Outbreak of Newcastle Disease among Recipients of the Poultry Dispersal Program in Bohol, Philippines, February 2013

Abstract

Newcastle disease (ND) is a disease endemic among poultry that causes huge economic losses in the Philippines, including the Province of Bohol. On 5 Mar 2013, the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV) received a report on high mortality of native chickens in four villages of Valencia, Bohol. A team from OPV went to the affected villages to conduct a disease investigation. Objectives of the investigation were to determine the cause and source of the outbreak, and recommend control measures to prevent future outbreaks. Initial information revealed that all affected farms received native chickens distributed by a government agency. The investigation was, hence, conducted in all 47 recipient farms using a structured questionnaire. Blood samples from ill chickens without history of vaccination were collected for hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test to determine antibodies against ND virus. Clinical signs and serological test suggested that the outbreak was caused by ND virus. Univariate analysis revealed that parent stocks which were introduced to farmers on 28 Feb 2013 were the risk factor (OR=19.2, 95% CI=3.5-105.9) for the outbreak in the four villages. Traceback investigation identified possible source of infection as the introduction of infected poultry from a dispersal program of the government. This outbreak underscored the need to strengthen movement control in all ports of entry in the province. Likewise, chickens under the dispersal programs must be vaccinated and quarantined before distribution to recipient farmers.