Authors : L. Sa`idu , M. Bisalla and B. Moumini
Abstract: Three breeds of local chickens, Dwarf (DW), Frizzled Chicken (FZ) and Long Legged (LL) were purchased from the chicken market at Sabon Gari, Zaria and environs. Ten birds of each breed were bought making a total of 30 chickens. The birds were housed in the same pen to simulate local husbandry method. At three days after purchase the birds were bled to determine their Newcastle disease antibodies and then subsequently the birds were challenged with a local strain of Newcastle virus (Kudu 113). The birds were monitored for clinical signs and mortality. The mortality rates were: 60, 80 and 90% for DW, FZ and LL, respectively. The morbidity rate was 100% in all the breeds. The mean HI antibody titres before challenge were : 0.2, 1.4 and 2.0 for LL, DW and FZ, respectively. At 5 weeks post challenge the mean HI antibody titres were : 1024 for both DW and FZ and it was 32 for LL. The clinical signs seen in all the breeds were similar to those seen in the velogenic viscerotropic form of Newcastle Disease ( ND ). The post mortem lesions seen in all the breeds were similar to those seen in the velogenic viscerotropic form of ND. The study showed that all the breeds were equally susceptible to ND. Unlike the belief of the Hausas that the FZ is resistant to ND. It was concluded that there is no breed difference among the local chicken in susceptibility to ND and that there is the need for further studies on the claim that the local chicken is resistant to ND viral infection.
L. Sa`idu , M. Bisalla and B. Moumini , 2006. Response of Local Breeds of Chicken to Challenge with Newcastle Disease Virus ( Kudu 113 Strain). Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 5: 975-979.