Retrospective Study on the Occurrence of Infectious Bursal Disease and Newcastle Disease in Orlu, Imo State

Abstract

Incidences of both Newcastle Disease (ND) and Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) are common in Nigeria, leading to high morbidity and mortality, high treatment costs, loss of genetic resources and reductions in egg production in affected flocks. This study investigates factors that influence the incidences of ND and IBD in Orlu, Zone, Imo State over a one year period from September 2011 to August 2012. A total of 68 cases were recorded from retrospective analyses of data from farm records and from questionnaires. The incidence of ND was 56% while IBD was 44%. Both diseases showed seasonal variations with higher occurrences recorded during the rainy periods of the year. Management factors also affected the rate of occurrence for both diseases with farms using deep litter system recording the highest occurrence for both diseases. Educational background of farmers were also factors that affected incidence of both diseases with First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) holders recording the lowest cases for both ND and IBD, while farmers with higher education recorded more. Farmers generally showed preference for veterinary intervention than for self medication and other forms of interventions including consulting friends and other farmers. Again, FSLC holders were the ones that most frequently consulted veterinarians. Thus, the incidence of Newcastle disease and infectious bursal disease outbreaks vary according to seasons, management practices and educational background of farmers. Therefore a consideration of these factors must be integral for any control and monitoring measures for both diseases to be effective.