PREVALENCE OF AVIAN INFLUENZA AND ITS ECONOMIC IMPACT ON POULTRY POPULATION OF HAZARA REGION PAKISTAN

Prevalence of Avian Influenza (AI) in poultry population in Hazara region of North West Frontier Province of Pakistan was studied in broiler breeder stocks (4 millions), layers (0.5 millions), broilers (2.5 millions) and nondescript captive layers (0.5 million), for prevalence of AI viruses (AIV) during a period of one year. Five hundred flocks were sampled between May 2004 through April 2005. The isolation and identification was conducted. Virus was isolated using embryonating eggs and the allantoic fluid of egg containing dead or dying embryo was recovered and tested for HA (Haemagglutination) activity. The virus was typed through (HI) Haemagglutination inhibition test using antisera. The data were analyzed statistically through chi square test. An incidence of AIV in 8.8 % of the flocks was recorded; highest in non-descript layers (16.7 %) followed by broilers, breeders and commercial layers (9%, 6.8 % and 4 %, respectively). Prevalence of H7 subtype was highest in nondescript layers (13 %) followed by 5 % in breeders, 4 % in layers, 3.8 % in broilers. H9 was highest in broilers (5%) followed by 1.8 % in breeders, 0.25 % in layers. No highly pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) infection was recorded during study period. The economic loss due to low pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI) was estimated to as Rs. 2.2 billion per annum (US$ 1 = Pak Rs. 62.6). It was concluded that AI was found in low pathogenic form causing huge population of the region was probably the predisposing factor of transmitting the disease to the commercial flocks.