What you need to know about Newcastle  disease

Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral infection that affects many species of domestic and wild birds.

domestic fowl are more susceptible while a mild form of the disease affects ducks. The disease can result in digestive, respiratory, and/nervous clinical signs, which range from a mild, almost inapparent respiratory disease or very severe depression, drop in egg production, increased respiration, profuse diarrhea followed by collapse, or long term nervous signs ( such as the twisted neck). if the bird survives severe form of the disease is highly fatal.

What causes the Newcastle disease

A paramyxovirus that can vary in pathogenicity from mild to very pathogenic. spread is usually by direct physical contact with infected or diseased birds the virus is present in manure and breathed out to the air, other sources of infection are contaminated equipment, carcasses, water food, clothing. People can easily carry the virus from one farm to another. Newcastle disease virus does not affect human beings the same way it does with birds but it can  cause conjunctivitis in humans

Prevention and treatment of NCD

There is no treatment for Newcastle disease, although treatment with antibiotics to control secondary infection may assist .the virus can remain in manure for up to two months and in dead carcass for up to 12 months 

• Disinfection, fumigation, or exposure to direct sunlight can easily kill the virus 
• Prevention relies on Good Quarantine and biosecurity procedures 
• Vaccination  
• Purchase of your chicks from reputable Hatchery
• Proper disposal  of dead birds