Participatory Control of Newcastle Disease in Vllage Poultry Using Thermostable Vaccines in Uganda

This study is investigating the limitations and challenges that constrain control of Newcastle disease (ND) in village freerange poultry. The project is implemented in Bulyansime village in Iganga District. Baseline data on knowledge, attitudes and practices, socioeconomic and pre-vaccination sero-status was established before intervention. Vaccination was thereafter undertaken every three months together with data collection on production dynamics and ND antibody status. Four rounds of vaccinations have so far been done and preliminary data shows protective effect of the vaccine and increase in poultry numbers and better health. Emerging challenges and other diseases such as Fowl pox that were never noticed because most birds would be wiped out by ND are becoming more evident. Farmers have also become aware of availability of control measures for ND that they thought never existed and confidence is gradually building that it can be controlled through vaccination. The next efforts of the project will dwell on further building this confidence and community empowerment, bringing all stakeholders on board to ensure easy availability of vaccines and supply mechanisms and other support mechanisms for emerging issues including marketing as well as other opportunities for sustainable control of ND.