Libya is currently monitoring an outbreak of Newcastle disease affecting poultry farms across several municipalities, including Benghazi, Al-Marj, Al-Jabal al-Akhdar coast, and Al-Bayda. This situation has led to significant poultry deaths and raised concerns within the Agricultural Sector Monitoring Committee of the House of Representatives, which is actively tracking developments.
The committee has confirmed that this urgent health crisis has resulted in considerable economic losses for poultry farmers, directly impacting the stability of white meat prices in local markets. White meat serves as a staple food for many families in Libya.
Saeed Asbaga, the chairman of the Agricultural Monitoring Committee, has issued urgent directives to relevant government agencies to provide essential resources to the National Center for Animal Health. This support is crucial for implementing preventive and technical measures aimed at controlling the disease and safeguarding livestock from infectious threats.
Emphasizing the need for coordination among specialized authorities, the committee chairman also highlighted the importance of enhancing health and regulatory readiness. Taking necessary precautionary steps will not only help contain the disease but also stabilize the poultry sector, offering support to farmers during these challenging times.
In Al-Jabal al-Akhdar, the Agricultural Police have initiated an investigation into the recent surge in poultry deaths, responding to reports from multiple farmers who have experienced substantial losses in their coops and farms.
Brigadier General Adel Abridan, the spokesperson for the Agricultural Police, informed Al-Anbaa Al-Libiya newspaper that specialized teams have promptly visited the affected sites to assess the situation. Their mission was to verify the extent of the fatalities and to implement necessary legal and technical measures in collaboration with the Animal Health Department and the Municipal Animal Production Department.
Brigadier General Abridan acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by authorities in safely disposing of the dead poultry. He urged immediate intervention from relevant parties, stressing the need for appropriate mechanisms to tackle this issue and prevent its further spread.
