Serological Detection of Infectious Bursa Disease Virus Antibodies in Domestic Birds in North Central States of Nigeria

Abstract

The detection and distribution of infectious Bursa disease (IBD) virus antibody among local species of birds was investigated in 4,655 sera sample using Agar Gel precipitation test (AGPT). The results showed that local chickens had the highest distribution with 446 (9.58%) followed by ducks 218 (4.68%), guinea fowl 131 (2.81%), turkey 159 (3.42%) while the pigeons had the lowest with 50 (1.07%). The relative risk value showed that the chickens had the highest 40.58% while the pigeons had the lowest (5.62%). These imply that the chickens are more at risk, susceptible and have higher potential of being infected by the disease. Statistically, there was significant difference in the values, p< 0.05 (t = 5.683,p= 0.005 at 95% C.I.(270.75 -788.05). The presence of IBD virus antibodies among these unvaccinated birds suggests that the birds were susceptible and are infected. It also imply that the birds have the potentials of becoming carriers and serve as source of spread of the disease to other susceptible birds .The outbreak of IBD in domestic birds with high mortality helps to reduce the much needed proteins from animals source. It is therefore suggested that effort should be made to vaccinate the local birds against infectious bursa disease in Nigeria.

Keywords: Antibody, IBD-virus, Domestic birds, Mortality, Susceptibility.