Newcastle disease is fairly common around the world but thankfully, the UK doesn’t have many outbreaks (the last one according to DEFRA was 2006). The symptoms of Newcastle disease can be quite varied. Newcastle disease together with Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) is a notifiable disease in the UK.
A notifiable disease is a disease named in section 88 of the Animal Health Act 1981 or an Order made under that Act. Section 15(1) of the Act says that:
any person having in their possession or under their charge an animal affected or suspected of having one of these diseases must, with all practicable speed, notify that fact to a police constable.
Commercial flocks are vaccinated against Newcastle disease at the same time as they are vaccinated for infectious bronchitis and all racing pigeons leaving the UK (and returning on their own hopefully!) are vaccinated against it. The virus is quite tough, being able to survive in dead birds for many weeks afterwards.
Species Affected: All but especially turkeys and chickens.
Other Names: Avian Distemper, Paramyxovirus, Fowl Pest
Symptoms: Can be quite varied. In growers: Gasping, coughing and wheezing / chirping. After a couple of weeks, sometimes nervous system problems – twisted neck, droopy wings, dragging legs. In adults: Wheezing, emarald green droppings, soft-shelled eggs or drop in egg production and later on, nervous system symptoms such as twisted neck, droopy wings, dragging legs.
Causes: Paramyxovirus.
Transmission: By inhaling the virus via respiratory discharges from carriers or ingesting it via excretions e.g contaminated feed.
Diagnosis: Symptoms above and post-mortem findings.
Prevention: Vaccination (Intervet) if in a high risk area, good biosecurity.
Treatment: Isolate infected birds in a warm location, provide them with a good diet and a vitamin supplement in their water.
Risk to Human Health: Infection to the eyes / conjunctivitis with flu-like symptoms. Usually temporary and should clear after a couple of weeks.
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There are a number of diseases which can produce similar signs:
- Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)
- Riemerella (Ducks)
- Goose Parvovirus (Geese and Muscovy Ducks)
- Duck Viral Enteritis (Ducks)
- Duck Viral Hepatitis (Ducks)
- Infectious Bronchitis
- Infectious LaryngioTracheitis (ILT)
- Aspergillosis (Especially when Bark Chips are used in runs)
Tip: The tags under the related articles below allow you to view other articles on diseases with those symptoms.
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