Which necropsy finding would most strongly suggest Newcastle disease and warrant notifying authorities?

• A. Hemorrhages And Edema In Multiple Systems
• B. Plaques In The Trachea And On The Air Sacs
• C. Enlarged Liver And Spleen
• D. Dry, Compact Feces

Answer: (A)

Virulent Newcastle disease causes widespread vascular damage, so the necropsy finding of hemorrhages and edema across multiple organ systems is the strongest clue pointing to this disease. When the virus disseminates, vessels leak and tissues become edematous and hemorrhagic in several organs, making this pattern quite characteristic and, importantly, a reason to alert authorities because Newcastle disease is notifiable and requires quick reporting to prevent spread.

Plaques in the trachea and on the air sacs can occur with other respiratory diseases and aren’t as specific to virulent NDV. Enlarged liver and spleen or dry, compact feces are nonspecific findings that can result from many conditions and don’t point as strongly toward Newcastle disease.