A retrospective study on the prevalence and monthly distribution of Newcastle disease in poultry in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Newcastle disease (ND) is a major constraint to poultry production in Africa. A retrospective study was conducted to determine the prevalence of ND and its distribution by months in poultry from the records of monthly disease reports (MDRs) submitted by eight (8) of the twenty (20) Area Veterinary Offices (AVOs) in Bauchi State. Cases of ND in proportion to the total poultry cases for the period of 60 months (June 2010-May 2015) were used to determine the prevalence of ND, while, the average number of cases per month was used to create a bar chart to illustrate the monthly pattern of distribution of ND. The prevalence of reported cases of ND in poultry was 11.6% (26166/225891x100). The highest number of cases (>500) was frequently reported between October and January; and in May. The results highlight the need to monitor the occurrence of ND and to apply strategic vaccination as a control measure for the disease before the month of October and May in all the communities.

Keywords: Area Veterinary Office, Bauchi State, Monthly disease report, Newcastle disease, Prevalence, Nigeria