07/09/2026
POULTRY DISEASE WEEK: DAY 5
NEWCASTLE DISEASE IN POULTRY: KNOW THE SIGNS & PROTECT YOUR FLOCK
Newcastle Disease is a highly contagious viral disease of poultry caused by the Newcastle disease virus. It can spread rapidly through a flock and may cause severe illness, production losses and high mortality.
HOW DOES NEWCASTLE DISEASE SPREAD?
The virus can spread through:
* Respiratory droplets and eye/nasal secretions
* The fecal-oral route
* Contaminated feeders and drinkers
* Contaminated poultry houses, equipment and surroundings
* Movement of infected birds and contaminated materials
SIGNS TO WATCH FOR
* Loss of appetite
* Depression and weakness
* Greenish diarrhea
* Mucus or nasal discharge
* Difficulty breathing
* Drop in egg production
ADVANCED SIGNS
As the disease progresses, birds may develop:
* Twisting of the neck
* Tremors
* Paralysis
* Sudden or high mortality
FORMS OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE
🔸 Respiratory Form – mainly affects breathing and may cause coughing, gasping and discharge.
🔸 Digestive Form – affects the digestive system and may cause diarrhea and loss of appetite.
🔸 Nervous Form – may cause tremors, paralysis, poor coordination and twisting of the neck.
PREVENTION & CONTROL
There is no specific treatment that eliminates the Newcastle disease virus, making prevention extremely important.
✅ Follow a strong vaccination programme appropriate for broilers, layers and free-range/indigenous chickens.
✅ Maintain strict biosecurity and limit unnecessary movement between poultry houses.
✅ Regularly clean and disinfect poultry houses, equipment, feeders and drinkers.
✅ Use appropriate virucidal disinfectants according to the product label.
✅ Provide supportive care where appropriate.
✅ Newcastle
Antibiotics may be prescribed for secondary bacterial infections, but they do not treat the Newcastle disease virus itself.
IMPORTANT: Newcastle Disease can spread very quickly. If you notice sudden deaths, green diarrhea, breathing difficulties or nervous signs such as a twisted neck, seek veterinary assistance immediately.
Remember: A good vaccination programme combined with strong biosecurity is one of the best ways to protect your flock against Newcastle Disease.