Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral disease of birds belonging to the order of chickens (pigeons, chickens, pheasants, turkeys). It is characterized by damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, intestines, lungs. Mortality of diseased birds is high. The Newcastle disease virus appeared back in 1926 on the island of Java. By 1970, it had spread throughout the world and caused periodic outbreaks in birds.
Let's look at the disease from the inside
Maybe Newcastle disease is also dangerous for humans? In order to understand this, you need to understand the epidemiology and pathogenesis of the disease.
The causative agent of Newcastle disease is the Avian paramyxovirus virus, which persists in the carcasses of birds for up to 5 months. Disinfectants kill the pathogen in 20-30 minutes, direct sunlight - in 5-10 minutes. The virus is shed during exhalation by birds, with faeces and lung mucus. A sick bird is contagious for 14 days from the onset of the epidemic. Sources of the spread of the disease are also:
- non-decontaminated poultry products;
- feed;
- work inventory;
- footwear for poultry house personnel;
- wild birds, dogs,rats, flies, etc.
Symptoms of disease
How to recognize Newcastle disease? For a person who has never even encountered birds, this is not difficult. There are four forms of the disease, but all stages have similar symptoms:
- complete apathy of the bird to what is happening around it;
- breathing disorder (shortness of breath, sneezing, cough);
- paralysis of legs and wings;
- green feces mixed with mucus and blood.
Newcastle disease in humans is uncomplicated influenza or conjunctivitis with swollen lymph nodes and mild fever.
Why do people get sick?
There are several reasons for human morbidity: systematic non-compliance with personal hygiene and the ingress of the virus into the body by inhaling contaminated air. Rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands is enough to catch Newcastle disease. For a person with a weakened immune system, hospitalization in a medical institution is the best way out, as the disease can cause complications.
Cure for pseudo-plague
A person should be treated symptomatically for this infection. If the disease is manifested by conjunctivitis, then you need to contact an ophthalmologist who will conduct a diagnostic examination and prescribe the necessary drops. For cold symptoms, antiviral and antipyretic drugs are prescribed, drugs are also used to treat a throat or cough. In young children, the disease can lead to brain damage, so they are immediately hospitalized regardless of the condition.he alth. In the hospital, children are under the supervision of doctors for 5-6 days from the onset of the disease.
Defend ourselves
Newcastle disease is less dangerous for humans, but still requires preventive measures. In order not to get sick, you need to wash your hands and face after visiting the poultry house, and also treat the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth with antiviral drugs. It is advisable to protect yourself and children from contact with a sick bird and call a veterinarian.
