USDA NVAP Global Health Practice Test

Ducks and geese are recognized for their resistance to Virulent Newcastle Disease (VND). This resistance is significant because VND can cause high mortality rates in many avian species, leading to severe economic losses in poultry industries. Ducks and geese often show either no clinical signs or only mild symptoms when exposed to the virus, which allows them to carry the disease without succumbing to it or exhibiting severe illness. This characteristic makes them important in studies of VND and helps inform biosecurity measures in poultry farming.

Chickens, pigeons, and turkeys, in contrast, are typically more vulnerable to VND and can exhibit severe health impacts or high mortality rates. This difference in susceptibility underscores the unique role that ducks and geese play in the epidemiology of Newcastle disease. Understanding the varying levels of resistance among different bird species is crucial for managing outbreaks and implementing effective control measures in the poultry industry.