newcastle disease

Main Entry: New·cas·tle disease
Pronunciation: 'n(y)ü-"kas-&l-, n(y)ü-'
Function: noun
: a disease of domestic fowl and otherbirds caused by a paramyxovirus (genus Rubulavirus) and resembling bronchitis or coryza but in later stages distinguished by nervous invasion leading to incoordination, tremors, and twitching ofthe head and being especially destructive of young birds although all ages may be attacked called also pseudoplague

Newcastle disease

a serious viral disease of birds caused by a paramyxovirus and marked by respiratory and nervous system problems. Some adult birds recover, although mortality rates are high in tropical and subtropical regions. Young chickens are especially susceptible and rarely survive. Signs are variable in turkeys and almost absent in ducks. There is no effective treatment. Vaccines are available and are given repeatedly for best protection. Humans can become infected by handling sick birds but usually develop only a temporary conjunctivitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the inner surface of the eyelid).

Learn more about Newcastle disease with a free trial on Britannica.com.