<i>Avian Influenza</i> H5-Subtype Antibodies in Apparently Healthy Local Poultry in Live Bird Markets in Jigawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Jigawa State with over 90% of its poultry being extensively managed local poultry has a vast wetland, the Hadejia Nguru wetland, which serves as a center for aggregation of migratory’ birds from Europe and Asia. The wetland provides a point of interaction between migratory wild birds, resident wild birds and local poultry which are of great significance in the ecology of avian influenza. Avian influenza outbreak in Jigawa State involved local poultry usually traded in live bird markets and constitutes the bulk of the poultry population in the State. The study surveyed for avian influenza antibodies in local poultry in live bird markets. Three hundred and ninety six sera were collected and tested by haemagglutination inhibition test. Overall avian influenza H5 subtype antibodies prevalence rate and mean titre were 12.1 % and 7.73±0.35 log₂ respectively. The prevalence rate and mean titre for chickens were 12.15% and 7.30±0.50 log₂ respectively. The figures were 16.39% and 9.90±0.10 log₂ and 9.92% and 6.92±0.58 log₂ for ducks and guinea fowls respectively. Taura live bird market had the highest prevalence of 39.1% with a mean titre of 9.9 ± 0.11 log₂. Chickens, ducks and guinea fowls in live bird markets in Jigawa State were exposed to H5 subtype antigen and are likely to maintain avian influenza virus in the markets. There is a need for continuous active surveillance for avian influenza virus in live bird markets especially in States where there are high likelihoods of poultry-migratory wild bird interaction.

Keywords: Avian influenza, Jigawa State, Live bird markets, Local poultry