"Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious disease of birds caused by a paramyxo virus. Many species of birds, including commercial, wild and pet birds, can be affected. The disease is a worldwide problem and sporadic outbreaks occur frequently. The last outbreak in chickens and turkeys in the UK was in 1997. It occurred in pheasants in 2005 and in partridges in 2006." Quoted from DEFRA