Detection of avian influenza virus from fecal samples of poultry birds in Lagos State.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Although there have been a lot of research done on Avian Influenza in the world, there are still visible indications in the Nigerian poultry farming system that the bio-security measures are not adhered to strictly. Hence, it is of great importance to identify the circulating strains of Avian Influenza virus in Nigeria, so as to prevent and control another outbreak of the disease. METHODS: Between May and June 2011, 184 stool samples were collected from seemingly healthy poultry birds in Ikorodu and Ejigbo, within Lagos state. RNA extraction using diatomaceous sand method and Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out on all samples. FINDINGS: Influenza virus type A 25(13.6%) was detected from poultry B (Ejigbo poultry), while there was no positive sample from poultry A (Ikorodu Poultry), the positive samples were further sub-typed, and H1 [1(4%)] was detected. Altogether, 159 (86%) of the fecal samples collected gave a. negative result for Influenza A, and also, 24(96%) out the 25 samples positive for Influenza A gave tested negative when subtyped with H1 and H3. INTERPRETATION: Results of the samples gotten from both poultries corroboratethe effect of poor bio-security practicesin the spread of Influenza A viruses and that some poultries in Nigeria are not adhering to proper farm bio-security practices. Also the identification of H1 subtype which is human adapted is indicative of a re- emerging potential threat to public health.