Serology of Avian Influenza H9N2 in Local Chickens in Shiraz

Background and Objectives: Influenza is an acute, contagious, and zoonotic viral disease. It is caused by a virusof the Orthomyxoviridae family. This very infectious is caused by different subtypes of type A influenza virus inthe poultry, turkey, and many other birds. In this study, the serum status of Local Chickens wasinvestigated for influenza subtype H9N2.Material and Methods: Detection of antibodies to Influenza disease virus in 200 blood samples fromlocal chickens in about 8 villages in Shiraz township was carried out using the haemagglutinationinhibition test (HI). This was done to determine the immune status of local birds to AIVthedifferent villages.Results and Conclusion:23 (11.5%) birds tested positive with antibody titer ranging from 3.1 to 5.2.The geometric mean titer was 0.9 . This low antibody titer reveals the epizootic nature of the virusin the study area and is suggestive of an inter-epidemic phase or early phase of infection pointing afinger to possible economic losses in the event of an outbreak, alongside the role of local chickensin the transmission cycle of influenza disease to other avian species. Vaccination of local chickens were possible is advocated for.

Keywords:

Avian Influenza , Poultry diseases , Antibody titer , Haemagglutination inhibition , Shiraz