An Outbreak of Newcastle Disease in a Commercial Poultry Farm in Jigjiga, Ethiopia: A Case Report

Abstract

Newcastle disease is a highly contagious and economically damaging viral disease that affects chickens worldwide. It is characterized by high mortality rates, reaching up to 100% in unvaccinated flocks. This case report describes Newcastle disease an outbreak at a small-scale poultry farm in Qordher, Jigjiga, Ethiopia during the month of January, 2025. The farm initially housed 1500 chickens with no prior vaccination history. When the outbreak was reported, 120 chickens had died, and several exhibited clinical signs such as reduced feed intake, coughing, wing drooping, neck twisting, incoordination, greenish watery diarrhea, and depression. Post-mortem examinations revealed hemorrhages in the trachea, proventriculus, caecal tonsils, and intestinal wall. To manage the outbreak, Oxytetracycline HCl (200 mg/4.5 L of drinking water for 5-7 days) was administered to control secondary bacterial infections, and Stresswin (100 g/200 L of water for 3-5 days) was used as an immune stimulant. Additionally, the owner was advised to implement biosecurity measures, including isolating sick birds, improving ventilation, and reducing overcrowding.