Newcastle disease outbreaks in Liberia: poultry industry at risk

Liberia’s growing poultry industry is threatened by repeated Newcastle disease outbreaks. Roland Varkpeh, director of animal production at the Ministry of Agriculture, said that the disease has become a key concern for poultry producers across the country, affecting trade operations and causing significant losses. Speaking on May 1 at a workshop in Suakoko District, Varkpeh added that the Ministry, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has responded to several reports of poultry deaths nationwide, all caused by Newcastle disease. To combat its spread, the Ministry, in collaboration with FAO, ECOWAS, and the One Health Platform, has launched various interventions, including farm visits, laboratory testing, emergency vaccinations, and the training of local animal health workers. Varkpeh remarked that vaccinations are the most effective tool against the outbreaks, advising poultry farmers to immunize their flocks. So far, more than 100 animal health and livestock officers have been trained, community animal health worker networks have been established nationwide, and diagnostic capabilities have improved through international partnerships. Liberian authorities are also implementing the ECOWAS-supported Livestock Mobility Initiative, which aims to reduce the spread of animal diseases through monitoring and managing livestock movements. However, there are still problems, especially in remote areas, where vaccine access remains limited and there are few trained veterinarians. Poor logistics, inconsistent funding, and unregulated cross-border poultry trade also contribute to limiting the impact of response measures.
Therefore, the Ministry urged all poultry farmers to stay vigilant and proactive by reporting signs of illness and vaccinating their animals. The disease is a huge challenge for Liberia’s poultry sector, which has recently become a vital pillar of the country’s rural economic development. Experts believe success in this challenge will depend on consistent investment in disease monitoring, farmer education, and broad vaccine access.