Newcastle Disease
- Newcastle disease is a notifiable disease.
- Newcastle disease is a zoonotic agent, capable of causing capable of minor serious illness in humans (i.e. flu-like symptoms and conjunctivitis).
- Newcastle disease is considered an Emergency Animal Disease (EAD). Testing for EAD’s must be approved by the Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO). Approval can be sought by contacting the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
Description
Newcastle disease is a highly contagious, generalised viral disease of domestic poultry, cage and aviary birds, and wild birds. Clinical history of Newcastle disease could include sudden change in health, production and mortality. Clinical signs of virulent Newcastle disease in affected poultry include severe depression, sudden drop in egg production, respiratory disease, nervous signs such as paralysis, torticollis, tremors of the head and unsteady gait, diarrhoea, and rapidly escalating and continuing deaths. The recent Australian cases were predominantly characterised by nervous signs and/or respiratory disease.
Low pathogenicity strains of Newcastle disease have been circulating in Australian wild birds and poultry since at least 1960s. Initially, these were not associated with any clinical disease. The significant outbreaks of Newcastle disease in chickens in late 1990s/ early 2000s were due to locally derived strains that had become pathogenic; these were distinct viruses from those present in wild birds.
Vaccination of commercial poultry is compulsory in NSW. Either killed vaccine, or live avirulent V4 strain in which case some birds will remain carriers.
Differential diagnoses include acute fowl cholera, respiratory disease complex and other exotic diseases such as avian influenza.
Pigeon paramyxovirus is closely related to, but different from, Newcastle disease.
Diagnosis and tests available
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of virulent Newcastle disease is suggested by high mortality in poultry with confirmation by real-time PCR.
Tests available
Click on + in the tables below for sampling requirements and additional test information
| Code | Name | Samples required | Species | Turnaround time | Price (excl. GST) | Notes | Test days | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDV_HI | Newcastle Disease Virus HI Test | Clotted blood (Red top)
|
Up to 7D |
$15.00 |
D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays. |
According to demand |
||
| NDV_RT_PCR | Newcastle Disease Virus Real–time PCR | Swab (PBGS)
Fresh tissue
|
1-3D Turnaround time depends on urgency. |
$214.50 |
D (number of working days) and W (number of weeks). Test TAT does not include weekends and public holidays. |
According to demand |
| Note |
|---|
Fees for tests undertaken to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of Newcastle Disease are paid by NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD). Extra testing to establish an alternative diagnosis is at submitters’ expense |
Always clearly label specimens as Suspect Newcastle disease. Pack securely and forward separately from any other specimens. |
Advise the laboratory Customer Services of your submission and place a warning under the lid of the outer packaging. This will ensure specific biosecurity precautions are undertaken at the laboratory. |
Additional Information
Customer Service
Contact Customer Service for enquiries relating to testing and results, quotations and pricing, couriers, sample submission and invoicing.
NSW DPIRD's laboratories are committed to continual improvement of services. If you would like to provide feedback, please fill in and submit the online feedback form.
CONTACT DETAILS | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 1800 675 623 |
| Operating Hours | 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday (excluding public holidays) 8:30am-12:00pm Saturday (for deliveries only) |
| Postal Address | Private Bag 4008, Narellan NSW 2567 |
Quotations
For Animal export, Plant health or Veterinary quotations, please complete the online quotation request
Submission Forms
Veterinary Specimen Advice Form
Please Note: These documents are not fully web accessible, please contact Customer Service (laboratory.services@dpird.nsw.gov.au) for more information.
Further information
Courier services and specimen delivery
For NSW submissions, please contact the relevant Customer Service team for courier account details and to order consignment notes.
For submitters outside of NSW, Couriers can be contacted directly to make bookings and arrange collection of packages at the submitters own cost.
Commercial couriers may use either road or air transport and specimens should therefore be packed in accordance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements. Most submission sent by veterinarians to the APHL for testing are defined as “Biological Substance Category B” and must be packed according to the IATA packing instructions 650 (Biological Substance Category B). As requirements for transport can change, customers should consult with their transport agent to obtain current requirements.
Samples may also be hand delivered to the site during normal business hours (8.30am - 4.30pm).
Sample Type | Laboratory | Street Address |
|---|---|---|
Animal (including aquatic animals) | NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories (APHL) | EMAI, Woodbridge Road, Menangle NSW 2568 |
