Journal of
Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health

  • Abbreviation: J. Vet. Med. Anim. Health
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2529
  • DOI: 10.5897/JVMAH
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 415

Full Length Research Paper

Postmortem incidence and trends of Newcastle disease lesions among chicken presented for diagnosis at Makerere University Central Veterinary Laboratory: A retrospective study

Ndidde, Y
  • Ndidde, Y
  • Department of Animal Production and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Busitema University, P. O Box 236, Tororo, Uganda.
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Akullo, J
  • Akullo, J
  • School of Food Science and Technology, College of Agricultural and Environmental sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
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Zirintunda, G
  • Zirintunda, G
  • Department of Animal Production and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Busitema University, P. O Box 236, Tororo, Uganda.
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Ekou, J*
  • Ekou, J*
  • Department of Animal Production and Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Busitema University, P. O Box 236, Tororo, Uganda.
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  •  Received: 22 April 2014
  •  Accepted: 27 June 2014
  •  Published: 31 August 2014

Abstract

In Uganda, endemic poultry diseases especially Newcastle disease (ND) presents an important limiting factor in the development of commercial poultry production and establishment of trade links. However, there was limited information about its incidence and trends. A retrospective study was conducted to determine incidence and trends of ND among chicken presented for post mortem diagnosis at Makerere University Central Veterinary Laboratory over a period of ten years (2002 to 2011). A total of 1,548 necropsy records were reviewed. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS-16) and Epi-info statistical packages. The total annual ND necropsy cases analysed generally increased from 2002 to 2011 with peaks in 2006 and 2011. Of the 1,548 birds presented, 362 were diagnosed with ND lesions representing an overall incidence of 23.4% over the study period. The frequency of ND was lowest (14%) in 2003 and highest in 2011 (32%). The total monthly cases peaked in the months of May and October. The wet season was possibly the most favourable for the transmission of viruses. However more studies are required to understand epidemiology of ND in Uganda.

 

Key words: Newcastle disease, postmortem prevalence, lesions, trends.

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This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

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