Serological Evaluation of Fowlpox virus in Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) by Using ELISA test in Tikrit city, Iraq

Abstract

Background and Objective: Fowlpox is a viral disease of considerable health and economic importance that affects a wide range of domestic and wild birds and can lead to substantial production losses. Although the disease has been extensively investigated in chickens and pigeons, information regarding the serological status of fowlpox virus infection in turkeys remains limited, particularly in Iraq. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the serological status of fowlpox virus infection in turkeys in Tikrit, Iraq, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect anti-fowlpox virus antibodies.

Methods: A total of 88 turkeys were included in this study and classified into three groups: clinically infected birds (G1), birds vaccinated with a commercial fowlpox vaccine (G2), and healthy unvaccinated birds serving as the control group (G3). Serum samples were collected from all birds and analyzed using an indirect ELISA to detect antibodies against fowlpox virus. Antibody responses were also evaluated according to age and sex.

Results: The results showed high rates of antibody positives in both the infected group (80.56%) and the vaccinated group (87.5%). A trend toward higher immune response was observed in birds older than six months compared to younger birds, and only minor differences were observed between males and females

Conclusions: This study provides baseline serological data on fowlpox virus infection in turkeys in Tikrit, Iraq. The findings demonstrate strong antibody responses in both naturally infected and vaccinated birds and highlight the value of routine serological monitoring for assessing infection status and vaccine-induced immunity, thereby supporting more effective surveillance and control programs for fowlpox in turkey flocks.