Description

Abstract: In 2007, the Newcastle Disease Avian Flu Control Research Project, a sub-project under the Global Livestock CRSP Avian Flu School, was initiated in Tanzania. Because the symptoms of Newcastle disease are very similar to those of avian flu, it is difficult to institute an effective avian flu control program without a Newcastle disease control strategy. The project is thus aimed at: 1) designing a model for a sustainable Newcastle disease vaccination program in rural villages, 2) assessing the prevalence of poultry diseases, and 3) designing methods and strategies for improving poultry health at the village level. Village chicken vaccinations were organized, supervised and conducted by trained village vaccinators in selected villages in three wards, one ward each in Mtwara, Morogoro and Iringa regions. The briefing and training of local policy makers and of local agricultural leaders is very important to the success and sustainability of village-level Newcastle disease vaccination programs and poultry development efforts throughout Tanzania and other African countries.