Seroprevalence of Avian Metapneumovirus infection In some Broiler Breeder Flocks of Iran

Avian Metapneumovirus infection (aMPV) as a causative agent of two serious respiratory disease including Turkey Rhinotracheitis (TRT) and Swollen Head Syndrome (SHS) which leads decreasing flock performance like poor growing in commercial turkeys and broilers and reducing egg production in Breeders and layers. This study was carried out to examine the Seroprevalence of Avian Metapneumovirus infection in Broiler Breeder flocks of Iran by ELISA technique. So 27 Broiler Breeder flock from 11 provinces which are major producers of day old chicks, have been selected randomly and A total of 540 serum samples were collected and were examined by ELISA test (ART-BioChek-Netherland). Results showed that 92.59% of Breeder flocks and sera were positive and 2 others were suspect, based on interpretation of ELISA kit. Moreover 92.77% of samples were positive, 3.70% suspect and others negative. There was a positive correlation between the presence of respiratory signs and antibodies to aMPV(P