Seroprevalence of avian leukosis virus in local chickens in five live bird markets, Kaduna metropolis, North-western Nigeria

Avian leukosis virus is recognized as an important viral pathogen in the poultry industry, resulting salient severe economic losses due to reduced production, uneven flock growth rates, growth, and immunosuppression which predispose affected birds other infections. This study examined seroprevalence of avian (ALV) local chickens (LC) 5 different live bird markets (LBMs) Kaduna Metropolis. A total 276 sera were tested for ALV p27 antigen using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An overall 28.3% (78/276) was recorded study. At market level, 35% (21/60), 30% (18/60), 32% (16/50), 28.6% (16/56), 14% (7/50) Sabon Tasha, Central market, Railway station, Kawo Sokoto Road LBMs respectively. With regards sex, female LC showed a significantly higher prevalence 30.5% (46/105) compared male 26.9% (46/171) with no significant difference (P > 0.05) observed. established presence sold LBMs. We recommend surveillance further studies on isolation, molecular characterization pathogenicity area.