Re-current Epizootics of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Nigeria: Status of Vaccination as Alternate control

Epizootic of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza subtype H5N1 in Nigeria was successfully contained during the first wave that lasted from 2006 to 2008 without use vaccine. Re-current and more severe outbreak witnessed 2015 there are suspicions some farmers may have resorted vaccination prevent infections their flocks. We investigate evidence farms status as alternate control for HPAI Nigeria. The study carried out a cross section 24 commercial poultry four States South West North Central Five hundred one sera collected randomly were screened by agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) assay antibody group specific influenza A nucleoprotein. One eight obtained five infected also concurrently screened. Reactive further analysed Hemagglutinin Inhibition (HI) test against H5 antigen using 1% suspension pooled washed chicken red blood cells. Only 8 501 (1.6%) had antibody. All samples farm with 20 representing 40% seroconversion at level. Three those positive HI titer 3log2. other including negative This confirms limited response avian most likely due flock. Vaccination desperate protect investments lead unregulated suboptimal application vaccines requiring farmers’ stakeholders’ engagement forestall impact.
 Keywords: influenza; Control measures; Recurrent outbreaks; status.