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Introduction Avian tuberculosis (ATB) is a zoonotic chronic wasting disease of birds with serious economic implications to poultry farmers as well as to public health, particularly in immunocompromised patients. We therefore aimed to determine the presence, prevalence and specie (Mycobacterium avium) of ATB affecting layers in Abuja, Nigeria.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study. We adapted a checklist and conducted participatory disease surveillance (PDS) in 12 farms and a live bird market (LBM). We used systematic random sampling method to select 395 layers that were screened for ATB using avian PPD. Antemortem and postmortem were conducted on those birds that tested positive. Organs and tissues with lesions were obtained, DNA was extracted, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was conducted for confirmation of Mycobacterium avium infection. Data was analyzed using PDS method of analysis (ranking and scoring) and descriptive statistics.ResultsThe study established the presence of ATB in commercial laying birds in Abuja. Using PDS, 3/13 (23.1%) locations identified the presence of ATB. Avian tuberculosis, the disease of interest, ranked eleventh. On biosecurity measures, 3/12 (25%) farms had strict movement restriction, 50% of the farms had other animals on the farm aside the layer and / broilers under intensive management, foot dips were absent in 25% of the farms, 25% had foot dips that were not in use, only a farm (8%) disinfected vehicles before entering. Only 12/23 (52.2%) farms agreed to the Tuberculin test with a 47.8% rejection rate. Out of the 12 farms sampled, 5 (41.7%) were positive for ATB. The overall prevalence of ATB was 2.8% (11/395). Layers 105 weeks old and above had the highest prevalence (4.8%) and cachexia (14.3%). Four out of the eleven (36.4%) layers that turned out positive were cachexic. All the layers that were positive for avian PPD turned out positive as M. avium using PCR analysis.Conclusion We have demonstrated the existence of ATB within Gwagwalada and Kuje local government areas (LGAs) which is a potential threat to the poultry industry and public health. The farm prevalence of 41.7% signifies the need for tuberculin test in all the layer and breeder farms in Abuja to confirm the status of ATB on farms and to curtail the spread of ATB. We have also revealed the lack of knowledge with regards to the availability and relevance of tuberculin test among poultry farmers and the need for sensitization of poultry farmers on ATB and improvement on their biosecurity measures on farms. |
