Newcastle disease: keep your flock alive

Newcastle disease is a viral disease of chickens and other birds. In an unvaccinated flock it can kill almost every bird within a few days. Backyard, broiler and layer flocks are all at risk, especially in the dry season.

Signs to look for

• Sudden deaths, sometimes with few signs beforehand
• Gasping, coughing and rattling breathing
• Green, watery droppings
• Twisted necks, paralysis of the legs or wings, and walking in circles
• Swelling around the eyes and head
• A sudden drop in eggs, with soft-shelled or misshapen eggs

How it spreads

The virus is carried in droppings and in the air breathed out by sick birds. It travels on people’s shoes and clothes, crates, egg trays, feed bags and vehicles, and with wild birds. Live bird markets are a major source.

Vaccination

Ask your vet for a programme that suits your birds and area. A typical programme looks like this:

• First week of life: an eye-drop or drinking-water vaccine.
• Around 3 weeks: a booster in drinking water.
• From about 6 to 8 weeks for longer-lived birds: an injectable vaccine.
• Layers and breeders: repeat boosters during lay, as your vet advises.
• Village chickens: a heat-stable eye-drop vaccine is available and works well every 3 to 4 months.

Handling vaccines correctly

• Keep vaccines cold (2 to 8 °C) in a cool box, out of the sun.
• Use clean water without chlorine. Add a little skimmed milk powder to protect the vaccine.
• Hold back water for 1 to 2 hours before vaccinating so birds drink the vaccine quickly.
• Use mixed vaccine within 1 to 2 hours and give enough drinkers for every bird.

If birds start dying

• Call a vet immediately and stop all sales and movement of birds and eggs.
• Keep visitors away and change boots and clothes between houses.
• Burn or bury dead birds deeply, away from water.
• After the outbreak, clean, disinfect and rest the house before restocking.

This guide is general information. It is not a substitute for advice from a vet who has examined your animals.