Ziekteverwekker
Newcastle Disease (NCD), also known as pseudobird flu, is caused by a virus. This virus is caused by avian paramyxovirus type 1 (APMV-1). APMV-1 is one of the twelve recognized avian paramyxoviruses to date. The pigeon variant of this virus is called pigeon paramyxovirus type 1 (pPMV-1).
Gevoelige diersoorten
The natural host for PPMV-1 is pigeons (both wild and domesticated). However, PPMV-1 and other APMV-1 viruses can also infect other wild and captive bird species, including waterfowl, birds of prey, songbirds, parrots, and especially poultry (including pheasants). Newcastle disease virus infection (PMV-1 velogene) was detected in 2024 in two deaths involving multiple collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto) in the northern part of the province of North Holland. This was a regional outbreak.
Symptomen dieren
In pigeons, the incubation period can vary from 4-6 days to 4 weeks. The most common clinical symptoms are apathy, green watery or bloody diarrhea, torticollis (twisting of the head and neck), ataxia (loss of balance), paralysis of limbs/wings, and a large number of sudden and unexplained deaths in a naive group. If infection occurs during molting, feather development can also be affected, leading to brittle or deformed feathers.
Mortality among pigeons and turtledoves can vary depending on the strain of PPMV-1 and other factors, with rates ranging from 10-100%. Birds that survive the infection may still shed the virus for several weeks.
Besmetting dieren
It is known that PPMV-1 is excreted by infected birds via the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract through body fluids, such as saliva and droppings. The virus is stable in the environment and can remain infectious for several weeks.
Symptomen mens
Exposure of people to the virus can sometimes lead to mild conjunctivitis, which usually clears up on its own without treatment.
Voorzorgsmaatregelen
Although affected wild pigeons can recover within 3 to 8 weeks with supportive care, treatment of infected wild birds is discouraged. This is because the bird can continue to spread the virus and infect other birds in captivity or in the wild. Additionally, Newcastle Disease is a notifiable disease in poultry pursuant to Articles 2.12 and 5.3 of the Animal Welfare Act. Suspicions must be reported to the NVWA.