Abstract:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in five provinces and 11 districts of Zambia to
determine the seroprevalence of Newcastle disease in Zambian backyard chicken flocks. Of
the chickens sampled, 73.9% tested positive for avian paramyxovirus type 1 antibodies by
means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seroprevalence varied amongst the five
provinces sampled, ranging from 82.6% in the Eastern Province to 48.3% in Luapula Province.
Seroprevalence also varied amongst the 11 districts sampled, ranging from 91.3% in Monze
district of Southern Province to 22.8% in Mufulira district of the Copperbelt province. Overall,
the seroprevalence of Newcastle disease in Zambian backyard chicken flocks has increased
since the previous study conducted in 1994.
