Sero-Survey of Avian Influenza Disease Virus in Live Bird Markets and Farmers Appraisal within Abuja Municipal Area Council, Nigeria

Abstract

Avian Influenza (AI) virus is a transboundary animal disease of international food and biosecurity importance characterized by recurrent outbreaks in many countries where the virus is still endemic. This purposive sero-surviellance study was conducted to detect the presence of AI antibodies in chickens and AI appraisal of poultry farmers' knowledge, attitude and practice in Abuja Municipal Area Council, Nigeria. One hundred (100) blood samples collected randomly post slaughter from chickens in live bird markets were screened and characterized using Agar Gel Immuno Diffusion and Haemagglutination Inhibition Tests at the Avian Influenza laboratory, of the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom Plateau State. A structured Questionnaire was also administered to 50 poultry farmers. Results revealed an overall sero-prevalence of 5% with H5 and H9 haemagglutinating inhibiting antibody titre ranging from 1 log2-5 log2. Breed specific sero-prevalence were 4% and 16% for local and exotic (layers) chickens respectively, while broilers showed no detectable antibodies. Questionnaire responses indicated low awareness level on the zoonotic potential of AI but high level of awareness on the economic impact of the disease. In conclusion, this study provides preliminary information on the occurrence of Avian Influenza virus H5 and H5/H9 co-infection and circulation in chickens characterized by poor zoonotic awareness of the disease within Abuja Municipal Area Council. Hence, there is a need to conduct further molecular studies to establish the circulating viral field strains for comparism with empirical vaccine strains and create more public enlightenments and awareness campaign about the disease burden and possible zoonotic impact.