What serves as the primary reservoir for Virulent Newcastle Disease (VND)?

Virulent Newcastle Disease (VND) primarily affects birds, and ducks and geese serve as crucial reservoirs for the virus. These birds can carry the virus without showing symptoms, which makes them a significant source of infection to domestic poultry. They can interact with both wild and domesticated bird populations, facilitating the spread of the virus to areas where commercial poultry are raised.

In contrast, other animals like pigs, cattle, and rats are not known to play a significant role in the epidemiology of Newcastle Disease, either due to lack of susceptibility or their inability to transmit the virus effectively within bird populations. This distinction highlights why ducks and geese are recognized as the primary reservoir for VND, making them central to understanding the disease dynamics and implementing effective control measures in poultry management.