Possible Outbreak of Newcastle Virus Infection in the Face of Increasing Trend of Backyard Poultry Farm Management Interface in Nigeria: A Public Health and Food Security Threat
Authors: Obioma Azuonwu , SC Aloy , BC Adline 
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Newcastle disease is a highly contagious illness and one of the "notifiable illnesses" on the World Health Organization list for Animal Health (OIE) Outcome. There are constantly new cases being reported as new NDV isolates from around the world. Newcastle disease poses a significant global economic threat to the poultry sector, causing highly contagious and transmissible diseases in birds with huge food security threat among the weak and vulnerable developing and underdeveloped countries Aim: The aim of this article borders on bringing to light the risk of possible Newcastle disease outbreak in Nigeria due to increasing poor management of poultry farms and poultry waste product. Furthermore, it will also underscore and outline various ways which can be adopted to prevent this poultry disease which is of great public health, economic and food security protection importance. Method/Methodology: This is a systematic review of published research articles focusing on Newcastle disease, epidemiology, pathogenicity, transmission and factors that can play important roles in the possible outbreak of the disease in poultries. Studies reviewed comprise of cross-sectional, prospective, longitudinal and observational studies. The study approach follows the systematic review of peer-reviewed published articles as well as online publications and articles derived from various databases with search keywords relevant to the topic of discourse. Findings and Results: The findings in this study highlight the endemicity of Newcastle virus disease in various part of the country, and how the severity of the disease is influenced by host characteristics, viral properties, and environmental factors. The study pointed out critical evidence-based possible reasons that could promote a new round of Newcastle disease epidemic outbreak as a result of poor poultry management practices such as high bird densities, poor poultry infrastructure, lack of quarantine of sick birds, mixed species rearing, free range system of poultry, poor waste disposal, lack of expertise, and insufficient biosecurity outcomes. However, the lack of education and awareness among farmers exacerbates the problem, hindering preventive measures. The complexity is increased by difficulties with vaccination, unrestrained bird movement through trading with neighboring countries and interstate, and a lack of diagnostic facilities. The consequences of an outbreak extends beyond financial losses to potential disruptions in the poultry supply chain, food security risks, and public health concerns. Conclusion and Recommendation: The growing difficulties in poultry management methods increases the serious public health concern posed by a possible Newcastle Virus epidemic outbreak in Nigeria. A paradigm shift in poultry farming practices is necessary to address this problem. A comprehensive strategy that incorporates infrastructural development, regulatory frameworks, and education in order to strengthen the poultry industry is needed, so as to address and prevent the looming public health and food security crises that may break out from the above scenario