Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports (May 2024)
Molecular Detection and Serological Investigation of Newcastle Disease in Intensive, Semi-Intensive, and Backyard Production Systems in Central and Southwestern Areas of Ethiopia
Abstract
Bezina Arega Emeru,1 Dejene Getachew Dame,2 Haregawi Tesfaye Desta3 1Animal Biotechnology Research Program, National Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, Holeta, Ethiopia; 2College of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia; 3College of Agricultural and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Bezina Arega Emeru, Animal Biotechnology Research Program, National Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research, P.O. Box 249, Holeta, Ethiopia, Tel +251 960167205, Fax +251112610053, Email [email protected]: The purpose of this research is to detect Newcastle disease virus and to assess the seropositivity among backyard, semi-intensive, and intensive farms located in central and southwestern areas of Ethiopia.Material and Methods: A total of 239 oropharyngeal and cloacal swab samples were collected from symptomatic birds found in Holeta, Burayu, Jimma towns as well as Seka Chekorsa and Nadhigibe woredas of Jimma Zone. In addition, ninety blood samples were collected from wing veins of unvaccinated birds found in the study areas of Jimma zone. Side-by-side information related to risk factors estimated to contribute to the susceptibility of the disease was collected by interviewing owners of sampled birds. Reverse transcription polymerase-chain reaction (RT-PCR) was conducted to detect NDV. Likewise, Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to determine the seropositivity of ND.Results: The proportion of samples where NDV was detected was 24.6%. Similarly, 68.9% of the sampled birds were seropositive. It was observed that adult birds were more likely to encounter the disease than youngs (OR = 11.6; 95% CI: 4.0– 33.3; P = 0.000). Birds owned by respondents who leave diseased birds in the flock were more likely infected (OR = 6.2; 95% CI: 1.8– 21.2; P=0.004) as compared to those isolated and mode of disposal of dead chicken significantly affect exposure (OR = 0.13; 95% CI: 0.10– 4.88; P = 0.044). Likewise, access to veterinary services highly likely reduces susceptibility to the disease (OR = 12.4; 95% CI: 3.2– 46.9; P = 0.000). It was also found that birds farmed intensively were the most at risk (OR = 2.8; 95% CI: 0.58– 13.71; P = 0.199).Conclusion: Detection of ND from a significant proportion of sampled birds and their high seropositivity percentage revealed the circulation of the virus in the study areas.Keywords: Newcastle disease, RT-PCR, ELISA, susceptibility
