March 1, 2022

Newcastle disease detected in major Singapore egg farm

An outbreak of Newcastle disease has been confirmed at Seng Choon Farm, one of Singapore's three biggest farms, The Straits Times Singapore reported.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said there will be supply disruptions from the farm over the next few weeks.

Koh Yeow Koon, Seng Choon Farm managing director, said they suspected the first signs of Newcastle disease following lower egg production. Singapore's Animal Veterinary Service (AVS) confirmed the disease, which affects the birds' respiratory, nervous and digestive systems.

Koh said disease has resulted in 40% to 50% drop in egg production. Seng Choon Farm produces 600,000 eggs daily or 10% of Singapore's egg supply.

Koh also said more frequent cleaning will be conducted to prevent the spread of the diseases, and the vaccination programme for the chickens will be relooked.

Koh said egg supply is projected to recover in one to two months.

SFA is in talks with Chew's Agriculture and N&N Agriculture, the country's two other egg farms, to step up their biosecurity measures.

The SFA said 70% of Singapore's hen shell egg supply is imported from Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Spain and Poland.

-      The Straits Times Singapore