Newcastle disease (ND) in laying birds in Asaba, Delta State: A Case Report

This is a case report of Newcastle disease in 52 weeks old laying birds with flock size of 2,500 birds and average weight of 1.7kg. The client presented history of continuous deaths and poor laying performance. The clinical signs observed in this case study were mortalities, low egg production, depression, nasal discharge, weakness, and diarrhoea (perineum matted with greenish faeces). Post-mortem investigation revealed haemorrhagic caecal tonsils, enteritis, slightly enlarged and friable liver with areas of discolouration and pin point haemorrhages on pro-ventricular glands. Blood samples were collected from 10 birds and the sera subjected to Haemagglutination and Heamagglutination Inhibition (HI) tests using known NDV (LaSota strain). Low Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antibody titres were detected from the sera samples suggesting that the birds were not protected against ND. The flock was managed by re-vaccination using NDV LaSota strain, followed by administration of a vitamins-mineral supplement, antibiotics, glucose and an analgesic and the treatment yielded favourable therapeutic results. The farmer was advised to apply strict biosecurity measures.