Newcastle disease is one of the most dangerous and easily spread viral diseases of domestic and wild birds. It can cause high bird mortality and significant economic losses to farms. Therefore, it is important for bird keepers to know how to protect their birds and prevent the disease from entering the farm.
One of the most important measures to protect domestic birds from Newcastle disease is strict compliance with biosecurity requirements and protection against contact with wild birds. However, the disease agent can enter the farm not only through direct contact. The virus can be transmitted via contaminated transport, footwear, equipment, or other items.
Therefore, it is necessary to follow biosecurity requirements at bird keeping sites, regularly clean and disinfect premises and equipment, and limit the access of outsiders to bird keeping areas as much as possible. Equally important is to constantly monitor the health of the birds and pay attention to any unusual changes in their behavior or health.
Vaccination also helps reduce the spread of the disease. In Lithuania, birds in commercial farms are vaccinated against Newcastle disease voluntarily. However, protection against the disease begins even before the birds enter the farm. Therefore, it is very important to responsibly choose the place of purchase and inquire about the origin and health status of the birds. VMVT recommends purchasing domestic birds only from approved and registered farms or trading places. When buying birds from small breeders, it is important to ensure that biosecurity requirements are followed on the farm and that the birds being sold are healthy.
Buyers have the right to request documents confirming the origin and purchase of the birds. Sellers are required to issue a purchase–sale receipt, invoice, or other payment confirmation document. When choosing birds, it is also recommended to give preference to birds vaccinated against Newcastle disease.
Responsible bird acquisition, proper biosecurity, vaccination, and constant monitoring of bird health are the most important steps to help protect birds from Newcastle disease and reduce the risk of its spread.
If birds become lethargic, lose their appetite, start dying, or show other signs of the disease, VMVT urges immediate contact with a private veterinarian or to report to VMVT by filling out a form or calling the phones: 1879 or +370 5 242 0108 (also suitable for calls from abroad).
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