Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild birds and is considered one of the most important diseases in the global poultry industry. It is caused by Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), belonging to the genus Orthoavulavirus, family Paramyxoviridae, and is associated with high mortality rates, reduced production, and severe sanitary and trade restrictions.
The virus has different strains with varying degrees of pathogenicity, classified as lentogenic, mesogenic, and velogenic. The most virulent forms cause severe respiratory signs, neurological changes, diarrhea, head edema, a sharp drop in egg production, and high mortality. In less severe infections, clinical signs may be mild or even subclinical, making early detection of the disease difficult.
Virus transmission occurs mainly through direct contact between infected and susceptible birds, via respiratory secretions, feces, contaminated water, and feed. The movement of birds, people, equipment, and contaminated vehicles plays a key role in the spread of Newcastle disease between farms and regions.
Prevention and control are based on strict biosecurity measures, control of the movement of birds and poultry products, quarantine, and systematic flock vaccination. Vaccination is widely used as an essential tool for disease control and should be adapted to the production type, the regional sanitary challenge, and the country’s epidemiological status.
Laboratory diagnosis is essential for Newcastle disease surveillance and control. Serological and molecular methods, such as detection of the viral genome using molecular biology techniques, enable rapid and accurate identification of the agent. Immediate notification to the sanitary authorities is mandatory in suspected or confirmed cases, due to its status as a notifiable disease.
Continuous epidemiological surveillance, combined with laboratory testing, vaccination programs, and health education, is essential to prevent the introduction and spread of the virus. In this way, Newcastle disease control helps protect animal health, support poultry sustainability, and maintain the sanitary status of producing countries.
In this context, the Bioperfectus rapid test for Newcastle disease is a strategic tool for sanitary screening in poultry flocks. Its use enables rapid detection of suspected birds directly in the field, supporting the immediate adoption of containment measures such as isolating lots, strengthening biosecurity practices, and notifying official veterinary services. The rapid test therefore complements confirmatory laboratory methods, contributing to early identification of outbreaks, reduced NDV spread, and stronger epidemiological surveillance actions in poultry production.
