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

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.