EXPERIMENTAL VIRULENCE ASSESSMENT OF EXOTIC NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS FROM AN OUTBREAK IN CALIFORNIA DURING 2002-2003 FOR CHICKENS, TURKEYS, AND PIGEONS

Authors: WAKAMATSU, NOBUKO - UNIV OF GA - ATHENS, GA; BROWN, CORRIE - UNIV OF GA - ATHENS, GA; Kapczynski, Darrell; Seal, Bruce; King, Daniel

Submitted to: American Association of Avian Pathologists
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/9/2004
Publication Date: 7/24/2004
Citation: Nobuko, W., Brown, C., Kapczynski, D.R., Seal, B.S., King, D.J. 2004. Experimental virulence assessment of exotic newcastle disease virus from an outbreak in california during 2002-2003 for chickens, turkeys, and pigeons. American Association of Avian Pathologists.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Exotic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) isolated from chickens during the 2002-2003 California outbreak was inoculated into 4-week-old SPF White Leghorn chickens, 3-week-old SPF Beltsville White turkeys, 6-week-old commercial Broad Breast White turkeys, and 10 to 20-week-old racing pigeons. Birds were monitored clinically and euthanized sequentially, with oral and cloacal swabs, blood, and tissues collected. Tissues were examined by histopathology and by immunohistochemistry and/or in situ hybridization to detect viral replication and distribution. Clinically, infected chickens and SPF turkeys showed severe depression and all died or were euthanized due to severe clinical signs by 5 days postinoculation. In these birds, histologic lesions were widespread and virus was detected in multiple organs. However, in commercial turkeys and in pigeons, only less than 15% of birds showed overt clinical signs, histologic lesions were minimal, and viral distribution was limited. Consequently, susceptibility to highly virulent NDV may vary among chickens, SPF turkeys, commercial turkeys, and pigeons.