DETECTION OF ANTIBODIES AGAINST AVIAN PNEUMOVIRUS IN BROILER BREEDER FLOCKS IN PAKISTAN

     A total of 282 serum samples were collected from 10 flocks, representing eight poultry breeding companies. These birds were reared in Punjab and North West Frontier Province of Pakistan. The antibodies against Turkey Rhinotracheitis virus/Swollen Head Syndrome (TRT/SHS) were detected by using a commercial kit based on Blocking Enzyme Immuno-Assay. Out of 282 samples tested for TRT/SHS antibodies, 53 were positive, 28 were in grey-zone and the remaining 201 samples were declared non-reactive. On the basis of this study it is evident that the poultry industry of Pakistan is at risk of avian pneumovirus (TRT/SHS) infection. It would be advisable to protect the valuable poultry flocks using TRT/SHS vaccine.