Risk factors for Newcastle disease in broiler farms in Israel

Following a large outbreak of Newcastle disease (ND) in Israel, a cross-sectional study was conducted in the broilers sector. The aim of the study was to find geographical and farm related risk factors for ND. Information was available on 96% of the broiler farms in Israel. Of these, farms diagnosed with ND in the years 2010–2012 were compared with the other farms. Risk factors for ND were analyzed, using Generalized Estimating Equation models. Six variables were found to be associated with the risk for ND outbreak: a distance of less than 300 m from another farm (OR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.07–2.93), a distance of less than 6000 m from a national border (OR = 2.00, 95% CI 1.22–3.30), farm location in the Ha'amakim district (OR = 2.46, 95% CI 1.32–4.61), village type: a Moshav (village) vs. Kibbutz (Cooperative village) (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.04–3.70), and carcass disposal in an uncovered bin (OR = 1.96, 95% CI 1.18–3.26). A distance of less than 800 m from an inter-city road was found to be a protective factor (OR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.37–0.98). The results of this study provide information that may be used to improve surveillance and control of ND.