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CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Newcastle disease (ND), caused by the Newcastle disease virus (NDV), is a highly contagious viral infection affecting birds worldwide. It poses significant economic losses in the poultry industry due to mortality, reduced egg production, and trade restrictions. Understanding the presence and levels of NDV antibodies in reared birds is crucial for disease management and prevention strategies.

Newcastle disease (ND) is one of the most important avian viral diseases because of its high economic impact on the poultry industry. Newcastle disease was discovered in Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne is a city and a metropolitan borough of Tyne and wear, in northeast England in 1926 (Doyle, 1927), but at this time slightly different strains were found in other parts of the world. The disease was initially reported in 1925 in Southeast Asia (Alexander, 1997) since then it has become an economically important disease of poultry all over the world. Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and is home to about 175 million domestic poultry. Poultry production in Nigeria can be classified into extensive and intensive systems. The extensive system accounts for the vast majority of poultry, more than 143 million which are free ranging birds in the rural areas (Sainbury, 2000). In Nigeria it is estimated that poultry supplies about 10% of the total meat needs and out of about 150 million poultry birds, 102 million are indigenous (Majiyade and Lamorde, 1997). The indigenous village chicken is identified as a way of providing rural women with diverse income earnings and employment (Alexander, 2001).

However, the endemic Newcastle and associated mortalities constitute a major obstacle to the promotion of large holdings of these birds (Majiyade and Lamorde, 1997). The disease is worldwide in distribution and virus strains of wide varying degrees of pathogenicity exist. Reports from some parts of Nigeria rated Newcastle disease as one of the greatest constraint to the development of the rural poultry production (Dipeolu and Kenipe, 1998). In order to formulate appropriate control measures, the national situation with regards to the Newcastle disease status among the indigenous chickens need to be established in local chicken.(Rao and Prascal, 1987).

Newcastle disease since its first report in 1927 poses a threat on the on the poultry. The incidence of this disease has reduced over the years because of effective vaccination policies. However, the disease continues to be reported even in vaccinated flocks which necessitate industry the commercial vaccines against the epizootic isolates. (Hofacre, 1986). In commercial chickens thermostable ND vaccines are used but this practice is not very popular in Nigeria. The presence of antibodies to NDV in unvaccinated local chickens can therefore be used to evaluate the prevalence of ND in a given environment.

Statement of the Problem

Despite efforts to control Newcastle disease, outbreaks continue to occur globally, impacting poultry production and food security. The variability in NDV antibody levels among reared birds necessitates accurate assessment to enhance disease monitoring and management practices.

Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to determine the presence and levels of Newcastle disease virus antibodies among birds reared. Specific objectives include:

i. To evaluate the impact of NDV infection on antibody production in different bird species.

ii. To determine the prevalence of NDV antibodies among birds of various ages and rearing conditions.

iii. To find out the factors influencing the variability in NDV antibody levels among reared birds.

Implication Of Study

The indigenous village chicken is identified as a way of providing rural men and women with diverse income earnings and employment, However the endemic Newcastle Disease and its associated mortalities constitute a major obstacle to the promotion of large holding of these birds, since the disease has no treatment and chicks can only be vaccinated against the disease. This work is to detect the level of protection the indigenous chicken has against Newcastle disease.

Research Questions

i. What is the prevalence of Newcastle disease virus antibodies among birds reared?

ii. What factors contribute to the variability in NDV antibody levels among different bird species?

iii. How does age and rearing conditions affect the presence and levels of NDV antibodies in birds?

Significance of the Study

This study will provide valuable insights into the prevalence and variability of Newcastle disease virus antibodies among birds reared under different conditions. Findings will inform poultry health management strategies, contributing to improved disease prevention and control measures.

Scope of the Study

This study will focus on assessing NDV antibodies in various species of reared birds across different age groups and rearing conditions. It will cover both domestic and commercial poultry settings.

Limitations of the Study

Variability in NDV antibody levels due to environmental factors and genetic differences among bird species.

Limitations in sample size and geographic representation may affect generalizability.

Dependency on accurate diagnostic tools and laboratory methods for antibody detection.

Definition of Terms

Newcastle disease (ND): A contagious viral disease affecting birds, caused by the Newcastle disease virus (NDV).

Antibodies: Proteins produced by the immune system in response to NDV infection, indicative of immune response and potential immunity.

Rearing conditions: Environmental and management factors influencing bird health and disease susceptibility.

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