Isolates cause a
spectrum of disease from subclinical respiratory tract infection, torticollis, to death
and haemorrhages (the notifiable disease of fowl plague). Hosts:
NDV is a world-wide disease of gallinaceous birds, e.g. chickens, guinea-fowl,
turkeys, pheasants. NDV can also infect racing pigeons, psittacine birds and
aquatic birds.
Man, conjunctivitis, aerosol- vaccine operators should wear masks.
Diagnosis:
The trachea and gut of 20 birds are tested in eggs. If HA occurs an HI test is done using
using reference anti-NDV serum to distinquish it from avian influenza.
Epidemiology:
Usually spread by poultry or air-borne. Unexpected UK outbreaks caused by dying pigeons
being milled into chicken food in 1984. Currently controlled by import restrictions
and vaccination using avirulent isolates in the UK.
