Newcastle Disease Outbreaks in Botswana
BOTSWANA - The veterinary authorities in Botswana have reported five fresh outbreaks of Newcastle disease in Central Serowe, Kgatleng, South-east Ramotswa, Southern Kanye and Kweneng.The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) received an immediate notification on 1 August. According to the report, the affected population consists mainly of backyard chickens as well as the Eurasian collared-doves and other birds.
A total of 42,315 backyard chickens and other species of birds have been found susceptible, out of which 3,958 cases have been reported. A total of 1,041 deaths have been reported. No birds have been destroyed and/or slaughtered.
As for the Eurasian collared-dove, eight birds were infected and reportedly found dead.
While the main source of the outbreaks remains inconclusive, contact with wild species has been determined as the primary cause of the outbreaks.
According to the OIE, several cases of Newcastle disease have been recorded in different districts with high morbidity and mortality.
Further Reading
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