Nigerian Veterinary Journal

Prevalence and determinants of gastrointestinal infections in sheep within Ilorin Metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Joseph O. Sunday, Opeyemi G. Oso, Oyeladun I. Ojo — Mon, 19 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Gastrointestinal parasites of ruminants are complex multicellular eukaryotic parasites affecting animals globally, with significant impact on livestock productivity, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aims at determining the prevalence of gastrointestinal infections in sheep within Ilorin metropolis and assess the influence of different predictors on infection rates. The research was conducted in four major markets in Ilorin: Mandate, Ipata, Eyenkorin, and GSS while laboratory analysis was done at the Department of Zoology, Kwara State University. A total of 156 sheep were randomly sampled, with faecal samples collected and analysed using Baermann and floatation techniques to identify helminth larvae and eggs, respectively. Results indicated a high prevalence of gastrointestinal infection, with 140 out of 156 sheep (89.7%) testing positive. The youngest age group (6-12 months) had the highest infection rate (87.6%) compared to older age groups. Infection rates among different age groups did not show significant differences (χ²=2.87, p=0.411). Similarly, sex did not significantly affect infection likelihood, with 90.4% of males and 89.0% of females infected (χ²=0.0736, p=0.786). Breed-specific infections were highest in Balami (93.8%) compared to Yankasa and Uda breeds, though differences among breeds were not statistically significant (χ²=4.28, p=0.118). The widespread of gastrointestinal infections among sheep, irrespective of age, sex, breed is of public health importance. Therefore, enhanced management practices and targeted interventions are recommended to mitigate the impact of gastrointestinal infections on livestock productivity in the region.

Isolation and molecular genetics of Foot- and-Mouth Disease virus from clinical infections in Nigeria

E.Y. Tchokote, A.O. Igwe, H.G. Ularamu — Mon, 19 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

SUMMARY Foot and Mouth Disease virus typed and characterized from field suspected cases was confirmed using RT-PCR, antigen detection ELISA and Cell culture. Total of 54 samples comprising of 12 epithelial tissues and 42 oral swabs were obtained from clinical and recovering cases reported in Abia, Cross- River and Taraba States. Positive samples for RT-PCR were tested on tissue culture. Out of 19 RT-PCR positive samples, 4 grew on cell culture and 15 were negative. Of these15 negative specimen on cell culture 12 were tested with Antigen-detection ELISA and 3 positives were FMDV serotype A, SAT-1 and SAT-2. Positive samples of FMD virus serotypes A and O were grown on tissue culture using IB-RS-2 commercial cell line. On RT-PCR only serotype A was identified, viral genome was extracted and amplified then amplicon submitted for sequencing. Four FMD viruses were isolated and characterized using percentage identity matrix (alignments Clustal W2). They were closely related to one another to the range of 53- 99 % but could not be termed identical viruses. The phylogenetic analysis revealed relatedness to historical isolates from Nigeria (2006), Cameroon 2000, Sudan and Egypt Viruses. This finding reaffirms the nomadic cattle movements in disease transmission and the need for countries to jointly coordinate efforts in FMD control. Non identical virus isolates reveal the diversification of FMD virus types and topotypes in circulation and the complexity of FMD situation. This may be an indication for a more frequent update of the vaccine strains used in local FMD vaccine and adoption of multiple and different strain vaccine in specific areas to progressively reduce the types of circulating viruses.

Heavy metal residues: Effect of boiling on different singeing methods in Enugu State, Nigeria.

Felix Chidiebere Obioha, John Anelom Nwanta, Aruh O Anaga — Mon, 19 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Hides of cattle are cherished as food source. Heavy metal contamination of hide is of great food safety concern due to the materials used in singeing and methods of processing of slaughtered cattle. The study aims to assess the concentration of heavy metal residues and the effect of boiling on singed hides in Enugu State, Nigeria. Twenty hide samples were divided into five equal portions and assigned to group A-E (singed with plastic (A), firewood (B), tyre (C), combination of the above (D), and un-singed (E)). After singeing, each group was boiled at 1000C for 30 minutes and the meat tested for heavy metal concentration. The toxicity of the water effluent from singed washed hide was analysed using brine shrimp lethality test with 450 larvae assigned in groups of A to E of 10 each in triplicates. Data generated were subjected to one way ANOVA and significance was accepted at p < 0.05. The study showed that group A-D from Enugu slaughterhouse had mean concentrations of lead 0.0549 ± 0.0099, 0.0394 ± 0.0081, 0.0446 ± 0.0086, 0.0806 ± 0.0678 and 0.0220 ± 0.0057 mg/kg respectively. Boiling of the singed hides did not significantly (P > 0.05) reduce the heavy metal concentration. The brine shrimp lethality test showed that the LC50 of effluents singed with plastic, firewood, tyres and combination of the three methods were 1051.27, 1292.29, 1384.25 and 1258.65 ppm at 95% confidence interval, respectively. Few samples that exceeded the maximum permissible levels may pose human health risk to beef consumers.

Retrospective study of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreaks from 2017 to 2021 in Plateau State, Nigeria

Mon, 19 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Since its emergence in Nigeria in 2006, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) remains a major setback to the advancement of the poultry industry and intermittent outbreaks are still occurring across the country. The virus is zoonotic, with cases reported in humans. A Five-year retrospective study was conducted to extract information on the resurgence of the disease specifically the trend, geographical distribution, species of birds affected, mortality and zoonotic potential of the virus in Plateau State from 2017 to 2021. This was carried out by reviewing the available case reports and line lists of outbreaks of HPAI in the Avian Influenza desk office, Plateau State. Data were obtained and analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics.

The results obtained showed that a total of 49 HPAI outbreaks were reported in Plateau State from 2017 to 2021, with the highest (53.06%) reported in 2021, the lowest (4.08%) in 2019 and no outbreak (0.0%) reported in 2018 and 2020. Layers were predominantly affected (59.19%). The outbreaks of Avian Influenza (HPAI) were reported in 5 Local Government Areas (LGAs), with the highest (53.06%) reported in Jos North and the lowest (2.04%) in Jos East and Mangu LGAs. The distribution of outbreaks by LGA and year showed that HPAI outbreaks were reported in 4 LGAs (Jos North, Jos South, Bassa and Mangu) in 2017, 2 LGAs (Jos North and Jos South) in 2019 and 4 LGAs (Jos North, Jos South, Bassa and Jos East) in 2021. Consequently, enhanced surveillance for Avian Influenza and awareness creation on prevention and control across Plateau State along with further motivation and support from the government are recommended.

Cytological diagnosis of Cryptococcosis in a German Shepherd dog: A case report

Mon, 19 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A six-year-old male German Shepherd dog was referred to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan with a history of sporadic muco-haemorrhagic nasal discharge that lasted for 2 months. Haematological evaluation showed that all values were within the reference range except mild thrombocytopenia. About a month after the presenting sign of epistaxis, there was a progressive swelling of the right nostril, protrusion of the right eyeball, and distortion of the nasal septum. Cytological evaluation of the aspirates obtained by fine needle biopsy revealed a highly cellular smear suggesting a pyogranulomatous inflammatory exudate. The composition of cells in the smear was 35% neutrophils, 30% macrophages (mostly activated), 25% lymphocytes, 5% plasma cells, and 5% giant cells. Numerous intracellular and extracellular yeast-like organisms were also observed. The organisms have a central, spherical basophilic body, surrounded by an unstained zone, encircled by a thin cell wall with tiny buds. These organisms were observed to be morphologically consistent with Cryptococcus spp. However, the morphological distinction between Cryptococcus spp, Histoplasma spp, and Sporothrix spp may be difficult. Histochemical and molecular techniques are usually employed to establish a definitive diagnosis. Based on this diagnosis, the dog is currently being treated with antifungal drugs and responding well to treatment. It became evident that the causes of epistaxis in animals are multifactorial and require significant diagnostic competence and work-up.

Management of concurrent Coccidiosis and Staphylococcosis in 14- week-old Isa Brown pullets: A case report.

Mon, 19 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This report investigated the outbreak of Coccidiosis in 14-week-old Isa Brown pullets. The farmer complained of high mortality in the farm and on the day of presentation picked thirty (30) dead birds. The mortality pattern for 3 days was (30, 20, and 30) which amounted to eighty (80) mortalities for the 3 days. Cumulative mortality from weeks 9 to 14 was 1200 (40%) in a flock of 3000 pullets. Clinical signs with gross pathological lesions include: pale comb, emaciated carcasses, pale shank, pale trachea, congested liver, congested and frothy lungs, pale spleen, and sloughing of the intestinal mucosa. Microscopic examination on a wet mount revealed Eimeria oocysts. Histological examination revealed different developmental stages of oocysts in the jejunum and the lung with congestion and widespread haemorrhages. The diagnosis of intestinal coccidiosi was made based on the mortality rate, necropsy and histopathological findings. The secondary bacterial infection was caused by Staphylococcus spp which was resistant to four antibiotics but susceptible to florum® (20% florfenicol) and Penstrep® (Penicillin +streptomycin). The apparent resistance of the Eimeria oocysts to Nutri-Amp 300® (300mg/g Amprolium) necessitated a change to sulfamore® (sulphadimidine 33.3%) injection for 2 days, followed by sulphamix® powder used for 5 days via drinking water which provided a better result.