Participatory control of Newcastle disease in village poultry using thermostable ND vaccines in Uganda

This study proposes to undertake participatory/action research to understand the challenges and limitations that constrain effective Newcastle disease (ND) control among village rural poultry in Uganda. Village poultry is one of those abundant assets for the rural poor in Uganda that could be utilized to eradicate poverty in the country addressing the needs of the underprivileged in society especially women and children. ND has been identified as the principal disease limiting rural poultry production in lowincome food-deficit countries (LIFDCs). The disease kills up to 70-100% of household poultry and therefore is of major economic importance constraining village free-range poultry production. It causes heavy losses estimated between US$ 62 million and US$ 78 million per annum in Uganda. The available vaccines in the country are not suitable for the free-range village production system because of big doses and require cold chain. Novel genotypes of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strains have also been reported in Uganda recently which may result in vaccination failures. Although studies have demonstrated immense benefits that accrue from vaccination, there has not been a successful vaccination programme for decades in Uganda because of lack of suitable vaccines and lack of understanding of the challenges and therefore the opportunities for a successful vaccination strategy for the free-range poultry production system. The proposed study would like to look at the limitations and challenges that are currently constraining village free-range poultry and work closely with farmers to identify opportunities through participatory approaches that will enable possible solutions to effectively control the disease. The proposed work will engage communities to strengthen innovative capacity and knowledge generation for ND control which is one key RUFORUM’s thematic areas. The proposed work will also compliment a bigger project that is developing potential thermostable ND vaccines from local strains by the same team. Start Date: Sept 1 2010; End Date: Sept 31 2012; Total Budget: USD 59,955