L. J. Isaac, M.  Nanven, V.  Ogbodo, 
    Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) a Molecular Technique for Diagnosing Newcastle Disease in Local Chickens,
    Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances,
    Volume 21,Issue 2,
    2022,
    Pages 40-44,
    ISSN 1680-5593,
    makjava.2022.40.44,
    (https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?doi=makjava.2022.40.44)
    Abstract: <p style="text-align:justify">This study aimed at detecting Newcastle Disease virus (NDV) in local chickens sourced from local markets using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique. Thirty six local birds obtained from three local markets in Uyo, Uruan and Itu, in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria was used in the experiment. The general clinical signs noticed in the diseased birds when observed by a veterinarian during post‐mortem examination included, depression, severe prostration, somnolescence, reduction in normal vocalizations, decrease in food and water intake, huddling behavior, ruffled feathers and greenish diarrhea among others. Three organ samples‐proventriculus, trachea and spleen were collected from some of the birds after postmortem investigation, processed and the targeted viral RNA was extracted using the RNA extraction kit. Genome amplification was performed with PCR using specific primers to target the gene. Amplification results produced an amplicon product of 121 base pairs (bp). The PCR product samples were then visualized using agar gel electrophoresis and viewed using the unified gel documentation system. Amplification results showed the three samples to be positive for the DNA bands corresponding to the targeted band of the NDV gene fragment. The results of this study confirm that the PCR method is capable and therefore applicable for diagnosing Newcastle Disease in local birds.</p>

    Keywords: Newcastle disease; polymerase chain reaction; local chicken