Experimental Evaluation of Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) as a Vector of Newcastle Disease Virus

Watson, D. Wes; Niño, Elina L.; Rochon, Kateryn; Denning, Steve; Smith, Lynda; Guy, James S.

ND is an enveloped, negative-stranded RNA viral infection caused by avian paramyxovirus. Infected birds exhibit a variety of symptoms, including respiratory discomfort, sneezing, nasal discharge, coughing; nervous depression, drooping wings, tremors, paralysis, and gastrointestinal pathology, including greenish watery diarrhea (Alexander 1991 , APHIS 2003 . Migrating and exotic birds may be asymptomatic carriers and pose a risk to commercial ßocks. The highly contagious and fatal disease is spread through direct contact with infected birds, their feces, and secretions (Alexander 1991) . High virus titers in feces and secretions increase the potential of mechanical transmission of ND. Disease may be spread by exotic and feral birds, animals, poultry products, airborne, feed, water, and vaccines. Humans contribute significantly to the spread of ND, especially poultry workers, cleanout crews, rendering staff, feed delivery personnel, egg handlers, farmers, and vaccination crews (Alexander 1991) .