Detection and differentiation of strains of Newcastle Disease Virus by complement fixation.

A complement-fixation test to detect Newcastle disease virus with antiserum produced in guinea pigs is described. Methodology is given for serum production and for standardization of the test. The test was used to differentiate 13 strains of Newcastle disease virus. Velogenic strains, including isolants form 1970-71 disease outbreaks in California, Florida, and Texas, were poor complement-fixing antigens, whereas lentogenic strains, including LaSota, Hitchner, and England F, were strong complement-fixing antigens. Mesogenic strains ranged from weak to strong in complement-fixing capabilities. This test can be used to differentiate velogenic field isolants from vaccine strains such as LaSota, Hitchner, and Roakin.