Newcastle disease in Nigeria

Abstract

The first documented, confirmed outbreak of ND in Nigeria occurred between December 1952 and February 1953 in and around Ibadan (Hill et al.,1953). Subsequently, the disease appeared to be widespread in local and exotic chickens (Fatumbi and Adene, 1979; Ezeokoli et al.,1984; Gomwalk et al., 1985; Nwosu and Okeke, 1989). The local chickens, which are raised under the extensive system of management, where they roam freely and scavenge for food and hardly receive any prophylactic treatment or vaccine, are believed to act as reservoirs and carriers of ND infection for the exotic breed (Adu et al.,1986). Although ND is well studied in Nigeria, it is important to present a brief review on the disease and highlight the economic importance of the disease to the poultry industry.

Keywords: Review, Newcastle disease, Nigeria.

Nigerian Veterinary Journal Vol. 27 (2) 2006: pp. 23-32