Review on Newcastle disease in poultry

Newcastle disease is an infectious disease of poultry caused by an avian Paramyxovirus type I that affects more than two hundred avian species. It is an enzootic disease in parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East and some countries in South America. Isolated outbreaks of Newcastle disease occur sporadically in some European countries and Central America. This review synthesizes available information on the virus and the disease it causes. The disease is transmitted by direct contact with infected animals or by indirect contact through inanimate carriers. The incubation period of the disease varied from 2 to 15 days. Five pathotypes were distinguished according to the incidence and severity of the clinical signs. Velogenic strains, which are the most virulent, can cause 100% mortality in unprotected herds. Control measures are based on mass vaccination of susceptible animals and the application of biosecurity measures in poultry farms. Regulations are also put in place to prevent the introduction of the virus into countries free of the disease.Keywords: Poultry, paramyxovirus, Newcastle disease, panzootie, mortality. &nbsp