Virulent Newcastle disease virus in Nigeria: identification of a new clade of sub-lineage 5f from livebird markets.

Newcastle disease (ND), caused by Avian Paramyxovirus Type 1, is a highly contagious and devastating viral disease of poultry of worldwide distribution with an enormous economic impact. Although ND is reported to be endemic in Nigeria, little information exists on the molecular epidemiology and the lineage distribution of the Newcastle disease viruses (NDVs) in the country, especially in the live bird markets (LBMs). Recent studies reported the identification of three unique sub-lineages.

Rapid antigen detection in the diagnosis of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) virus in Nigeria.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) is an infectious disease of agroeconomic and public health importance. The outbreak that occurred in Nigeria (2006-2008) was devastating to the poultry industry and raised public health concerns. In the course of its control, rapid laboratory confirmation of suspected cases in poultry was essential for prompt mobilization of control logistics for depopulation and decontamination of affected premises.

Field and laboratory findings of the first incursion of the Asian H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in Africa.

In mid-January 2006 an outbreak of avian influenza in domestic birds was recorded in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The virus responsible for the outbreak was characterized as a highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 (A/chicken/Nigeria/641/06), belonging to the Qinghai lineage. The index case occurred on a farm containing mixed avian species including free-range birds.