A History of Newcastle Disease with Comments on its Economic Effects

SummaryThere is no doubt that Newcastle disease in domestic poultry was recognized long after the identification of fowl plague. Yet fowl plague is very infectious, is known to spread rapidly, and is caused by an influenza virus. However, only in a small number of countries is fowl plague now found as an endemic disease. Newcastle disease, on the other hand, has demonstrated an ability to spread with great rapidity and to become endemic in all but a small number of countries in the world.The asymptomatic form of Newcastle disease produces no true economic loss but rather an inconvenience to those involved in the control or eradication of the more virulent forms of Newcastle disease.From the time of its first recognition up to very recent years, Newcastle disease has caused the loss of untold millions of poultry, and for many countries, the disease continues to remain as a constant threat to the poultry industry. On the other hand, the historical events which have occurred since mid 1960 and the associated economic losses, have stimulated greater efforts of control.A major affect of Newcastle disease at the present time is a reduction in the overall international movement of genetic material of either domestic or non domestic species of birds. The movement of poultry products has played a role in the history of Newcastle disease for a much longer period of time. These problems must be overcome if world progress in improving poultry stocks is to continue. There seems little doubt that the future history of Newcastle disease will be associated with an increasing development in many countries, of specialists trained in poultry breeding, in the epidemiology of poultry diseases and in modern laboratory techniques. Increased cooperation between governments and the rapid exchange of information is also needed. All these aspects and perhaps others, are necessary if the history of Newcastle disease is to change significantly within future decades.