Summary
Avian influenza (AI) has a worldwide distribution and affects domestic
and wild birds, thus causing great economic losses to the poultry
industry. This study was carried out to detect avian influenza H5
antigen and antibodies in some wild birds in Zaria and its environs,
Nigeria. A total of 136 wild birds, comprising 20 Laughing doves
(Spilolepia senegalensis ), 22 Speckled pigeons (Columba
guinea ), 25 Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis ), 25 Senegalese parrots
(Poicephalus senegalus) , 21 Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos)and 23 Geese (Anseranserini ) were used for the study. Some of the
birds (Laughing doves, Speckled pigeons, Cattle egrets and Senegalese
parrots) were captured around poultry houses, while others (Mallards and
Geese) were sampled from live bird markets (LBMs). Blood samples,
oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were collected from each bird. Sera were
tested for avian influenza virus (AIV) H5 antibody using enzyme linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pooled oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs of
each bird species (8-10 samples) were tested for AIV antigen using
one-step reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Results revealed overall prevalence of 6.62 % and 3.85 % for AIV
antibody and antigen respectively. Based on species, AIV antibody was
detected in Laughing dove (10 %), Speckled pigeon (13.64 %) and
Mallard (19.05 %). Also, AIV antigen was detected in Senegalese parrot
(20 %). In conclusion, AIV antibody and antigen were detected in wild
birds in Zaria. Thus, these species of birds could play significant
roles in the spread of this virus to chickens. Therefore, measures to
limit the interactions of these wild birds with chickens should be
implemented to minimize the spread of AI.
Keywords: Avian influenza, antibody, antigen, wild birds, Zaria