Which of the following clinical signs is a strong indicator of Newcastle disease in poultry?

Newcastle disease is a highly contagious viral infection that significantly impacts poultry, leading to severe clinical signs. The presence of neurological signs and respiratory distress is a hallmark indicator of this disease. Affected birds may exhibit symptoms such as tremors, paralysis, twisted necks, and other neurological abnormalities, alongside respiratory issues like coughing, nasal discharge, and difficulty breathing.

The combination of these respiratory and neurological symptoms helps in distinguishing Newcastle disease from other poultry diseases. This is crucial for timely diagnosis and implementation of control measures to prevent further spread of the disease.

In contrast, increased feed intake, regular egg production, and decreased water consumption do not align with the typical symptomatology of Newcastle disease. Increased feed intake and regular egg production would generally be signs of healthy birds, while decreased water consumption could indicate a range of other health issues, but not specifically Newcastle disease. Therefore, neurological signs and respiratory distress serve as significant indicators for identifying Newcastle disease in poultry.