Libya – The Head of Animal Health reports Newcastle disease outbreaks in eastern Libya. Over 145,000 birds have died. There is a severe vaccine shortage. Mohammed Aqab heads the National Center for Animal Health. He explained the emergence of Newcastle disease, also called avian influenza. It has appeared in coastal areas like Marj, Al-Bayda, and Benghazi. He attributed this to the global epidemiological situation. Specifically, Mediterranean countries face widespread poultry diseases. Newcastle disease is one of them.
Aqab spoke to Libya Al-Hadath channel. Al-Marsad newspaper reported his statements. He clarified that Newcastle disease is endemic in Libya. Its last major outbreak was in 2013. It then affected numerous poultry farms.
Aqab noted several reports reached the center. These came during the first third of December. Initial suspected cases appeared in Benghazi, Marj, and Al-Bayda. Shahat then reported cases. The latest report originated from Derna.
The disease is typically prevented by vaccination. However, limited resources have caused a severe shortage of veterinary vaccines. Aqab emphasized the disease is a highly contagious virus. He added that testing materials usually process 96 samples. The center received 100 samples in total. Of these, 18 tested positive.
Aqab confirmed the disease affects birds and poultry generally. It is a zoonotic illness. Poultry workers and veterinarians can contract it. It causes eye inflammation. Symptoms last between 15 and 30 minutes.
The disease has a significant economic impact on poultry. It causes direct losses for poultry farmers. It also affects the national economy. Poultry prices rise. White meat imports increase from abroad.
Instructions were issued for a quarantine in affected areas. This prevents bird movement between regions and municipalities. Health monitoring of white meat in slaughterhouses has also increased.
Aqab stated Jabal al-Akhdar was the most affected region. He explained most poultry farms do not use the preventative vaccine. This caused a high mortality rate among birds. As of today, reports indicate over 145,000 poultry deaths.
What is Newcastle disease? It is a contagious viral disease. It affects birds and poultry. It spreads rapidly within farms. It can cause high mortality rates. Egg production decreases, and growth is stunted. This leads to direct losses for farmers. It raises poultry prices in markets. It increases reliance on imports. Specialists emphasize prevention. Regular vaccination is essential. Quarantine procedures must be followed. Bird movement between regions must be stopped. Strict health control in farms and slaughterhouses helps. This limits infection spread and protects livestock.