The Government has partnered with Brentec Vaccines International, a local firm, to start manufacturing Newcastle disease vaccine, reports New Vision of Uganda.

Brian Bigirwa, Brentec's quality assurance manager, said the vaccine – called Kuku Vac – does not require refrigeration during transportation and can be stored at room temperature for about two to three weeks without losing potency.

The available Newcastle vaccines are susceptible to heat and expire quickly.

He said: "The high costs of refrigeration and poor infrastructure limit upcountry commercial poultry farmers from accessing the vaccine. Such farmers can benefit from Kuku Vac, which does not require refrigeration."

"Newcastle disease is common in eastern Uganda, accounting for 70 per cent of deaths among chicken," he added.

According to Mr Bigirwa, funding from the Government, through the Uganda Industrial Research Institute, would enable Brentec to manufacture doses for 3,500 birds.

The firm, he added, was awaiting approval from the National Drug Authority.

Mr Bigirwa told New Vision that the company would take advantage of the campaign period to have leaders publicise the vaccine to poultry keepers countrywide.

Further Reading

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Find out more information on Newcastle disease by clicking here.