First Serological Evidence of Avian Metapneumovirus and Infectious Laryngotracheitis Virus in Commercial Poultry in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

BACKGROUND: Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) and infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) are globally important respiratory pathogens in poultry. However, their serological prevalence has not been established in Ghana. The study therefore sought to serologically detect aMPV and ILTV in commercial poultry in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. METHODS: This cross-sectional serological study was conducted in the Ashanti Region, one of the main poultry-producing zones in Ghana. Antibodies to aMPV and ILTV were determined in serum samples collected from 300 clinically healthy chickens from thirteen large commercial farms, using commercially available indirect ELISA kits (IDvet, France). RESULTS: Overall seroprevalence was 49.0% (147/300; 95% CI: 43.3%-54.7%) for aMPV and 7.0% (21/300; 95% CI: 4.4%-10.6%) for ILTV. Farm-level seroprevalence of aMPV ranged from 0% to 100%, while ILTV ranged from 0% to 40%. Co-exposure with both viruses was detected in 5.0% (15/300) of birds. Fisher's exact test revealed a statistically significant positive association between aMPV and ILTV seropositivity (p = 0.041; odds ratio = 2.78; 95% CI: 0.98-8.99). CONCLUSION: The study provides the first serological findings of exposure of aMPV and ILTV in commercial poultry flocks in Ghana. The high levels of aMPV together with the ILTV detection are a true indication that the need to improve respiratory disease surveillance, diagnostic capacity and analyse potential vaccination options of the Ghanaian poultry industry is urgent.