Isolation and Characterization of Newcastle Disease Virus from Live Bird Markets in Tanzania

Chickens in live bird markets (LBMs) from six different regions of Tanzania were surveyed for Newcastle disease (ND) virus (NDV) and avian influenza virus in 2012. ELISA-based serology, virus isolation, and characterization, including pathotyping was conducted. Virulent NDV was isolated from almost 10% of the tested samples, with two distinct genotypes being detected. One genotype was similar to recent viruses circulating in Kenya and Uganda,...