Disease Management

Poultry farming is a business idea that many people more so the youth are now taking advantage of. It is highly likely that this would be the most profitable farming activity in Africa in the coming years. The main reason for this is the fact that poultry farming requires a small space and yet the benefits are pleasing.

Despite the attractive nature of this type of Agribusiness, it is worth pointing out that there are certain things that farmers ought to be cautious about. For instance, management of diseases is something so delicate that it should be repeated now and then.


The main diseases that affect most farmers in East Africa include:

1. Infectious Bronchitis
2. New Castle Disease
3. Infectious Bursal Disease (Gumboro)
4. Mareks

Below is how the above diseases are dealt with in broilers and layers respectively:

Broilers vaccination:

DAY   VACCINE          METHOD
7-8     NCD + IB          Eye drop
10-11 Gumboro        Drinking water
18-19 Gumboro        Drinking water
21-22 NCD + IB         Drinking water


Layers vaccination:

DAY      VACCINE       METHOD
1           Mareks         this is done at the hatchery
10-14    Gumboro    Drinking water
15-18   NCD + IB       Eye drop
24-28    Gumboro     Drinking water
28-32    NCD+IB        Drinking water
week 6-8 NCD + IB    Intramuscular injection
week 8-10 Fowl pox    Wing stab
week 12-14 Fowl typhoid Intramuscular injection
week 16-18 NCD + IB   Spray/drinking water