Participatory Epidemiology and Sero-Surveillance for Avian Influenza in Local Chicken at Live bird Market and House Holds in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Enugu state has previously reported outbreak of avian influenza in three local governments (Igoetiti, Nkanu west, and Udi) in 2016.Trace back investigation on affected farms showed a direct link of confirmed outbreaks to the presence of apparently healthy asymptomatic local chicken roaming free as resident local chicken within intensive farms, however there was paucity of data to support this hypothesis. Two hundred (200) serum samples were obtained from apparently healthy local chicken at the live bird market (Ibagwa Nkwo Nsukka, N 06°91462’, E 008.39664’) and selected household within Enugu. Serology for Avian influenza specific antibodies was conducted using Agar Gel immune-diffusion test, Semi structured questionnaires (120) copies were developed using Participatory epidemiology modules(PEM),to access the level of a wareness of respondents about avian influenza (AI), management practices that may be associated with suspected cases of avian influenza and accessibility to veterinary care within the study area. The level of awareness for avian influenza was low, 31(48.4) %,there was no association between gender, educational status of respondent and level of awareness of avian influenza within the study area (P=0.348, χ²=1.035 df =2), (P=0.329, χ²=2.225; df=2) respectively. Veterinary care are available, 53(82.8%)however,21(39.6%) reported that paucity of fund was a militating factor in accessing it services. Risk factors to avian influenza zoonoses includes consumption of dead poultry “Morta”,2 2 (34.4%),open disposal of carcasses,23(35.9%) and mixing of local chickens with known reservoirs of avian influenza, Ducks,76(17.2%), Pigeons, 119(26.9%) were very common. Serological findings shows that all 200 samples (serum) were negative for avian influenza antibodies, premised on this finding we concluded that local chickens may not serve as reservoirs of avian influenza in the study area within the time frame.