Epidemiological Investigation and Economic Loss Assessment of Newcastle Disease in Broiler Farms of Keshim, Badakhshan, Afghanistan

Besmullah Musammim; Abdul Wali Mujaheed Alizada

doi:10.62810/jnsr.v4i3.420

Authors

Besmullah Musammim Balkh University, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Afghanistan
Abdul Wali Mujaheed Alizada Faryab University, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Afghanistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62810/jnsr.v4i3.420

Keywords:

Broiler farming, Disease epidemiology, Economic losses, Newcastle disease, Poultry health management

Abstract

Newcastle disease (ND) is one of the most economically important viral diseases affecting broiler production, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological status and economic losses associated with reported ND outbreaks in broiler farms of Keshim District, Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 75 broiler farm owners, supplemented by structured information obtained from the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock. Data were analyzed using SPSS through descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, and regression analysis. Results indicated that 93.3% of surveyed farms reported at least one ND outbreak during the previous year, with outbreaks most frequently reported among birds aged 21–30 days. Mortality rates commonly exceeded 16%, while indirect economic losses included reduced final body weight, prolonged production cycles, increased feed consumption, and additional treatment costs. Economic losses per outbreak generally ranged from 10,000 to 50,000 AFN, and many farmers reported income reductions of 26–50%. Despite relatively high vaccination coverage, recurrent outbreaks were associated with poor vaccine quality, inadequate biosecurity, high farm density, and limited diagnostic capacity. These findings demonstrate a considerable epidemiological and economic burden of reported ND outbreaks. Strengthening vaccine quality control, farm biosecurity, laboratory diagnostic services, and farmer training is essential for reducing disease occurrence, economic losses, and improving sustainable broiler production in the study area.

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