SEROLOGICAL, WHITE BLOOD CELLS, AND RED BLOOD CELLS ANALYSIS TO DETERMINE AVIAN REOVIRUS SEROPREVALENCE IN NATIVE CHICKENS IN ILOILO PROVINCE Christel C. Biatan, Allyssa M. Depasupil, Miguel M. Casumpang, and Jaime C. Cabarles Jr.
Central Philippine University
Abstract
Avian reovirus (ARV) is a viral infection that significantly affects large populations of chickens globally. The most notable illnesses associated with this reovirus in chickens include tenosynovitis/arthritis, immunosuppression, gastrointestinal disease, and runting-stunting syndrome. The presence of ARV can undermine the productivity of chickens and adversely influence their overall health, mobility, and mortality rates. This study investigated the serological identification, hematological analysis, and determined the seroprevalence rate of avian reovirus in native chickens from selected barangays in two municipalities characterized by high native chicken populations. Out of the 72 samples tested, 54 were identified as positive for reovirus, with 20 of these cases being asymptomatic, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis. The notably high seroprevalence rate of 75% shows an urgent need for enhanced biosecurity measures, rapid detection techniques, and comprehensive vaccination campaigns to mitigate the detrimental effects of ARV infection on chicken health and the sustainability of the local economy.
Keywords: Avian Reovirus, Native Chicken, Serolical Analysis, Red blood cells, White blood cells, Serprevalence
