Assessment of Dog Owners’ Knowledge on Dog Rabies Vaccination in Rural Communities in Ogun State, Nigeria

A cross sectional study was designed to assess knowledge of dog owners towards dog rabies vaccination in rural communities in Odeda local government area of Ogun State. A structured questionnaire was administered to 268 dog owners. The questionnaire sought information on demographic characteristics of the dog owners, their association with dogs, and knowledge about dog rabies vaccine. Data obtained were analyzed using chi square and logistic regression with p value set at ≤ 0.05. Dog rabies vaccination coverage in the study area was 4.9%. Most of the respondents (67.2%) were not aware of dog rabies vaccine. Only 3% of the dog owners had good knowledge about rabies vaccination. Socio-economic factors that had significant association with knowledge level were age, occupation, educational level and marital status of the respondents. There was also significant association between age, religion, occupation, educational level, awareness on dog rabies vaccination, knowledge about dog rabies vaccination, danger posed by non vaccinated dogs to the public and other animals and the intention of dog owners to vaccinate their dogs against rabies. One hundred and eighty seven respondents (70%) declared their intention to vaccinate their dogs, although 82% affirmed willingness to pay  for vaccination of their dogs against rabies; however the average amount indicated was only ₦200.00 ($0.57). In conclusion, it is free vaccination of dogs against rabies with an aggressive mass orientation on responsible dog ownership and enlightenment on fatality of clinical rabies through the mass media that can significantly alter the vaccination coverage in the studied community Key words: Rabies, vaccination, dogs, rural communities, intentio

The microbiological quality and some physical parameters of different water used at a municipal abattoir in Nigeria

This study determined the microbiological and some physical quantities and effect of the two different water sources used for meat processing at the Lafenwa abattoir, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Water sources identified are the Lafenwa river and Tap water supply. A total of 33 samples were collected and analyzed. The total viable of bacteria count ( TVC) of the samples was determined by pour plate technique while the most probable number (MPN) of coliform count was by the multiple tube method. The mean TVC for the two spots on the river is 3.34x107 cfu/ml and the mean MPN is 1600 /100ml. For the tap water, the mean TVC and MPN were 1.56x107 cfu/ml and 890 /100ml respectively. The TVC values were significantly higher (p0.05). Potentially pathogenic Bacteria isolated from the water samples include: Eschericia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella spp. The water samples from the river appeared creamy, highly turbid, particulate with pungent odour. The mean pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO) and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) values were 5.4, 28.8oC, 8.1 mg/l and 7.0 mg/l respectively. The tap water samples were clear, odourless, and colorless with mean pH, temperature, DO and BOD values of 6.8, 28.1oC, 15.3mg/l and 3.1mg/l respectively. There was significant differences in the DO and BOD values of river samples compared to tap water (

Prevalence of ticks on indigenous breed of hunting dogs in Ogun State, Nigeria

Ticks are haematophagous arthropods that are important vectors of diseases of animals and humans, many of which are zoonotic, thus predisposing humans, including hunters to risk. The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of tick infestation among hunting dogs with the aim of determining the danger which the presence of ticks portends, bearing in mind that hunting dogs are kept by the duo of rural and urban dwellers. A total of one hundred and nine (109) hunting dogs were sampled from nineteen (19) different locations in the State. The age, weight and sex of the dogs were noted and recorded as variables. The dogs were thoroughly examined for ticks and other ectoparasites which were collected into properly labelled plastic containers and were transported to the laboratory for identification. Chi-square test was used to compare the prevalence of tick infestation between recorded variables. Significance level was set at p = 0.05 or less. The overall prevalence of tick infestation in the 109 hunting dogs was 56%. The tick prevalence in the male dogs (66.7%) and that in the female dogs (51.9%) was not significantly (p> 0.05) different. Also, tick prevalence in young dogs (53.8%) and adult dogs (62.1%) was not significantly (p>0.05) different. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of tick infestation from urban and rural locations (p<0.05). Of the 352 ticks harvested from the hunting dogs, Rhipicepalus sanguineus constituted 68.2%, Haemaphysalis leachi leachi, 30.6%; and Ambylomma variegatum, 1.21%. The education of the hunters and other persons in close contact with dogs is required for the control of ectoparasites.Keywords: Hunting dogs, Indigenous, Nigeria, Prevalence, Tick

Effect of Boiling, Oven Drying and Roasting On the Proximate Composition and Microbial Loads of Cane Rat

The study examined the effect of proximate composition, mineral and microbial loads of cane rat (Thryonomys swindarianus) meat of different processing methods. Three (3) live adult cane rats were purchased from reputable cane rat domestication farm in Abeokuta and transported to the wildlife laboratory of the Federal University of Agriculture where the samples were slaughtered and subjected roasting, boiling and oven drying. Small piece of each processed cane rat meat was extracted and placed in sterile plastic containers for proximate, mineral and microbial loads for three (3) consecutive days. The standard procedure described by Holt et al., (1994) method was used for the analysis of moisture content, crude protein, total available carbohydrate and ash. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance using least significant difference to separate the means and line graph was used for the microbial count. The results showed that from day 1 to day 3 oven dried meat had the highest ash, F. extract, C. protein and C. fat content compared with other processing methods. In the same vein, high potassium, iron and magnesium content was recorded in oven dry cane rat. Furthermore, there are presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus spp, Salmonella spp and Escherichia coli in the meat samples which can cause serious health problems. To encourage sustainable utilization of bush meat consumption in urban and rural areas, oven dried bush meat is the most appropriate method of processing, this should be used and encourage by the seller

Wild animal-crop raiding conflict: A case study of old Oyo national park, Nigeria

The study focused on the assessment of crop raiding activities in community’s adjacent Old Oyo National Park, Nigeria. The study identify the pecies of wild animals that raid farms, farm produce that were affected in the area, seasons such activities occurred and level of destruction to farm products in the study area . Stratified sampling technique was used to select Marguba and Tede ranges out of the five ranges at OONP due to the prevalence of agricultural practices and crop damage. Furthermore, twelve communities were selected purposively based on their proximity to park boundary i.e. communities that fell within 20km distance away from the park buffer zone. Non probability snowballing method was used in the selection of the respondents. A total of 60 copies of questionnaires were administered to farmers in villages at Marguba Range while 170 copies of questionnaires were administered to farmers in villages at Tede Range. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Input-Output Ratio Model. The findings from this study revealed that Erythrocebus patas and Sus scrofa were the prominent crop raiders with occurrences ranging from 44.3% and 31.7%. Also, an average of N1141251 111078, N1995640 104967, N902500 38456, N40000, N6500 3250, losses worth of Yam, Maize, Cassava, Tomato, Pepper respectively were incurred by famers due to crop raiding activities by wild animal in the study area. Due to the emergence of conflicts resulting from crop raiding activities in communities adjacent Old Oyo National Park, the government and all conservation associated stakeholders should foster efforts together to ensure that compensation schemes are been put in place to address the losses incurred by the affected farmers before they start taking laws into their own hands. Keywords: Natural habitat, Conservation, Wildlife, Antagonistic and Attitud

Economic Contribution of Wildlife to Bushmeat Market in Ikire, Osun State, Nigeria

This paper assessed the economic contribution of wildlife to bushmeat market in Ikire, Osun State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire and in-depth interview of targeted respondents. Bush meat sellers in Irewole local government area, Ikire were sampled. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary analysis and likert scale analysis. The result showed that majority of the bushmeat sellers were females (55.9%) with a mean age of 41 years. Most of the bushmeat sellers strongly agreed (4.91±0.09) that they generate more income from bushmeat trade, 4.71±0.17 equally noted that customers prefer to purchase bushmeat than convectional meat type while 1.56±0.19 disagreed that seasonal change affects customer’s preferences for bushmeat in the markets. Also, 5.00±0.0, 4.82±0.13, 4.74±0.17 respectively believes that bushmeat are more delicious, better source of protein, more of medicinal value when compared with conventional meat type. Furthermore, an average of 3.70±0.2 had cultural sentiments for the consumption of bush meat. An average net profit per respondent yielded ₦3,565.53, while BCR and profitability index are 1.95 and 0.95 respectively. Conclusively, bushmeat trading is a profitable and very lucrative enterprise.   &nbsp

ISOLATION METHODS FOR MOLECULAR DETECTION AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE PATTERN OF CAMPYLOBACTER SPP IN LAYER CHICKENS

This study was conducted to compare two culture methods for the isolation of Campylobacter spp from commercial layer chickens and subsequently confirmed by Polymerase Chain Reaction assays (PCR). Furthermore, the antimicrobial resistance profiles of PCR positive Campylobacter isolates were determined.Cloacal swab samples (550) from chickens randomly selected from five poultry farms in the four geographical zones in Ogun State were cultured for Campylobacter using modified charcoal Cefoperazone deoxycholate agar (MCCDA) and an improved culture method involving Preston broth pre-enrichment and subsequent subculture on Mueller Hinton agar with Campylobacter growth supplements. Putative isolates were later confirmed by PCR assay and sequencing analysis.Other isolates that grew on MCCDA and confirmed by sequencing analysis are Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichis coli, Comamonas kerstli and Pseudomonas aeroginusa . The antibiotic resistant profile of all the isolates were evaluated genotypically for resistance genes to tetracyclines (tetO), multiclasses (cmeB), aminoglycosides (aphA-3-1) and β-lactams (Blaoxa-61) using multiplex PCR (mPCR), and phenotypically for chlortetracycline, tylosin, streptomycin, ciprofloxacin and erythromycin resistance by microbroth dilution method which correspond to the antibiotic resistance genes. The apparent prevalence of Campylobacter was 16.8% by MCCDA while none of the isolates was positive to PCR. Meanwhile, prevalence rate of 26% was obtained using Preston broth pre-enrichment and Mueller Hinton agar with Campylobacter growth supplements, of which 11/50 (22%) of the isolates was confirmed positive by PCR. Genotypic characterization of PCR positive isolates showed 10/11(90%) were C. coli, 1/11(10%) other Campylobacter species and 0% C. jejuni. All the isolates carried both tetO and cmeB resistant genes. The results of minimum inhibitory concentration presented all PCR positive isolates had resistance of 10/10(100%), 9/10(90%), 6/10(60%), 9/10(90%), and 8/10(80%) to tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, spectinomycin and tylosin respectively. In addition, all isolates carried multiple resistance to most antibiotics tested which are commonly used in poultry practice in Nigeria. Campylobacter spp in the study areas showed diverse genotypic characteristics, and gene mediated multidrug resistance.   &nbsp

Sociodemographic predictors associated with COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among veterinary professionals in Nigeria

Vaccines are one of the most effective and successful strategies employed to date to prevent and increase the population's immunity against several viral diseases. However, vaccine hesitancy among populations poses a potential danger to global health. This study focused on determining the vaccine acceptance rate and associated key determinants among veterinarians. A cross-sectional study using a web-based survey among veterinarians was conducted in the month of April 2021. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed to identify key predictors for vaccine acceptance among veterinarians. A total of 305 veterinarians participated in this survey, of whom 39 respondents (12.8%) had received the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine acceptance rate among respondents was 38.3% (excluding those that have taken the vaccine). Only 37.0 % of the respondents were confident about the safety and efficacy of the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine in circulation in the country. Major perceived drivers for vaccine acceptability were safety (91.8%), possible adverse reactions (85.6%) and global acceptability (75.7%). The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of vaccine acceptance increased by 2.3 times among male veterinarians than females (95% CI: 1.358-3.900; p = 0.002) in the multivariate model. In Nigeria, little is known about COVID-19 vaccine acceptance (VA) and predictors among animal healthcare providers, including veterinarians. The study found gender as a key sociodemographic predictor for VA. There is a need to address the sociodemographic determinants of vaccine hesitancy through public health efforts and increase COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and coverage in Nigeria

Waste management and practices in a slaughterhouse in Abeokuta Nigeria: Case study, implications and alternative methods

The waste management operations at a main slaughterhouse (SH) in Ogun State was assessed. Waste generated included condemned organs, carcasses, ruminal contents, hair, hoofs, horns, faeces, blood and carcass trimmings which are poorly utilized. Solid wastes were observed as open dumps within SH facilities, while waste water was discharged in a nearby river, which also served butchers as main water source for meat washing. The unhygienic disposal of solid and liquid waste are potential threats to food safety, environment (air, surface and groundwater) and public health and some operable waste utilization strategies were described.Keywords: Alternative methods; Environment; Public health; Slaughterhouse; Waste managemen

Evaluation of physico-chemical properties and sensory attributes of cassava enriched custard powder

In view of the increasingly produced biofortified cassava roots in Nigeria, it becomes necessary to assess more of its utilization. This study therefore aimed at evaluating the nutrients value of custard powder produced from HQYCS (High quality yellow cassava starch) enriched with PDSF (Partially defatted soybean flour) at varying proportions of 10, 20, 30 and 40%. Proximate composition, carotenoid content, functional and pasting properties of the mixture were determined. Gruel prepared from the mixture were evaluated for consumer acceptability using commercial custard as control. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant means were separated using Tukey’s Test. Correlation analysis were performed on the data to determine the association between the parameters. Proximate composition that contains 13.29% protein, 8.31% fat, 1.24% fibre, 1.18% ash at 10% PDSF enrichment level increased to 15.45, 10.05, 3.96 and 2.15% for protein, fat, fibre and ash at 40% PDSF respectively. The highest total carotenoid content (9.42 ± 0.70 μg/g) was obtained in 100% custard powder. There was significant difference (p < 0.05) in the water absorption capacity of custard sample with a range of 103–189 g/g. Range values for pasting properties were peak viscosity (170.12–393.4 RVU), final viscosity (49.25–346.12 RVU), trough (104.00–264.92 RVU), setback (45.25–81.21 RVU), and breakdown (66.13–144.59 RVU). The sensory colour and the degree of (redness) of the sample were correlated at (p < 0.05) level. There was a significant difference between the overall acceptability of the entire enriched products and the control