Newcastle disease
Newcastle disease is a virus that circulates naturally in some Australian wild birds. A mild form is able to mutate to a virulent form, which causes a high number of deaths in birds.
Past outbreaks of virulent Newcastle disease have occurred in Australia, which were successfully contained and eradicated. Australia is currently considered free of the virulent Newcastle disease virus.
It is mandatory by law for certain chickens to be vaccinated for Newcastle disease in South Australia.
Newcastle disease is not considered a human health risk.
Symptoms in birds
Poultry infected with Newcastle disease may show the following symptoms:
- swollen head
- nasal discharge
- loss of appetite
- drop in egg production
- misshapen or thin-shelled eggs
- respiratory distress including coughing and gasping
- diarrhoea that may be bright green
- nervous signs including paralysis and convulsions
- sudden death or increase in mortality rate
If your birds show any of the symptoms listed above, please immediately contact your local veterinarian, or phone the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline.
Vaccinations for Newcastle disease
Under the Livestock Act 1997, any poultry flock with over 1,000 chickens, where at least one chicken is over 24 weeks of age, must be vaccinated with Newcastle disease vaccine. This is in accordance with the Newcastle Disease Management Plan coordinated by Animal Health Australia.
Commercial broilers exempt from Newcastle disease vaccination must be serologically monitored, in accordance with the aforementioned plan.
Chickens used in the commercial chicken industry as egg-laying or breeding birds must be vaccinated for Newcastle disease before they enter South Australia. See Poultry movement in South Australia.