Newcastle disease is one of the most serious of all infectious bird diseases. It is a devastating virus that can spread rapidly and could kill thousands of native and introduced bird species, and could severely damage egg, chicken, bird meat and aviary industries. Once it infects a flock, many birds can be affected. The number of deaths can be high and those birds that do recover can transmit the disease to healthy birds.

Symptoms of Newcastle Disease

•loss of appetite
• coughing
• gasping
• Nasal discharge
• Watery eyes
• Bright green diarrhoea
• Nervous signs such as paralysis and convulsions
• Combs and wattles may look swollen, enlarged and discoloured (purple or blue)
• Reduced egg production and the few eggs that are produced may be soft shelled and malformed.

PREVENTION AND CONTROL

There is no specific treatment for Newcastle disease. Antibiotics can be given for three to five days to prevent secondary bacterial infections (antibiotics do not affect viruses). Increasing the brooding temperature for chicks by 5°F may help reduce losses.

• Prevention programs should include;
  • Vaccinate against Newcastle disease
  • implementation of Bio-security measure on the farm
  • Reduce the chance of contamination of food and water from wild birds and animals

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