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Newcastle disease

What is Newcastle disease?

Newcastle disease (ND) is an infectious, highly contagious avian disease caused by avian paramyxovirus type 1. Poultry in Great Britain are currently free of ND but a variant virulent virus has been endemic in racing pigeons since 1983.

Clinical signs

ND affects domestic poultry and many wild birds. The clinical signs vary widely and include:

• a nervous strain characterised by tremors and paralysis
• an acute respiratory strain
• a clinically inapparent strain.

The virulence of the viruses also vary from very high to mild. Viruses of low virulence are used throughout the world as vaccines. The virulent viruses are OIE List A pathogens and infection consitutes a notifiable disease.

VLA's work includes:

• providing a rapid, reliable diagnostic service.
• maintaining our function as an international reference laboratory.
• improving diagnostic methods for virus detection and characterisation.
• improving our understanding of virus virulence, pathogenesis, host range and adaptation.
• increasing our understanding of the epidemiology of ND.

PCR protocols

VLA has made available the PCR protocols used by the Virology Department.

• APMV-1 screening real-time PCR protocol (pdf 35kb)
• NDV pathotyping real-time RT-PCR (pdf 65kb)

Newcastle disease is a notifiable disease and therefore you must contact your local Animal Health Office if you suspect signs of the disease.