Participatory control of Newcastle disease in village poultry using thermostable vaccines in Uganda

Village poultry is one of those abundant assets for the rural poor in Uganda that could be utilized to eradicate poverty in the country since poultry farming addresses the needs of the underprivileged in society especially women and children. Newcastle disease has been identified as the principal disease limiting rural poultry production in low-income food-deficit countries (LIFDCs). The disease kills up to 70-100% of household poultry and therefore is a major constrain in village free-range poultry production. It causes heavy losses estimated between US$ 62 million and US$ 78 million per annum in Uganda. The available vaccines in the country are not suitable for the free-range village production system because their costs are high and administered in doses and require cold chain. Novel genotypes of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strains have also been reported in Uganda recently which may result in vaccination failures. Although studies have demonstrated immense benefits that accrue from vaccination, there has not been a successful vaccination programme for decades in Uganda because of lack of suitable vaccines and lack of understanding of the challenges and therefore the opportunities for a successful vaccination strategy for the free-range poultry production system. This study will use participatory action research to understand the challenges and limitations that constrain effective Newcastle disease (ND) control among village rural poultry in Uganda and work closely with farmers and stakeholders to identify opportunities to effectively control of the disease.