News

On March 24, 2016 the Reference Laboratory for Viral Avian Diseases within the FGBI “ARRIAH” subordinated to the Rosselkhoznadzor (the FGBI “ARRIAH”) received 8 samples of biological materials collected from poultry (chicken) in 8 settlements of the Republic of Crimea. Earlier these samples had been tested by the GBI “Regional State Veterinary Laboratory” of the Republic of Crimea and Newcastle disease virus had been detected.

Results of the tests performed by the Reference Laboratory for viral avian diseases of the FGBI “ARRIAH” using RT-PCR confirmed NDV genome in all the samples. Comparison of the nucleotide sequences of the F-gene segment showed that the detected microorganism belonged to the group of NDV virulent isolates which had been previously detected in Pakistan, Israel, Indonesia and other countries. No influenza virus genomes were detected in the tested samples.

Newcastle disease outbreaks were registered in Bulgaria in February and March 2016, in Romania in November 2015; the situation remains tense in some Asian, African and Near East countries.

The disease signs caused by the virus may vary significantly depending on the avian species and age, the presence of concomitant diseases, the state of the immune system. The following symptoms can be observed in birds: anorexia, digestive disorder, dullness, drowsiness, conjunctiva, signs of respiratory (rattling, sneezing, asphyxia) and nervous system disturbance (neck twisting, paw and wing paresis and paralysis, coordination disturbance). Cases of sudden death are possible especially in young birds. Chicken, turkey, pheasant and guinea fowl are the most NDV susceptible species. However, the disease may also infect another avian species.

The Reference Laboratory for avian diseases within the FGBI “ARRIAH” draws the attention of the RF Veterinary Services, poultry producing establishments and poultry owners to the fact that contact between poultry and wild birds (including synanthropic species) must be avoided and advocates for the strict implementation of veterinary and sanitary measures related to poultry keeping and breeding.

In case diseased or dead birds are detected the Veterinary Services must be notified immediately.

Press Office of the FGBI “ARRIAH”