Sokoto Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Pathological changes associated with paramphistomosis in the gastrointestinal tissues of indigenous cattle slaughtered at Jos abattoir, Nigeria

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Diverse gastrointestinal parasites, such as trematodes, cestodes, and nematodes, pose a threat to ruminants. Paramphistome, a trematode also known as rumen fluke, affects both domestic and wild ruminants, causing significant economic losses in the dairy and meat production industries. Tissue samples (rumen, reticulum, and small intestine) from 40 cattle slaughtered at the Jos abattoir were examined grossly and microscopically for paramphistomosis, with associated gross and histopathological changes recorded for a period of 4 weeks. From the 40 cattle examined, 23(57.50%) were positive for paramphistomosis with several gross lesions. The gross lesions observed were hyperemia, mucohaemorrhagic enteritis, and mucoid enteritis, with frequencies of 2, 2, and 6, respectively. However, among the positive samples, 2 lesions were common; mucohaemorrhagic enteritis and mucoid enteritis, each with a frequency of 1 and 4, respectively. This study established a moderate prevalence of paramphistomosis in cattle slaughtered at the Jos abattoir. The gross and histopathological changes in tissues from cattle infected with Paramphistomum have provided useful information to aid diagnosis.

Poultry diseases diagnosed in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria, from 2017 to 2023

EB Ibitoye, AA Aminu, D Ajanaku, AA Jimoh, BP Gwimi, DO Ishola, OO Oladele — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Disease is a major constraint to poultry production in all rearing systems. A seven-year review (2017-2023) of case reports of poultry diseases diagnosed at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and the State Veterinary Clinic, Aliyu Jodi, Sokoto, Nigeria, was conducted. A total of 19,872 cases were documented within the study period, with 3,835(19.30%) cases of salmonellosis being the most prevalent, then helminthosis [3,702(18.6%)], and the lowest were heat stress 109(0.5%), and bumble foot 94(0.5%). Generally, the months of April and January recorded the highest 2,453(12.3) and lowest 1,274(6.4) disease occurrences, respectively. The year 2018 had the highest number of cases [3,305(16.6%)], but declined sharply in 2019 [2,832(14.3%)] and tapered towards 2023 [2,703(13.6%)]. Overall, bacterial diseases were the most common [8,454(42.6%)], followed by viral diseases [6,947(34.8%)], and least in non-infectious diseases [1,09(0.5%)]. Turkeys suffered more cases [5,897(29.67%)], then layers [5,116(25.74%)] and lowest in local birds [4,374(22.01%)]. The rainy season had the highest number of cases of 10,408(52.38%), with avian pox (2,462 cases) being the highest, followed by infectious coryza, fowl cholera, and helminthosis during this period. From the management systems, deep litter had the highest number of cases [12,926(65.05%)], and the lowest [6,946(34.95%)] in the battery cage. The findings indicate that poultry in Sokoto are at high risk of helminthosis, avian pox, Newcastle disease, salmonellosis, chronic respiratory disease, infectious coryza, and fowl cholera, being the most common poultry diseases in the study area. These may negatively impact production and farmers’ income, highlighting the need for effective disease control measures.

Goniometric measurement of the hind limb standing (zero) joint angles of Nigerian local dogs

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Goniometry is a low-cost, user-friendly and widely available technique used by veterinarians to determine joint range of motion (ROM). Studies providing breed-specific reference ranges for goniometric measurements are scarce, and there is a lack of information regarding the hind limb joint angles in Nigerian local dogs (NLDs). The study was conducted on 20 apparently healthy NLDs (10 males and 10 females), aged between 1 and 8 years, and weighing between 15 and 25 kg. Measurements of the hip, stifle, and tarsal joints were taken in a normal standing (zero) position using a universal goniometer. The static and movable arms of the goniometer were positioned according to established anatomical landmarks. The hip joint angle in the male and female dogs was 70.2^o ± 1.48 and 71^o ± 7.43, respectively, with no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). The stifle joint angle in the male and female dogs was 47.0^o ± 5.09 and 46.4^o ± 6.09, respectively, with no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). However, the tarsal joint angle in the male and female dogs was 48.6^o ± 6.99 and 41.4^o ± 7.72, respectively, with a significant difference between them (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that there might be sex-specific variations in the anatomy of the tarsal joint in NLDs. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the normal anatomical variation in NLDs and may have implications for veterinary orthopaedic practice and breed standards.

Postoperative Cinnamomum camphora aromatherapy enhances haematology and supports hepatic and renal function in live-donor nephrectomy: A murine model

C Unamba-Oparah, IC Unamba-Oparah, IF Attoh — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The increased demand for kidney transplants arising from kidney failure and intricacies with dead-donor organ nephrectomy has led to increased focus on live-donor nephrectomy. As with all procedures, postoperative care is critical to physiologic recovery and mental health support in live donors. This study explored the clinical potential of Cinnamomum camphora (camphor) aromatherapy to improve haematology and biochemical parameters following unilateral nephrectomy in the Wistar rat model. Eighteen male Wistar rats (mean weight 217 ± 12 g) were randomized into three groups (n = 6): Group I (unilaterally nephrectomised) was subjected to Cinnamomum camphora inhalation exposure for 10 days post-surgery. Group II (unilaterally nephrectomised) and group III (sham-operated) were not exposed to camphor. Cinnamomum camphora exposure was an adjunct to routine post-operative care. Hematologic and serum biochemical indices were assessed on day 10 post-surgery. The results showed the red cell indices slightly enhanced and total WBC significantly (p < 0.05) lowered in group I compared to group II, with a reduced neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. Serum creatinine was lower in group I compared to group II, while bilirubin significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in Group I compared to control, with serum fibrinogen lowest in Group II. This study has shown that Cinnamomum camphora aromatherapy potentially improved recovery in live-donor nephrectomy, with most homeostatic indices studied being enhanced, although not all reached statistical significance. The trend provides preliminary evidence for a safe adjunct to conventional postoperative care that ameliorates stress, reduces drug reliance, and promotes homeostatic stability. The findings lay a good groundwork for future studies.

Urinalysis findings in cattle slaughtered at Maiduguri central abattoir

H Abdulsalam, UA Girei, HI Gambo — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The study evaluates urine abnormalities from cattle slaughtered at Maiduguri central abattoir. A total of 35 urine samples were collected directly from the bladder immediately after slaughter into clean urine sample bottles. The samples were transported in an ice pack to the laboratory for gross, chemical, and microscopic evaluation using standard procedures. Results showed abnormal colour of urine samples in 11(31.4%) cattle. Male and adult cattle had 6(31.6%) and 8(30.8%) abnormal coloured urine samples, respectively. Chemically, the urine sample had traces of leukocytes 2(5.7%), urobilinogen 24(68.5%), proteinuria ++ 22(62.9%), acidic 13(37.1%), ketonuria 21(60.0%), glycosuria 7(20.0%), bilirubin 17(48.6%). Microscopically, the urine sample had pus cells 2(5.8%), epithelial cells 4(11.4%), numerous red blood cells 3(8.6%) crenated red cell ++ 2(5.7%), casts ++ 2(5.7%), crystals +++ 3(8.6), bacterial cells ++ 1(2.9%), numerous sperm cells 13(37.1%), yeast cells + 1(2.9%), hyaline cast + 4(11.4%), calcium oxalate ++ 4(11.4%), crystal cells + 3(8.6%), ammonium magnesium phosphate ++ 2(5.7%), granular cast + 2(5.7%), amorphous crystals ++ 2(5.7%), cystine crystals ++ 1(2.9%), and crystal oxalate ++ 1(2.9%), In conclusion urine sample from apparently healthy cattle had gross, chemical and microscopic abnormalities which suggest the possibility of renal or metabolic disorder.

Assessment of immune responses to anti-rabies vaccination in dogs in Jos Metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria

YS Wungak, G Jacob, L Konzing — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Rabies is a zoonotic disease of serious public health significance and has existed since 3000 BC. This study aimed to evaluate the immune responses to rabies vaccinations within the dog population in Jos metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of 82 dogs with records of anti-rabies vaccination were purposively selected from the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Jos, Plateau State, between October and December 2020. Blood samples were collected from the dog. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was utilised to determine the levels of Rabies virus neutralising antibodies in the serum samples. Results indicated that 79.27% (65/82) of the dog population had Rabies Virus Neutralising Antibody (RVNA) with a Percentage Inhibition (PI) of ≥ 40% and 67.07% (55/82) of the sampled dogs had RVNA with a PI of > 70%, equivalent to 0.5 IU/ml, while 20.73% (17/82) had no RVNA with a PI of < 40%. The analysis of immunity status based on the type of vaccines used showed no significant difference (P> 0.05; χ²=0.6679). Additionally, the frequency of vaccine administration did not indicate a significant increase in immune response (P> 0.05; χ²=0.12). The study identified a positive immune response in the vaccinated dogs. It is recommended that a booster dose of the anti-rabies vaccine be administered to dogs with immune response levels < 70% PI.

Aqueous extract of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) rhizome improves testicular histology and reproductive hormones in adult Wistar rats

EB Odigie, BE Ogeyemhe — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ginger is widely used as a dietary spice and traditional remedy, yet evidence on its effects on testicular histology and reproductive hormones remains inconsistent. This study evaluated the effect of graded doses of aqueous ginger rhizome extract on testicular histology and selected reproductive hormones in adult male Wistar rats. Thirty-five adult male Wistar rats weighing 180-200 g were assigned to seven groups of five rats each. The control group received a grower diet and water. Rats in groups B, C and D received aqueous ginger rhizome extract at 100 mg per kg, 200 mg per kg and 400 mg per kg, respectively, for 30 days, while groups E, F and G received the same doses for 60 days. Body and testicular weights were recorded, while serum luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, prolactin, testosterone, progesterone, and estradiol were assayed. The testes were examined histologically using haematoxylin and eosin staining. Body and testicular weights did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between control and treated groups at both time points. In the 30-day exposure, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone were significantly (p < 0.05) higher at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, whereas testosterone was highest at 400 mg/kg. After 60 days, follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol were significantly increased at 400 mg/kg, with a significant (p < 0.05) rise in progesterone at the same dose. Histology showed preserved seminiferous tubule architecture across all groups, with luminal accumulation of spermatozoa at 400 mg/kg at both durations. Aqueous ginger rhizome extract preserved testicular histology and produced modest, dose-related endocrine changes without evidence of gonadal toxicity.

Validation of immunoperoxidase technique for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in Nigerian wild rats

SA Ode, T Jarikre, A Jagun, B Emikpe, VO Taiwo — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Toxoplasmosis is a highly prevalent parasitic zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii. It is rated the 4th most important food-borne disease by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Several diagnostic tests have been used in the detection of toxoplasmosis with varied level of reliability. Among the several diagnostic tests, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is regarded as the most sensitive. Immunoperoxidase technique has also been used in the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. This, however, has not been validated in the detection of Toxoplasma gondii in rats. We compared the results of the use of immunoperoxidase technique in the detection of Toxoplasma gondii in wild rats to ascertain the level of agreement with the use of PCR. Results of 75 samples previously tested by PCR for which immunoperoxidase technique was also used to test the presence of Toxoplasma gondii were computed for this study. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated. The use of immunoperoxidase technique in the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis was 84.6% sensitive and 50% specific. The ability of immunoperoxidase technique to detect a positive test for toxoplasmosis was 91.7%. With the high sensitivity and PPV, we conclude that immunoperoxidase technique can be used as a screening tool for Toxoplasma gondii with reliable results.

Food-borne zoonoses in public health: Situational analysis of knowledge and risk behaviours among meat traders in Burkina Faso

M Savadogo, MO Seko, G Lallogo, SG Ilboudo, Z Tarnagda, R Bada-Alambedji — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and practices of meat traders regarding hygiene and the risk of zoonotic infections associated with meat processing in two major urban areas (Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso) of Burkina Faso. A structured questionnaire was developed, and individual face-to-face interviews were conducted with 370 meat traders. The Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were performed to assess the association between the investigated variables. The results showed that 62% of traders had low knowledge of food hygiene and food-borne zoonoses. The level of knowledge was significantly associated with the level of education and the type of actors involved (p<0.05). In addition, only 27.8% of traders applied adequate hygiene practices to prevent the risk of foodborne zoonoses. Adopting adequate practices was significantly associated with variables like age, education and type of actors involved (p<0.05). In conclusion, the study revealed that the knowledge and practices of the traders were inadequate, exposing consumers to zoonotic infections. This highlights the need for taking actions to improve the standard of hygiene practices in meat outlets.