Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad-38040, Pakistan

Abstract

A serological survey on the prevalence of antibodies to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was carried out in broilers and layers in Faisalabad and surrounding districts. A total of 803 serum samples were collected form broiler farms, layer farms and slaughter shops. Samples were divided into three age groups for broilers; 0-3 weeks (56 samples), 3-5 weeks (164 samples), 5-7 weeks (92 samples) and also into three age groups for layers; 17-27 weeks (168 samples), 27-37 weeks (219 samples) and 37-47 weeks (104 samples). Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI) test was performed to determine the serum antibodies against NDV. Calculated geometric mean titers for broiler groups of 0-3, 3-5 and 5-7 weeks of age were found to be 11.91, 10.01 and 15.85, respectively. These values for layer groups of 17-27 weeks, 27-37 weeks and 37-47 weeks of age were found to be 134.89, 153.46 and 149.62, respectively. The results showed that the level of protection in vaccinated birds was unsatisfactory in broilers, whereas it was satisfactory in layers.