Prevalence and Risk factors of Newcastle Disease in Chickens of Live Bird Markets, Commercial Poultry Farms and Backyard in Selected Areas of Bangladesh

Abstract

The present study was carried out to determine the prevalence and potential risk factors of ND in poultry in selected areas of Bangladesh. A total of 77 pooled oropharyngeal swab samples were randomly collected from live bird markets (LBM), backyard chickens, and commercial poultry farms around Savar, Tangail, and Gazipur. The risk factor data were collected using farmer’s interviews and close observation. All swab samples were subjected to RNA extraction followed by qRT-PCR with reference primers and probe to detect NDV. Overall, 28.58% samples were detected NDV positive with highest in backyard chickens 40% (OR:2.16; 95%CI:0.65-7.15) and lowest (23.53%) in commercial farms chickens. NDV prevalence was found highest (41.67%) in Gazipur and minimum (20%) in Tangail. Chickens that consume hand-mixed feed were found more susceptible to develop NVD (OR:12.28; 95%CI:1.26-25.6; n=5) compared with commercial and scavenging types of chicken feed. Educationally qualified people were found more successful to prevent the breakout of ND and chickens reared on floor were significantly prone to NDV than chickens reared in the cage. The odd ratio of NDV infection was 3.27 in dead chickens thrown away vs buried and OR:4.75 when sold sick chickens vs eat and medication. These findings suggest that NDV infections are prevailing in the chickens and may appear as a potential threat to the poultry industry. Extensive surveillance and strict farm biosecurity practices along with proper vaccination are recommended to prevent NDV.