Newcastle disease can affect domestic poultry. In the first year the parasite was responsible for the death of over 11,000 American coots by destroying the intestinal tract. The infection is widespread in all internal organs and externally the infected amphibian may show hemorrhages in the skin along with fluid accumulation under the skin. Most die-offs have been seen in June, July and August. Algal toxins and brevetoxins were responsible in the deaths of manatees and brown pelicans in Florida and the deaths of sea birds on the coastal islands of Mississippi.
Species affected are bald eagles, American coot and waterfowl.
The first outbreak was in Queens County, New York in 1999 rapidly spread over the New York City area and surrounding counties of New Jersey, Connecticut and New York State. WNV has infected or killed 70 avian species, primarily crows. They are varied including completely or partially missing limbs to multiple limbs.