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Exotic Newcastle Disease

What is Exotic Newcastle Disease?

Exotic Newcastle disease (END) is a contagious and fatal viral disease affecting all species of birds, but is of particular concern for poultry flocks. END is probably one of the most infectious diseases of poultry in the world - death rates of 100 percent can occur in unvaccinated flocks. Even vaccinated flocks can experience infections and deaths. END (also known as velogenic viscerotropic Newcastle disease) is one of several types of Newcastle disease - the severity of the disease depends on the type of Newcastle disease virus.

Are people at risk from END?

END does not pose a serious threat to human health - it does not seriously affect the safety of consuming poultry and egg products. There have been cases where END has caused conjunctivitis (pink eye) in people exposed to high levels of the virus, such as lab workers and people in regular contact with very sick birds or contaminated poultry material. The major concern of END outbreaks is the potential impact on poultry operations.

Do we have END in Canada?

There have not been any cases of END in domestic poultry in Canada since 1973. Sporadic cases have been recorded in migratory birds. It occurs in Central and South America, the Middle East and most of Europe, Africa and Asia. Outbreaks of END have occurred periodically in the western United States. A major outbreak occurred in Californian commercial poultry from 1971 to 1973. The disease was eradicated, but not before more than $50 million was spent to destroy nearly 12 million infected birds, seriously disrupting operations of commercial poultry producers.

In late 2002, another outbreak was detected in California, and the disease subsequently spread to Arizona, Nevada and Texas. U.S. authorities launched eradication efforts, including the destruction of some commercial flocks.

What are the signs of END?

It affects the respiratory, nervous and digestive systems of birds. The incubation period ranges from two to 15 days. An infected bird may exhibit the following signs:

• Respiratory: sneezing, gasping for air, nasal discharge, coughing;
• Digestive: greenish, watery diarrhea;
• Nervous: depression, muscular tremors, drooping wings, twisting of head and neck, circling, complete paralysis;
• Partial to complete drop in egg production;
• Production of thin-shelled eggs;
• Swelling of the tissues around the eyes and in the neck;
• Sudden death;
• Increased death loss in a flock.

What should I do if I observe the above signs and suspect poultry might have END?

Any poultry owner, whether a large producer or with a small backyard flock, should consult a veterinarian if birds show any of the signs noted above. In Canada, END is a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Act. That means anyone who suspects the presence of END has the responsibility to immediately notify a veterinary inspector of the CFIA, so that action can be taken to assess the situation and take appropriate measures.

How is END transmitted?

Transmission of infection is mainly by direct contact with diseased or carrier birds. It can spread rapidly among birds in close confinement (e.g. commercial flocks). As there is a high concentration of the virus in birds’ bodily discharges, the disease can also be spread unintentionally through human activity. For example, poultry material bearing the virus (such as feathers, manure) could become attached to people’s shoes or clothing, and carried from an infected area to a healthy flock. As such, it is often spread by people working in the poultry industry, such as manure haulers, truck drivers, poultry buyers, feed delivery services and so on. Even non-industry visitors to poultry operations could become unwitting sources of transmission.

What does the CFIA do to prevent END from entering Canada?

CFIA port-of-entry inspections prohibit the import and entry (commercial or personal) of certain live birds, poultry, poultry products and by-products from countries where END is known to occur. If outbreaks occur in areas that are normally free of END, temporary commodity import and entry restrictions from these areas (as now from California) are put into effect, until it is determined the outbreak has been eradicated. The CFIA also works closely with wildlife officials to monitor for END occurrences in migratory and wildlife birds. When findings are confirmed, advisories are issued to provinces and industry.

How to get more information?

Contact your Canadian Food Inspection Agency Area Office:

You can find your local Canadian Food Inspection Agency District Office on the CFIA Web site or by consulting the blue pages of your local phone directory.

August 2003
P0294-03E