SAG confirmó virus de Newcastle en aves muertas.

El Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero de Chile (SAG) confirmó la presencia en ocho aves marinas muertas del virus de la "enfermedad de Newcastle", de la cual Chile se encuentra libre desde 1975. El hallazgo se produjo el pasado 29 de junio en Constitución, en la Séptima Región, 270 kilómetros al sur de Santiago. Según informó hoy el director del organismo, Carlos Bahamondes, desde esa fecha se han intensificado las medidas de vigilancia en la población de aves marinas del lugar. Éstas incluyen el catastro, vigilancia y reforzamiento de las medidas de bioseguridad en las aves domésticas del área.

Description: Newcastle disease virus (NDV). A type strain for avian pramyxoviruses, members of this family have a single stranded, linear, RNA, with an elliptical symmetry. The total genome is roughly 16,000 nucleotides. Replication of the the virus takes place in the cytoplasm of the host cell.

Transmission: NDV is spread primarily through direct contact between healthy birds and the bodily discharges of infected birds. The disease is transmitted through infected birds' droppings and secretions from the nose, mouth, and eyes. NDV spreads rapidly among birds kept in confinement, such as commercially raised chickens.

Treatment: There is no known treatment for Newcastle Disease.

Diagnosis: Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA), PCR, Sequence technology

Sample: For routine isolation of NDV from chickens, turkeys, and other birds, samples are obtained by swabbing the trachea and the cloaca. Cotton swabs can be used. The virus can also be isolated from the lungs, brain spleen, liver, and kidneys.

Handling: Prior to shipping samples should be stored at 4 C. (refrigerator). Samples must be shipped in a padded envelope or box. Samples may be sent by regular mail, but overnight is recommended.