MOA to vaccinate chickens nationwide

The Animal Resources Division of the Ministry of Agriculture will vaccinate chickens across the country against the ‘Newcastle Disease’ (ND), locally known as ‘Chicken Sickness’-LINA reports.

The Ministry in a press release says the campaign will run from February 3-28, as a step towards controlling the disease and other poultry diseases in the 15 political sub-divisions of the country.

The severe pandemic of the ‘Chicken Sickness’ is observed between February and April every year, and can cause 100 percent mortality in unvaccinated chickens in rural communities, leaving poultry farmers without income and important source of animal protein.

Chickens that survive the disease as a result of immune build-up may produce less egg which may sometimes be misshaped. They will also produce less meat.

“By simply participating and making your chickens available for this vaccine will increase income for small farmers and achieve significant improvements for their families and other members of the community,” the press release said.

The Ministry of Agriculture is accordingly advising all poultry farmers to take advantage of the process and vaccinate their chickens so that they will not fall prey to the disease.

They are also seeking the cooperation of all county superintendents, district commissioners, clan chiefs, town chiefs, county agriculture coordinators, county livestock officers and cattle chairmen of various communities across the country in ensuring the success of the campaign.