The veterinary services department has embarked on an intensive vaccination programme for Newcastle disease in poultry in all provinces of the country using locally manufactured vaccines, according to ZBC News.

Director of the veterinary field services, Dr Unesu Ushewokunze Obatolu said the monitoring of the current mass vaccination programme is of primary importance as the disease can kill poultry in large numbers if not controlled.

Newcastle disease is highly infectious and affects the digestive, respiratory or nervous system of poultry.

Its symptoms include sneezing, gasping for air, nasal discharge, coughing, passing of a greenish watery diarrhoea, muscular tremors, drooping wings, twisting of the neck and complete paralysis.