Public awareness of zoonotic diseases and public health implications in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria.

This study was conducted with the objectives of assessing the level of awareness on zoonotic diseases among residents of Makurdi Metropolis. Questionnaire was structured into 3 sections namely, socio- demographic characteristics of residents, Awareness on domestic animals, and wild animals transmission of zoonotic diseases.  Simple and systematic random sampling was used to select sample locations in which a total of 250 questionnaires were administered; Descriptive statistics, Students t-test and chi-square analysis were used to analyzed data. Field result showed that 144 respondents male were interviewed while 106 respondents were female. Residents of Makurdi Metropolis were quite aware of zoonotic diseases in both domestic and wild animals. The commonest domestic animal zoonotic diseases known to residents were: the Mad Dog disease, Bird Flu and Swain Flu. While the commonest wild animal zoonotic diseases known to residents were: Monkey Pox disease, Ebola disease, and Lassa fever, the awareness of residents on these zoonotic diseases could be associated with the recent outbreak of these diseases and in the area . It was therefore recommended that more awareness campaigns on other types of zoonotic diseases and they preventive measures should be given to residents of Makurdi metropolis to forestall future public health hazards.Keywords: Makurdi metropolis, zoonotic diseases transmission, Awareness, domestic and wild animals

Conciencia pública sobre las enfermedades zoonóticas y las implicaciones para la salud pública en la metrópoli de Makurdi, estado de Benue, Nigeria

This study was conducted with the objective of assessing the level of awareness on zoonotic diseases among residents of Makurdi Metropolis. Questionnaire was structured into 3 sections namely, socio- demographic characteristics of residents, awareness on domestic animals, and wild animals transmission of zoonotic diseases. Simple and systematic random sampling was used to select sample locations in which a total of 250 questionnaires were administered; descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test and chi-square analysis were used to analyzed data. Field result showed that 144 respondents male were interviewed while 106 respondents were female. Residents of Makurdi Metropolis were quite aware of zoonotic diseases in both domestic and wild animals. The commonest domestic animal zoonotic diseases known to residents were: the mad dog disease, bird flu and swine flu. While the commonest wild animal zoonotic diseases known to residents were: monkey pox disease, Ebola disease, and Lassa fever, the awareness of residents on these zoonotic diseases could be associated with the recent outbreak of these diseases and in the area. It was therefore recommended that more awareness campaigns on other types of zoonotic diseases and their preventive measures should be given to residents of Makurdi metropolis to forestall future public health hazardsEste estudio se realizó con el objetivo de evaluar el nivel de conciencia sobre las enfermedades zoonóticas entre los residentes de la Metrópolis de Makurdi. El cuestionario se estructura en 3 secciones, a saber, las características sociodemográficas de los residentes, la conciencia sobre los animales domésticos y la transmisión de enfermedades zoonóticas a los animales salvajes. Se utilizó un muestreo aleatorio simple y sistemático para seleccionar ubicaciones de muestra en las que se administraron un total de 250 cuestionarios; Se utilizaron estadísticas descriptivas, la prueba t de Student y el análisis de chi-cuadrado para analizar los datos. El resultado de campo mostró que 144 entrevistados hombres fueron entrevistados, mientras que 106 encuestados eran mujeres. Los residentes de la Metrópolis de Makurdi eran muy conscientes de las enfermedades zoonóticas tanto en animales domésticos como salvajes. Las enfermedades zoonóticas de animales domésticos más comunes conocidas por los residentes fueron: la enfermedad del perro loco, la gripe aviar y la gripe porcina. Si bien las enfermedades zoonóticas de animales salvajes más comunes conocidas por los residentes fueron: la enfermedad de la viruela del mono, la enfermedad del ébola y la fiebre de Lassa, la conciencia de los residentes sobre estas enfermedades zoonóticas podría estar asociada con el brote reciente de estas enfermedades y en el área. Por lo tanto, se recomendó que se realicen más campañas de sensibilización sobre otros tipos de enfermedades zoonóticas y sus medidas preventivas a los residentes de la metrópoli de Makurdi para prevenir futuros riesgos para la salud públic

Assessment of Domestic and Wild Animals Pets owned by Residents of Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria.

This study was conducted with the objectives of assessing the Domestic and Wild Animals owned as pets by residents of Makurdi Metropolis. Questionnaire was structured into 2 sections namely, socio- demographic characteristics of residents and ownership of domestic and wild animals pets.  Simple and systematic random sampling was used to select sample locations in which a total of 250 questionnaires were administered; Descriptive statistics, Students t-test and chi-square analysis were used to analyzed data. Result showed that 144 respondents male were interviewed while 106 respondents were female. Residents of Makurdi Metropolis owned both domestic and wild animal’s pets. The commonest domestic animal pet was the Dog. While the commonest wild animal pet was the Red Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus patas). It was therefore recommended that more Enlightenment campaigns on the danger of zoonotic diseases transmission and they preventive measures should be given to residents of Makurdi metropolis to forestall future public health hazards.Keywords: Makurdi metropolis, pet Owners, domestic and wild animals

Assessment of Domestic and Wild Animals Pets Owned by Residents of Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria.

This study was conducted with the objectives of assessing the Domestic and Wild Animals owned as pets by residents of Makurdi Metropolis. Questionnaire was structured into 2 sections namely, socio- demographic characteristics of residents and ownership of domestic and wild animals pets. Simple and systematic random sampling was used to select sample locations in which a total of 250 questionnaires were administered; Descriptive statistics, Students t-test and chi-square analysis were used to analyzed data. Result showed that 144 respondents male were interviewed while 106 respondents were female. Residents of Makurdi Metropolis owned both domestic and wild animal's pets. The commonest domestic animal pet was the Dog. While the commonest wild animal pet was the Red Patas Monkey (Erythrocebus patas). It was therefore recommended that more Enlightenment campaigns on the danger of zoonotic diseases transmission and they preventive measures should be given to residents of Makurdi metropolis to forestall future public health hazards

Anti- nutrient contents of herbs used in the treatment of “ailments of ‘‘utmost native importance” in Cross River State, Nigeria

The use of herbs as medications are enthusiastically recognized and extensively utilized in rural regions and in most developing countries. The lack of knowledge of the anti-nutrient contents of herbs reduces their use by the educated ones. To unveil these in the treatment of “ailments of utmost native importance” in Cross River State, this research carried out anti-nutrient analysis of the species used. Identified plants were separated from weeds and washed with water. The plant parts were processed and their extracts prepared according to the method described by Kumar et al., (2007). Hydrocyanic acid was estimated by the alkaline titration method, oxalate was determined according to procedures stipulated by Day and Underwood (1986) while phytic acid was determined using methods stipulated by Reddy and Love (1999). Results revealed that Phytic acid, oxalate and hydrocyanide all had low levels ranges of 2.47mg/100gDM to 6.17mg/100g DM, 12.82mg/100g DM to 30.41mg/100g DM and 1.62mg/100g to 6.23mg/100g DM respectively. Findings shows that these anti-nutrients are not within harmful ranges, and as such cannot interfere with the availability of potentially useful nutrients embedded in the species. These are below lethal doses to inflict any injury on humans. Keywords: Herbs, Anti-nutrients, Ailments, Lethal dose, Efficacy

Public Awareness of Zoonotic Diseases and Public Health Implications in Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria.

This study was conducted with the objectives of assessing the level of awareness on zoonotic diseases among residents of Makurdi Metropolis. Questionnaire was structured into 3 sections namely, socio- demographic characteristics of residents, Awareness on domestic animals, and wild animals transmission of zoonotic diseases. Simple and systematic random sampling was used to select sample locations in which a total of 250 questionnaires were administered; Descriptive statistics, Students t-test and chi-square analysis were used to analyzed data. Field result showed that 144 respondents male were interviewed while 106 respondents were female. Residents of Makurdi Metropolis were quite aware of zoonotic diseases in both domestic and wild animals. The commonest domestic animal zoonotic diseases known to residents were: the Mad Dog disease, Bird Flu and Swain Flu. While the commonest wild animal zoonotic diseases known to residents were: Monkey Pox disease, Ebola disease, and Lassa fever, the awareness of residents on these zoonotic diseases could be associated with the recent outbreak of these diseases and in the area . It was therefore recommended that more awareness campaigns on other types of zoonotic diseases and they preventive measures should be given to residents of Makurdi metropolis to forestall future public health hazards

Population density and structure of diurnal primates in Pandam wildlife park, Plateau State, Nigeria.

A survey of diurnal primate species in Pandam wildlife park, Nigeria was conducted to determine its population density and structure. Eight transect lines (2.0km length, 0.02km width) at interval of 1.0km were located as representative samples in the park within the three range stratum (riparian forest, savannah woodland and, swampy area) based on proportional to size in providing information on the primate’s species present in the park. These include (Cercopithecus mona, Erythrocebus pata, Papio anubis and, Chlorocebus tantalus). Direct method of animal sighting was employed. Data was collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA and diversity indices. The result showed that savannah woodland strata had more number of individual species encountered (132) and the lowest was the swampy area. Also the savannah woodland had the highest species diversity and richness while the riparian forest strata had the highest number of species evenness. More so, Cercopithecus tantalus was widespread throughout the park among other primates and Cercopithecus mona is most likely to decline even more rapidly than others since they inhabit the very tall trees. However, the variation in mean value of species sampled were not statistically significance (P>0.05). Generally, atleast one primate can be sighted in every km2 of range strata covered within the park. This census provides update information on the status of primate diversity and numbers within the park which can help to direct conservation efforts of the primates and other animals by the state government. This will further enhance the sustainability and elevation of the park to a National park.Keywords:  Population status, Diurnal Primates, ecology, Pandam Wildlife Park

Population density and structure of diurnal primates in Pandam wildlife park, Plateau State, Nigeria.

A survey of diurnal primate species in Pandam wildlife park, Nigeria was conducted to determine its population density and structure. Eight transect lines (2.0km length, 0.02km width) at interval of 1.0km were located as representative samples in the park within the three range stratum (riparian forest, savannah woodland and, swampy area) based on proportional to size in providing information on the primate's species present in the park. These include (Cercopithecus mona, Erythrocebus pata, Papio anubis and, Chlorocebus tantalus). Direct method of animal sighting was employed. Data was collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA and diversity indices. The result showed that savannah woodland strata had more number of individual species encountered (132) and the lowest was the swampy area. Also the savannah woodland had the highest species diversity and richness while the riparian forest strata had the highest number of species evenness. More so, Cercopithecus tantalus was widespread throughout the park among other primates and Cercopithecus mona is most likely to decline even more rapidly than others since they inhabit the very tall trees. However, the variation in mean value of species sampled were not statistically significance (P>0.05). Generally, atleast one primate can be sighted in every km2 of range strata covered within the park. This census provides update information on the status of primate diversity and numbers within the park which can help to direct conservation efforts of the primates and other animals by the state government. This will further enhance the sustainability and elevation of the park to a National park