Newcastle Disease: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments

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Newcastle disease in birds is characterized by a sudden onset of clinical signs which include hoarse chirps (in chicks), watery discharge from nostrils, labored breathing (gasping), facial swelling, paralysis, trembling, and twisting of the neck. See signs, symptoms and treatments below.

Newcastle Disease Synonyms: pneumoencephalitis-Species Affected

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The highly contagious and lethal form of Newcastle disease is known as viscerotropic (attacks the internal organs) velogenic Newcastle disease, VVND, exotic Newcastle disease, or Asiatic Newcastle disease. VVND is not present in the United States poultry industry at this time.
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Species affected: Newcastle disease affects all birds of all ages. Humans and other mammals are also susceptible to Newcastle. In such species, it causes a mild conjunctivitis.

Forms & Signs of Newcastle Disease

Three forms of Newcastle disease
  1. Mildly pathogenic (lentogenic)
  2. Moderately pathogenic (mesogenic)
  3. Highly pathogenic (velogenic).
Signs of Newcastle Disease
  • Hoarse chirps (in chicks)
  • Watery discharge from nostrils
  • Labored breathing (gasping)
  • Facial swelling
  • Paralysis
  • Trembling
  • Twisting of the neck (sign of central nervous system involvement)
  • Eat less feed
  • Drink less water
  • Significant drop in egg production..
Mortality ranges from 10 to 80 percent depending on the pathogenicity. (see Table 1 ,http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044#TABLE_1​).

How the Newcastle Virus is Transmitted

Transmission: The Newcastle virus can be transmitted short distances by the airborne route or introduced on contaminated shoes, caretakers, feed deliverers, visitors, tires, dirty equipment, feed sacks, crates, and wild birds. Newcastle virus can be passed in the egg, but Newcastle-infected embryos die before hatching. In live birds, the virus is shed in body fluids, secretions, excreta, and breath.

Newcastle Virus Treatment & Prevention

Treatment: There is no specific treatment for Newcastle disease. Antibiotics can be given for 3-5 days to prevent secondary bacterial infections (particularly E. coli ). For chicks, increasing the brooding temperature 5°F may help reduce losses.

Prevention: Prevention programs should include vaccination, good sanitation, and implementation of a comprehensive biosecurity program. 

How newcastle disease in Chickens can be prevented with the avinew vaccine

This animated video clearly explains how Newcastle disease is contracted and how the Avinew Vaccine can protect your chickens. Go to Avinew Vaccine

Best Buys on Newcastle Disease Virus Information

Respiratory Disease in Chickens: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments

See more respiratory diseases in chickens signs, symptoms, and treatments. Click here to see respiratory disease in chickens signs, symptoms and treatments

WRy Neck Disease

Wry neck disease is caused by a vitamin deficiency, has similar symptoms to Newcastle disease. Wry neck causes a chickens head to twist around and in most cases is curable. Unlike Newcastle disease which can run thru and kill your entire flock of chickens. Go to Wry Neck Disease

Chicken Illness and Disease: Signs, Symptoms & Treatments

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If your chicken is sick you will find our chicken sickness pages highly useful for signs, symptoms,  treatment and prevention Click here to view Chicken illness signs, symptoms, and treatments
Reference: Common Poultry Diseases. Retrieved Mar. 3, 2016 from ​http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044