Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of Newcastle disease in rural poultry in Maputo district in Mozambique and to get an insight in rural family poultry production and management. The study included two different parts; a serology study of the prevalence of Newcastle disease by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a small survey about management by a questionnaire. Samples were collected from three different areas/villages in Maputo district; Michanulane, Mafavuka 2 and Magude. Chickens, ducks and turkeys were included in the study. Blood samples were collected for serology and cloacal swabs were collected for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and virus isolation. From 237 serum samples 106 were positive for antibodies against Newcastle disease virus, this gives a prevalence of 45%. If all vaccinated birds are excluded (12 birds) the prevalence is 44%. The highest prevalence was in turkeys (71%) followed by ducks (44%) and chickens (41%). When it comes to the questionnaire about production and management many of the families thought that their biggest problems were diseases and predators, but many also had problems with theft and sufficient feed to the poultry. Most of the households we visited didn’t vaccinate against Newcastle disease even though many of them were aware of the disease and many said that they had problems with the disease. The high seroprevalence of Newcastle disease in this study supports the general opinion that Newcastle disease is widely spread and one of the biggest constraints to rural poultry production. This was a small study that only took place in three different areas in Maputo province and therefore a bigger study covering more areas throughout the country and a more thorough questionnaire about production and management would be necessary to get a more exact picture about the prevalence and other possible problems. At the same time it is important not to forget that other factors than Newcastle disease have an impact on the poultry production and that education about poultry management is important to increase the production.