Newcastle Disease in Poultry
Newcastle Disease in Poultry ( Avian pneumoencephalitis, Exotic or velogenic Newcastle disease) By Patti J. Miller , DVM, PhD, USDA/Agricultural Research Service Content last modified Jan 2014 Newcastle disease is an infection of domestic poultry and other bird species with virulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV). It is a worldwide problem that presents primarily as an acute respiratory disease, but depression, nervous manifestations, or diarrhea may be the predominant clinical form. Severity depends on the virulence of the infecting virus and host susceptibility. Occurrence of the disease is reportable and may result in trade restrictions. Etiology and Pathogenesis: NDV, synonymous with avian paramyxovirus serotype 1 (PMV-1), is an RNA virus and the most important of the 11 known PMV serotypes as a pathogen for poultry. The original classification of NDV isolates into one of three virulence groups by chicken embryo and chicken inoculation as virulent (velogenic), moderately virulent (