{"id":20038,"date":"2026-09-05T15:42:38","date_gmt":"2026-09-05T08:42:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/?p=20038"},"modified":"2026-08-28T15:48:10","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T08:48:10","slug":"wry-neck-in-chickens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/en\/industry-news\/wry-neck-in-chickens\/","title":{"rendered":"What Causes Wry Neck in Chickens? Key Differential Diagnoses and When to Call a Veterinarian"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wry neck in chickens, also referred to as <\/span><b>torticollis<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, is a neurological or neuromuscular clinical sign that can result from many different conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Important differential diagnoses include not only Newcastle disease and vitamin E deficiency, but also avian influenza, avian encephalomyelitis in young chickens, Marek\u2019s disease, botulism or other toxicities, trauma, and other neurological disorders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wry neck is <\/span><b>not a single disease<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The cause should therefore not be determined solely from neck posture, the number of affected birds, or vaccination history.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When neurological signs occur together with sudden deaths, respiratory signs, or a rapidly increasing number of affected birds, priority should be given to ruling out important infectious diseases and obtaining veterinary assessment promptly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Key takeaways<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wry neck in chickens is a sign of neurological or neuromuscular dysfunction, not the name of a specific disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Important differential diagnoses include Newcastle disease, avian influenza, vitamin E deficiency associated with nutritional encephalomalacia, avian encephalomyelitis, Marek\u2019s disease, botulism or other toxicities, trauma, and other neurological disorders.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If multiple birds simultaneously develop neurological or respiratory signs, a sudden decline in egg production, or unexpected mortality, the flock should be treated as potentially affected by a serious infectious disease and veterinary assistance should be sought promptly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If only a few birds are affected and there are clear concerns about the ration or feed quality, nutritional causes may be considered, but this does not rule out an infectious disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Newcastle vaccination history helps assess risk but cannot by itself exclude Newcastle disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not independently administer high doses of vitamins or selenium, use response to vitamin supplementation as a \u201cdiagnostic test,\u201d or continue prolonged empirical treatment while the cause remains unknown.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>What Does Wry Neck in Chickens Look Like?<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Common External Signs and Neck Postures<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wry neck can appear in several forms and levels of severity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In mild cases, a chicken may tilt its head to one side or hold its head in an unusual position.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the condition becomes more severe, the neck may twist, the head may turn backward or downward, or the bird may be unable to maintain a normal head-and-neck position.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common presentations include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Head tilted to one side, sometimes accompanied by circling or deviation while walking.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Head held low, making it difficult for the bird to orient itself when eating or drinking.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neck twisted backward or the head maintained in an abnormal position.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of balance, tremors, weakness, or uncoordinated movements.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased recumbency, difficulty standing, or paralysis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In some cases, a limp or drooping neck in which the bird cannot support its head.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These findings indicate <\/span><b>neurological or neuromuscular dysfunction<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The underlying problem may involve the brain, cerebellum, peripheral nerves, or neuromuscular transmission.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A limp, drooping neck should be distinguished from a rigidly twisted neck because a flaccid neck can occur with disorders such as botulism, which causes progressive flaccid paralysis.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neck posture alone is not sufficient to identify the cause.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other information should be considered, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age of the birds;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How quickly new cases are appearing;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mortality;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Respiratory and digestive clinical signs;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaccination history;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feed and nutrition;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other epidemiological factors.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Which Age Groups Are More Commonly Affected, and What Other Signs Matter?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wry neck may occur at different ages, although certain causes are more relevant during particular stages of production.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Chicks and very young chickens:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> consider avian encephalomyelitis, vitamin E deficiency associated with nutritional encephalomalacia, certain neurological infections, and developmental or incubation-related abnormalities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Young and growing chickens:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Marek\u2019s disease, nutritional disorders, and infectious diseases should all be considered.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Chickens of different ages:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Newcastle disease, avian influenza, botulism or other toxicities, trauma, and systemic diseases may occur depending on flock circumstances.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Important accompanying clinical signs include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coughing, rales, sneezing, respiratory difficulty, or respiratory discharge.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced feed or water intake, depression, or collapse.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sudden reduction in egg production or abnormal eggs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An unexpected increase in mortality.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tremors, ataxia, leg weakness, paralysis, or seizures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A limp, drooping neck or inability to support the head.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When wry neck occurs together with respiratory disease, a marked decline in laying performance, systemic illness, or sudden mortality, <\/span><b>Newcastle disease and avian influenza should be prioritized as important differential diagnoses<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These diseases may produce overlapping clinical pictures and cannot be reliably distinguished from each other by farm observation alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If only a small number of birds show neurological signs without obvious respiratory or digestive disease, nutritional disorders, trauma, Marek\u2019s disease, toxicity, or other neurological disorders may also be considered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, a small number of affected birds does <\/span><b>not<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> rule out infectious disease, particularly during the early stages of an outbreak.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Major Causes of Wry Neck in Chickens<\/b><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20027\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20027\" style=\"width: 937px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20027\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istockphoto-2160806773-612x612-1.jpg\" alt=\"Checking chickens for neurological signs and possible causes of wry neck\" width=\"947\" height=\"631\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istockphoto-2160806773-612x612-1.jpg 612w, https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istockphoto-2160806773-612x612-1-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 947px) 100vw, 947px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20027\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Wry neck in chickens may be associated with Newcastle disease, avian influenza, vitamin E deficiency, toxicity, Marek\u2019s disease, or other neurological disorders.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><b>Infectious Neurological Disease \u2013 Especially Newcastle Disease<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Newcastle disease is one of the most important infectious diseases to rule out when neurological signs appear in a poultry flock.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Affected chickens may show:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tremors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paralysis or paresis of the wings or legs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Circling.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spasms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Twisted neck or torticollis.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Respiratory signs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced or stopped egg production.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased mortality depending on virus virulence and flock status.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Newcastle disease can spread rapidly through a susceptible flock.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The virus may be transmitted through respiratory secretions, feces, direct contact, and contaminated equipment or environments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, these clinical signs are <\/span><b>not specific to Newcastle disease<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Newcastle disease can produce a clinical picture very similar to <\/span><b>avian influenza<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Highly pathogenic avian influenza may cause severe systemic disease, sudden mortality, a decline in egg production and, in some affected birds, neurological abnormalities such as <\/span><b>ataxia, paralysis, or torticollis<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Wry neck should not automatically be interpreted as Newcastle disease based solely on clinical appearance.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When Newcastle disease or avian influenza is suspected, movement, sale, or removal of birds from the premises should be avoided.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A veterinarian or the appropriate local veterinary authority should be contacted for assessment, sample collection, and instructions on appropriate disease-control measures.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A separate article in the Poultry Diseases section provides a more detailed discussion of Newcastle disease, including pathogenesis, vaccination programs, and outbreak management.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Vitamin E Deficiency and the Role of Selenium<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Among nutritional differential diagnoses, <\/span><b>vitamin E deficiency<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is particularly important when young chickens develop nutritional encephalomalacia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamin E deficiency may result in cerebellar injury and clinical signs including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ataxia.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unsteady gait.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tremors.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loss of balance.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abnormal head-and-neck postures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recumbency and difficulty accessing feed or water in severe cases.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Risk may increase when:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ration does not provide adequate vitamin E.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamin\u2013mineral premix is omitted or incorrectly incorporated.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feed is stored under poor conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dietary fats become oxidized or rancid.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diets contain substantial amounts of unstable fat without adequate antioxidant protection.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Selenium deficiency should not be treated as an equivalent neurological cause of nutritional encephalomalacia.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Selenium participates in antioxidant systems and has important biological interactions with vitamin E, but selenium deficiency in poultry is more clearly associated with conditions such as <\/span><b>exudative diathesis and nutritional myopathy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, depending on the ration and other interacting nutritional factors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamin E and selenium may both be involved in certain nutritional muscle disorders, but their deficiency syndromes and mechanisms are not identical.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Selenium also has a relatively narrow margin between adequate and excessive intake.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For this reason, selenium should not be independently increased in feed or drinking water beyond product-label directions or a professionally formulated ration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A separate poultry-nutrition article provides more detailed information about vitamin E deficiency, diagnosis, and nutritional management.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Other Important Causes: Avian Encephalomyelitis, Marek\u2019s Disease, Botulism, Toxicity, Trauma, and Congenital Abnormalities<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several other diseases and disorders can also produce neurological abnormalities.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Avian encephalomyelitis:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> particularly important in chicks. The virus can spread vertically through eggs as well as horizontally, primarily by the fecal\u2013oral route. Vertically infected chicks may show neurological signs during the first week after hatching, while horizontally infected chicks often develop clinical signs later, <\/span><b>typically at 2\u20134 weeks of age<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Typical findings include fine tremors of the head and neck, ataxia, leg weakness, paralysis, and recumbency.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Marek\u2019s disease:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> should be considered when chickens develop weakness, ataxia, paresis, or paralysis associated with peripheral nerve involvement. Leg paresis or paralysis is more characteristic than wry neck, so torticollis should not be treated as a defining sign of Marek\u2019s disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Botulism:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a neurotoxin-mediated disorder that may cause progressive weakness and flaccid paralysis. Birds may lose the ability to support the head and neck, producing the characteristic <\/span><b>\u201climberneck\u201d<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> appearance. This presentation differs from the rigid twisting of the neck seen with some central neurological disorders.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Other toxicities:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> certain chemicals, medicines, ionophores, or feed contaminants may cause weakness, ataxia, neurological dysfunction, or paralysis. Diagnosis depends on exposure history, feed history, and professional assessment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mechanical trauma:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> injury to the head or neck, housing accidents, transport trauma, or fighting may produce an abnormal neck posture.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Congenital abnormalities:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> some chicks hatch with abnormal head or neck positions related to developmental abnormalities or incubation conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is not appropriate to rule out only Newcastle disease and vitamin E deficiency and then assume that the remaining cause is obvious.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When the cause remains unclear\u2014especially if case numbers increase, mortality becomes abnormal, or multiple neurological signs develop\u2014the flock should receive veterinary assessment and appropriate diagnostic testing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Differentiating Newcastle Disease From Vitamin E Deficiency in Chickens With Wry Neck<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The following comparison can help guide initial assessment, but it is <\/span><b>not a diagnostic tool<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Newcastle disease and vitamin E deficiency are only two of several possible causes of neurological signs. Avian influenza, avian encephalomyelitis, Marek\u2019s disease, botulism, and other conditions should still be considered according to the clinical and epidemiological picture.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Criterion<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Newcastle Disease<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Vitamin E Deficiency \/ Nutritional Encephalomalacia<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cause<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infection with Newcastle disease virus<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamin E deficiency and dietary factors that impair antioxidant protection<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Transmission<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can spread rapidly through a susceptible flock<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does not spread directly from one bird to another<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Number of affected birds<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Case numbers may increase over time; only a few birds may be affected during the early stage<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">May occur sporadically or affect multiple birds receiving the same problematic ration<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other clinical signs<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Respiratory signs, diarrhea, reduced egg production, systemic illness, and increased mortality may occur<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ataxia, tremors, and other neurological abnormalities are usually more prominent<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can affect different age groups depending on immunity and exposure<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutritional encephalomalacia is particularly relevant in young chickens<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Progression<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">May develop rapidly and spread through the flock<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depends on severity of deficiency, ration, and extent of neurological damage<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mortality<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Varies according to virus virulence and flock status and may be high<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No single mortality rate applies; severe neurological damage may carry a poor prognosis<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaccination history<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Helps assess risk but does not rule out Newcastle disease<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not a determining factor<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feed quality<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cannot be used to confirm or exclude Newcastle disease<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Missing vitamin E premix, oxidized feed or fat, or poor storage may increase suspicion but do not confirm diagnosis<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h3><b>Findings That Increase Suspicion of Newcastle Disease<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suspicion of an infectious disease such as Newcastle disease should increase when:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The number of affected birds rises over time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiple chickens develop neurological, respiratory, or digestive signs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sudden deaths occur or flock mortality rises unexpectedly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Egg production drops abruptly or abnormal eggs appear.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are gaps or problems in the vaccination program.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Birds, people, vehicles, equipment, or other materials have recently entered from higher-risk sources.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poultry disease activity has been reported in the surrounding area.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>A complete vaccination history does not by itself rule out Newcastle disease.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaccination can reduce disease risk and severity, but <\/span><b>Newcastle vaccines do not provide sterile immunity<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Vaccinated birds may still become infected.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The level of protection also depends on factors such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaccine type;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Timing;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Administration technique;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flock immunity;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Infectious challenge.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Newcastle disease may also resemble avian influenza clinically.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore, when a flock develops unexpected mortality, neurological and respiratory signs, or a major reduction in egg production, the two diseases should not be differentiated solely on clinical signs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bird movement should be restricted and veterinary or competent veterinary-authority guidance should be obtained.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Findings That Increase Suspicion of Vitamin E Deficiency<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suspicion of vitamin E deficiency may increase when:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is a clear problem with ration formulation, premix use, or feed storage.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feed smells rancid or dietary fat appears oxidized.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Young chickens develop ataxia and neurological signs without evidence of rapidly spreading disease.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no clear flock-wide respiratory or systemic disease pattern.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiple birds receiving the same feed batch develop similar abnormalities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These findings are <\/span><b>only suggestive<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamin E deficiency should not be diagnosed simply because the birds were vaccinated against Newcastle disease or because only a few individuals are affected.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a nutritional problem is suspected:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preserve feed information and samples when practical.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check the ration formulation and premix.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Review storage conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consult a veterinarian or poultry nutrition specialist.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not independently increase vitamin E or selenium above product instructions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>On-Farm Observation and Initial Measures Before Veterinary Assessment<\/b><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20029\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20029\" style=\"width: 1037px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20029\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istockphoto-1455089781-612x612-1.jpg\" alt=\"Observing a chicken with abnormal neck posture and neurological signs on a farm\" width=\"1047\" height=\"561\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istockphoto-1455089781-612x612-1.jpg 612w, https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istockphoto-1455089781-612x612-1-300x161.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1047px) 100vw, 1047px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20029\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">When neurological signs appear, farms should record the number of affected birds, associated symptoms, vaccination history, feed changes, and progression of new cases.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><b>Observation Checklist: Affected Birds, Associated Signs, Vaccination History, and Recent Feed Changes<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before contacting a veterinarian\u2014or while professional assessment is being arranged\u2014farm personnel should collect the following information:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Number of affected birds and proportion of the flock.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age of the flock.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Date the first clinical signs appeared.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Number of new cases each day.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Number of deaths and when they occurred.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Presence of respiratory signs, diarrhea, reduced egg production, or systemic illness.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether the neck is rigidly twisted or limp and unable to support the head.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Newcastle vaccination history and other poultry vaccinations.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaccine name, date of administration, and method of administration when known.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feed type, batch number, supplier, and duration of use.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recent changes in feed odor, color, moisture, batch, or supplier.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Changes in drinking water, medicines, feed additives, or mixed products.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recent entry of people, vehicles, equipment, or new poultry from outside the farm.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If possible, photographs or videos of the abnormal movements or posture can be preserved for veterinary assessment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Do not independently perform a necropsy on birds suspected of Newcastle disease or avian influenza without professional guidance.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Handling carcasses, organs, and contaminated material may increase the risk of spreading infectious material within the premises or to other locations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>If Vitamin E Deficiency Is Suspected: Nutritional Review and Feed Checks<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the ration or feed quality raises concern about a nutritional cause, priority checks include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expiry date, batch number, and feed-storage conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Moisture, rancidity, clumping, or other unusual changes in feed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether the vitamin\u2013mineral premix was incorporated according to the formulation and instructions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sources of dietary fat and their storage conditions.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Retaining feed packaging, labels, batch information, and samples when useful for investigation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consulting a veterinarian or nutrition specialist to evaluate the ration.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vitamin supplementation followed by \u201cwaiting to see whether the birds recover\u201d should <\/span><b>not<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> be used as a diagnostic test.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Selenium should not be independently increased above product-label instructions or the professionally designed ration because inappropriate supplementation may cause toxicity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the actual cause is infectious disease, vitamin supplementation does not replace biosecurity, diagnostic testing, or outbreak-control measures.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Isolation, Cleaning, Disinfection, and Movement Restriction<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Until Newcastle disease, avian influenza, or another important infectious disease has been excluded, priority should be given to <\/span><b>reducing unnecessary handling and movement of birds<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Temporary biosecurity measures may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid unnecessary catching, pen changes, or movement of birds between production areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the facility has an isolation area and separation can be performed under an established biosecurity procedure without increasing disease-spread risk, follow the instructions of the responsible veterinarian.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Restrict entry into poultry areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Do not allow people arriving from other poultry farms or live-bird markets to have direct contact with the flock.<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not share feeders, equipment, boots, or other materials between areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clean and disinfect equipment, pathways, and vehicles according to the farm\u2019s biosecurity procedures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not transport, sell, or move chickens away from the farm while a serious infectious disease is suspected.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the cause is later confirmed to be nutritional, traumatic, or another non-contagious condition, management can then be adjusted according to the actual diagnosis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>When Should a Veterinarian Be Contacted Immediately?<\/b><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20032\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20032\" style=\"width: 964px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20032\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istockphoto-598143492-612x612-1.jpg\" alt=\"Veterinarian evaluating a chicken with wry neck and neurological symptoms\" width=\"974\" height=\"654\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istockphoto-598143492-612x612-1.jpg 612w, https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istockphoto-598143492-612x612-1-300x201.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 974px) 100vw, 974px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20032\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Prompt veterinary assessment is recommended when several birds develop neurological signs, mortality rises, respiratory signs appear, or case numbers increase rapidly.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><b>Warning Signs Requiring Prompt Veterinary Assessment<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no need to wait 24\u201348 hours for case numbers to increase if the flock already shows serious warning signs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact a veterinarian promptly when:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chickens die suddenly or mortality rises unexpectedly.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiple birds develop neurological signs at the same time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wry neck occurs with respiratory difficulty, coughing, systemic illness, or a marked decline in egg production.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New cases increase rapidly within the flock.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Birds develop paralysis, seizures, or can no longer reach feed and water.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The flock shows signs compatible with Newcastle disease or avian influenza.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Poultry disease activity has been reported in the surrounding area.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiple birds become ill after introduction of a new feed batch, medicine, or feed additive.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cause remains unclear after initial observation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not spend several days trialing vitamin supplementation before seeking veterinary assistance when Newcastle disease, avian influenza, or another significant infectious disease has not been excluded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When Newcastle disease or avian influenza is suspected, unnecessary movement, sale, or slaughter of birds should be avoided and a veterinarian or the competent local veterinary authority should be contacted for further instructions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Information to Prepare Before Calling a Veterinarian<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prepare:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Total flock size and number of symptomatic birds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age, breed, and production purpose.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Date clinical signs were first observed.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Number of new cases and deaths by day.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Photographs or videos when available.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Respiratory, digestive, and neurological clinical signs and changes in egg production.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaccination history, including vaccine type, date, and administration method.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feed name, batch number, supplier, and storage history.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recent changes in feed, water, medicines, or additives.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Measures already taken.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recent entry of people, vehicles, equipment, or new poultry.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More complete information gives the veterinarian a stronger basis for determining differential diagnoses and whether sample collection and laboratory testing are needed.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Frequently Asked Questions About Wry Neck in Chickens<\/b><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_20034\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20034\" style=\"width: 1032px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-20034\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istockphoto-2234802888-612x612-1.jpg\" alt=\"Veterinarian examining a chicken with wry neck to identify the underlying cause\" width=\"1042\" height=\"528\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istockphoto-2234802888-612x612-1.jpg 612w, https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/istockphoto-2234802888-612x612-1-300x152.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1042px) 100vw, 1042px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20034\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Whether wry neck is contagious and how it should be managed depends on the underlying cause, which may be infectious, nutritional, toxic, traumatic, or neurological.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3><b>Can Wry Neck Spread to Other Chickens?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It depends on the underlying cause.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the neurological signs are caused by an infectious disease such as Newcastle disease or avian influenza, transmission within the flock may be substantial depending on the pathogen and epidemiological conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Avian encephalomyelitis can be transmitted vertically through eggs and horizontally, primarily through the fecal\u2013oral route.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Neurological disease is particularly important in young chicks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If wry neck is caused by vitamin E deficiency, trauma, or certain toxicities, the condition itself does not spread directly from bird to bird.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, multiple birds showing neurological signs does not automatically prove an infectious cause because the entire flock may have been exposed to the same problematic feed batch or toxin.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conversely, only a few affected birds do not exclude infectious disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Until the cause has been clarified, cautious biosecurity and close flock monitoring are appropriate.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Can Wry Neck in Chickens Be Treated?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The possibility of recovery depends entirely on the underlying cause and the extent of neurological damage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chickens with nutritional encephalomalacia associated with vitamin E deficiency may respond to nutritional correction when the condition is identified sufficiently early, but recovery depends on the severity of cerebellar injury.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When neurological damage is severe, complete recovery may not occur.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For Newcastle disease or avian influenza, <\/span><b>the goal is not to self-treat individual birds on the farm<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The priority is to identify the cause and implement appropriate flock-level control measures under veterinary guidance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Young chicks with clear neurological signs caused by avian encephalomyelitis may also have a poor prognosis once substantial neurological disease has developed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recovery from botulism may occur in some cases depending on toxin exposure and severity of paralysis, but the source of toxin must also be identified and controlled.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is therefore <\/span><b>no single treatment for every case of \u201cwry neck.\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>Should a Chicken With Wry Neck Be Culled?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A decision about culling or humane euthanasia should consider:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Underlying cause.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severity of neurological impairment.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ability to eat and drink independently.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ability to stand and move.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pain, distress, or severe debilitation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prognosis for recovery.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Animal-welfare considerations.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A bird should not automatically be removed from the flock merely because all cases of wry neck are assumed to be contagious.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conversely, birds that are severely paralyzed, unable to eat or drink, continuously recumbent, or have a very poor prognosis should be <\/span><b>assessed by a veterinarian to determine an appropriate humane management option<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a regulated or important infectious disease is suspected, birds should be managed according to veterinary or competent-authority instructions rather than independently transported or removed from the premises.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>How Long Does Vitamin E Deficiency Take to Improve?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no single recovery time applicable to every case.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Response depends on:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severity of vitamin E deficiency.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Age of the birds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Duration of clinical signs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extent of cerebellar injury.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether the nutritional diagnosis is actually correct.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nutritional encephalomalacia may respond to correction of vitamin E deficiency when irreversible neurological injury has not occurred, but some neurological damage may not fully resolve.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Therefore, improvement\u2014or lack of improvement\u2014over several days should <\/span><b>not<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> be used as a diagnostic test for vitamin E deficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ration correction should be based on feed evaluation and guidance from a veterinarian or nutrition specialist.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>How Can Wry Neck Affect Meat or Egg Production?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The effect depends on the underlying cause and disease severity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Birds with severe neurological dysfunction may:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have difficulty reaching feed and water.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Show reduced growth.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have a greater risk of mortality or removal from the flock.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Experience compromised welfare.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In laying flocks, systemic diseases such as Newcastle disease or avian influenza may be associated with substantial reductions in egg production and abnormal eggs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When a nutritional problem is identified and corrected early, production losses may be more limited, but complete recovery should not be assumed for every affected bird.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When the cause is a rapidly spreading infectious disease, economic losses may result from:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Morbidity;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mortality;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduced productivity;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Disease-control measures.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Strengthening Early Poultry Disease Recognition at VIETSTOCK 2026<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wry neck in chickens is not a disease in itself. It is a neurological sign that may arise from very different causes, ranging from serious infectious diseases such as Newcastle disease to <\/span><b>vitamin E deficiency and other nutritional imbalances<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, toxicity, trauma, or other neurological disorders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For livestock producers, the priority is therefore not to continue empirical treatment based on appearance alone.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Important information includes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Number of affected birds;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Associated clinical signs;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaccination history;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Feed quality and recent feed changes;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Speed at which cases are increasing within the flock.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This information helps determine when veterinary involvement is necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At <\/span><b>VIETSTOCK 2026<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, this topic connects with broader solutions for proactive poultry-health management, particularly for farms seeking to strengthen infectious-disease prevention, nutrition management, and biosecurity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The event is expected to bring together more than <\/span><b>300 brands<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, over <\/span><b>10,000 sqm of exhibition area<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><b>13,000 trade visitors<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from more than <\/span><b>40 countries and territories<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the perspective of early disease recognition and prevention in poultry, visitors can:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Explore poultry vaccines and disease-prevention solutions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> review approaches that help farms reduce risks from Newcastle disease and other important poultry diseases associated with neurological or systemic clinical signs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Connect with nutrition and feed-additive providers:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> explore solutions for balanced rations, vitamin and mineral supplementation, feed quality, and support for <\/span><b>flock resilience and general health<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Explore biosecurity solutions:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> review approaches to housing hygiene, disinfection, movement control, equipment management, and isolation procedures when disease is suspected.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Improve flock-health data management:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> record affected birds, mortality, vaccination history, feed changes, and clinical progression to support investigation and veterinary decision-making.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Connect with veterinary and specialist solution providers:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> discuss appropriate next steps when a flock develops neurological, respiratory, digestive, or abnormal production signs.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Through the <\/span><b>VIETSTOCK 2026 Livestock Roadshows in Bac Ninh, Dong Thap and Ho Chi Minh City<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, VIETSTOCK 2026 continues to bring practical knowledge on disease prevention, flock management, biosecurity, and livestock production efficiency to key livestock-producing regions. For poultry farmers, this is also an opportunity to strengthen their procedures for monitoring, isolation, and coordination with veterinary professionals as soon as abnormal signs appear in the flock.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Date:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 21\u201323 October 2026<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>Venue:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), 799 Nguyen Van Linh Street, Tan My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Event website:<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/en\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">VIETSTOCK 2026 English website<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\ud83d\udc49 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/en\/online-registration-2\/\"><b>Visitor registration for VIETSTOCK 2026<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\ud83d\udc49 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/en\/event-features\/vietstock-2026-livestock-roadshows-bringing-industry-knowledge-to-key-livestock-regions\/\"><b>Learn more about the VIETSTOCK 2026 Livestock Roadshows<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p><b>Contact information:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Exhibiting:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ms. Sophie Nguyen \u2013 Sophie.nguyen@informa.com<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>Visitor Support:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ms. Phuong \u2013 Phuong.C@informa.com<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>\n<\/span><b>Marcom Support:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ms. Anita Pham \u2013 Anita.pham@informa.com<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wry neck in chickens is a neurological sign that may be linked to Newcastle disease, vitamin E deficiency, avian influenza, Marek\u2019s disease, botulism, toxicity or trauma. Learn the key causes and warning signs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":20039,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[45],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v15.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Wry Neck in Chickens: Causes, Signs and When to Call a Vet<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn what causes wry neck in chickens, including Newcastle disease, vitamin E deficiency, avian influenza, Marek\u2019s disease, botulism and other causes.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/en\/tin-nganh\/ga-bi-ngheo-co-la-benh-gi-2\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Wry Neck in Chickens: Causes, Signs and When to Call a Vet\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn what causes wry neck in chickens, including Newcastle disease, vitamin E deficiency, avian influenza, Marek\u2019s disease, botulism and other causes.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/tin-nganh\/ga-bi-ngheo-co-la-benh-gi-2\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Vietstock Expo and Forum\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-09-05T08:42:38+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-08-28T08:48:10+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/wry-neck-in-chickens.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"675\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\">\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"19 minutes\">\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/\",\"name\":\"Vietstock Expo and Forum\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/?s={search_term_string}\",\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en\"},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/tin-nganh\/ga-bi-ngheo-co-la-benh-gi-2\/#primaryimage\",\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/wry-neck-in-chickens.jpg\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":675,\"caption\":\"Wry neck in chickens can be associated with infectious, nutritional, toxic, traumatic, or other neurological causes and should not be diagnosed from neck posture alone.\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/tin-nganh\/ga-bi-ngheo-co-la-benh-gi-2\/#webpage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/tin-nganh\/ga-bi-ngheo-co-la-benh-gi-2\/\",\"name\":\"Wry Neck in Chickens: Causes, Signs and When to Call a Vet\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/tin-nganh\/ga-bi-ngheo-co-la-benh-gi-2\/#primaryimage\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-09-05T08:42:38+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-08-28T08:48:10+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/#\/schema\/person\/caaf897414eac1b9f130df4ddb9e34d6\"},\"description\":\"Learn what causes wry neck in chickens, including Newcastle disease, vitamin E deficiency, avian influenza, Marek\\u2019s disease, botulism and other causes.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/tin-nganh\/ga-bi-ngheo-co-la-benh-gi-2\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/tin-nganh\/ga-bi-ngheo-co-la-benh-gi-2\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/tin-nganh\/ga-bi-ngheo-co-la-benh-gi-2\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"item\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/en\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/en\/\",\"name\":\"Trang ch\\u1ee7\"}},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"item\":{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/tin-nganh\/ga-bi-ngheo-co-la-benh-gi-2\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.vietstock.org\/tin-nganh\/ga-bi-ngheo-co-la-benh-gi-2\/\",\"name\":\"What Causes Wry Neck in Chickens? 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