Guidance

Newcastle disease

Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects birds. This includes poultry and other species of captive and wild birds.

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First published:
19 November 2018
Last updated:

The disease was last confirmed in Great Britain in 2006. 

Humans aren’t normally affected. However, people in direct contact with infected birds may develop a very short-term eye infection. This passes without treatment. 

Latest situation 

If you keep poultry or birds, you must keep a close watch for, and report, any signs of Newcastle disease.

There is now a medium risk of the disease being introduced into the UK. During 2025 and 2026, there were cases reported in Spain, Poland and most recently Germany. The latest disease risk assessment can be found at Newcastle disease in Europe (on gov.uk).

Suspicion and confirmation

Contact your local Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) office immediately on 0300 303 8268, if you suspect Newcastle disease.

APHA vets will investigate suspected cases.

If the disease is confirmed, the outbreak will be controlled in line with the contingency plan for exotic notifiable diseases. The control strategy for notifiable avian diseases (on gov.uk) will be implemented.

Clinical signs

The following clinical signs may be present:

  • respiratory distress such as gaping beak, coughing, sneezing, gurgling, rattling
  • nervous signs characterised by tremors and paralysis, and twisting of the neck 
  • unusually watery faeces (diarrheoa) that are yellow-ish green in colour
  • depression
  • lack of appetite

Affected hens may also suddenly produce fewer eggs. Eggs that are laid may be soft shelled. 

The disease may lead to intense clinical signs, with a sudden onset leading to likely death. Or it may have a lesser effect, with breathing problems and lower egg production the only detectable signs. 

Transmission and prevention

The disease can be spread by direct contact with the bodily fluids of an infected bird, especially their faeces. 

It can also be spread indirectly through people and objects that have been in contact with infected birds, or their excretions (such as faeces). Objects that can carry the disease include: 

  • vehicles
  • equipment
  • clothing
  • water and feed

The disease can spread from wild to kept birds. Pigeons may carry pigeon paramyxovirus (on gov.uk), which can cause Newcastle disease in kept birds. 

You can help prevent the disease by:

  • vaccinating your animals against the disease – talk to your vet for advice 
  • practicing strict biosecurity on your premises

Legislation

The legislation covering Newcastle disease in Wales on the legislation.gov.uk website includes: 

First published

19 November 2018

Last updated

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