Abstract

Cross-sectional study was conducted from November, 2009 to May, 2010 to determine the seroprevalence of infectious bursal disease (IBD) in backyard chickens and to identify the likely potential risk factors in selected sites in Central Oromia, Ethiopia. The study methods involved collection of serum samples, questionnaire surveys, and serological task conducted in laboratories. Accordingly, a total of 276 local backyard chickens were sampled. The sampling involved all chickens at different age groups of both sexes and with no history of previous vaccination against IBD. The samples were processed by using ProFLOK® PLUS indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Out of 276 serum samples tested, 227 were positive for indirect ELISA technique and the overall prevalence of IBD in the study area was found to be 82.2% (227/276). The prevalence of IBD was significantly influenced by site (X² = 44.353, P = 0.000). However, no significant difference was observed between age groups (X² = 0.535, P = 0.464) and sex (X² = 0.25, P = 0.870). The questionnaire also revealed that all the chickens raised in the household were non-vaccinated (100%), majority of them (70%) used own source of replacement chickens and 60% of the house hold poultry producers have no information about the disease. Furthermore, 70% of the farmers did not use disinfectants. Therefore, it can be concluded that IBD have high prevalence in Central Oromia, Ethiopia, and serious attention is warranted.

Key words: Seroprevalence, infectious bursal disease (IBD), indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), backyard chickens, Central Oromia Ethiopia.