Newcastle Disease In Chickens: Key Facts for UK Keepers

Newcastle Disease In Chickens: What UK Keepers Need To Know

While thankfully rare in the UK, Newcastle disease is one of the most serious illnesses that can affect chickens. Every keeper should be aware of what it is, how it spreads, the signs to look out for, and what to do if they suspect it. In this post, I’ll explain the essentials, so you know exactly where you stand.

What is Newcastle disease?

Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects chickens and other birds, including captive and wild species. There are several strains, and symptoms vary depending on which body systems are affected, but the disease can be severe and sometimes fatal.

In the UK, Newcastle disease is classed as a notifiable disease, just like avian flu. This means you have a legal duty to report any suspected case immediately.

Humans are not normally affected by Newcastle disease, though in some rare cases, people who have direct contact with infected birds may develop a short-lived eye infection. This usually clears up without treatment.

Current UK situation

The last time Newcastle disease was confirmed in the UK was back in 2006. The current risk level in the country is considered low, although cases have been reported in parts of Europe more recently. That said, even with a low risk status, you should remain vigilant. Reporting the disease early not only helps protect your own chickens but stops it from spreading elsewhere. It also stops you from landing in hot water with authorities, and avoids serious legal consequences.

Why reporting matters

Newcastle disease can have a major impact on animal welfare, public health and the poultry sector as a whole. Because of this, failure to report suspected Newcastle disease is an offence.

If you suspect Newcastle disease, you must report it immediately:

England: Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301
Wales: 0300 303 8268
Scotland: Contact your local Field Services Office

You should report suspicion straight away, even if you are unsure. For more information about reporting, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/newcastle-disease

Signs of Newcastle disease in chickens

The symptoms of Newcastle disease can develop suddenly and may be severe, or they can appear more gradually with milder signs. Some birds deteriorate quickly, while others show fewer obvious symptoms.

Nervous system signs

These are often the most distinctive and worrying. They include:

• Loss of balance and uncoordinated movement
• Head tilt or twisted neck
• Tremors or convulsions
• Partial or full paralysis
• Head shaking

Respiratory signs

Breathing problems are common. Look for:

• Sneezing and coughing
• Gurgling or rattling sounds
• Open-beak breathing or gasping

Digestive signs

Changes to droppings can occur, such as:

• Watery diarrhoea
• Yellowish-green droppings
• In some cases, droppings may contain blood

Changes in laying and behaviour

Affected hens may suddenly stop laying or lay poor quality eggs. Keep an eye for:

• Drop in egg production
• Soft-shelled eggs
• Loss of appetite
• Depression and lethargy

While some of these symptoms can be signs of other illnesses, any combination of these signs, particularly if you see neurological symptoms, should be treated seriously.

Treatment for Newcastle disease

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for Newcastle disease. Moreover, trying to nurse an infected hen back to health before reporting a suspected case is neither beneficial nor legal.

There is a vaccination for Newcastle disease; however, this is primarily used on commercial poultry farms, not in backyard flocks. Your vet may advise its use in situations

• Where birds are kept in higher-risk settings
• Where there is frequent contact with other poultry
• During periods of increased disease risk
• For breeders or exhibitors who move birds regularly

However, it is important to remember that vaccinated hens can still become infected and pass on the virus, even if they show fewer symptoms.

How Newcastle disease spreads

The virus spreads very easily between birds and environments. Direct contact with infected birds, especially through droppings, is the most common route. It can also spread indirectly through contaminated footwear, clothing, equipment, vehicles, feed, and water.

Wild birds can also play a role in transmission. Waterfowl such as ducks and geese can carry viruses related to Newcastle disease, and the risk increases during bird migration seasons when contact with wild birds. some from other parts of the world, is more likely.

The virus can survive for several weeks in cool, damp conditions, particularly in bedding, faeces, standing water, and debris.

Practical biosecurity steps for small UK flocks

Most of the biosecurity advice provided online is written for commercial poultry farms, but the same principles apply to backyard flocks, though on a simpler and more realistic scale. The main precautions are:

Keep footwear and hands clean

Have dedicated coop footwear, such as wellies that are only used around your birds. Wash your hands after handling your chickens or equipment, and avoid visiting other poultry keepers when disease risk is higher.

Avoid sharing equipment

Do not lend or borrow feeders, drinkers, crates, or tools. At the same time, keep your poultry equipment separate from your garden tools, and clean items you have used in the coop before storing them.

Clean coop and run regularly

Remove droppings frequently and carry out routine coop cleaning. If disease is suspected locally, increase cleaning frequency and disinfect equipment and footwear. For more information about hygiene, read our post 10 Tips to Safely Clean Your Chicken Coop.

Manage water carefully

Change your hens’ drinking water daily and clean drinkers regularly. Also, make sure that wild birds cannot access your chickens’ water, as shared water sources increase disease risk.

Keep housing and runs dry

Newcastle disease can spread more quickly in damp conditions. You can minimise the risk by ensuring there is good drainage and making sure that bedding is dry. Replace wet litter promptly and avoid muddy, waterlogged areas where viruses survive for longer.

What happens if Newcastle disease is suspected?

If you report suspected Newcastle disease, vets from the Animal and Plant Health Agency will investigate. If the disease is confirmed, control measures will be put in place under the UK’s notifiable disease control strategy.

You may be instructed to keep birds housed, stop the movement of poultry, and follow specific biosecurity rules. These measures are designed to contain the disease quickly and protect other flocks. Sadly, it may mean infected birds are culled to prevent further spread.

Key takeaways

• Newcastle disease is rare in the UK but extremely serious
• It is a notifiable disease and must be reported immediately
• Symptoms often include nervous signs, breathing problems, and sudden drops in egg production
• The virus spreads easily through droppings, people, equipment, water, and wild birds
• Simple, consistent biosecurity greatly reduces risk
• Always report suspicion rather than waiting or guessing

Conclusion

Most UK keepers will never encounter Newcastle disease, but knowing what to look for and how to respond is part of responsible chicken keeping. Staying alert, maintaining good hygiene, and acting quickly if something seems wrong protects your flock and helps safeguard poultry across the country.