January 8, 2020

Newcastle disease outbreak reported in Dominican Republic

Agriculture minister, Osmar Benítez said the recent Newcastle disease outbreak was caused by poultry producers not continuing the poultry vaccination programme, reported Dominican Today.

The Newcastle disease outbreak, which occurred in the Espaillat province, was incorrectly diagnosed as bird flu. Newcastle disease was first detected in the Dominican Republic in 1960 and has affected poultry production in the Cibao area.

Benetiz said both bird flu and Newcastle disease have similar symptoms in chicken, such as poor appetite, and death in more severe cases. 

He added that bird flu was first detected in the Dominican Republic in late 2017, with an outbreak declared in early 2018. The country was declared free from bird flu but new cases of the virus have been discovered in recent years. However, it has not reduced poultry production in the country. 

-      Dominican Today