Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

Which necropsy findings suggest Newcastle disease and warrant notifying authorities?

1. Plaques in the trachea and on the air sacs

2. Fluid in the brain

3. Hemorrhages and edema in multiple systems

4. Enlarged liver and spleen

The correct answer is: Hemorrhages and edema in multiple systems

Newcastle disease is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects birds, and it can have severe implications for poultry health and industry. The presence of hemorrhages and edema in multiple systems is indicative of systemic involvement, which is a hallmark of Newcastle disease. This condition often results in a generalized inflammatory response that leads to bleeding and swelling in various organs and tissues. The necropsy findings reflecting these severe pathological changes are critical as they not only suggest active infection but also signify a high level of virulence associated with the Newcastle virus. In the context of regulations and disease outbreak management, any necropsy finding that indicates widespread systemic effects, like hemorrhages and edema, necessitates prompt notification to veterinary and health authorities. This is because such findings can signal an ongoing outbreak that may pose serious risks to avian populations and potentially to human health in certain contexts, depending on the species of birds infected and how closely they interact with agricultural practices. In contrast, while other findings like plaques in the trachea and on the air sacs can be associated with respiratory diseases, they may not be as immediately alarming or indicative of an outbreak scenario as the systemic impacts seen with hemorrhaging and edema. Similarly, fluid in the brain and enlarged liver and spleen