Survey for Newcastle Disease Virus Antibodies in Local Chickens, Ducks and Pigeons in Makurdi, Nigeria

This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Newcastle disease (ND) among some local poultry species from live bird markets (LBM) and households in Makurdi Benue State, Nigeria. A total of 543 (300 local chickens, 199 pigeons and 44 ducks) sera samples were collected between October 2018 to April 2019. Sera samples were tested using Haemagglutination inhibition HI) test. The overall seroprevalence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antibodies was 9.9% (54/543). The prevalence of antibodies to ND was found to be higher in ducks 20.5% (9/44), followed by local chickens 10% (30/300) and pigeons 7.5% (15/199) respectively. There was statistical significant association (P = 0.000817) between location of sampling of local poultry and seropositivity for ND. Also there was a statistical significant association (P = 0.0348) between species of local poultry and ND antibody titre. This study revealed that local chickens, ducks and pigeons in Makurdi could play significant role in the epidemiology and transmission of ND to susceptible commercial exotic birds or other local poultry species especially when reared in close proximity. The study concluded that the prevalence of ND antibodies indicated the presence of the virus among the population and ducks and pigeons could be reservoirs and carriers for NDV. Vaccination campaign should be organized for local poultry species for the control of ND in the study area.