Detection of Antibody to Avian Influenza Virus A in Free Range Pigs In Taraba State, Nigeria -

Influenza virus A contains individual virus subtypes which have infected a broad spectrum of avian and mammalian species. Swine influenza epidemic and pandemics has resulted in high mortality and socioeconomic losses. This study was undertaken to determine serologically the level of exposure of free range pig population in Taraba State to Influenza A viruses. A total of 276 apparently healthy pigs were sample and Anigen Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) competitive Enzyme Linked Immmunosorbent Assay (cELISA) was used for the qualitative detection of antibody to the Influenza A in the swine samples. Descriptive statistics was carried out using Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and proportion was obtained using Open Epi. Version 2.3.1.The result recorded an overall seroprevalence of 49.6% (95%CI: 43.76-55.5) in the study area. Seroprevalence based on location showed a higher prevalence in Takum 50.4% (95%CI: 44.3-56.4) than Wukari 35.7% (95%CI: 14.4-62.4), however the difference in seropositivity was not statistical significant p>0.05. The implication of our findings shows that Influenza A viruses are circulating in pig population in the study area. This may impact negatively on public and animal health as well as food security and means of livelihood. A carefully designed but comprehensive surveillance which will involve an appropriate samples size as well as full serotyping of the circulating Influenza A viruses with a view of generating adequate and representative data for possible future prevention and control of epidemics is advocated.