African Journal of
Bacteriology Research

  • Abbreviation: J. Bacteriol. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2006-9871
  • DOI: 10.5897/JBR
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 123

Full Length Research Paper

Retrospective and clinical studies of Marek’s disease in Zaria, Nigeria

Musa I. W.1*, Bisalla M.2, Mohammed B.3, Sa’idu L.4 and Abdu P. A.1
  1Department of Veterinary Surgery and Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. 2Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. 3Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.  4Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 25 February 2013
  •  Published: 28 February 2013

Abstract

 

A ten year retrospective study (2000-2009) of Marek’s disease (MD) was conducted in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. 3,039 different poultry diseases were recorded, MD represents 4.9%. 63% of MD was recorded in birds 10 to 20 weeks old, 9.3% in birds above 30 weeks and 2.0% in birds below ten weeks. MD occurred mainly during the pre-rainy to rainy seasons with a progressive yearly increase. Strong association existed between season and MD (p < 0.05), risk estimate was also relevant (OR-2.4). A clinical analysis of birds affected with MD over the years revealed uneven growth and progressive weight loss as major complaints; ruffled feathers and whitish-yellow diarrhea were the major observable signs. Major gross lesions were severe emaciation, thickened proventriculus and flabby heart with loss of coronary fats. Histopathology revealed focal to diffuse neoplastic lesions in the affected organs. MD mainly affected chickens aged 10 to 20 weeks. The disease is endemic and on the increase in Zaria and its environs. We recommend that an effective MD vaccination technique and schedule be established for this region, purchase of point of lay chickens for production should be discouraged and standard biosecurity measures must be enhanced in hatcheries and farms to prevent primary exposure.

 

Key words: Marek’s disease, occurrence, diagnosis, Zaria.