A Retrospective Analysis of Marek’s Disease Diagnosed at Poultry Clinic of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

A seven year (2005-2011) retrospective study of Marek’s disease (MD) and other poultry diseases diagnosed at the Poultry Clinic of Ahmadu Bello University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (ABUVTH), Zaria, Nigeria was conducted. A prevalence of 8.3% (179 cases) for MD was recorded out of 2, 149 cases of poultry diseases. The Outbreaks of MD occurred throughout the year with the highest incidence in May, June and July. The outbreaks of MD were observed to be 1.63 times more likely to occur in the pre-rainy season. Chickens were 9.14 times more likely to suffer from MD than other species. Improved breeds of chickens were 9.2 times more likely to suffer from MD than local chickens with pullets being 4.92 times more likely to suffer from the disease than other types of birds, with an increase in the likelihood of MD occurring within the age range of 9 – 20 weeks. Unvaccinated birds were 4.32 times more likely to suffer from MD than non-vaccinated birds. It was recommended that hatcheries should vaccinate day-old chicks before releasing them to farmers. Due to the frequent outbreaks of MD in poultry flocks in Zaria, an investigation on the circulating MD virus strains should be conducted.