Sero-Prevalence of Infectious Bursal Disease in Backyard Chickens at Selected Woredas of Eastern Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2012 to May 2013 to determine the seroprevalence of Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) in backyard chickens and assess the potential risk factors at selected Woredas of Eastern Ethiopia. The multistage sampling method involved for collection of serum samples and serological test (using ProFLOK ® PLUS indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)) kits was conducted at National Veterinary Institute. Out of 552 serum samples tested, 458 (83%) were positive for the disease. Among the assessed risk factors, age, breed and Woredas were statistically significant difference with the occurrence of the disease (p<0.05). However, no statistical significant difference was observed between sex group (p>0.05). Higher seroprevalence of the infection was recorded in 3-6 weeks, 360 (94.5%) age groups. Based on breed wise prevalence, cross breed (90.5%) was highly infected than local breed. The highest prevalence was recorded in Wenji woreda (92.1%). In general the study indicated high prevalent of Infectious Bursal Disease in the study areas. Thus, further study should be conducted to determine whether the chicken population in the study area needs vaccination or not