Seroprevalence of Newcastle disease in local chickensfrom southeast derived savannah zone of Nigeria

Abstract

A serologic surveillance study was conducted in the Southeastern zone of Nigeria to document some operative epidemiologic factors which determine Newcastle disease (ND) epizootic in village chickens of the area. A high seroprevalence, indicator of ND virus activity of 63%, was recorded in the birds. Infection was widespread as no single village chicken population was free of ND. A seasonal pattern of ND virus activity is depicted by a higher prevalence and intensity of ND virus activity (HI titres) in the dry season (harmattan) than wet season. Egg-yolk hemagglutination inhibition test is proposed as a useful methodology for smaller scale survey or for commercial poultry with no constraints in egg supply. The implications of the results for a vaccinal control of ND in the area are discussed.