Retrospective Study Of Newcastle Disease Cases In Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

A ten year retrospective study (1990-1999) of the prevalence of Newcastle disease (ND) and other poultry diseases diagnosed at the Poultry Health Clinic of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria was conducted. A prevalence rate of 32.3% (812 cases) was recorded for ND out of 2513 cases of poultry diseases. The highest number of outbreaks of ND was recorded during the dry season (January – March). One hundred and ninety seven (24.3%) cases of ND were recorded in birds within 11-15 weeks age group. Fewer outbreaks of ND were recorded in broilers when compared to layers and local chickens. Only 1 case of ND was recorded in turkeys. Most of the outbreaks of ND (46.7%) were recorded in flocks with 1-80 birds and 23.4% of the outbreaks were recorded in flocks with 51-100 birds. Outbreak of ND was closely associated with age, type and specie of birds, vaccination status, flock size, source of birds and feed.