Evaluation of the Epizootiology of the Newcastle Disease Virus

Newcastle Disease (ND) is a disease of viral aetiology that spreads rapidly and affects various species of domestic and wild birds. Among these species, the domestic pigeon (Columba livia) has been incriminated as a host and spreader of the disease not only to production birds, but also to wild birds. Little is known about the ability of pigeons previously infected with a pathogenic strain of Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) to transmit the disease to chickens. In view of this, and considering that Brazilian poultry farming plays an important role in the country's trade balance, it is imperative to begin studies aimed at expanding knowledge about the epizootiology of NDV, linking pigeons and chickens subjected to experimental infection and vaccination against strains of NDV. With this information, the real role played by the pigeon in the epidemiological chain of ND can be measured, especially with regard to the spread of the disease to chickens, as well as adding information with regard to immunoprophylaxis measures, enabling better control of the disease.