By Nukanah Kollie
BONG COUNTY, LIBERIA – Liberia’s poultry industry, which plays a vital role in boosting food security and supporting rural communities, is currently facing a major threat due to recurring outbreaks of Newcastle disease, a fatal viral illness locally known among farmers as “chicken sickness.”
Mr. Roland Varkpeh, who heads the Animal Production Division at the Ministry of Agriculture, revealed that this disease has become a widespread concern, affecting poultry farms—both household and commercial—throughout all 15 counties and leading to considerable losses.
On May 1, 2025, while attending a five-day pre-validation session for the National Poverty Strategy at the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) in Suakoko District, Varkpeh told reporter that the Ministry, through its Animal Resources Division, has been working in collaboration with partners such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the One Health Platform to address the surge in poultry deaths. “We’ve followed up on various reports, visited affected sites, tested samples, and the findings clearly show that Newcastle disease is the primary culprit behind the sharp rise in poultry deaths,” he said.
What is Newcastle Disease?
Newcastle disease is a highly infectious viral condition that severely affects birds, leading to breathing difficulties, neurological disorders, and often sudden death. Its impact is especially severe in settings with limited veterinary infrastructure and poor access to preventive vaccines. According to the Ministry, outbreaks tend to escalate during the rainy season due to conducive conditions for virus transmission and weakened biosecurity.
The disease is prevalent across West Africa, with neighboring countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Sierra Leone experiencing similar challenges. In Côte d’Ivoire, Newcastle disease has been identified as a major cause of bird deaths in both rural and industrial poultry settings. Research indicates that factors such as the age and type of birds, vaccination practices, flock size, feed sources, and origins of birds all contribute to outbreaks. https://ouci.dntb.gov.ua/en/works/4k6LpbK7/. In Nigeria, the disease spikes during the dry harmattan period (November to February), with a secondary peak during the height of the rainy season (June to July). The consequences are particularly devastating in rural areas where poultry serves as a critical source of food and income. flocks.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352948231_Epidemiology_of_Newcastle_disease_in_Africa_with_emphasis_on_Cote_d’Ivoire_A_review
Many smallholder farmers have seen their entire poultry stocks wiped out, and even large-scale producers have reported significant financial setbacks.
Government and Partner Measures
To mitigate the outbreak, the Ministry of Agriculture, with support from FAO, ECOWAS, and the One Health Platform—which includes partners such as the Ministry of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—has rolled out a series of coordinated measures. These include rapid response teams to investigate reports, field-level assessments, laboratory testing, emergency vaccination campaigns in affected areas, public education on disease prevention, and training programs for animal health workers and surveillance teams. “Once we receive information about possible outbreaks, our teams are immediately deployed for evaluation and sample collection. Our tests have confirmed multiple cases of Newcastle disease. Vaccination remains the most reliable strategy, and we are strongly advising farmers to adopt it,” said Director Varkpeh.
ECOWAS Livestock Mobility Program
One of the Ministry’s key interventions, implemented with ECOWAS backing, focuses on regulating the movement of livestock to curb the spread of infectious animal diseases. “Through the ECOWAS livestock mobility framework, we are able to monitor and manage livestock transit, enhance farmer education, and equip our field personnel with essential skills,” Varkpeh noted.
This initiative also tackles issues such as herder-farmer conflicts, livestock identification, and tracking systems, all aimed at limiting disease transmission within and across communities.
Progress Achieved
Despite the challenges posed by ongoing outbreaks, the Ministry reports measurable progress. Over 100 veterinary and livestock officers have been trained, and networks of community-level animal health workers now operate in every county. Laboratory testing capabilities have been enhanced through global partnerships, and there has been increased support for the production of local poultry feed and improved bird breeds. Additionally, there is a noticeable increase in farmer participation in disease prevention programs.
As a result, poultry production has begun to stabilize in several areas, especially among cooperatives and commercial producers in Bong, Margibi, and Nimba counties.
Ongoing Challenges
However, various obstacles still impede effective disease management. These include limited vaccine availability in remote regions, a lack of cold chain infrastructure, low awareness among farmers regarding disease symptoms and prevention, insufficient veterinary staff in some counties, and inconsistent funding and logistical support.
Other complicating factors such as climate change, inadequate infrastructure, and uncontrolled cross-border trade further hamper efforts to contain the disease.
Appeal to Poultry Farmers
The Ministry is urging poultry farmers across the country to remain vigilant and take early action. Farmers are advised to promptly report any signs of illness in their flocks and actively participate in planned vaccination campaigns. “We need farmers to stay engaged with our local surveillance officers and not hesitate to reach out for technical support. Our doors are always open,” Varkpeh emphasized.
As the sector continues its recovery and growth, the collaborative efforts of government agencies, international organizations, and local communities are helping to establish a stronger and more sustainable poultry industry in Liberia. Long-term resilience will depend on continued investment in disease monitoring, farmer training, and broader access to vaccines to secure both farmers’ livelihoods and national food stability.
