on their vehicles.:format(webp))
Prevent cross-contamination
Prevent outbreaks by equipping each poultry barn with dedicated boots, tools, and clothing. If Newcastle disease enters one barn, using separate gear prevents the virus from spreading to the rest of the facility. Assigning a specific color to each barn makes it simple to track gear and ensure equipment stays where it belongs.:format(webp))
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