November 3, 2008
Vaccination for poultry against Newcastle disease to be implemented in South Africa
The veterinary services department has embarked on an intensive vaccination programme for Newcastle disease in poultry in all provinces of South Africa using locally manufactured vaccines.
Director of the veterinary field services, Dr. Unesu Ushewokunze Obatolu said the monitoring of the current mass vaccination programme is of primary importance as the disease can kill poultry in large numbers if not controlled.
Newcastle is a highly infectious disease that affects the digestive, respiratory or nervous system of poultry.
Its signs and symptoms include sneezing, gasping for air, nasal discharge, coughing, passing of a greenish watery diarrhorea, muscular tremors, drooping wings, twisting of the neck and complete paralysis.
