Seroprevalence of Marek’s Disease Virus antibody in some poultry flocks in southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

This study reports a survey of Marek’s disease virus (MDV) antibody done in 21 selected poultry flocks in Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states of southwestern Nigeria. A total of 315 serum samples were examined using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. Marek’s disease virus antibody was present in 88.3% of the serum samples, while 11.7% were negative. Various ranges of flock mean optical densities (OD) were observed, with 8 flocks having a low (0.310-0.550 nm) level, medium (0.551-0.750 nm) level was observed in another 8 flocks, while high (0.751-0.950 nm) level was observed in 3 flocks. The OD level was very high (0.951-1.200 nm) in 2 flocks. Optical density levels also increased with age of the flocks. This shows that even after vaccination against Marek’s disease, not all flocks acquire over 90% positivity.Keywords: Poultry, chicken, Marek’s virus, antibody, Nigeria