Last week, Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) reported an outbreak of Newcastle disease (NCD) at a commercial poultry establishment in the municipality of Anta Gorda, located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Following this confirmation, Brazil has suspended all poultry exports.
The last occurrence of Newcastle disease in Brazilian poultry was recorded in 2006. Meanwhile, Argentina has maintained its status as a Newcastle disease-free country since 1987, after the last outbreaks were reported in Entre RÃos province.
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In recent trends, chicken has surpassed beef in popularity among Argentine consumers.
Newcastle disease is caused by a highly virulent virus, part of the avian paramyxovirus group (serotype 1, APMV-1). It affects both wild and domestic birds, including commercial poultry, according to criteria established by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
Transmission can occur through direct contact between infected and susceptible birds, as well as exposure to contaminated feces and secretions. The disease can lead to various clinical signs, including respiratory, neurological, and digestive symptoms, and may even cause sudden death in birds.
The OIE indicates that Newcastle disease is a zoonosis, meaning it can infect humans, though the risk is very low. In humans, it may cause mild conjunctivitis but is generally limited in severity.
To mitigate the risk of this outbreak, Argentina’s National Service of Animal Health (Senasa) has issued several biosecurity recommendations for those involved in the commercial poultry sector. Such measures include:
– Keeping birds in protected areas, away from other animals and humans.
– Disinfecting equipment upon entering and exiting farms.
– Regularly cleaning and disinfecting poultry facilities.
– Controlling access for people, tools, animals, and vehicles to chicken coops.
– Using appropriate and exclusive clothing for farm work.
– Implementing preventive vaccination to prevent the spread of the disease.
Additionally, backyard bird owners are advised to restrict the access of wild birds to food and water sources in their coops.
Senasa has emphasized that Newcastle disease is a reportable condition, and any suspicion of the disease should be communicated immediately through designated channels of the health organization.
Source: https://www.perfil.com/noticias/agro/piden-reforzar-las-medidas-de-seguridad-para-evitar-la-entrada-de-la-enfermedad-de-newcastle-en-argentina.phtml
