Serological Evidence of Serum Antibodies to Infectious Bursal Disease Virus in Local Chickens in Wuse, Abuja Municipal Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is a highly contagious disease of young chickens caused by Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). It is characterized by immunosuppression and high mortality. IBD has been a threat to general poultry production in Nigeria and a major problem in poultry production areas throughout the world. Detection of antibodies to the virus was carried out on 300 sera samples collected from local unvaccinated chickens brought for slaughter at Wuse market Abuja, Nigeria. Qualitative and quantitative agar gel precipitation test (AGPT) methods were used to detect and quantify antibody levels. 115 (38.3%) samples were positive for IBDV antibodies and 100% of the positive sera had antibody titre lower than 64. According to OIE standards, this level is not protective for them. These findings imply that the local chickens in the study area are exposed to field strains of IBDV and the immunity conferred on them by this exposure is not very protective. Infected birds if not properly managed can serve as sources of the infection to other avian species in close proximity. This is not overlooking the enormous economic loss that may be incurred in the event of an IBD outbreak as the role of local chickens as sources of protein and income will be undermined. Vaccination of local chickens were possible is advocated for.