Clinical and Serological Observation of the Newcastle Disease on Commercial Meat Chicken Flocks in Basrah Province, South of Iraq

The current study was conducting to observed Newcastle Disease (ND) in Basrah and evaluated the competence of vaccination schedules used in commercial meat chicken farms. Monitoring of ND was dependent on 20 poultry houses located in Al Zubair, Al Mudaina, Al Qurnah, Garmat Ali Safwan, and Aluhais. The Incidence was recorded based on the clinical history of the disease in the poultry house, clinical signs, and post-mortem findings. ELISA test was estimated to detect Ab titer against ND, including maternal immunity and immune state after vaccination. The results indicated that the Incidence of ND was 80%. ND was not recorded in 20% of poultry houses. Results of the ELISA test showed differences of Ab against ND at different ages of birds, especially at a late stage. Ab titers were very low. The mean of maternal-derived antibodies was 6000 in Belgian, 308 Rose and 2000 for Iranian 501 coop. On the other hand, ND vaccines, available in local markets, showed a good quality (Ma5 + Clone 30) compared with different types, especially ( lasota + IB) Henkar.