Molecular detection of concurrent infections of chicken infectious anaemia and Newcastle disease in poultry flocks in Andhra Pradesh

Chicken Infectious Anaemia (CIA) is a globally significant viral disease affecting the poultry industry, caused by the Chicken Infectious Anaemia Virus (CIAV).The study focused on detecting and characterizing CIAV in commercial poultry farms across Andhra Pradesh, India, using molecular and serological techniques.Tissue samples including liver, thymus, bone marrow and spleen were collected from 75 birds across 22 farms and analysed for CIAV using PCR targeting the VP2 gene.The findings revealed a high prevalence of the virus with 72.7% (16/22) of farms testing positive.Notably, the detection rate was higher in layer farms (84.6%) compared to broiler farms (55.5%).Phylogenetic analysis of the sequenced VP2 gene isolates (CIAV-NZ, CIAV-C, CIAV-K and CIAV-M) showed a high degree of similarity (95.3%-100%) with previously reported Indian and international strains, suggesting strong genetic conservation of the VP2 gene.Additionally, concurrent Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) infection was detected in four CIAV-positive flocks, confirming the immunosuppressive effects of CIAV that predispose birds to secondary infections.These findings highlight the significant economic and health effects of CIAV in commercial poultry farming.The study stresses the need for strong disease monitoring, strict biosecurity measures and effective vaccination to prevent CIAV-related immunosuppression and co-infections in poultry.