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Treat Exotic Newcastle Disease in Birds

Submitted by Michael Adams on January 12, 2010

Exotic Newcastle disease is a contagious and highly fatal viral condition which does not have a cure. This disease gets its name from its initial outbreak which occurred in Newcastle. The condition is extremely virulent and results in the death of many birds.

When a flock of birds is affected by exotic Newcastle disease, it proves fatal for 90 percent of the birds in the flock.

When purchasing birds, ensure that you do not buy birds that have been smuggled from other countries. Insist on seeing certification, before making the purchase to make sure that the bird has been imported legally and is in a state of good health from the mouth, nose and eyes serve as carriers for the infection.

The infected material may adhere to human clothing and shoes and result in a spread of the disease to healthy birds. Insist in proper cleanliness when dealers or other personnel visit your poultry house. Disallow storing of crates inside the poultry house. Recognizing the clinical signs of exotic Newcastle disease will help in early detection. Symptoms include respiratory difficulties such as coughing and sneezing. The birds may also display sluggishness, appetite loss, diarrhea and swelling around the neck and face. Discoloration in the legs and comb, improper coordination and discontinuation of egg production may also be displayed by affected birds. Sometimes, the birds may begin to die without even showing any of these signs.

If you suspect that your flock has been affected by of exotic Newcastle disease, contact the concerned authorities. Affected birds must be tested to detect presence of the disease. The authorities will also put you through to a veterinarian who will test the birds without any charge. If the disease is found to be present among your birds, you will need to destroy the flock and disinfect the poultry house thoroughly. Quarantining the poultry farm may also be required in some cases.

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