Retrospective Analysis of Newcastle Disease in Chickens in Barishal District of Bangladesh

Abstract

Poultry diseases are one of the most important constraints to the sustainable growth of the poultry industry in Bangladesh. Among these diseases, Newcastle disease (ND) is one of the most threats and possess a continuous risk to the sustainable development of this growing sector. The present study was designed to investigate the seroprevalence of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in chickens at Barishal district of Bangladesh, from November 2021 to October 2022. During the reporting period, a total of 419 serum samples (227 layers and 192 broilers) were randomly collected from apparently healthy, sick and recovered birds. The haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test was used to analyze the chicken sera samples for determination of the titer of the antibodies against NDV. The test results showed that the overall seroprevalence was 13.84% (n = 58/419). Layer chickens (17.62%) were more prevalent for ND than broilers (9.38%). However, a chi-square (χ2) statistical analysis revealed that factors such as the age of chickens, seasons, floor condition of the chick’s house, flock size, bird health status, and practices for dead bird disposal showed no significant associations (p>0.05) with the prevalence of the disease. In conclusion, this study helps to fill a knowledge gap in the prevalence and distribution of NDV in the Barishal district of Bangladesh, provides a framework for future longitudinal research on NDV risk, and may help to formulate appropriate disease control strategies for commercial chickens.