Newcastle disease (ND) remains one of the most significant constraints to backyard poultry production in Ethiopia. This study investigated the seroprevalence, associated risk factors, and molecular detection of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) among backyard chickens in Ofa and Geze-Gofa Districts, South Ethiopia. A total of 500 serum samples were analyzed using indirect ELISA, yielding an overall individual chicken level seroprevalence of 43.8% (219/500) (95% CI: 0.47-0.96) and flock level seroprevalence of 69.47% (66/95) (95% CI: 0.44-0.95). Individual chicken-level NDV seropositivity in backyard chickens was significantly associated with breed type and agro-ecology (P 0.05). Mean antibody titers varied substantially across kebeles and agroecological zones, suggesting heterogeneous exposure patterns driven by environmental and management differences. In addition, 100 oropharyngeal and cloacal swab samples were collected from ND-suspected chickens in the Wolaita Zone, and NDV was detected using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Real-time RT-PCR testing revealed a 35% positivity rate for the conserved NDV Matrix (M) gene, confirming active circulation of the virus in the study area. This study highlights persistent circulation of NDV in backyard production systems and underscore the need for strengthened vaccination programs, improved poultry management practices, and enhanced surveillance to mitigate the ND-associated losses in rural communities.
Dacho et al. (Wed,) studied this question.