Online Reporter
Sifelani Tsiko
Fact Check Editor
SCIENTIFIC and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) has partnered the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development to develop innovative animal health technologies aimed at improving livestock productivity and national food security.
SIRDC chief executive officer, Dr Leonard Madzingaidzo recently held a meeting with the Directorate of Veterinary Services to assess progress on the implementation of a collaborative project focused on the development of a lyophilised (freeze–dried) Newcastle Disease vaccine.
The project is one of several strategic initiatives being jointly undertaken by DVS and SIRDC to harness local scientific expertise and technological innovation to address animal health challenges affecting Zimbabwe’s livestock sector.
“The vaccine under development is a lyophilised (freeze-dried) formulation of the Newcastle Disease I-2 vaccine, designed to improve vaccine stability, extend shelf – life, and enhance accessibility to poultry farmers across the country, particularly in remote areas where cold-chain infrastructure may be limited,” said Dr Tapiwanashe Hanyire, deputy director, Epidemiology and Informatics at SIRDC.
“As part of the project, DVS and SIRDC are currently conducting a comprehensive clinical trial to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and immune response generated by the vaccine.”
The trial started in January 2026 and is expected to conclude in December 2026.
The study is assessing the performance of the vaccine under field conditions with the objective of generating scientific evidence to support future commercial production and widespread deployment.
Newcastle Disease remains one of the most significant constraints to poultry production in Zimbabwe, particularly within the communal and smallholder poultry sector where indigenous chickens play a critical role in household nutrition and income generation.
Improved access to effective and thermostable vaccines is expected to significantly reduce disease-related losses and increase poultry productivity.
The successful completion and commercialisation of the lyophilised Newcastle Disease vaccine will contribute significantly towards strengthening national disease prevention efforts, reducing reliance on imported vaccines and improving vaccination coverage.
In addition, it will safeguard poultry health and enhance farmer livelihoods and rural economic development.
Government remains committed to fostering research, innovation, and strategic partnerships that support sustainable livestock production and strengthen Zimbabwe’s animal health systems
Newcastle disease is the most devastating and highly contagious poultry disease in Zimbabwe, spreading rapidly through flocks within 72 to 96 hours.
Veterinary experts say once clinical signs like twisted necks, respiratory distress and sudden death appear, there is no cure.
Prevention relies strictly on strict biosecurity and vaccination, they say.
