Seroprevalence of newcastle disease among unvaccinated free range chicken in Dokolo district.
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
Newcastle disease (ND) is an important viral disease of poultry that can cause substantial production losses, particularly in free-range and smallholder poultry production systems. Despite its importance, information on exposure to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) among unvaccinated free-range chickens in Dokolo District remains limited. A cross-sectional serological study was conducted to determine the seroprevalence of NDV antibodies among reportedly unvaccinated free-range chickens in Dokolo District, Uganda, and to assess selected factors associated with NDV serostatus. A total of 100 serum samples were collected from free-range chickens and tested for NDV antibodies using the ProFLOK™ NDV PLUS ELISA at the Makerere University laboratory. According to the manufacturer's interpretation criteria, samples with a sample-to-positive (SP) value ≤0.150 were assigned a titre of zero and classified as seronegative, while samples with an SP value >0.150 were classified as seropositive. The laboratory results were linked to corresponding field information on chicken characteristics and management practices. Of the 100 chickens tested, 29 (29.0%) were seropositive and 71 (71.0%) were seronegative, giving an overall observed NDV seroprevalence of 29.0%. Seroprevalence was higher among 12-week-old chickens (39.3%) than among 8-week-old chickens (25.0%), although the difference was not statistically significant (χ² = 2.00, p = 0.157). Similarly, seropositivity was higher among females (32.7%) than males (25.0%), but the difference was not statistically significant (χ² = 0.717, p = 0.397). In bivariate analysis, contact with wild birds (χ² = 4.94, p = 0.026) and introduction of new birds into the flock (χ² = 5.06, p = 0.024) were significantly associated with NDV serostatus. However, these associations were not statistically significant after adjustment in the multivariable logistic regression model. Level of education was statistically significant in the final multivariable model (χ² = 10.69, df = 3, p = 0.014), while contact with wild birds, visitors entering poultry units, introduction of new birds, chicken age and quarantine of newly purchased birds were not statistically significant after adjustment. The findings demonstrate evidence of NDV antibody exposure among reportedly unvaccinated free-range chickens in Dokolo District. The observed seroprevalence indicates previous or recent exposure to NDV among a proportion of the sampled chickens but does not by itself confirm active infection at the time of sampling.
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Undergraduate Research Report
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Citation
Khaukha, E. (2026). Seroprevalence of newcastle disease among unvaccinated free range chicken in Dokolo district. [Unpublished undergraduate research report]. Busitema University.