Aidin Azizpour - Associate Professor of Poulry Diseases, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran
Ciamak Ghazaei - Associate Professor of Microbiology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

Background and Aim : Avian Influenza virus is the most important viral diseases of the poultry which causes economic losses in poultry industry. Backyard poultry are at risk of exposure to various viral contagious diseases such as Avian Influenza. Backyard poultry are considered as a risk factor for the poultry industry. Therefore, the aim of this study was to survey seroprelvance of Avian Influenza Virus H۹N۲ Subtype in backyard chickens of Ardabil area, Iran.Methods : A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Jane and August ۲۰۱۸ in village chickens of Ardabil area, northwestern Iran. A total of ۱۹۰ blood samples were collected from unvaccinated backyard chickens in ۱۲ villages. ELISA was used as the screening test and all ELISA-positive samples were examined with the HI test.Results : The performed survey showed that eighty seven out of ۱۹۰ blood samples were positive on ELISA. In addition to, Eighty five (۴۵ %) were positive and one hundred and five (۵۵ %) were negative on HI test. Five villages out of ۱۲ villages were positive on HI test.Conclusion : According to results of this study seroprevalence of H۹N۲ influenza virus is high in backyard chickens of villages in Ardabil area.This finding indicates that the virus is endomic. So, vaccination and annual surveillance of backyard poultry seem necessary.

Influenza virus, HI, Backyard chickens, Ardabil