Antibody titers against Newcastle disease virus in three different poultry management systems located in Feira de Santana – Bahia

Abstract

Serum samples were collected from poultry bred in integrated, independent and backyard production system, in Feira de Santana – Bahia, for evaluation of antibodies against Newcastle Disease virus. Samples were obtained from day-old chicks, slaughter poultry and backyard chickens ranging from four months to three years of age. Serum was analyzed by a commercial indirect ELISA. Results demonstrated that one day old chicks presented high antibodies titers with coefficient of variation of 33.03%, because their mothers were vaccinated. Poultry from integrated and independent producers presented higher variation coefficient, 99.07% and 97.01%, respectively, demonstrating no uniformity in titers, due to the lack of a good vaccinal response against Newcastle disease virus. The occurrence of high antibody titers was observed in backyard chickens, and coefficient of variation of 146.41%, demonstrating the lack of vaccinal response. This data suggest that the studied commercial poultry is not well immunised by vaccination. Moreover, the presence of backyard chickens with evidence of high antibodies titers, suggests that they can become a threat to industrial poultry.