Fast spreading Virus Threatens Poultry

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Newcastle disease virus, or NDV, is a virus that makes birds sick. It can spread really fast and hurt many kinds of birds, like chickens, turkeys, ducks, and wild birds. Farmers can lose a lot of money if birds get sick because sick birds may die or stop laying eggs. People usually do not get seriously sick from NDV, but sometimes it can make eyes itchy or give a small cold.

NDV is a tiny germ that lives inside birds. There are different types of NDV. Some types are weak and only make birds a little sick. Birds with weak NDV might sneeze or cough, but they usually get better quickly. Other types are strong and can make birds very sick or even die. Strong NDV can hurt the bird’s stomach or intestines, giving green poop, or it can hurt the bird’s nerves, making them shake, fall down, or act funny. Because there are many types, birds can get different sicknesses.

Birds with NDV show many signs. Sick birds often sneeze, cough, or have runny noses. Their eyes can swell up. Some birds shake or fall over. Chickens might stop laying eggs. Very sick birds can die suddenly without warning. Farmers and bird owners need to watch their birds carefully. Finding sick birds early helps stop the virus from spreading to other birds.

NDV spreads very fast. Birds can pass it to other birds through the air when they sneeze or cough. It can also spread if birds touch food, water, cages, or things that sick birds touched. People can carry the virus on clothes, shoes, or hands without knowing it. Wild birds can also bring the virus to farms. The virus can live outside a bird for a long time, so cleaning farms and keeping things clean is very important.

The best way to protect birds is vaccination. Farmers give birds vaccines that help them fight the virus. Vaccines usually come as drops or shots. Farmers also need to keep wild birds away, clean cages and equipment, and watch for sick birds. The World Organization for Animal Health says these things can stop NDV from spreading and help farmers avoid losing many birds.

People usually do not get sick from NDV. Sometimes it can make your eyes itchy or give a little cold, but it is not serious. Washing hands and being careful with sick birds is enough to stay safe.

Newcastle Virus is dangerous for birds because it spreads fast and can kill them. Vaccines, clean farms, and keeping wild birds away help chickens and other birds stay safe. Humans are mostly safe, but NDV can still cause big problems for farms, birds, and food.

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I'm Edgar Gonzalez, a junior at Poudre High School. This is my first year writing for the Poudre Press. In my column, I cover topics about animal viruses. I also wrestle for Poudre High School. When I graduate from Poudre High School I want to work in the trades as either an Electrician or a Plumber.

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