Birds In Nigeria Research Articles

Molecular And Serological Detection Of Newcastle Disease Virus In Live-Bird Markets, Jos, Plateau State In Nigeria

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly infectious viral disease of birds caused by the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and it has been reported in domestic birds in Nigeria. Waterfowls and village poultry in live bird markets (LBM) acts as reservoirs, potentially reintroducing the virus to commercial poultry. This study aims at molecular and serological detection of NDV at live bird markets in Plateau State, Nigeria. A cross sectional analysis involved 309 pooled cloacal and tracheal swabs over three months were analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), RT-qPCR, virus isolation and haemagglutination and haemagglutinationinhibition test (HA &HI). Virus isolation was attempted in 9 to 11 days old specific antibody negative (SAN) embryonated chicken eggs and fifteen samples showed haemagglutination. Subsequent tests confimed nine of these as NDV positive through haemagglutination and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests. Conventional RT-PCR and RT-qPCR further validated five of the nine NDV positive isolates. The phylogenetic analysis of partial F gene nucleotide sequences revealed that all three isolates belonged to class II genotype XIV.2_XIVb. This finding underscores the persistent threat of NDV to local poultry, necessitating comprehensive virological surveillance to understand, isolate and characterize the virus in Nigeria. Therefore, monitoring for emerging lineages and sub-lineages in Nigeria birds is crucial for safeguarding commercial poultry production.

Molecular and serological detection of Newcastle disease virus in live-bird markets, Jos, Plateau State Nigeria.

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly infectious viral disease of birds caused by the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and it has been reported in domestic birds in Nigeria. Waterfowls and village poultry in live bird markets (LBM) acts as reservoirs, potentially reintroducing the virus to commercial poultry. This study aims at molecular and serological detection of NDV at live bird markets in Plateau State, Nigeria. A cross sectional analysis involved 309 pooled cloacal and tracheal swabs over three months were analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), RT-qPCR, virus isolation and haemagglutination and haemagglutination-inhibition test (HA &HI). Virus isolation was attempted in 9 to 11 days old specific antibody negative (SAN) embryonated chicken eggs and fifteen samples showed haemagglutination. Subsequent tests confimed nine of these as NDV positive through haemagglutination and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests. ConventionalRT-PCR and RT-qPCR further validated five of the nine NDV positive isolates. The phylogenetic analysis of partial F gene nucleotide sequences revealed that all three isolates belonged to class II genotype XIV.2_XIVb. This finding underscores the persistent threat of NDV to local poultry, necessitating comprehensive virological surveillance to understand, isolate and characterize the virus in Nigeria. Therefore, monitoring for emerging lineages and sub-lineages in Nigeria birds is crucial for safeguarding commercial poultry production.

Eimeria infections among commercial laying chickens in Nigeria: the prevalence and clinico-histopathological changes.

Coccidiosis is known to affect a wide range of animals including chickens. This study was designed to determine the nation-wide prevalence and clinico-histopathological changes associated with Eimeria infections in commercial laying birds in Nigeria. One Thousand eight hundred and forty-three (1843) commercial laying chickens from 28 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria, between 2007 and 2016 were examined for the presence of Eimeria parasites and for clinicopathological lesions. Simple flotation and the McMaster techniques were used to confirm the presence of Eimeria oocysts and estimate the oocyst load. Positive samples were sporulated for the purpose of species differentiation. Gross and histopathology were carried out accordingly. Two hundred and seven (207) faecal samples/carcasses were positive for Eimeria infections (11.23%; 95% CI = 9.87-12.75). Eimeria tenella and E. necatrix were the most prevalent species. The highest mean oocyst per gram (OPG) was recorded in E. acervulina (5260.87 (± 1838.35)). The prevalence of Eimeria infections in commercial laying birds within the states ranged between 4.4% (Kaduna State), and 33% (Ebonyi and Lagos States), and 21.1% in FCT. There was a higher prevalence of Eimeria infections in commercial laying birds that are less than 1year compared to those above a year. Eimeria infections was 2.19 times more likely to occur during the wet season compared to the dry season (95% CI = 1.59-3.06; χ2 = 23.29; P = < 0.01). One hundred and eighty-five (185) carcasses showed moderate petechiae to ecchymotic intestinal/caecal mucosa, while 22 carcasses showed severe petechiae to ecchymotic intestinal/caecal mucosa with bloody intestinal lumen. This study appears to be the first nation-wide study on the prevalence and clinico-histopathological changes associated with Eimeria infections in commercial laying chickens in Nigeria.

Sero-detection of antibodies to Avian metaavulavirus 2 in peri-domestic birds, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Avian metaavulavirus 2 (AMAV-2) previously known as the avian paramyxovirus-2 causes mild to severe respiratory disease, reduced hatchability and infertility of eggs, including increase in white-shelled eggs in chickens and Turkey breeders. When exacerbated by secondary pathogens and environmental stresses, infection is more severe leading to significant economic losses. This study was conducted to determine, if any, the presence of antibodies to Avian metaavulavirus 2 (AMAV-2) in peri-domestic birds in Bauchi State, Nigeria. In all, one hundred sera samples from pigeons (n = 10) and doves (n = 90 were collected in Bauchi, Nigeria. Based on hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) test, overall seroprevalence of 27.0% (27/100) was recorded. In pigeon, the seroprevalence was 80.0% while 21.1% was recorded for dove with HI antibody titers ranging from 3log2 to 8log2. There was statistical significance obtained between dove and pigeon sera tested (p < .05). Until now and to the best of our knowledge, there are no reports on AMAV-2 in poultry or wild birds in Nigeria. This study, thus, provides preliminary information on AMAV-2 seroprevalence in Nigerian peri-domestic birds. The need to conduct further studies in other avian species and wild birds in Nigeria is highlighted.

Sero-Detection of Avian Influenza A/H7 in Nigerian Live-Bird Markets in Plateau State

Avian influenza has been reported in domestic birds in Nigeria since 2006 and subtype H5 of the Gs/Gg lineage has continued to be detected up till date. It has been suggested that waterfowls and local birds sold in live-bird markets may be natural reservoir and source of reinfection of different subtype of avian influenza in poultry farms. This study aims at serodetection of avian influenza virus in waterfowls and local birds at live-bird markets in Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of three hundred and nine (309) blood samples were collected over a period of three months and two hundred and ninety-two (292) sera were analysed by c-ELISA for influenza A nucleoprotein using standard protocols. Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI) specific for subtypes H5, H9, and H7 was also carried out using standard protocols on ELISA positive samples. The results showed seroprevalence of 5.14% (n=15) for influenza A. Serotype H7 was thereafter detected by HI in 5 of the 15 influenza A positive samples. The H7 positive sera also reacted with H7N3, H7N4, H7N1 and H7N7 virus strains with HI titre ranging between 1:32 to 1:512. This investigation for the first time showed serological evidence of influenza A subtype H7 in local birds and waterfowls sold at the live bird market in Nigeria. Further virological surveillance to isolate the virus is important in order to better understand influenza virus epidemiology in Nigeria and the potential risk that other subtypesof influenza poses to poultry production and public health.&#x0D; Keywords: Influenza A, subtype H7, serological detection, live bird market, Nigeria.

Newcastle disease virus antibodies in apparently healthy commercial layers in Abeokuta, Ogun state, Nigeria

Several authors have worked on Newcastle Disease (ND) with respect to the incidence, prevalence and epizootiology of the disease and the antibody status in non-vaccinated birds in Nigeria. However, current information on the antibodies of the Newcastle Disease virus in apparently healthy commercial poultry birds with known vaccination records in Abeokuta Metropolis is scanty. This study was conducted, using Heamagglutination Inhibition assay (HI) technique, to detect Newcastle Disease virus (NDV) antibodies in routinely vaccinated commercial poultry birds in the 3 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Abeokuta that form the Abeokuta metropolis. Haemagglutinating NDV antibodies were detected in the apparently healthy layers thus indicating a widely circulating NDV in areas. A potency test of the vaccines used on the farms was determined using Heamagglutination test and their values ranged between 2 and 2 . The sero-prevalence of NDVantibodies in the 3 LGAs showed there was no significant difference (p &gt;0.05). Of the 120 sera tested, 82 (68.33%) had detectable NDV antibodies but only 81.67% had HI protective titre of &gt; 2 and 18.33% had low seroconversionwith titre 2 or less.

Anthropogenic impacts on the composition and population density of migratory and resident birds of selected wetlands sectors in northern Nigeria

In recent times, there has been decrease in the number of migratory and resident birds in Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands in Nigeria. This, no doubt, is a subject of concern to conservationist and the country at large. The effect of anthropogenic activities on the composition and population density of migratory and resident birds in Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands, Nigeria, were undertaken for a period of two months. Point-count method was used in data collection in two sectors of the wetlands: Ox-Bow Lake and Marma Channel. Visual observation and interaction with the locals around the wetlands were used to assess the level of anthropogenic influences and scored on a scale of 0-5. Forty-five species of migratory and resident birds were recorded of which 25 were resident while 14 and 6 were migratory and Afro-migrant respectively. A total of 32,442 and 2,218 individual birds were recorded in Ox-Bow Lake and Marma Channel respectively. Garganey (Anas querquedula) was the highest recorded species during the survey and it was preponderant in Ox-Bow Lake. Garganey was also more densely populated (903.76 birds/hectares). Canonical correspondence analysis showed that washing/bathing and open defecation negatively affected the composition of Anas querquedula and Anas acuta. The study revealed Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands to be under threat. Therefore, appropriate enforcement of laws guiding migratory birds in Nigeria is hereby recommended.&#x0D; Keywords: Anthropogenic activities; bird population density; migratory birds; Garganey (Anas querquedula); Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands; Nigeria

Genomic comparison of Newcastle disease viruses isolated in Nigeria between 2002 and 2015 reveals circulation of highly diverse genotypes and spillover into wild birds.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has a wide avian host range and a high degree of genetic variability, and virulent strains cause Newcastle disease (ND), a worldwide concern for poultry health. Although NDV has been studied in Nigeria, genetic information about the viruses involved in the endemicity of the disease and the transmission that likely occurs at the poultry-wildlife interface is still largely incomplete. Next-generation and Sanger sequencing was performed to provide complete (n = 73) and partial genomic sequence data (n = 38) for NDV isolates collected from domestic and wild birds in Nigeria during 2002-2015, including the first complete genome sequences of genotype IV and subgenotype VIh from the African continent. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that viruses of seven different genotypes circulated in that period, demonstrating high genetic diversity of NDV for a single country. In addition, a high degree of similarity between NDV isolates from domestic and wild birds was observed, suggesting that spillovers had occurred, including to three species that had not previously been shown to be susceptible to NDV infection. Furthermore, the first spillover of a mesogenic Komarov vaccine virus is documented, suggesting a previous spillover and evolution of this virus. The similarities between viruses from poultry and multiple bird species and the lack of evidence for host adaptation in codon usage suggest that transmission of NDV between poultry and non-poultry birds occurred recently. This is especially significant when considering that some viruses were isolated from species of conservation concern. The high diversity of NDV observed in both domestic and wild birds in Nigeria emphasizes the need for active surveillance and epidemiology of NDV in all bird species.

Attempted Detection of West Nile Virus from Wild and Peridomestic Birds within Ibadan Metropolis in Nigeria

Wild and peridomestic birds have been implicated in the transmission of West Nile virus (WNV), acting either as reservoirs or vectors. A team of researchers reported detection of West Nile virus (WNV) in the faeces of infected wild birds after being experimentally infected with the virus subcutaneously. This necessitated the need for this study, which is aimed at investigating the potential transmission of WNV through faeces in wild and peridomestic birds in Nigeria even though the virus is an arbovirus commonly transmitted by mosquito. To confirm the data, one hundred and ten (110) wild and peridomestic birds were screened for the presence of WNV using rtPCR method. The birds were drawn from six locations in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria within a period of 18 months. Detection of WNV was made with 5% agarose gel electrophoresis. However, we failed to detect WNV in these samples, concluding that birds in those locations were not habouring the virus. We recommend continuous and active surveillance for the virus since change in some particular factors can aid its widespread transmission.

Mesh size and bird capture rates in shasha forest reserve, ile-ife, Nigeria

Few studies have been conducted to verify how mist net mesh size affects the capture rates of birds in Nigeria. This research was undertaken from 06.30 to 18.30 hours between February 2010 and January 2011 at Shasha Forest Reserve (4o20' to 4o40' E, 7o00' to 7o 10' N) near Ile-Ife in southwestern Nigeria, to verify how mesh size affects the capture rates of birds and the efficiency or otherwise of the mist nets involved. Bird species occurrence was recorded using eight nylon mist nets each of 36mm and 61mm mesh sizes in linear transects. The linear transects cuts across different vegetational types with varying degrees of human disturbance. A total of 970 birds were captured and made up of 584 (60.2%) with 36mm mesh and 386 (39.8%) with 61mm mesh. Of the 106 species mist-netted 93(87.7%) were caught by 36mm while 61mm caught 73(68.9%). The 36mm mesh net was more effective for birds with less than 200mm body length while 61mm mesh was more effective for birds with more than 250mm body length. However, both meshes were suitable for birds between 151 and 200mm long. Thirty six millimeter mesh net captured most of the birds below 20g while 61mm mesh captured was more efficient for the larger species. Both mesh sizes were effective for birds with body weights between 41.00 and 80.00g. Deployment of both nets will provide an improvement of abundance estimates for some larger species. By using only 36mm mesh nets, there may be an improvement in the capture rate of small birds and similarly 61mm mesh would substantially improve the capture rate of bigger and heavier birds.

Survival rates in West African savanna birds

Despite widespread interest in life histories and the comparison of parameters between tropical and temperate regions, there are still relatively few multispecies studies assessing annual survival in Afrotropical species. We used data from systematic mist-netting of savanna birds in Nigeria, between 2001 and 2008, to estimate survival for 40 Afrotropical bird species. Best-supported models were those incorporating constant survival (27 of 40) or the effects of transience (13 of 40). Survival ranged from 0.269 to 0.948 (mean ± SE = 0.64 ± 0.02), varied within and between families, and showed a positive relationship with mass in passerines. Survival was highest in the insectivorous Malaconotidae (0.79 ± 0.13) and lowest in the granivorous Estrildinae (0.51 ± 0.04). This pattern was also evident in a comparison of survival between guilds (highest in insectivores and lowest in granivores) suggesting that these species encounter seasonal starvation risks or exhibit a seasonal response to water availability, i.e. emigration from the study area leading to reduced site fidelity and lower apparent survival. Our estimates of adult survival are higher than those previously obtained from this site, comparable with those from other Afrotropical studies (i.e. >0.60) and higher than those from temperate zones (0.53 ± 0.01, n = 79).

Situation-Based Survey of Avian Influenza Viruses in Possible “Bridge” Species of Wild and Domestic Birds in Nigeria

The highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1 subtype) recurred in Nigeria after 9 months period of no reported case. A critical look at possible sources of the re-occurrence was desirable. The objective of this study was to determine whether avian influenza viruses were present at reasonably detectable levels (0.5%) in possible “bridge” species of wild and domestic birds. The study was conducted in 8 Nigerian states. A total of 403 birds from 40 species were sampled. Virus isolation was done in embryonated chicken eggs according to standard protocols. The test results were all negative for avian influenza viruses. The overall confidence interval (CI) calculated in R using the exact binomial confidence interval function was 0–0.007406. Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax) was the lowest sampled 0.3% (1/403) and Red-billed Firefinch (Lagonosticta senegala) the highest 11.7% (47/403). The limitations of the sample size and possibly designing effects on the study, as to make concrete conclusions were acknowledged. Species of wild birds, so identified in the study could be useful in future surveys. Furthermore, multidisciplinary and community oriented approach, blending targeted and passive surveillances was suggested. This approach was envisaged to bring about wider coverage of “bridge” species and clearer insight of their possible roles in avian influenza re-occurrences and spread in Nigeria.

Distribution, antibiogram and multidrug resistance in Enterobacteriaceae from commercial poultry feeds in Nigeria

The increasing incidence of enterobacteriosis in poultry birds in Nigeria lately necessitated the study which aimed at enumerating the Enterobacteriaceae in 58 commercially available poultry feeds, studying their antibiotic susceptibility pattern, confirming plasmid as the determinants of resistance and tracing the relationship between multidrug resistant (MDR) isolates in the feed and those in morbid birds. Fifty-three enterobacteria belonging to 5 genera: Escherichia, Salmonella, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Yersinia; were obtained from the feed samples. Escherichia coli was the most distributed enterobacteria in the feed types (80%). There was a significant (P broiler starter > broiler finisher > growers mash > layers mash. Augmentin, nitrofurantoin and amoxicillin showed the least overall potency (<30%) against all isolates while sensitivity to fluoroquinolones was above 70%. Multidrug (MD) resistance was limited to 32.1% of the isolates. The plasmid DNA profiles showed that 71.4% of the analyzed MDR strains possessed extrachromosomal determinants with relative sizes of 6.4 to 23.0 kb. The similarity studies showed that there was a direct relationship between MDR E. coli strains from the feed samples and those from morbid birds (Si = 78.9%). Key words: Enterobacteriaceae, poultry feed, antibiogram, multidrug resistance, plasmid.

The Nature Of Influenza Virus Virulence/Pathogenicity

Based on pathogenicity influenza viruses can be classified as highly pathogenic (HP) or low pathogenic (LP). We analyzed genomes of HP H5N1 viruses isolated from chickens in Nigeria (Owoade, 2008) and found unique mutation in haemagglutinin, which may affect structure of antigenic region of HA and, therefore, may allow the virus to escape from the host immune responses. We also analysed genomes of LP viruses isolated from wild birds in Nigeria and found mutation at in the non-structural protein NS1. This mutation may destabilize NS1 interaction with the cellular CPSF30 protein which is normally occurs during HP virus infection (Das, 2008) and, therefore, may induce the antiviral responses. We will also disscuss distinct cellular processes which the HP and LP viruses relay on or suppress.

Addressing sampling bias in counting forest birds: a West African case study

No one bird survey technique is perfect. Either the assumptions made by a technique are difficult to meet in the field, or there are biases due to the observer, the birds themselves, the landscape, or the nature of the habitat. These include survey effort, time of day, time of year, edge effects, vegetation structure, and variation in detectability functions. Biases in methodologies are only a problem if they are systematic with respect to the variables that are being tested. If, however, biases are randomly distributed with respect to the variables under consideration, they cannot affect a positive result, although a negative result may occur because of the noise they may introduce into the analysis. Therefore, it is crucial to determine and minimise biases in any study. We use extensive line transect census data from a study of the effects of habitat fragmentation on forest birds in Nigeria to illustrate the range of possible biases and their effects, and then how these may be accounted for. Asymptote analysis showed that, although more bird species were recorded in larger fragments because transects in those fragments were longer, this bias had little overall effect as long as transects were longer than a few hundred meters. The number of bird species declined significantly and substantially between 07:00 and 11:00. The effects of edge on number of species was only significant for the first 200m from the edge. Vegetation variables did not vary significantly across sites, suggesting that variation in overall detectability could be ignored, but there was considerable variation in the detectability functions of different species. We recommend the following procedures for surveys of West African rain forests: a minimum transect length of 1 600m; sub-division of transects into shorter sections (100m–200m) along with vegetation measurements for each section to allow for the assessment of the effects of habitat variation; transects to start at least 200m from the edge of the forest; the use of species-specific detectability functions if they are to be used at all; and for all transects to reach their mid-point at the same time each day, preferably early in the morning.

Survival rates of tropical birds in Nigeria, West Africa

IbisVolume 149, Issue 3 p. 615-618 Survival rates of tropical birds in Nigeria, West Africa ROSS MCGREGOR, Corresponding Author ROSS MCGREGOR School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Westburn Lane, St Andrews, UK *Corresponding author. Present address: Department of Oceanography, The Florida State University, West Call St., Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA. Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorMARK J. WHITTINGHAM, MARK J. WHITTINGHAM Ridley Building, School of Biology, Newcastle University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UKSearch for more papers by this authorWILL CRESSWELL, WILL CRESSWELL School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Westburn Lane, St Andrews, UKSearch for more papers by this author ROSS MCGREGOR, Corresponding Author ROSS MCGREGOR School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Westburn Lane, St Andrews, UK *Corresponding author. Present address: Department of Oceanography, The Florida State University, West Call St., Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA. Email: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorMARK J. WHITTINGHAM, MARK J. WHITTINGHAM Ridley Building, School of Biology, Newcastle University, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, UKSearch for more papers by this authorWILL CRESSWELL, WILL CRESSWELL School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Westburn Lane, St Andrews, UKSearch for more papers by this author First published: 23 April 2007 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.2007.00670.xCitations: 30Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume149, Issue3July 2007Pages 615-618 RelatedInformation

Occurrence of keratinophilic fungi and dermatophytes on domestic birds in Nigeria.

Feathers, nails and beaks of one hundred and twenty common birds in Nigeria, Chicken [50], Ducks [20], Turkeys [15] and Pigeons [35], were examined using the soil plate technique for their mycoflora. 15 species of fungi were recovered and they belong to the genera Chrysosporium, Trichophyton, Microsporum, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Mucor Rhizopus, Penicillium and Trichoderma. Microsporum gypseum was the species most frequently isolated (35% of the samples). The most common genus was Chrysosporium and C. keratinophilum was the species with the highest frequency in the genus (28.3%). The species isolated included potential pathogens and mycotoxin producing fungi (Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Fusarium oxysporum).

Recovery of velogenic Newcastle disease virus from dead and healthy free‐roaming birds in Nigeria

Fourteen Newcastle disease virus isolates were recovered, 10 from dead birds (nine chickens and one guinea fowl) and four from apparently healthy, free-roaming birds (one chicken, two ducks and one pigeon) in Nigeria. The pathogenicity indices showed all the isolates to be velogenic.

Serological evidence of infection with the virus of infectious bursal disease in wild and domestic birds in Nigeria

Serological evidence of infection with the virus of infectious bursal disease in wild and domestic birds in Nigeria