Sokoto Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Survival analysis and risk factors for goat mortality among breeding goats in Gazelle District, Papua New Guinea

S Kenas, A Shittu, A Jibril, FO Fasina — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Mortality in goats limits production and productivity, particularly in smallholder and extensive grazing systems, where resources for health interventions and management practices are often limited. This study investigates risk factors for goat mortality using Cox proportional hazards regression modelling at the Papua New Guinea (PNG) University of Natural Resources and Environment (PNGUNRE) breeding farm from 2020 to 2023. A non-parametric survival analysis and multivariable Cox regression were used to assess biological and clinical variables. The mean mortality rate was 32%. Health status and severity of clinical symptoms significantly influenced mortality rates. Bucks had a 91% higher risk of death compared to does (LR ꭓ² = 0.04; p = 0.84), while kids faced significantly higher risks (LR ꭓ² = 68.82; p < 0.001). Goats with body conditions of 3 and 4 were 8 and 17 times more likely to survive than extremely thin ones (p = 0.01). Overall body condition significantly impacted mortality risk (LR ꭓ², p < 0.001). Poor FAMACHA anaemic scores (D and E) increased the hazard of death (p < 0.001), while healthy goats had a 17-fold higher survival chance (HR = 14.97, p = 0.08). Our evaluation indicated that the causes of goat mortality were multifactorial and involved complex interactions among various factors. These findings support developing strategies to enhance goat health, welfare, and productivity in breeding farm settings. Management practices should meet the specific needs of different sex and class groups, with special attention to breeding does, kids, male goats, body condition monitoring, and anaemic conditions. Regular training for farmers on modern husbandry practices and data recording could also improve farm management. Additionally, enhanced veterinary services and resource allocation are crucial for reducing mortality rates. This work provides a template for improving goat farm health management strategies in PNG, emphasizing a comprehensive and practical approach.

Ameliorative effects of Moringa oleifera on haematology, cardiac-troponin-I, electrolytes and histology of Wistar rats exposed to diesel fumes

A Dahiru, B Saidu — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Diesel fuel is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons obtained and used in various applications, such as motorboats, heavy equipment, generators, trucks, buses, and trains. However, the emissions from diesel engines contribute to air pollution and compromise air quality. This experimental study was carried out to evaluate the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of Moringa oleifera on diesel-induced changes on cardiovascular parameters. A total of 25 adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: group A (negative control); group B (exposed to diesel fumes only); group C (treated with Moringa extract and later exposed to diesel fumes); group D (exposed to diesel fumes and later treated with Moringa extract); and group E (treated with Moringa extract only). Forty (40) mg/kg/rat of 80% methanolic leaf extract of Moringa oleifera and 0.008 cm³/min/rat of fumes from liquid diesel were used as dosage of extract and volume of fumes respectively. The haematology showed polycythemia in the exposed group. Serum biochemical analysis revealed hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hyperchloremia, and hypercalcemia in the exposed groups. The result also revealed an increase in cardiac troponin-I concentration. In conclusion, exposure to diesel fumes caused changes in cardiovascular parameters, likewise prophylactic and therapeutic administration of Moringa oleifera leaf extract showed a promising result.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium species among herds in selected Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, Nigeria

DO Esonu, J Kabir, ID Jatau, MK Lawan, MS Yusuf, MB Aliyu, FL Yusuf — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Cryptosporidiosis is a neglected tropical zoonotic disease caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Cryptosporidium. The aim of the study was to determine the occurrence of Cryptosporidium antigen and species of the parasite in livestock and dogs in sedentary Fulani herds in the selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Seven hundred and fifty faecal samples (240, 180, 240 and 90 from cattle, sheep, goats and dogs, respectively) were collected. Faecal samples were screened with a commercial Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit and those positive for Cryptosporidium, were subjected to nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (nPCR). Direct sequencing of the nPCR products were carried out to identify the species. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium antigen in faeces was 4.2% (10/240), 1.7% (3/180), 1.1% (1/90) and 0.4% (1/240) for cattle, sheep, dogs and goats respectively. Significantly higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium species antigen (p = 0.02) was observed in sheep ≤ 6 months of age than those above 6 months age. Dogs passing out loose/watery faeces had significantly higher prevalence of the infection (p=0.05) than those with firmly formed faeces. Among the species detected in this study, Cryptosporidium andersoni (42.9%) was most prevalent, followed by C. muris (21.4%) and C. parvum (21.4%), and the least was C. hominis (14.3%). Cryptosporidium parvum, C. hominis, C. andersoni and C. muris were detected in cattle, C. andersoni from sheep and goats, and C. muris from dog faeces. The presence of C. parvum and C. hominis in cattle in this study suggests that the dairy cattle in these LGAs have high potential for the transmission of Cryptosporidium to humans. Therefore, inhabitants of these LGAs should be informed and educated on the need for improved sanitary measures during milking these animals and the need for adequate pasteurization of milk before consumption.

Molecular characterization of chicken infectious anaemia virus isolated from village chickens in Maiduguri, Nigeria

YM Shettima, HI Gambo, TM Hamisu, AD AD El-Yuguda, MB Abubakar, MU Sajo — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The presence and genetic variability of chicken infectious anaemia virus (CIAV) among apparently healthy village chickens in Maiduguri, Nigeria, were investigated using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger’s sequencing, respectively. A total of 100 tissue samples (thymus, liver, bursa of Fabricius, and spleen) were collected from 100 apparently healthy village chickens of 1-13 weeks old. The tissues from each bird were pooled and then frozen at -20^oC. Chicken infectious anaemia virus DNA was extracted from the pooled tissues and subjected to PCR and DNA sequencing. The PCR results showed that a total of 42/100 (42%) of the pooled tissue samples were positive for CIAV. The result of the sequencing indicated genetic variations among the field CIAVs detected in the pooled tissues of the village chickens. The evolutionary relationship inferred between six of the isolates (CIAV 15, 41, 42, 80, 43, and 37) obtained in this study formed a cluster with isolates from India, Thailand, Japan, South India, Taiwan, China, USA, and Australia, while CIAV 14 and CIAV 36 (with 87% homology) diverged to formed a sub-clade. Two other Nigerian isolates, CIAV 79 (with 52% homology with the six isolates) and CIAV 39 (57% homology with CIAV 79) formed a separate clade. Therefore, CIAV had been found in apparently healthy village chickens in Maiduguri, and some of the isolates formed a cluster with isolates from other parts of Asia, America, and Europe. There is a need to investigate the interactions between CIAV and immune cells of village chickens so that accurate preventive measures against the disease will be taken.

Evaluating the efficacy of lycopene on rectal temperature fluctuation in Red Sokoto Goats during the cold-dry (harmattan) season

G Joseph, JO Ayo — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The cold-dry (harmattan) season is characterised by relatively low ambient temperature (AT) in the early morning and evening hours of the day, and high in the afternoon. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant that has anti-stress properties. The study aimed to determine the rectal temperature (RT) fluctuations in Red Sokoto goats during the cold-dry (harmattan) season, and the effect of lycopene administration. A total of 20 goats were randomly divided into experimental and control groups (n = 10). The experimental group was administered lycopene (0.142 mg/kg) for two weeks and RT values were recorded on days 8, 11 and 14 of the study. Thermal environmental data of ambient temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) were recorded hourly at the experimental site from 07:00 to 18:00 h using a dry- and wet-bulb thermometer and temperature-humidity index for 3 days. The RT was measured hourly, from 7:00 to 18:00 h each day. RT variation was predominantly due to the hourly influence of thermal environmental parameters, rather than an individual feature of the animals. The DBT (Dry-bulb Temperature) fluctuated from 18:00 to 35:00 °C with a mean value of 28.44 ± 1.56 °C. The RH (relative humidity) recorded during the study period fluctuated between 13 and 46%, while the overall mean value of RH was 30.82 ± 2.58%. The THI (temperature-humidity-index) fluctuated between 76:00 ± 0.52 and 78.64 ± 0.04. In conclusion, lycopene modulated cold-dry induced stress in goats by increasing RT values of Red Sokoto goats, between 16:00-18:00 h during the cold-dry season.

Sperm boosting potentials of methanol extract of Abrus precatorius (Linn) leaves on some semen characteristics in Wistar rats

L Sanya, D Yahi, KD Malgwi, N Daniel, EO Adawaren, NA Ojo — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

One of the major issues in the area of reproduction is male fertility. A wide range of plant-derived products are claimed to have fertility-boosting effects and are being used by a large number of people. Many of such claims however remain uninvestigated. The effect of methanol extract of Abrus precatorius linn leaves on sperm headcount and motility in Wistar rats was studied. Forty (40) rats were grouped into four groups (A, B, C and D) with 10 rats in each. The rats in groups B, C and D were subjected to repeated doses of the extract at 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg b.w respectively orally for 28 days. Group A served as negative control and was administered distilled water. On days 14 and 28, three rats were randomly selected from each group and humanely sacrificed. Sections of the liver, kidneys, testes and epididymis were harvested and processed for histological study. The result on the sperm counts for twenty-eight days showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the mean values of testicular sperm counts in groups treated with the extract. This is evident especially in groups treated with 800 mg/kg b.w with mean values 13.92±0.76, 16.00±0.66 and 17.00±0.25³/mm⁹ as compared with the control. The sperm motility was classified into three categories: progressive, in situ and immobile. Also, there was a significant increase in sperm progressive motility and viability at 14 – 28 days post-treatment. The result of the study revealed that methanol extract of Abrus precatorious leaves increased epididymal sperm count and motility in male Wistar rats.

Detection of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus circulating in ticks and cattle in Plateau and Kaduna States, Nigeria

OE Igah, AJ Natala, J Kabir, NI Ogo, C Chinyere, I Shittu, CA Meseko — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) poses a significant threat to human health in Nigeria. This study provides an updated assessment of the prevalence and distribution of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in cattle and tick vectors in North Central Nigeria. We investigated 333 cattle from Plateau and Kaduna States in Northern Nigeria using molecular and quantitative modelling techniques. Screening for CCHF antibody was performed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The study estimated a seroprevalence of 67.00% for IgG antibodies of CCHFV. Additionally, the virus was detected in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus, which serves as a reservoir host. Among the 41 pools of ticks tested for CCHF, only one pool out of the 35 Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) ticks (2.40%) tested positive for the virus. This positive pool's RT-qPCR cycle threshold (CT) value was 31.88. The detection of CCHFV in both cattle (the amplifying host) and ticks (the reservoir vector) underscores the need for active surveillance. Appropriate tick control mechanisms should be established to prevent disease spread to humans. Education and awareness among human and animal health workers are essential to prevent nosocomial outbreaks. This research contributes valuable insights to our understanding of CCHF dynamics in Nigeria and informs strategies for disease prevention and control.

Gastric dilatation and mesenteroaxial volvulus in a two-year-old German Shepherd

GY Gurumyen, PN Tanko, EV Tizhe, IJ Gosomji, DO Avazi, PI Sambo, PU La'ankwap — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A 2-year-old male German Shepherd with a complaint of distended abdomen with gas, and difficulty in breathing was presented but died just before any intervention was given. Postmortem examination revealed sunken eye balls (an indication of dehydration). The heart was globous and the lumen of the left ventricle was distended with clotted blood. The gastroesophageal junction and the pyloric part of the duodenum were twisted to over 180^oalong the mesentery axis. The stomach was markedly distended and the serosa of the gastric mucosa was hyperemic. The mesenteric and splenic blood vessels were engorged with blood. The gastric content was fluidy and gas was expelled when the stomach was opened. The spleen was markedly enlarged (over 2 kg), appearing “C” shaped, and oozed blood when cut. The whole of the intestine was empty. These findings suggest urgent intervention should be given to dogs with pathologic distended abdomen and difficulty in breathing to reduce chances of mortality.

Surgical management of infiltrative lipoma on the ventral abdominal region of a one-year-old Alsatian cross bitch

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Lipomas with intramuscular infiltration are prone to recur when they are not resected with a wide margin irrespective of their location whether in the trunk, extremities or the head and neck. These benign tumours can rapidly enlarge; infiltrate local tissues, thus requiring wide-margin resection which is performed with an attempt to preserve important structures as much as possible. A 1-year-old Alsatian cross bitch was presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike with a complaint of growth on the ventral abdomen. On physical examination, the physiological parameters including rectal temperature, respiratory and heart rates were within the normal range of values for dogs. A pendulous round mass measuring about 12 cm X 6 cm X 4 cm at the ventral abdominal region which on palpation was firm and painless was also observed. Fine needle aspirate cytology revealed lipocytes occurring singly and in groups. The growth was surgically excised under injectable general anaesthesia. Histopathology showed severe proliferation of adipocytes and adipose tissue in the dermis and muscle layers of the abdominal wall. The case was followed up for up to 12 months and there was no recurrence. This case report provides evidence that surgical excision of infiltrative lipomas if carefully done to remove all tumour tissues, can be curative.

Rabies in a two-year-old post-partum doe

IG Opaluwa – Kuzayed1, RE Edeh, DO Omoniwa, GP Karaye, GY Gurumyen, MO Bakare — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Rabies is a viral disease that is fatal to infected animals. A 2-year-old post-partum doe was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, with complaints of exhibiting strange behaviours of biting and attacking anyone approaching it. History revealed the doe kidded a set of triplets a week before the presentation. Clinical evaluation revealed aggression, attempting to bite and bite itself, and self-mutilation, among others. The doe was humanly sacrificed and the brain sample was sent to the Rabies Laboratory of the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria. Rabies was confirmed using a direct fluorescent antibody test (FAT). The implication of the case is discussed in the article.

Pathology of leptospirosis and acute fatal foreign body macroaspiration in a one-year-old Nigerian indigenous breed of dog

PN Tanko, IO Igbokwe, GY Gurumyen, EV Tizhe, DM Buba, MB Biallah — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Macroaspiration is a common cause of mortality in dogs. Majority of cases of acute macroaspiration in dogs that leads to death are iatrogenic. In this case, we present report of leptospirosis in a bitch that died of macroaspiration. A carcass of a one-year-old Nigerian indigenous breed of dog was presented to the University of Jos Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Polo, for postmortem examination. Rhipicephalus sanguineus was recovered from the skin. The carcass was moderately dehydrated, emaciated and the mucous membranes were yellowish. The colon was severely haemorrhagic with blood-stained fluid in the abdominal cavity. The entire liver parenchyma was markedly jaundiced. The trachea contained froth mixed with fine black granular substance (activated charcoal). The spleen was markedly enlarged (splenomegaly). The bladder contained yellowish urine with a urine specific gravity of 1.010, marked bilirubinuria, glucosuria, proteinuria and mild haematuria. Microscopic examination of the urine revealed fine granular casts, transitional epithelial cells, leucocytes and red blood cells. Histopathological examination of tissues showed centrilobular hepatic necrosis, necrosis and desquamation of tubular epithelial cells, glomerular degeneration and complete destruction of the Bowman’s capsule, moderate lymphocyte depletion, marked infiltration of mononuclear cells into the mucosa and submucosa. It was concluded that even though the dog had leptospirosis, the immediate cause of death was foreign body macroaspiration.

Surgical management of grade 2 vaginal prolapse in a six-year-old gravid Sokoto Gudali cow

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

A 6-year-old gravid multiparous Sokoto Gudali cow, weighing approximately 250 kg, was presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto with the major complaint of straining and protrusion of an abnormal mass around the vulvo-vaginal area. The client revealed that the cow was fed Soya bean bran and table remnants mixed with water few days prior to development of the protrusion and subsequent presentation at the clinic. The cow was reported to be in her last trimester, had received ivermectin injection 4 weeks prior to presentation for the treatment of external parasites and had not received any previous vaccination. There was no history of previous vaginal prolapse during or after previous pregnancies. Management of the condition included reduction of the protruding mass and the replacement to its normal anatomical position. Stay sutures were placed using size 2 nylon thread (Ethilon^®) along with supportive treatment. The cow delivered successfully 2 months post-treatment. This case presentation revealed that pre-partum vaginal prolapse can occur at the last trimester in cow without the risk of premature termination of pregnancy if immediate intervention is instituted.