Newcastle is an avian viral infection with no cure. Spreads very fast from infected birds to uninfected birds that have not been vaccinated and can cause up to 100% mortality.
One of the signs of Newcastle disease is twisting of the neck and staggering while in motion. Newcastle affects the central nervous system which is responsible for signal relay by the brain to the limbs and ear drum. This facilitates motion and balance respectively.
Egg production decline
Newcastle affects egg production. It leads to the production of deformed eggs, light shelled eggs, eggs with watery albumen, unstable yolks and decline in egg production. In some occasions, birds lay shell- less eggs and in severe situations, the bird lays a meaty protein. A normal egg has its yolk in the centre of the albumen while a hen with Newcastle has its yolk separated from the albumen and the yolk is watery.
Other signs
Tremors, weakness and penguin stature. This is a common sign in layers. Limb joints are either fully or partially paralyzed. In partial paralysis one leg is paralyzed and is common in birds that are previously vaccinated but have been attacked by a different strain of Newcastle. With complete paralysis, the legs appear as though a withering or drying stick.
Immobility where both legs and wings are paralyzed. The bird can neither stand, walk, nor use its wings for balance.
Depression. The bird appears to be in a sited position and as though dozing all the time with one or both eyes closed all the time.
Gasping, coughing and diarrhoea. Birds affected by Newcastle produce dark green watery diarrhoea with blood sometimes.
