Why is Virulent Newcastle Disease (VND) a concern for poultry?

Virulent Newcastle Disease (VND) poses a significant threat to poultry due to its ability to cause extensive economic losses in the commercial poultry industry. This disease is highly contagious and can lead to high mortality rates in infected flocks, severely impacting production levels. When VND outbreaks occur, they can disrupt supply chains, lead to culling of affected birds, and necessitate costly biosecurity measures to control the spread of the virus.

The concern is heightened because VND not only affects the health and welfare of the birds but also has wider implications for food security and poultry-related economies. While vaccination can help control the disease, outbreaks can still occur, particularly if vaccination coverage is inadequate or if there is a circulation of different strains that vaccines may not fully protect against. Therefore, the negative impact on commercial operations is a crucial reason why VND is a major concern within the poultry industry.