EFFECTS OF CLIMATIC VARIATIONS ON THE SPREAD AND OUTBREAK OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE. A CRITICAL LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Purpose: Poultry plays a key role in the lives of the poor rural population in developing countries. Poultry production is constrained especially among small scale farmers due to Newcastle Disease. This study aimed to investigate the underlying climatic variables and other factors that contributed to the seasonal outbreak and spread of ND. It also examined the socio-economic impacts of ND to the small scale poultry farmers and various strategies that had been put in place to manage this disease.

Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps

Conclusion: The research concludes that there is a relationship between climate variables and ND. Poultry farmers got many benefits from keeping of free range indigenous chicken. These included income, food (eggs and meat) and also source of self-employment. From the study, it was found out that farmers use different methods to control the disease. These include use of traditional herbs such as grounded garlic mixed with water; grounded aloe mixed water, fresh milk and grounded mangoes.

Recommendations: The government should employ more extension officers and decentralize veterinary offices to the sub-location levels so as to bring services to the farmer. This will enable farmers to get technical assistance without travelling long distances. Establish quarantine system to curb the spread of the disease and also establish a slaughter house to allow inspection. This will ensure that only healthy chicken are sold to consumers among others.