Newcastle Disease Continued
Post Mortem
Spot like haemorrhages may be seen through out the carcase including the gut, heart, chest cavity and some skeletal muscles, and an air sacculitis. Diagnosis is by isolating the virus and demonstration of a pathogenicity level above 0.7
The 2005 Outbreak
This particular outbreak was on a single game rearing premise in Surrey and is believed to have originated from a consignment of pheasant poults imported from France in June. The epidemiological study is still in progress but it is possible that these French birds contracted the disease from migrating birds visiting a nearby lake.
55,000 pheasants, partridges etc were slaughtered in France on this one premise and 10,240 from the holding in Surrey. So far it appears that there have been no other infected consignments imported despite the large numbers that came into the UK in June/early July (around 3.6 million game birds and hatching eggs) from France alone.
Poultry and game keepers have been very vigilant with around 20 reports of possible disease all which have proved negative so far.
Reducing the risk to our birds
There is a constant low level of risk of the introduction of Newcastle Disease from wild birds.
As poultry keepers we should remain vigilant to the health status of our flocks, having any increased mortality investigated by a veterinary laboratory, and suspicions of notifiable disease reported to the appropriate State Veterinary Service office.
Minimise contact with wild birds particularly avoiding contamination of food and water supplies.
Maintain biosecurity especially after having been in contact with other birds.
Give vaccination against Newcastle Disease some thought particularly if it is possible to purchase small amounts of vaccine or to share larger quantities with others.
