Preliminary study of the epidemiology of ectoparasite infestation of goats and sheep in Makurdi, north central Nigeria

A total of 416 sheep and 624 goats under different management systems in Makurdi and its environs were examined for ectoparasite infestation for a period of 6 months, October, 2003 to March, 2004. Ninety one (21.9%) of the sheep and 149 (23.9%) of the goats were infested with various types of ectoparasites. The ectoparasites identified, and the number of sheep infested were ticks, 37 (8.9%), fleas, 20 (4.8%), lice, 18 (4.3%) and mites, 16 (3.8%). For goats, these were, ticks, 47 (7.5%), fleas, 34 (5.4%), lice, 39 (6.3%) and mites 29 (4.6%). The commonest species of ticks encountered were, Rhipicephalus evertis and Amblyoma variegatum while that of mites were Psoroptes communis and Sarcoptes species. The genera of lice recovered were Linognathus species and Bovicola species. Ctenocephalidis felis was the only species of fleas observed. Sex, age or breed of goat was not a significant factor (P > 0.05) in the ectoparasite infestation. However, a significant difference (P < 0.05) was recorded in breed distribution of ectoparasite infestation in sheep with Yankassa being the most affected followed by West African dwarf. The level of infestation was highest in extensive (24%) and lowest in intensive (7.2%) systems of management. Routine and strategic control measures should be employed to improve the health of these ruminants in order to minimize the expected profit of production and reduce cases of vector-borne diseases in the animals and handlers

Bioequivalence study on two brands of 10% enrofloxacin oral formulations in chickens

A bioequivalence of two brands of 10% enrofloxacin was tested in broiler chickens using a parallel design at 20 mg/kg bodyweight orally. Blood was sampled before and after drug administration for 24 hours. Plasma enrofloxacin concentrations were analyzed using microbiological assay. Peak plasma concentrations (Cmax), 1.00 ± 0.05 and 0.91 ± 0.02 ìg/ml were obtained in chickens given Reference and Test brands respectively at 1.00±0.01 and 2.00 ± 0.17 hours respectively. Areas under plasma concentration-time curve (AUC0-24) were 3.79 ± 0.07 and 4.90 ± 0.01 ìg/ml for Reference and Test brands respectively. Ratios of Cmax, and AUC0-24(T/R) were 0.91 and 1.29 respectively. These are within the bioequivalence acceptance range. conflox®-vet and kenflox® are therefore bioequivalent and interchangeable

Determination of Tetracycline Residues in Broilers Reared in Makurdi Metropolis

Tetracycline residues in broiler tissues were assayed using a microbiological assay method. A total of four hundred samples  representing one hundred samples of liver, kidney, lungs and breast muscles each, were collected from five different farms within Makurdi Metropolis. The analysis showed a total of 70 % residue incidence with the liver having 60 %, Kidney 31 %, lungs 14 % and muscles 5 % of the total. The highest concentration, of 6 µg/kg, was seen in the liver from farm 1, which had an incidence of 50 %, with the liver contributing 90 % of the incidence. Farm 2 had an incidence of 75 %, in which the liver contributed with 50 % of the cases. Farm 3 had a 100 % incidence, with the liver contributing with 75 % of the cases. Farm 4 had 75 % incidence, with the liver involved in all cases. Farm 5 had a 50 % incidence, all from the liver and kidney. Despite the higher incidence of 70 %, all the values were significantly (p < 0.01), lower than the recommended Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) or Tolerance of 600, 300 and 200 µg/kg for the liver, kidney and muscle respectively. The values were also in accordance within the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0-30 µg/kg, recommended by the Codex Alimentarius. This may be an indication of the rational use of antibiotics in good agricultural management in the selected farms in Makurdi Metropolis. Significantly, it shows that this method can be used mathematically to quantify drug residues in lower income areas. Key words: Tetracyclines, Residues, Broilers, Makurdi, Determination

Bacteriological Quality Assessment of Harvested Rain Water Stored in Excavated Tanks in Rural Communities of Ogbadibo Area, North Central Nigeria

Bacteriological quality of harvested rain surface water stored in randomly selected 49 cased and 77 uncased excavated tanks in Ogbadibo area was assessed during the dry season of January to March 2011. Multiple-tube fermentation technique and biochemical tests for identification of bacteria were used. Forty five (91.8%) of cased and 75 (97.4%) of the uncased reservoir water were positive for coliform and non-coliform bacteria, giving a total of 120 (95.2%) out of 126 sampled. Contamination of the reservoirs by bacteria was high throughout the communities, ranging from 94.1% in Orokam to 96.9% in Owukpa. The water quality was bad with most probable number (MPN) index ranging from 28 to above 278. The bacterial species identified and the number of affected tanks were Enterobacter species in 104 (82.5%), Klebsiella species 83 (65.9%), Proteus species 72 (57.1%), Citrobacter species 66 (52.4%), Escherichia coli 29 (23.6%), Salmonella species 15 (11.9%) and Shigella species 11 (8.9%). Every reservoir was contaminated with at least 3 species of the identified bacteria. There is urgent need for public health education, reservoir design for cased elevation and encasement, and stored water treatment to prevent outbreak of water borne diseases. Keywords: Coliform bacteria, tube-fermentation technique, contamination, biochemical test

Survey of Enterobacteria and Variation in Blood Parameters of Birds (Broilers) on Prolonged Treatment with Antimicrobial Agents

The study evaluated the effects of prolonged prophylactic use of common antimicrobial agents on enterobacteria and haematology of broiler chickens. Fifty chicks were randomly assigned to 3 different experimental groups comprising a control (T1) group given only vitastress as chemotherapeutic agent while T2 and T3 had neo-terramycin (neomycin and oxytetracycline) and terramycin antigen 77 and vitastress (oxytetracycline and antistress) as antimicrobial agents respectively over a period of 8 weeks. Faecal and blood samples were collected before and after treatments from each experimental unit. Blood and MacConkey agar were used for isolation of bacteria from the faecal samples. All isolates were identified by standard biochemical procedures. Blood samples were subjected to Hb concentration, PCV and ESR assays. The results showed that Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp. and Enterococcus faecalis were enterobacteria present before treatment. Escherichia coli persisted in all the treatment groups. Klebsiella and Enterococcus species persisted in T2, while Proteus species persisted in T3. The study also showed that prolonged use of these antimicrobial agents did not affect the haematology of birds. However, due to the resistance to these antimicrobial agents exhibited by these bacteria, the use of these antimicrobials in poultry production is not recommended Keywords: enterobacteria, antimicrobial agents, haematology, antistress, treatmen

Carriage of linezolid-resistant enterococci (LRE) among humans and animals in Nigeria: coexistence of the cfr, optrA, and poxtA genes in Enterococcus faecium of animal origin

Objectives: In contrast to increasing reports of the emergence of linezolid-resistant enterococci (LRE) emanating from many countries in Europe, Asia, and North America, data on its status and dissemination from the African continent remain scarce, with the information available limited to countries in North Africa. This study investigated the carriage of LRE and the genetic mechanism of resistance among Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis strains recovered from humans and animals in Makurdi, Nigeria. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study between June 2020 and July 2021 during which 630 nonduplicate human and animal faecal samples were collected and processed for the recovery of LRE. The genetic mechanisms for resistance were investigated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Sanger sequencing. Results: Linezolid-resistant enterococci were recovered from 5.87% (37/630; 95% CI: 4.17–8.00) of the samples, with the prevalence in animals and humans being 6.22% [(28/450); 95% CI: 4.17–8.87] and 5.00% [(9/180); 95% CI: 2.31–9.28], respectively. All isolates remained susceptible to vancomycin. No known point mutation mediating linezolid resistance was detected in the 23S rRNA and ribosomal protein genes; however, acquisition of one or more potentially transferable genes (cfr, optrA, and poxtA) was observed in 26 of the 37 LRE isolates. Co-existence of all three transferable genes in a single isolate was found in four E. faecium strains of animal origin. Conclusion: This study provides baseline evidence for the emergence and active circulation of LRE driven majorly by the acquisition of the optrA gene in Nigeria. To the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to report a co-carriage of all three transferable linezolid resistance determinants in E. faecium. Active LRE surveillance is urgently required to understand the extent of LRE spread across sub-Saharan Africa and to develop tailored mitigation strategies

Mycobacterium Avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare Infections in Slaughtered Pigs in Makurdi, North-Central Nigeria: An Emerging Zoonosis

Abstract: Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracelluare (Mycobacterium avium complex) infections in 462 randomly selected slaughtered pigs in Makurdi were determined over a period of 6 months to access the disease burden and potentials for human infection. Standard methods of acid-fast microscopy, culture and biochemical tests were used. Twelve (2.6%) of the 462 pigs slaughtered over a period of 6 months were infected with Mycobacterium avium/intracellulare (Mycobacterium avium complex). The infections were observed in all the months with an average monthly rate of 2.0%. Of the number infected, 7 (58.3%) were female and 5 (41.7%) were male with sex specific incidence rate of 3.3 and 2.0% respectively. Seventy-five percent of the infected were old while 25% were young ones with age group specific incidence rates of 5.5 and 1.0% respectively. Breed specific incidence rate of 5.9% for local breed was significantly (p<0.05) higher than 1.4% for exotic and cross breeds combined. One hundred and seventy three (37.4%) pigs from Makurdi and other parts of Benue State, were more affected than the 289 (62.6% ) from other parts of Nigeria with respective source specific rate of 6.2 and 2.4%. Respondents indicated that most of the pigs were reared by extensive and semi-intensive systems with very few on intensive systems. The chance of human infection via consumption of infected carcass or contaminated food and water is high. The need for urgent diagnosis and control of the infection is highlighted

House Rats, Rattus Rattus, as Reservoirs of Salmonellae in Gboko, North Central Nigeria: Implications for Human Health

The occurrence and carrier rate of Samonella in house rats at various sites in Gboko, North Central Nigeria was determined from October 2008 to June 2009. Cultural, biochemical and serological tests as modified were used for isolation and identification. A carrier rate of 8.7% was observed as 9 of the 104 sampled were salmonellae positive. Those caught from around waste dumps had significantly higher (p<0.05) carrier rate than rats from other locations. The distribution of the isolates in the 9 positive rats were mixed infection of S. enterica ser. Typhumurium and S. enterica ser. Enteritidis in 3 (33.3%), S. enterica ser.Newport and S. enterica ser.Weltevreden2 (22.9%), S. enterica ser.Typhimurium and S. enterica ser. Newport 1(11.1%), and S. enterica ser.Typhimurium only in 2 (22.2%) and S. enterica ser. Enteritidis only in 1(11.1%). Species specific carrier rates were however, S. enterica ser.Typhimurium (5.8%), S. enterica ser. Enteritides (3.8%), S. enterica ser. Newport (2.9%) and S. enterica ser.Weltevreden (1.9%) when the total sampled is considered. The potentials of human infection by these salmonellae via food borne intoxication are discussed.Keywords: House Rats, Salmonellae, Human Health, livestock, epidemiologyNigerian Veterinary Journal, VOL:32 (4) 371-37

Response of broiler chicks to diets with Bambaranut (Voandzeia subterranea) as a protein source.

The effects of raw and toasted bambaranut as a protein source for broiler chicks were investigated using 45 broiler chicks, randomly divided into three groups of 15 birds each. The test diets were formulated such that bambaranut constituted 25% of the diets. Treatment 1 (control) contained no bambaranut, treatment 2 contained raw bambaranut and treatment 3 toasted bambaranut. The study lasted for 6 weeks during which weight gain and feed consumption were measured. The performance of the various groups was evaluated using weight gain, feed conversion ratio and cost per kg weight gain. At slaughter, various internal organs were excised, evaluated for gross lesions and weighed. The results of the study showed that the control group had superior feed conversion ratio and weight gain, while the raw bambaranut group was superior to the toasted bambaranut group. Cost per kg weight gain was higher in the toasted bambaranut groups. There were neither statistically significant differences (p>0.05) in the organ weights nor observable abdominal fat and gross pathology of the internal organs.Les effets de la noix de bambara cru et grillé comme source de protéine pour les poulets de chair a été examinée en utilisant 45 broilers qui ont été divisés au hasard en trois groupes de 15 oiseaux. Les régimes de test ont été formulés tel ce la noix de bambara a constitué 25% du total. Le traitement 1 (contrôle) sans noix de bambara, le traitement 2 avec noix de bambara cru et le traitement 3 avec noix bambara réchauffée. L"étude a duré 6 semaines pendant lesquelles le gain du poids et la consommation de l"aliment ont été mesurées. Les résultats obtenus par des divers groupes ont été évalués en utilisant les gains du poids, la conversion d"aliment, et le coût par kg gaigné. Pendant l"abattage, les divers organes internes ont été excisés et évalués pour les grands lésions et pesés. Les résultats de l"étude ont montré que le groupe de contrôle avait le plus haut ratio de conversion d"aliment et gain du poids, pendant que le groupe de la noix de bambara cru était supérieur au groupe de la noix de bambara réchauffée. Le coût par kg gaigné était plus haut dans les groupes de la noix de bambara réchauffée. Il n"avait pas des différences statistiques (p>0.05) pour les poids d"organes ni pour le tissu adipeux abdominal observable et la grand pathologie dans les organes internes

Knowledge of Validation Status of Point-of-care Glucometers among Veterinarians and Veterinary Technologists in Nigeria

Point-of-care glucometers (PCGs) have of recent almost replaced the conventional laboratory methods of blood glucose determination in animals. This study evaluated the level of awareness and knowledge about the use of handheld PCGs among veterinarians and veterinary technologists. Respondents to a structured questionnaire included academic staff and laboratory technologists from veterinary schools and public and private veterinarians across Nigeria. Design of the questions progressed from whether one had ever used a PCG before or not, how they knew about the PCG, the brands used, for what purposes and on which animals. Results showed that out of 209 respondents, 75 (36%) had used PCGs. Of this number, 37 (49.33%) used PCGs for research purposes, while 36 and 6.67% had used the PCGs for diagnosis of glucose disorders in animals and for both research and diagnostic purposes, respectively. The distribution of respondents that knew about the validation status of the PCGs used was 2.67%. As values generated by each PCG vary significantly in different species, there may be chances of reporting erroneous research conclusions as well as misdiagnosis of glucose disorders with consequent erroneous therapies in such species. Keywords: Point-of-care Glucometers, Validation status, Veterinarians