Phylogenetic study base on matrix gene of Iranian Newcastle disease virus isolates, 2011-2012

Newcastle disease (ND), caused by avian paramyxovirus type 1, is a highly contagious and devastating viral disease of poultry of worldwide distribution with an enormous economic impact. In this study, the sequences of matrix protein (M) gene of three ND virus strains isolated from outbreak in chickens in poultry farms of Iran in 2011–2012 were determined. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that both strains clustered with the class II viruses, with one phylogenetically close to the genotype VIIb Newcastle disease viruses and the other closer to genotype VIId. This finding is essential for improving the disease control strategies and development of vaccines for ND. The study results thus emphasize the importance of continuous surveillance of this disease and of sharing the information to the global scientific community, which would help to fill the epidemiological gaps in the regions and to validate the robustness of diagnostic screening.