Newcastle Disease

Newcastle disease has been a threat to the commercial poultry industry since it was first recognized in 1926. Three panzootics of the disease have been recognized; the second is associated with spread from psittacine species, and the third from racing pigeons. International trade in exotic birds continues, and quarantine requirements in most countries are designed to prevent entry of the virus, even in birds incubating the disease. Smuggling continues to be responsible for depleting species from their natural habitats and for introducing exotic Newcastle disease viruses into a country. When this happens, both the commercial poultry industry and domestic pet birds are placed at risk.