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NVAP Reference Guide: Exotic

Newcastle Disease

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NVAP Reference Guide: Table of Contents

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Preface

Introduction

Control and Eradication

Brucellosis

Johne’s Disease

Pseudorabies (PRV)

Tuberculosis

Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies

Scrapie

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Poultry
National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP)

Avian Influenza (AI)

Exotic Newcastle disease (END)

Equine Disease

Aquatic Animal

Aquatic Animal National Health Plan

Aquatic Animal Health Activities

Animal Health Emergency Management

Animal Health Emergency Management

Emergency Response Structure

National Response Framework (NRF)

National Incident Management System (NIMS)

National Animal Health Emergency Management System (NAHEMS)

Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Plan (FAD PReP)

FAD Recognition and Initial Response

National Animal Health Emergency Response Corps (NAHERC)

Notifiable Diseases and Conditions

WOAH and International Standards

Cleaning and Disinfection

Importance of Cleaning & Disinfection

Cleaning

Disinfection

Regulation of Disinfectants

Safety

Disease Surveillance

Laboratory Submissions

Animal Movement

Interstate Regulations

Interstate Movement of Cattle, Horses, Swine, Sheep and Goats

Issuing Interstate Animal Movement Documents

International Animal Movement

Issuing International Health Certificates (IHCs) for Live Animal Movement

Common Problems Observed on Certificates for Live Animal Movement
Animal Identification 

Animal Identification

Cattle Identification

Swine Identification

Equine Identification

Sheep and Goat Identification

Fowl Identification

Compliance and Regulations

Appendix

A: 9 CFR PARTS 160, 161, and 162

B: APHIS VS District Offices

C: State Animal Health Officials

D: Forms

E: Other Organizational Information with Contact Points

F: Web Sites

G: Equine Teeth and Aging

END is a contagious and fatal disease affecting all species of birds. Previously known

as velogenic viscerotropic Newcastle disease, END is one of the most infectious

diseases of poultry in the world. The mortality in unvaccinated birds can reach 100

percent, and birds may die without any clinical signs of disease. Though

recommended and widely used, vaccination does not fully protect against END and

may obscure the disease, resulting in further spread. 

Identifying Affected Birds

END affects the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems. The incubation period

ranges from 2 to 15 days. An infected bird may exhibit some or all of the following

signs:

Sneezing, gasping, nasal discharge, coughing;

Greenish, watery diarrhea;

Depression, muscular tremors, droopy wings, opisthotonus, circling, and

complete paralysis;
Partial to complete drop in egg production and thin-shelled eggs;

Swelling of tissues around the eyes and in the neck;

Sudden death; and

Increased flock mortality. 

Epidemiology

END is spread primarily through direct contact with droppings and nasal, ocular, or

oral secretions of infected birds. The virus is present in high concentrations in body

fluids and discharges and spreads rapidly through birds in confinement. The virus

can be carried from one premises to another on contaminated shoes and clothing of

service crews and visitors and their contaminated vehicles. END 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. It is rapidly destroyed

by dehydration and ultraviolet rays. Smuggled psittacines, especially Amazon

parrots from Latin America, pose great risks for introducing the virus into the United

States. These parrots are asymptomatic carriers and can carry the virus for up to

400 days.  

Biosecurity Measures on the Farm

Veterinarians should work with poultry producers to strengthen biosecurity

practices. Established and enforced biosecurity protocols will help prevent

introduction of END and other infectious agents. Recommend biosecurity measures

include:

Establishing an “all-in, all-out” flock-management policy; 

Protecting against exposure to wild birds or water or ground contaminated by

wild birds; 

Closing bird areas to nonessential personnel or vehicles; 

Providing employees with clean clothing and disinfection facilities and

directions for their use; 

Thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting equipment and vehicles (including tires

and undercarriage) when entering or leaving the farm; 

Banning the borrowing or lending of equipment or vehicles; 

Banning visiting other poultry farms, exhibitions, fairs, and sales or swap meets

(if visits must occur, direct workers to change footwear and clothing on their
return); and 

Banning bringing birds in slaughter channels back to the farm.

Reporting Suspicious Diseases and Illegal Bird

Movements

Veterinarians may receive information regarding illegal introductions of birds from

countries at risk for END. All such incidents should immediately be reported to both

the Assistant District Director (AD) and the State Animal Health Official. Once END

has been introduced, the only way to eradicate it is through depopulation, cleaning

and disinfection, and strict quarantine. Practitioners are encouraged to educate their

poultry clientele and pet bird owners to report all signs of disease. If signs of disease

resemble END or cannot be diagnosed, they should immediately be reported to the

AD or State animal health official.