Whole genomic sequence analysis of NDVs distributed in Ethiopia

Newcastle disease (ND) is a serious poultry disease in Ethiopia. Although F gene sequence analysis has revealed that the highly pathogenic Newcastle disease virus (NDV) subgenotype VII.1.1 is prevalent in Ethiopia and other East African countries, F gene sequences alone are insufficient to fully understand the pathogenicity, antigenicity, and epidemiological characteristics of the NDVs. To understand the molecular basis for differences in pathogenicity and antigenicity between vaccine and field strains, whole-genome characterization of currently circulating strains is necessary. This project will obtain whole-genome sequences of NDV isolates from poultry farms in Ethiopia. These sequences will be compared with previously reported NDV and vaccine strains by molecular phylogenetic analysis, and the presence of mutations associated with antigenicity and pathogenicity will be identified. Since there are few reports on whole-genome analysis of NDV in Ethiopia, the findings obtained from this project are expected to contribute to the development of effective ND control strategies in the region.