Prevalence of Newcastle disease virus in feces of free-range turkeys in Enugu, Nigeria

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Newcastle disease (ND) virus of free-range turkeys may be linked to outbreaks of ND in backyard chickens seen during Harmattan in Enugu State in Southeast Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ND virus and (NDV) detect NDV in the feces of free-range, domestic turkeys in Enugu, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 569 serum and 569 cloacal swab samples were collected from adult turkeys in selected households that keep turkeys and chickens together in the study area. The serum samples were assayed for antibodies against NDV using the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test, whereas the cloacal samples were subjected to virus detection using a hemagglutination (HA) test. RESULTS: A total of 186 serum samples (32.7%) were positive for NDV and 383 (67.3%) were negative. Of the 186 NDV-positive serum samples, 138 (74.2%) had HI titers ≥ 8. The remaining 48 (25.8%) serum samples had HI titers <8. NDV was detected from the cloacal swabs of turkeys with NDV -positive serum samples. CONCLUSION: The turkeys in this study were not previously vaccinated with the NDV vaccine; thus, those with NDV -positive serum samples and virus shedding in their feces may be potential risks to chickens reared in the same households as well as on commercial farms in the area. Those turkeys with sera negative for NDV are regarded to be at risk if they encounter a virulent strain of NDV. Regular vaccination of turkeys against the NDV is advised, especially in backyard farms, where turkeys are reared together with chickens and other species of poultry.