Nigeria, April 19 -- A mysterious disease outbreak has pushed many poultry farmers in Maiduguri, Borno State, into financial crisis, with several struggling to recover their losses and keep their businesses afloat.

The outbreak, which started in February, led to the death of thousands of chickens despite farmers' efforts to prevent the spread by improving hygiene and culling sick birds.

"I lost 32 chickens," said Sadiq Bukar, owner of Ibn Bukar Farm Centre. "Despite culling and trying to save the rest, too many died."

Mr. Bukar said the deaths began on the third day of the outbreak and continued until the 21st day, during which he lost 20 birds. After reporting the situation, his chickens were diagnosed and given a medication called Do...