Abstract
Avian influenza (AI) has a worldwide distribution and affects domestic
and wild birds, thus causing great economic losses to the poultry
industry. This study was carried out to detect avian influenza H5
antigen and antibodies in some wild birds in Zaria and its environs,
Nigeria. A total of 136 wild birds, comprising 20 Laughing doves
(Spilolepia senegalensis), 22 Speckled pigeons (Columba guinea), 25
Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis), 25 Senegalese parrots (Poicephalus
senegalus), 21 Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and 23 Geese
(Anseranserini) were used for the study. Some of the birds (Laughing
doves, Speckled pigeons, Cattle egrets and Senegalese parrots) were
captured around poultry houses, while others (Mallards and Geese) were
sampled from live bird markets (LBMs). Blood samples, oropharyngeal and
cloacal swabs were collected from each bird. Sera were tested for avian
influenza virus (AIV) H5 antibody using enzyme linked immunosorbent
assay (ELISA). Pooled oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs of each bird
species (8-10 samples) were tested for AIV antigen using one-step
reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results
revealed overall prevalence of 6.62 % and 3.85 % for AIV antibody and
antigen respectively. Based on species, AIV antibody was detected in
Laughing dove (10 %), Speckled pigeon (13.64 %) and Mallard (19.05
%). Also, AIV antigen was detected in Senegalese parrot (20 %). In
conclusion, AIV antibody and antigen were detected in wild birds in
Zaria. Thus, these species of birds could play significant roles in the
spread of this virus to chickens. Therefore, measures to limit the
interactions of these wild birds with chickens should be implemented to
minimize the spread of AI.