Sana'a: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources has confirmed that Newcastle disease, a viral infection affecting poultry and birds, does not pose any threat to public health and cannot be transmitted to humans. This announcement was made during a press conference held in Sana'a, addressing concerns about the disease and its impact on public welfare.
According to Yemen News Agency, the conference included representatives from various sectors, such as livestock and marketing, the General Corporation for Slaughterhouses, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry's poultry division, along with academics and veterinarians. The Ministry urged citizens not to be swayed by recent social media rumors suggesting that Newcastle disease is harmful to humans, emphasizing that there is no scientific basis for these claims.
The Ministry's statement highlighted that Newcastle disease has been present globally for decades, including in Yemen, and its effects are confined to poultry. It assured the public that consuming poultry products remains safe. The spread of false information has led to a decline in poultry sales, causing financial harm to those in the industry.
Dr. Abdulraouf Al-Shawkani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture's Livestock Sector, explained that the disease has been endemic in Yemen since the 1970s, with occurrences linked to viral mutations and vaccination practices. He reiterated that there is no scientific evidence of its transmission to humans, and recent misinformation has negatively impacted the poultry sector, resulting in decreased demand and economic losses.
The conference also focused on correcting public misconceptions, as the poultry industry plays a crucial role in Yemen's food security, supporting numerous families through various stages of production and distribution. Al-Shawkani stressed the importance of accurate information dissemination.
Key figures such as Dr. Mohammed Shuja'a Al-Din, Dr. Abdulraqib Al-Shami, and Mohammed Al-Barawi provided insights into the disease's scientific background. They stressed that Newcastle disease is subject to global prevention strategies and does not affect humans. The experts warned against the economic risks posed by ongoing misinformation and called for improved public awareness based on reliable sources.
