A novel recombinant attenuated Newcastle disease virus expressing H9 subtype hemagglutinin protected chickens from challenge by genotype VII virulent Newcastle disease virus and H9N2 avian influenza virus.

•A recombinant genotype VII NDV co-expressing H9 subtype hemagglutinin was developed.•Insertion of the chimeric HA-F resulted in a recombinant virus with enhanced HA protein incorporation into virions.•rmNA-H9F induces both systemic and local immunity, providing full protection against NDV and AIV challenge.