Avian Influenza (H9N2 Subtype) in Iranian Broiler Farms: A Cross-sectional Study

The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of H9N2 influenza in broiler farms at the time of slaughter in Iran. A total of 747 birds were sampled from 74 Farms in 13 provinces within 2013-2016. The obtained sera were investigated using the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. Out of 74 sampled farms and 747 birds, 57 farms (77%) and 445 (59.57%) birds were reported to be seropositive. In 2013, 10 farms and 110 birds were sampled out of which three farms (29.6%) and 29 birds (30%) were seropositive. In 2014, 24 farms and 220 birds were sampled out of which 22 farms (91.6%) and 220 birds (86.6%) were positive in six provinces. In 2015, 30 farms and 278 birds were sampled out of which 5 farms (16%) and134 birds (48.2%) were positive in four provinces. Finally, in 2016, 7 farms (70%) out of 10 sampled farms and 62 birds (59%) out of 105 sampled birds were positive for H9N2 in eight provinces. The mean titer of units in 2013 was statistically lower, as compared to that in 2014 (P<0.01). In addition, the proportion of positive serum units in 2013 was statistically lower, as compared to that in 2014 (P<0.001). In general, the prevalence of H9N2 was high indicating the continuous circulation of the virus in Iran. Given the importance and impact of this virus on the poultry industry, people’s livelihood, and public health, more epidemiological studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of the adopted measures and methods in controlling the H9N2 virus.