Question

Describe New castle disease under the following sub-headings.

1. Causal organism -
2. Animal affected  
3. Symptoms
4. Control measures.

Answer 1

1. Causal organism - Virus 
2. Animal affected  - poultry
3. Symptoms 
   • The birds have difficulties in breathing, produce a harsh, grating rasping sound when breathing
   • The beaks remain wide open and necks are strained
   • The birds become dull
   • The birds stand with eyes closed all the time
   • The birds loose appetite
   • There are nasal discharges which force the birds to shake their heads to clear it
   • Birds walk with a staggering motion since the nervous system is affected, paralysis of wings and legs may occur
   • Often the birds have their beaks and wings down
   • Birds produce watery greenish diarrhea
   • Eggs laid have soft shells
      
4. Control measures. 
   • Vaccination should be done during the first six weeks and then two – three months later.
   • Farmers are advised to kill all the birds and burn them once infestation has occurred.
   • The houses be cleaned and disinfected before bringing in new stock.
   • Quarantine is imposed once an outbreak is suspected of occurred.