Co-infection of Newcastle Disease and Avian Colibacillosis in a 4-week-old Broiler Flock in Maiduguri, Nigeria
Francis Enenche Ejeh *
Department of Veterinary Microbiology; University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria and Postgraduate College of Veterinary Surgeons, NVRI Study Center, Vom, Nigeria.
Jallailudeen Rabana Lawal
Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Nigeria and Postgraduate College of Veterinary Surgeons, University of Maiduguri Study Center, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
Akange-Ejeye Nguavese Emmanuella
Postgraduate College of Veterinary Surgeons, NVRI Study Center, Vom, Nigeria and National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), VOM, Nigeria.
Laleye Agnes Tinuke
Postgraduate College of Veterinary Surgeons, NVRI Study Center, Vom, Nigeria and National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), VOM, Nigeria.
Olaolu Olushola Samuel
Postgraduate College of Veterinary Surgeons, NVRI Study Center, Vom, Nigeria and National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), VOM, Nigeria.
Jonathan Musa Dagare
Postgraduate College of Veterinary Surgeons, NVRI Study Center, Vom, Nigeria and National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), VOM, Nigeria.
Mohammed Usman Sajo
Department of Veterinary Microbiology; University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria and Postgraduate College of Veterinary Surgeons, University of Maiduguri Study Center, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
Abdul-Dahiru El-Yuguda
Department of Veterinary Microbiology; University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Nigeria and Postgraduate College of Veterinary Surgeons, University of Maiduguri Study Center, Maiduguri, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Newcastle disease (ND) and avian colibacillosis (AC) outbreak occurred in a 200-bird commercial broiler flock in Maiduguri, Nigeria. Despite vaccinations, the flock experienced a 60% morbidity and 45% mortality rate. Symptoms observed among the flock included weakness, inappetence, diarrhea, nervous signs, and emaciation. Laboratory tests confirmed ND and AC infections. Haemagglutination and haemagglutination inhibition was used to identify NDV infection while bacteriological culture and identification was used isolated Escherichia coli (E. coli). The outbreak highlights the economic impact of these diseases on the poultry industry in Nigeria. Recommendations include improved biosecurity measures, regular vaccination, and timely treatment of secondary bacterial infections. Public health concerns also arise due to the zoonotic potential of ND. The vaccine failure in this case may be due to break in cold chain due to power outage, antigenic variation or inappropriate handling. Further research is needed to investigate vaccine failures and develop more effective prevention strategies.
Keywords: Newcastle disease, broilers, Escherichia coli, economic losses, poultry, zoonosis