Newcastle Disease In Poultry

What Farmers Must Know and How AfriMach Feeds Can Help

Across Kenya and Africa at large, poultry farming has become one of the most promising agribusiness ventures. From small backyard flocks to large-scale commercial farms, chickens are a reliable source of income and nutrition. Yet, one invisible enemy continues to threaten the success of many poultry farmers — Newcastle Disease.

This viral disease remains one of the deadliest poultry illnesses, capable of wiping out an entire flock within days. For farmers who depend on their chickens to feed their families and sustain their livelihoods, a Newcastle outbreak can be devastating.

Understanding Newcastle Disease

Newcastle Disease is caused by the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), which spreads rapidly among chickens and other domestic birds. It is a highly contagious infection that moves through the air, contaminated water, feed, or even on the shoes and clothes of people visiting farms.

What makes this disease particularly dangerous is how easily it spreads. A farmer might unknowingly introduce the virus after buying a few new birds from the market or sharing water containers with neighbors. Once the disease enters a flock, it spreads fast, and without preventive measures, large losses can occur.

Recognising the Symptoms

Early detection is crucial. Chickens infected with Newcastle Disease often appear dull, weak, and uninterested in feed. They may have greenish watery droppings, difficulty breathing, and a sudden drop in egg production. Eggs may become soft-shelled or misshapen.
In severe cases, birds may twist their necks, experience paralysis, or die suddenly. When these signs appear, the disease has already spread, making prevention far more effective than treatment.

Preventing Newcastle Disease

Preventing Newcastle Disease involves a combination of vaccination and strict biosecurity measures. Maintaining hygiene, isolating new birds, and controlling access to the farm are essential practices. Regular cleaning and disinfection of the poultry house and equipment are crucial, along with monitoring for and immediately reporting any signs of illness to animal health officials.

Vaccination

1. Vaccinate regularly: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage and administration, and vaccinate chickens every four months.

2. Administer correctly: The eye-drop method is common, where one drop is placed in the eye of each chicken. For some vaccines like Lasota, it can also be administered through drinking water.

3. Do not vaccinate sick birds: Only vaccinate healthy chickens — vaccinating sick birds can worsen infections.

4. Vaccinate in advance: Start vaccination before the typical season for outbreaks, if applicable in your area.

Biosecurity and Hygiene

1. Isolate new birds: Keep new birds separate until you are sure of their health status.

2. Control access: Limit visitors and enforce strict hygiene — clean and disinfect footwear, vehicles, and equipment before entering the farm.

3. Practice “all-in, all-out” farming: Keep only one age group of birds at a time to prevent disease transfer between chicks and older birds.

4. Report suspicious signs: If you notice strange symptoms or a sudden drop in egg production, contact your local animal health officer immediately.

Farm and Flock Management

1. Keep the farm clean: Regularly clean and disinfect the chicken house, remove droppings, and keep the environment dry.

2. Isolate sick birds: Separate or humanely dispose of any sick birds to prevent spread.

3. Dispose of dead birds properly: Always bury or burn carcasses safely to avoid transmission to other animals.

4. Wait before restocking: After an outbreak, wait at least one month before introducing new birds to the farm.

These practices may sound simple, but consistency is key. Many farmers lose flocks not because they don’t know what to do — but because they don’t apply these steps regularly.

The Role of AfriMach in Disease Prevention

Healthy nutrition is the foundation of disease prevention. Even vaccinated birds can fall sick if their diet is poor and their immune system is weak. This is where AfriMach Feeds comes in.

AfriMach Feeds provides high-quality, balanced poultry feeds that supply all the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals chickens need to stay healthy. Our feeds are scientifically formulated to boost immunity, support growth, and increase egg production. By feeding your flock properly, you help their bodies fight off infections like Newcastle more effectively.

We at AfriMach Feeds also understand that feed quality affects profitability. That’s why our products are not only nutritious but also affordable and locally available, ensuring farmers across Kenya can raise stronger, healthier flocks without overspending.

Supporting Farmers Beyond Feed

Beyond producing feed, AfriMach Feeds works hand in hand with local farmers, agricultural officers, and experts to promote knowledge on vaccination schedules, poultry management, and farm hygiene. We believe that awareness + good feeding = success.

Our mission is to see Kenyan poultry farmers thrive — not struggle with preventable diseases. Whether you are a small-scale farmer or managing hundreds of birds, AfriMach Feeds is your trusted partner in healthy, profitable poultry production.

Let's Prevent Newcastle Disease

Newcastle Disease will always be a threat, but it doesn’t have to destroy your flock or your income. With consistent vaccination, strict hygiene, and reliable feeding from AfriMach Feeds, you can protect your poultry, improve production, and build a sustainable farming business.

At the end of the day, prevention is always cheaper than treatment — and at AfriMach Feeds, we’re here to make prevention easier, affordable, and effective for every farmer.