Seroprevalence studies of Infectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV) in chickens in some area council in FCT, Nigeria

Abstract

Avian Infectious Bronchitis (AIB) is a viral disease of serious economic importance characterized by coughing, sneezing, loss of weight and drop in egg and quality. There is paucity of information its occurrence and distribution in Abuja-FCT, Nigeria. Hence this study was conducted to establish the sero-prevalence the virus (IBV) among selected poultry types (local chickens, broilers, pullets, and cockerels) in some area councils within FCT. A total of 360 sera were collected and subjected to Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at Animal Care Laboratory Nyanya, Abuja. The study found an overall prevalence of 80.56% (290/360). While the distribution according location showed the prevalence of 89.17% (107/120) in Kuje area council, 73.30% (88/120) in AMAC, and 79.10% (95/120) in Kwali area council. The distribution according to type of birds showed prevalence of 74.44% (67/90) for broilers, 78.88% (71/90) for cockerels, 71.11%(64/90) for pullets and 97.77% (88/90) for local chicken. The distribution of IBV occurrence according to management showed that the prevalence bird managed under the deep litter systems was 85.88%, while the prevalence in birds managed under cage system 56.00%. In conclusion, this study found an 80.55% prevalence of infectious bronchitis, associated with increased poultry activities. It is therefore recommended that more public education about infectious bronchitis viral disease be carried out in addition to laboratory diagnosis and other preventive measures.