In-silico Analysis of Newcastle Disease Virus Strains from Outbreaks in Zaria and Kano of Nigeria

Introduction: Newcastle Disease (ND) is the major constraint to poultry production in developing country like Nigeria. Numerous outbreak cases of ND have being reported frequently even in vaccinated farms. The large antigenic disparity of the Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) and potential for significant evolutionary divergence between field strains and widely used vaccinations are thought to be the root of the issue.

Aim/Objectives: A cross-sectional studies was carried-out to identify a discrepancy between the vaccinal strains and circulating NDV field strains in Zaria and Kano so as to provide solution for the control of ND.

Materials and Methods: In this study, molecular characterization and pathotyping of the field strains of NDV and strains of ND vaccines was carried out to evaluate their relatedness. Using RT-PCR with primers targeting partial fusion gene, 19 out of the (n= 120) samples purposefully collected for the detection of NDV in Zaria (n= 44) and Kano (n= 76) were positives. Twelve of the 19 positive amplicons were successfully sequenced and analyzed.

Results: Only few number of the study’s sample have similarity with some of the vaccine strains.

Conclusion: This study has raised concerns about the methods used to prevent NDV in Nigeria.

Recommendation: It is crucial to develop an ND vaccine that matches the field strains within the country, along with ongoing surveillance of outbreaks for the effective control of the disease.