Seroprevalence of Infectious Bursal Disease and Its Associated Risk Factors in Backyard Chickens in Selected Districts of Illubabor Zone, Oromia Regional State, Western Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the seroprevalence of infectious bursal disease virus and its risk factors in backyard chickens in selected districts of Illubabor Zone, western Ethiopia. A purposive sampling technique was applied for the selection of three districts and nine kebelles (the smallest administrative unit) of the study Zone, while simple random sampling was used for the collection of serum samples from individual chickens. A total of 384 serum samples were collected for the detection of antibodies against infectious bursal disease virus using ProFLOK® PLUS indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The identification of risk factors was conducted using a questionnaire survey. The overall seroprevalence of infectious bursal disease was found to be 46.61%. The prevalence was higher in young (58.61%) than in adult (17.12%) chickens and the difference was significant (P<0.05). Moreover, a higher but nonsignificant (P>0.05) seroprevalence of infectious bursal disease was observed in Halu district (48.1%), followed by Algesachi (47.0%) and Didu (44.4%). The majority of respondents didn`t have any awareness about infectious bursal disease. The knowledge about infectious bursal disease was significantly associated (P < 0.05) with marital status, location (districts), and education level of the respondents. The study revealed a very high seroprevalence of infectious bursal disease virus in backyard poultry production, which indicates a circulating virus in the area. In the study districts, a good management system coupled with vaccination programs should be practiced to reduce the incidence of infectious bursal disease.