Newcastle virus causes a highly contagious viral disease that occurs in birds (turkeys, pigeons, pheasants, chickens). The pathogen affects the central and peripheral nervous system, lungs and intestines. The mortality rate among sick birds is extremely high. The virus was first discovered on the island of Java in 1926. It took him 44 years to spread everywhere. What is this disease? How does it affect birds? How does the Newcastle virus manifest itself in humans? Find out the answers to all these questions and more below.
Exploring the disease from the inside
The main causative agent is the Avian paramyxovirus virus, which persists in bird corpses for up to 5 months. It can be killed not only by disinfectants (from 20 to 30 minutes), but also by simple sunlight (maximum 10 minutes). The virus is shed in feces, lung mucus, and exhaled by birds. The bird is contagious for about two weeks after the onset of the epidemic. The Newcastle virus in humans spreads as a result of the entry of a pathogenic bacterium into the body. She usually "travels" with:
- food;
- footwear service personnel;
- non-disinfected productspoultry farming;
- wild birds, flies, dogs and rats.
The vaccine from Newcastle develops strong immunity in birds to the pathogen 6-8 days after immunization. It has no medicinal properties.
Symptoms
Even a person who has never encountered birds can recognize the disease. There are four forms of the disease, but they all have similar symptoms:
- paralysis of wings and legs;
- bird's apathy towards the outside world;
- green feces mixed with blood and mucus;
- breathing disorders (cough, shortness of breath and sneezing).
Newcastle virus in humans manifests itself in the form of influenza and conjunctivitis with a slight inflammation of the lymph nodes. Usually the illness is accompanied by a fever.
How can you "catch" the Newcastle virus?
In humans, it causes very unpleasant symptoms, similar to those that occur with a cold. You can become infected if you do not systematically observe hygiene or inhale contaminated air. To "pick up" the disease, it is enough to touch the eyes with dirty hands. If a person has weakened immunity, then it is better to hospitalize him in a medical institution, since the virus may well give complications.
Treatment
Symptomatic treatment is indicated for sick people. Namely, if the disease manifested itself in the form of conjunctivitis, then the patient is shown a visit to an ophthalmologist. He will inspect and prescribe the necessary funds. If symptoms of a cold appear, then prescribeantipyretic and antiviral drugs. Young children should be hospitalized as the virus can lead to severe brain damage. Doctors usually see them for a week.
Protection and prevention
Despite the fact that the Newcastle virus is not so dangerous for humans, preventive measures will not hurt. After visiting the poultry house, you should always wash your face and hands well, and also treat the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose with special antiviral drugs. If you know that the bird is sick, then it is best to exclude any contact with it. In such cases, you should call a veterinarian to assess her condition. Stay he althy!
