SEROPREVALENCE AND HAEMATOLOGICAL STUDIES OF SOME WILD AND SEMI-DOMESTICATED BIRDS NATURALLY INFECTED WITH AVIAN POX VIRUS IN ZARIA, NGERIA

Aim: To determine seroprevalence and haematological parameters of some wild and semidomesticated birds naturally infected with avian pox virus (APV). Methods: A total of 160 birds belonging to 12 species were used for the study. Serum samples obtained from these birds were analyzed for antibodies to Avian Pox Virus (APV) using agar gel precipitation test. Natt-Herricks methods and thin blood smear technique were used for the haematological analysis. Results: APV serum antibody positivity was 90%, 100%, 80%, 100%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 70%, 100%, 90%, 80% and 80% for Speckled pigeons, domestic pigeons and Mourning collar dove, Laughing dove, Village weaver, Cut throat fire finch, Cattle egret, Helmeted guinea fowl, Rose-ringed parakeets, African silver billed, Senegal parrots and Red-billed quelea, respectively. The highest PCV of 51.0±4.0%, Hb concentration of 16.7 ± 0.8 g/dl and T.P (5.3 ± 0.2 g/dl) were obtained from Rose-ringed parakeet, African silver billed and Laughing dove respectively. The mean range values for PCV, Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC and TP of all the birds in this study were between 28.0 ± 2.3 to 51.0 ± 4.0 %, 3.8 ± 0.4 to 16.4 ± 0.8 g/dl and 2.07 ± 2.02 to 5.3 ± 0.2 g/dl respectively. Also, the mean range values for mean corpuscular volume (MCV),mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) of all the birds were between 78.9 ± 4.2 to 138.0 ± 22.3 fl, 28.2 ± 2.5 to 49.1 ± 7.9 pg, 78.9 ± 4.2 to 138.0 ± 22.3 fl, 28.2 ± 2.5 to 49.1 ± 7.9 pg and 31. 6 ± 1.19 to 37.7 ± 1.7 g/dl and 31. 6 ± 1.19 to 37.7 ± 1.7 g/dl, respectively. Conclusion: Avian pox virus is present in some wild and semi-domesticated birds in Zaria and could spread to commercial poultry. Key words: Seroprevalence, Haematology, Wild birds.