Division of Animal Health and Dairy Services

• Egg Grading
• Diagnostic and Testing Services

Animal Health: Biosecurity Program

• Biosecurity for Poultry Facilities
• Biosecurity for Live Bird Markets
• Biosecurity for Livestock Auctions
• Feed and Grain Stores Selling Poultry
  

Additional Information:

• Chick Brochure
• Poultryman's Handbook
• MDAR Regulation:
  330 CMR 5.00: Poulty and Eggs

Bureau of Animal Health

Exotic Newcastle Disease

Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) is an acute rapid-spreading respiratory disease of all birds. END is a virus characterized by respiratory distress (gasping) or diarrhea or encephalitis (brain infection.)  Birds can die so rapidly that you may not see these signs. END is higly fatal to young chicks and it causes a severe drop in egg production. Exotic birds may carry the disease without exhibiting clinical signs. More information is available on the APHIS Website.

Unfortunately the virus which causes END is highly contagious and resistant to destruction.  It can survive for several weeks in warm and humid environments and can survive indefinitely in frozen material. The virus is readily spread by contact with infected birds or materials contaminated with the causative virus which can include, crates, feed, packing materials and the shoes and clothing of individuals that come into contact with infected birds.  Biosecurity is of the utmost importance in preventing the spread of this disease.

Therefore, all poultry keepers in Massachusetts are urged to remain vigiliant in observing their birds for unexpected signs of disease.  For your own safety, the safety of your fellow poultry producers and to protect the economic viability of the poultry industry, do not move any sick birds off your premises that have not been evaluated by qualified disease investigators.

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS), has established a surveillance program for Avian Influenza and Exotic Newcastle Disease - AI/END. Diagnostic services are available through this program at no cost to the flock owner.

Flocks experiencing sudden mortality, respiratory symptoms, or swollen heads should contact the Department as soon as possible for assistance in submittal of these birds to the laboratory for necropsy at 617-626- 1795.

For Additional Information:

  APHIS Exotic Newcastle Disease Website

APHIS Publications:

• Good Neighbors Protect Poultry
• How Poultry Disease Spreads