Abstract

Salihu A.E,Chukwuedo A.A,Echeonwu G.O.N, Ibu J.O, Chukwuekezie J. O, Ndako J,Junaid S.A, Onovoh E.M, Paul- Abu L.G, Ujah A.E, Dalyop A.K, Tende M.D, Shittu, I ,Chindo H.Z and Umahi N.F

A study was carried out to investigate the seroprevalence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in adult rural household scavenging birds raised under the traditional management system in Lafia, Akwanga and Keffi metropolis, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, through antibody detection using haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. An overall seroprevalence rate of 28.1% was documented out of the 1030 sera tested. Chicken had seroprevalence rates of 58%, 51% and 55% in Lafia, Akwangwa and Keffi metropolis, respectively. These rates compared to those for guinea fowls and ducks in the entire metropolis were found to be significantly higher (p0.05). HI antibody titres ranging between 4log2 and 10log2 were obtained. Chicken exhibited the highest antibody titre and had a significantly higher (p<0.05) geometric mean titre (GMT) 12.1 than guinea fowl (4.9) and ducks (4.9), respectively. These findings indicate that this category of apparently healthy birds are carriers of Newcastle disease virus and is a threat to commercial poultry production in the study area.