The limitations of a feed/water based heat-stable vaccine delivery system for Newcastle disease-control strategies for backyard poultry flocks in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Backyard poultry are a major contributor to egg and meat consumption in sub-Saharan Africa and an important source of income for many rural producers. Production throughout Africa is severely constrained by continuing outbreaks of Newcastle disease. The livestock-service sector lacks the resources and infrastructure to control Newcastle disease in extensive flocks without the active participation of producers. The development of ‘heat-stable’ Newcastle disease vaccines offers a potential solution. Trials over the last two decades have examined the effectiveness of heat-stable vaccines in both controlling Newcastle disease and in involving the rural community in control strategies. Constraints highlighted include the reliability of the vaccines using alternative delivery methods and the capacity of rural communities to apply those methods. The search for appropriate Newcastle disease-control strategies in extensive poultry systems should focus on policies and methodologies that incorporate the wider concerns and priorities of extensive producers.