Newcastle virus causes a highly contagious viral disease that occurs in birds (turkeys, pigeons, pheasants, chickens). The causative agent affects the central and peripheral nervous system, lungs and intestines. The mortality rate among sick birds is extremely high. The virus was first discovered on the island of Java in 1926. It took him 44 years to spread everywhere. What is this disease? How does it affect birds? How does the Newcastle virus manifest in humans? The answers to all these questions and not only you will find out below.
We study the disease from the inside out
The main causative agent is the Avian paramyxovirus virus, which persists in bird corpses for up to 5 months. It can be killed not only by disinfectants (from 20 to 30 minutes), but also by simple sunlight (maximum 10 minutes). A virus is excreted with feces, pulmonary mucus, and when birds exhale. The bird is contagious about two weeks after the outbreak. Newcastle virus in humans spreads as a result of a
pathogenic bacteria entering the body. Usually she "travels" with:
- feed;
- shoes of staff;
- non-disinfected poultry products;
- wild birds, flies, dogs and rats.
The vaccine from Newcastle develops in birds a strong immunity to the pathogen 6-8 days after immunization. She does not possess medicinal properties.
Symptoms
Even a person who has never encountered birds can recognize a disease. There are four forms of the disease, but they all have similar symptoms:
- paralysis of the wings and legs;
- apathy of the bird to the outside world;
- green feces mixed with blood and mucus;
- respiratory distress (cough, shortness of breath and sneezing).
The Newcastle virus in humans manifests itself in the form of influenza and conjunctivitis with a slight inflammation of the lymph nodes. Usually ailment is accompanied by fever.
How can I catch the Newcastle virus?
In humans, it causes very unpleasant symptoms, similar to those that occur with a cold. You can become infected if you do not systematically observe hygiene or breathe in contaminated air. To "pick up" the disease, it is enough to touch the eyes with dirty hands. If a person has weakened immunity, then it is better to be hospitalized in a medical institution, since the virus may well cause complications.
Treatment
Patients shown symptomatic treatment. Namely, if the disease manifested itself in the form of conjunctivitis, then the patient is shown a visit to an ophthalmologist. He will conduct an inspection and appoint the necessary funds. If there are symptoms of a cold, then prescribe antipyretic and antiviral drugs. Young children should be hospitalized, as the virus can lead to severe brain damage. Usually they are observed by doctors for a week.
Protection and Prevention
Despite the fact that the Newcastle virus is not so dangerous for humans, preventive measures will not interfere. After visiting the house, you should always wash your face and hands well, as well as treat the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose with special antiviral drugs. If you know that the bird is sick, then it is best to exclude any contact with it. In such cases, you should call a veterinarian to assess her condition. Be healthy!