Liberia’s poultry industry, a key source of food security and rural livelihoods, is facing a widespread crisis due to the recurring outbreak of Newcastle disease, which local farmers refer to as “chicken sickness.” The highly contagious viral illness has caused significant damage to both backyard and commercial poultry farms across all 15 counties in Liberia. The disease is severely impacting the economic stability of rural communities, many of which rely heavily on poultry for daily nutrition and income generation. According to Roland Varkpeh, Director of Animal Production at Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture, the outbreak is now a national concern and is being closely monitored. Speaking on May 1 at a five-day pre-validation workshop for the National Poverty Strategy held at the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI) in Suakoko District, Varkpeh confirmed that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the One Health Platform, has investigated numerous cases of poultry deaths across the country. Laboratory tests have confirmed Newcastle disease as the leading cause of these mass fatalities.
Newcastle disease is notorious for its rapid transmission and deadly effects. It affects birds by causing respiratory distress, neurological dysfunction, and often sudden death. The virus spreads easily in areas with poor biosecurity and limited veterinary services. In Liberia, the problem becomes more severe during the rainy season, when high humidity levels create ideal conditions for the virus to thrive. This pattern is not unique to Liberia, as other West African nations such as Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone, and Guinea are also grappling with similar outbreaks. In neighboring Nigeria, the disease typically surges during both the harmattan and rainy seasons, underscoring its seasonal vulnerability. Researchers highlight that the disease’s impact is influenced by several variables including bird species, flock size, age, previous vaccinations, and feed source. In rural Liberia, where poultry are raised under traditional systems with minimal veterinary oversight, the effects are particularly devastating. Entire flocks have been lost, and commercial farms are reporting heavy financial losses.
To tackle the outbreak, the Liberian Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with FAO, ECOWAS, and other institutions within the One Health Platform, has initiated several critical response measures. These include emergency field assessments, sample collection, laboratory diagnosis, immediate vaccinations, and widespread community outreach programs. The Ministry has also trained local animal health workers to provide frontline support in affected areas. Varkpeh emphasized the importance of vaccination, urging all poultry farmers to participate in government-supported vaccination campaigns. He also noted the role of the ECOWAS Livestock Mobility Initiative in curbing the spread of infectious diseases. This initiative aims to regulate cross-border livestock movements, enhance disease surveillance, and reduce farmer-herder tensions. Through it, Liberia is better able to track livestock, strengthen field personnel capacities, and build community resilience.
Despite progress, several challenges continue to hinder the full containment of Newcastle disease in Liberia. These include the lack of affordable vaccines in remote communities, inadequate cold storage facilities, limited public awareness about poultry diseases, and a general shortage of trained veterinary professionals. Poor road infrastructure and the unregulated cross-border poultry trade further complicate disease control efforts. Climate change and erratic weather conditions also contribute to the spread and recurrence of the virus. However, significant strides have been made, especially in counties like Bong, Margibi, and Nimba, where organized poultry groups are experiencing improved outcomes due to targeted interventions. Over 100 animal health officers have been trained, community veterinary networks are now present in all counties, and access to improved poultry breeds and local feed is gradually increasing.
The Ministry is calling on all poultry farmers in Liberia to stay vigilant, report any signs of disease, and work closely with veterinary teams. Officials stress that continued collaboration between government agencies, international partners, and local communities is essential for building a more resilient poultry sector. Experts agree that Liberia’s long-term poultry development will depend on consistent investment in disease surveillance, public education, and nationwide vaccine distribution to safeguard both livelihoods and national food security.
