The epidemiology of Newcastle disease in rural poultry: a review

Rural poultry are the dominant form of poultry kept in the developing world. They are a natural resource whose potential is not fully exploited for the welfare of rural populations. The most devastating disease of rural poultry is Newcastle disease (ND). ND is an epidemic disease in intensive poultry and is responsible for high economic losses. Its epidemiology in intensive poultry is well understood, but little has been published on its behaviour in village poultry populations. Some research has been carried out during the past few years and it now appears that rural poultry are receiving increasing support for research and development from many government and international funding agencies throughout the world. All strains of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) occur in rural poultry, but velogenic strains are reported to be more common. Serological surveys in conjunction with isolation studies have shown that velogenic NDV strains are endemic in rural poultry populations even in isolated villages and possibly in isolated flocks. Although NDV is endemic in village poultry, the clinical disease usually follows an epidemic pattern. ND outbreaks often occur once or twice a year at regular intervals affirming the endemicity of the virus, however, 'mini' outbreaks in individual flocks and sporadic cases in individual birds may occur. Epidemics usually occur at times of climatic stress, leading to seasonal occurrence. The spread of NDV within and between village poultry populations is relatively slow due to a low contact rate. The major mode of transmission appears to be by the faecal-oral route. The respiratory route may also play a role in flocks where close bird-to-bird associations exist. Other poultry species, wild and feral birds, wild animals, communal water reservoirs and domestic animals may play a role in transmission; however, their role has not been properly investigated. In non-immune, intensively reared poultry, introduction of a sufficient quantity of virulent NDV is sufficient to cause severe outbreaks, but in rural poultry epidemic disease depends upon a number of factors. These include NDV pathotype, age structure and immunity of the host population, breed susceptibility, concurrent disease and seasonal influences. Although ND is endemic in rural poultry, many aspects of the epidemiology and economics of ND have not been fully understood. Well-designed, longitudinal studies made within a socio-economic framework are required to improve our understanding of the main problems of rural poultry systems.