Work

Molecular characterization and genotyping of Newcastle disease viruses using whole-genome sequencing from poultry farms in parts of Amhara Regions, and central Ethiopia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Newcastle disease (ND) is a major viral infection of poultry caused by virulent strains of avian paramyxovirus type 1, resulting in considerable global economic losses. In Ethiopia, ND outbreaks persist despite vaccination efforts, and the genetic diversity of circulating Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strains remains poorly characterized. Most previous studies have relied on partial genomic data, leaving a gap in whole-genome analysis. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive genomic investigation of NDV in Ethiopia. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 14 commercial chicken farms across five districts in central Ethiopia and parts of the Amhara region. A total of 63 pooled specimens were screened using real-time qRT-PCR. Virus isolation was performed in specific-pathogen-free embryonated chicken eggs and confirmed by qRT-PCR. For molecular characterization, the sequence-independent, single-primer amplification (SISPA) technique was applied to obtain whole-genome sequences from five NDV isolates via Oxford Nanopore sequencing Technology. RESULT: ). Phylogenetic analysis showed that all isolates clustered within genotype VII, with four strains (GenBank: PV189285 - PV189288 ) exhibiting 97.24% similarity to Iranian NDV strains (accession number: ON184061 ) of sub-genotype VII.1.1. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first whole-genome insight into NDV strains circulating in Ethiopia's poultry industry. The detection of virulent NDV in vaccinated flocks highlights the need for vaccines that are genetically and antigenically matched to circulating strains. Broader genomic surveillance across production systems is essential to guide effective ND control strategies and reduce economic losses.

Source: Virology Journal

DOI: 10.1186/s12985-025-02976-4