Epidemiology of Newcastle disease virus among local chickens of west and south-west regions in Cameroon

Newcastle disease (ND) is one of the major constraints to poultry in most developing countries. It is a highly contagious and fatal disease caused by a virus of the family Paramyxoviridae. In other to evaluate the evidence of ND among village chicken, an epidemiological survey was carried out between September and October 2013 in 7 villages (Foumban, Bangang, Tole, Tiko, Muyuka and Muea) of two regions (West and South-West) in Cameroon. One hundred and thirty (130) blood samples were collected from the wing vein on free range local chicken. The blood was allow to clot at room temperature and the serum collected was kept in a freezer until analysis. Serological tests were done using the indirect ELISA test. The overall seroprevalence was 32.30%, with 28.26 and 34.52% respectively for the West and South-West regions. In the West region, Foumban recorded the highest seroprevalence (34.37%) compared to Bangang (14.29%) while in the South-West region Tole has the highest seroprevalence (70%) followed in order by Tiko (38,7%), Muyuka (30%) and Muea (21,21%). Younger chickens (0-16 weeks) presented a lower seroprevalence (15.38%) than older ones (43.10%). Also, the mean antibody titer was lower in younger chickens (4782.92 unit/ml) than in older hens (7284.88units/ml). Considering the chicken phenotype, naked neck recorded the highest seroprevalence (40%) followed by the normal feathering chicken (38%), the crested (31.82%), the feathered tarsus (27.78%) and finally the crested-feathered tarsus (25%). The seroprevalence of Newcastle disease was not influenced by the vaccination as in the contrary of antibody titer. Keywords: epidemiology, Newcastle disease, local chicken, Cameroon