SEROLOGICAL EVIDENCE OF INFECTIOUS BURSAL DISEASE IN CHICKENS IN MAIDUGURI BORNO STATE

Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) is a highly contagious immunosuppressive viral disease with substantial economic implications for the poultry industry globally. This seroepidemiological study aimed to assess the prevalence of IBD antibodies among chickens in Maiduguri, Nigeria, to elucidate the extent of exposure and potential risk factors associated with the disease. A total of 100 serum samples were collected from chickens of varying ages and sexes across multiple locations and analyzed using standard serological techniques. The findings revealed a seroprevalence of 57%, indicative of significant exposure to the IBD virus within the local chicken population. The highest prevalence was recorded among chickens aged 10–20 weeks, highlighting this age group’s increased susceptibility. Gender-based differences were observed, though not statistically significant. These results suggest that IBD is actively circulating within the poultry population in Maiduguri, potentially serving as a reservoir for viral transmission to other avian species. This study underscores the critical need for enhanced epidemiological surveillance, the implementation of strategic vaccination programs, and the adoption of stringent biosecurity measures to curtail the spread of IBD. Public health interventions should also prioritize educating poultry farmers on best practices for disease prevention. Furthermore, research into the genetic diversity of circulating IBD virus strains and their pathogenic dynamics is recommended to inform targeted control strategies.