Diseases - Newcastle Disease
Newcastle Disease
Newcastle disease is a highly
contagious disease of birds caused by a para-myxo virus. Birds affected by this
disease are fowls, turkeys, geese, ducks, pheasants, guinea fowl and other wild
and captive birds, including ratites such ostriches, emus and rhea.
The disease is transmitted through
infected birds' droppings and secretions from the nose, mouth, and eyes. The
disease is spread primarily through direct contact between healthy birds and
the bodily discharges of infected birds. Virus-bearing material can also be
picked up on shoes and clothing and carried from an infected flock to a healthy
one.
Possible routes of transmission
therefore include contact between poultry and also through movements of
contaminated vehicles, equipment, manure, feed and water.
The virus can survive for several weeks
in a warm and humid environment on birds' feathers, manure, and other
materials.
Effective vaccines are available and
some poultry are vaccinated routinely.
Current
Situation
Following a number of outbreaks of a
virulent strain of Newcastle Disease in small poultry flocks, commercial layers
and other captive birds in Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands, the risk of
a disease outbreak in GB has been raised from low to Medium
(meaning ‘outbreak likely to occur’).
Although the risk has increased,
government has advised that shows and gatherings can still take place subject
to increased vigilance and rigid compliance with a biosecurity plan, as
required by the current General Licence. As an added precaution we are
advising organisers of gatherings to require all exhibitors and participants to
complete and sign a declaration, confirming that birds at the event have not
been outside of the UK within the last 21 days and that none of the
birds are showing any signs of, or have been in contact with birds showing
any clinical signs of Newcastle Disease.
In Great Britain, isolated cases of
this disease were first reported in the 1930s. From 1947 outbreaks
occurred here over the next 30 years, and there were further isolated cases in
1984 and 1996-7. The most recent case was during October/November 2006 in
East Lothian.
Biosecurity
Guidance
The best defence - as with all exotic
animal diseases - is a high level of awareness and good biosecurity. Poultry
keepers and businesses in Scotland are reminded of the importance of
maintaining biosecurity in their flocks and being vigilant to any signs of
disease in their birds.
We have published a new biosecurity
leaflet for all bird keepers and detailed guidance advising poultry keepers how
to minimise the risk of infection on their premises.
If you suspect Newcastle
Disease is present in your flock, you must tell your nearest Animal and Plant and Health Agency (APHA) office
immediately. Failure to do so can be deemed an offence.
Further information on biosecurity and
good practice is available via the links below:
- Notifiable Avian Diseases Guidance: Biosecurity and
preventing disease in captive birds
- Notifiable Avian Diseases Biosecurity Leaflet for
All Birdkeepers
- Codes of Recommendations for the Welfare of
Livestock: Animal Health and Biosecurity
- GB Notifiable Avian Disease Control Strategy
Bird Gatherings
Bird gatherings are permitted (outside
any specific control zones which may be in force) but must comply with all of
the conditions in the bird fairs, markets, shows and other gatherings general
licence.
The general licence allows the
collecting together of poultry and other captive birds from more than one
source at one location, while minimising the risk of disease spreading between
flocks. The licence allows bird gatherings to proceed subject to conditions and
prior notification to the Inverness Animal and Plant Health Agency Office.
If holding or attending a bird
gathering, you must read and adhere to the conditions within the general
licence. You may also wish to read our guidance
for the conduct of bird fairs, markets, shows and other gatherings.
Non-compliance with the general licence may constitute an offence and a person
may be liable to a term not exceeding six months in prison, and/or a £5,000
fine on conviction.
Should the risk change, the veterinary
risk assessment will be revised, subsequently the general licence
may be amended or revoked.
Biosecurity measures should also be
considered at events that do not require general licensing, such as sales or
showing of birds from single flocks on premises at which other bird events may
take place. The following measures should be taken:
- All
litter and manure within the cages, crates or baskets must be contained
until disposal; any spillages outside the cage to be cleansed and
disinfected immediately
- All
litter and manure must be disposed of in a manner which does not present a
risk of spread of the disease (e.g. in sealed bags for normal refuse
collection, so that other birds do not have direct access to it)
- All
exhibitors/entrants must be instructed to cleanse and disinfect the show
cages, crates or baskets before the event and advise them that the show
cages, crates or baskets should be cleansed and disinfected on return to
the home premises and before they are used to hold any other bird.
Great
Britain Poultry Register
There is a legal requirement for all
commercial poultry keepers with 50 or more birds to register their premises. The
voluntary registration of premises with fewer than 50 birds is encouraged.
You can find out more information about
registration here: https://www.gov.uk/poultry-registration
Credit to Brittish Goverment Website
