Humoral immune response of chickens following vaccination with different Newcastle disease vaccines

In spite of numerous vaccines and different vaccination schedules used in the control of Newcastle disease (ND), prevention and control remain a challenge. This study evaluated three different ND vaccines. A total of one hundred and twenty, day-old brown pullets obtained from a commercial hatchery in Ibadan, Nigeria were used for the experiment. The birds were randomly assigned into 4 groups in which groups A, B and C were vaccinated on days 1, 21 and 42 of age, while group D served as unvaccinated group (control). Hitchner B1 (HB1), Clone-30 and F-Strains were used as the primers for the 3 vaccinated groups respectively. Blood samples were collected from all birds in each group on vaccination day and assayed for NDV antibody by Haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) test. Twenty five chickens from each group were challenged with virulent Newcastle disease virus (Kudu 113 strain) at 3rd week after the last vaccination. The mean antibody titres of the chickens from the vaccinated groups at 3rd week post primary vaccination showed no significant difference. However, a significant difference existed following secondary vaccination with La Sota and Komarov strains at 3rd and 6th weeks of age. A good immune response and clinical resistance were observed in group of chickens vaccinated with Hitchner B1 and Clone-30 as primers than those vaccinated using F-strain. Therefore, Hitchner B1 or Clone-30 is better primer for vaccinating chickens against Newcastle disease.Keywords: Chickens, Vaccination, antibody, Newcastle disease, Challenge viru

Detection of antibodies to avian influenza, infectious bronchitis and Newcastle disease viruses in wild birds in three states of Nigeria

This study aimed at determining the possible exposure of wild birds to avian influenza (AI), infectious bronchitis (IB) and Newcastle disease (ND) viruses. Apparently healthy species of free flying wild birds were captured using locally-made baited traps set at strategic watering and feeding locations and in poultry farms. Few species of captive wild birds in households and live bird markets (LBMs) were also sampled. Sera from blood samples collected were analyzed for antibodies to AI, IB and ND viruses using enzyme linked immunorsorbent assay (ELISA). Out of the 209 sera analysed, Bubulcus ibis was 24%, 70% and 27% while Psittacus erithacus was 7%, 21% and 7% positive for antibodies to AI, IB and ND viruses, respectively. Branta canadensis, was 35% and 64% positive for antibodies to AI and IB viruses. Balearica regulorum and Numidia maleagris were 100% and 9% positive to AI virus antibodies. Free flying birds were 19 (15%), 57 (45%) and 27 (21%) positive while captive wild birds were 11%, 20% and 14% positive to AI, IB and ND viruses antibodies, respectively. The results of this study confirm that wild birds were exposed to AI, IB and ND viruses. There was co-exposure of some wild bird species to AI, IB and ND viruses. These birds could possibly serve as carriers and disseminators of AI, IB and ND to poultry. Therefore, control measures against these important poultry diseases should include incursion of wild birds.Keywords: Avian influenza, Infectious bronchitis, Newcastle disease, Nigeria, Wild bird

Gastrointestinal helminths of the domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica gmelin, 1789 aves:columbidae) in Zaria, northern Nigeria.

The gastro-intestinal tracts of 240 Columba livia domestica were examined parasitologically for helminths aimed at providing information on their species composition, prevalence and distribution in Zaria area, northern Nigeria. Of these, 116 (48.3%) were infected by 9 species of helminths, comprising 6 species of cestodes and 3 species of nematodes. The infection with cestode species was in the order Raillietina tetragona 65 (27.1%), R. echinobothrida 26 (10.6%), Hymenolepis cantaniana 4 (1.7%), Hymenolepis carioca 3 (1.3%), R. cesticillus 1 (0.45%), and Amoebotaenia cuneata 2 (0.83%). Raillietina tetragona was the most prevalent cestodes recovered throughout the 12 months of the survey period. The three nematodes encountered were Ascaridia columbae 27 (11.3%), A. galli 8 (3.3%) and Heterakis gallinarum 8 (3.3%). Ascaridia columbae which was the most prevalent nematode was recovered in 9 out of the 12 months of the year. Single infection was more common (37.5%) than double 24 (10%) and triple infections (0.83%). More infection was observed during the wet season (June and September). Keywords: Helminths, Prevalence, Domestic Pigeon, Columba livia domestica, Zaria, Nigeria

An Evaluation of Village Chicken Management Practices in Bauchi State, Nigeria

A study to identify gaps in the management practices given to village chickens was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered on 72 farmers drawn from eight communities in Bauchi State, Nigeria for the purpose of obtaining information that could be used to improve the productivity of these chickens in the State. The demography of the respondents revealed that most of them were farmers 47/72 (65.3%) married 71/72 (98.6%), females 40/72 (55.6%) and over 20 years (77.8%) of age; many of them had received some formal education 37/72 (54.5%) and had kept village chickens for over 5 years 55/72 (77.8%). Income generation was the main reason why respondents reared village chickens 33/72 (45.8%). Breeding stock were mostly bought from the market 48/72 (66.7%) and reared under an extensive system of production 72/72 (100%) together with other rural poultry 41/72 (56.9%); with birds receiving feed supplementation 68/72 (94.4%) and water 72/72 (100%); and kept at night in some locally made housing 37/72 (51.4%). Respondent do not vaccinate chickens against diseases like Newcastle disease (ND) nor keep any production record 72/72 (100%). Poor biosecurity practices like permitting chickens to intermingle with those from other households 72 (100%); sales of sick chickens (80.6%); consumption of sick chickens and the disposal of its inedible parts on the garbage that is accessible to chickens from other households are common. The results seem to suggest the need for farmers to improve upon the existing management practices especially with regards to vaccination, record keeping, housing and biosecurity measures in order to increase the productivity of these chickens in Bauchi State.Key words: Village chickens, management practices, biosecurity, vaccination, Bauchi State, Nigeri

Ectoparasites and intestinal helminths of speckled pigeon (Columba guinea Hartlaub and Finsch 1870) in Zaria, Nigeria.

A total of 30 (20 males and 10 females) Speckled Pigeons trapped from the wild in Zaria and its environs, Nigeria, were examined for ectoparasites and intestinal helminths, to determine the prevalence, intensity and mean intensity of infestation and infection. The plumages of the birds were brushed onto a white sheet of paper placed in a tray for the collection of ectoparasites, while the gastrointestinal tracts of the birds were examined for helminths. Eighteen (60.0%) of the birds were infested by three species of ectoparasites. The ectoparasites comprised of lice: 17 (56.7%) Menopon gallinae Linnaeus 1758, 18 (60.0%) Columbicola columbae Linnaeus 1758 and flies: 9 (30.0%) Pseudolynchia canariensis Macquart 1840. Single, double and triple infestations were found in 1(3.3%), 8(26.7%) and 9(30.0%) respectively, though the difference was not significant (P>0.05). The sex-specific infestation rate was 12(60.0%) in males and 6(60.0%) in females. Seventeen (56.7%) birds were infected by helminths represented by four species of cestodes recovered from the gastrointestinal tract. The cestodes were represented by Raillietina tetragona Molin, 1858 1(3.3%), Raillietina cesticillus Molin, 1858 8(26.7%), Amoebotaenia cuneata Linstow, 1872 4(13.3%) and Hymenolepis carioca Magalhaes, 1898 4(13.3%). Single infection was the only infection type observed. The sex-specific rate of infection was 11(55.0%) in males and 6(60.0%) in females. This study portrays the Speckled Pigeons as a probable definitive host of some ectoparasites and helminths. Keywords: Ectoparasites, Gastrointestinal helminths, Prevalence, Speckled Pigeon, Columba guinea, Zaria, Nigeri

Screening of seven poultry species for endoparasites in some live-birds markets within Kaduna metropolis

The study aimed to determine the prevalence rate, the level of endoparasites infestation among breeds of birds and most infested parasite in the birds in some live bird markets. 245 faecal samples were collected from some species of birds in 7 live bird markets in Kaduna metropolis undergo sedimentation and floatation for survey of endoparasites. The result showed that 14 (5.7%) samples were positive for endoparasites. There were prevalence variations among different endoparasites such as Ascaridia galli (2%), Raillietina tetragona (0.4%), Subular brumpti (0.4%) and Eimeria oocyst (2.9%). The endoparasites in local chicken revealed Eimeria oocyst and Ascaridia gallias 5.7% and 14.3% respectively, but layers reported Eimeria oocysts 8.6%. While Broilers recorded 2.9% of Eimeria oocyts, Raillietina tetragona and Subular brumpti each. Pigeon also recorded 2.9% of Eimeria oocyts. In Checheniya market, 1 (2.9%) was positive for Ascaridia galli and in Library market, Eimeria oocyst and Ascaridia galli had 1 (2.9%), while in Kasuwan Barci, Eimeria oocyst and Raillietina tetragona had 1 (2.9%), and Kawo market had 1 (2.9%) with Subbular brumpti., Railway market had 2 (5.7%) , with Eimeria oocyst, and in Sabo market, Eimeria oocyst and Ascaridia galli had 1 (2.9%) while in Station market, Eimeria oocyst and Ascaridia galli had 2 (5.7%). Conclusively, this study observed a less prevalence of endoparasitism of poultry with 5.7% prevalence rate and Eimeria oocyst was implicated as the most infested parasite in live bird markets within Kaduna metropolis. Keywords: Screening, Endoparasites, Live-birds Markets, Species of birds

Diseases as Impediments to Livestock Production and Wildlife Conservation Goals

Disease outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics have been of importance for human and animal health worldwide and sparked enormous public interest. These outbreaks might be caused by known endemic pathogens or by emerging or re-emerging pathogens. Wildlife are the major reservoirs and responsible for most of these outbreaks. They play significant role in the transmission of several livestock diseases and pathogen spill-over may occur in complex socio-ecological systems at the wildlife-domestic animal interface which have been seldom studied. Interspecific pathogen spill-over at the wildlife-livestock interface have been of growing concern in the scientific community over the past years due to their impact on wildlife, livestock and human health. In this section the epidemiology of some viral infections (Foot and Mouth Disease and rabies), bacterial infections (Tuberculosis and brucellosis) and parasites (haemo and endo-parasites) at the wildlife-livestock interface and potential impacts to livestock production and conservation goal is described

Seroprevalence and detection of newcastle disease virus matrix gene in domestic local breed of chickens from eight communities in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Indigenous breed of domestic chickens have been identified as an appropriate tool for eradication poverty and hunger because of the ease at which poor people can acquire, grow and consume or sale the meat and eggs of these animals. The production of these chickens is largely constrained by disease especially, velogenic Newcastle disease (ND) which have the potential of wiping out an entire susceptible chicken population. Foundational to the control of ND in local breed of chickens in every community is the need for baseline information. Such information is scanty in Bauchi State even though the state is one of the major producers of these chickens in Nigeria. The aim of this study is to determine the seroprevalence of ND and also detect Newcastle disease virus (NDV) for the purpose of understanding the presence and distribution of the disease in the State. This study was conducted among 1085 village chickens from nine (9) randomly selected communities in Bauchi State, Nigeria. The seroprevalence of ND by Haemagglutination inhibition test was 36.4%. Matrix gene of ND virus (NDV) was also detected from 29.9% of 281 pooled cloacal swabs of the same chickens. The result indicates that ND virus (NDV) and its antibodies were widespread among village chickens in these communities. Vaccination is suggested as an appropriate control measure to protect chickens against a possible attack by a velogenic strain of NDV in chickens from these communities.Keywords: Newcastle disease, seroprevalence, molecular detection, domestic breed of local chickens, Bauchi Stat

A retrospective study on the prevalence and monthly distribution of Newcastle disease in poultry in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Newcastle disease (ND) is a major constraint to poultry production in Africa. A retrospective study was conducted to determine the prevalence of ND and its distribution by months in poultry from the records of monthly disease reports (MDRs) submitted by eight (8) of the twenty (20) Area Veterinary Offices (AVOs) in Bauchi State. Cases of ND in proportion to the total poultry cases for the period of 60 months (June 2010-May 2015) were used to determine the prevalence of ND, while, the average number of cases per month was used to create a bar chart to illustrate the monthly pattern of distribution of ND. The prevalence of reported cases of ND in poultry was 11.6% (26166/225891x100). The highest number of cases (>500) was frequently reported between October and January; and in May. The results highlight the need to monitor the occurrence of ND and to apply strategic vaccination as a control measure for the disease before the month of October and May in all the communities.Keywords: Area Veterinary Office, Bauchi State, Monthly disease report, Newcastle disease, Prevalence, Nigeri

Newcastle disease and biosecurity practices in live bird markets in Benue State, Nigeria

No AbstractKeywords: biosecurity, live bird markets, Newcastle disease, Benue Stat