Seroprevalence of bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis in Agropastoralist livestock herds and wildlife in Yankari game reserve: Public health implications

Wildlife, livestock, people and particularly communities  surrounding Yankari Game Reserve of Bauchi State, Nigeria compete for spaces and available resources .This study was therefore designed to determine the seroprevalence of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) and brucellosis which are zoonotic. Serum samples were collected from 300 cattle located at the fringes of the game parks and also from 47 zebra, 12 waterbuck, 12 wildebeest, 24 eland, 1 kudu and 1 hartebeest during the study. The samples were tested for the presence of immunoglobulin antibodies against Mycobacterium bovis, Brucella abortus and B. melitensis using immunochromatography rapid test kits (Bionote Incorporated, South Korea).The percentage of positive bTB reactors were 30(10%) in cattle 5(10.6%) zebra, 1(8.3%) waterbuck, 4(33.3%) wildebeest and 3(12.5%) Eland. The sex distribution of bTB among cattle showed that of the 104 males sampled 12(11.5%) were positive and of the 196 females sampled 18(9.2%) were positive. The sex distribution of bTB among the diversity of wildlife species sampled indicated higher prevalence in female zebra 18.8%, waterbuck 14.3% and eland 16.7% compared to male zebra 6.5%, waterbuck 0%, and eland 8.3%. Positive reactors to B. abortus were seen in cattle 27(9%), hartebeest 1(100%), eland 4(16.7%), waterbuck 3(25%) and eland 4(16.7%). Sex distribution of B. abortus and B. melitensis among cattle showed that of the 104 males sampled, 10(9.6%) cattle were positive for B. abortus and the 196 females sampled 17(8.7%) were positive for B. abortus. The high prevalence of B. abortus in male Eland (25%) and waterbuck (40%) portends danger to the herds. The presence of antibodies of bTB and B.abortus in both cattle and wildlife species and B. melitensis in wildlife species showed that the diseases are likely to pose significant threat to public health. There is the need for enlightenment of the herders and communities of the dangers of these important diseases.Keywords: Bauchi state, Bovine, Brucellosis, Cattle,  Tuberculosis, Wildlif

Seroprevalence of Brucella infection in small ruminants from two institutional farms and a slaughter slab in Zaria, Nigeria

Brucellosis has continued to become a disease of major economic concern in developing countries. In a study to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis in small ruminants in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, 1036 samples comprising 768 goats from institutional farms (n=384) and a slaughter slab (n=384), and 268 sheep all from institutional farms were used. The sera samples obtained from the animals were subjected to the Modified Rose Bengal Plate Test (m-RBPT) followed by Serum Agglutination Test with ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (SAT-EDTA) for Brucella antibodies detection. Milk samples were collected from lactating sheep and goats and subjected to the Milk Ring Test (MRT) for detection of Brucella antibodies. Results of the study revealed an overall seroprevalence rate of 6.37%, 8.90% and 12.96% for m-RBPT, SAT-EDTA and MRT, respectively. The seroprevalence in sheep and goats showed significant species difference (P < 0.05) for m-RBPT (10.05% vs 5.08%), but insignificant (P > 0.05) species difference for SAT-EDTA (9.33% vs 8.72%) and MRT (15.00% vs 11.76%) respectively. The seroprevalence in males and females showed insignificant sex difference (P > 0.05) for m-RBPT (6.59% vs 6.21%) and SAT-EDTA (7.76% vs 9.66%). On the other hand, the seroprevalence was higher in young (< 1 year old) than adult (> 1 year old) animals for SAT-EDTA (15.32% vs 8.11%). The seroprevalence in Red Sokoto, Sahel and West African Dwarf goats showed significant breed difference (P < 0.05) for m-RBPT (4.59% vs 5.55% vs 8.33%) and SAT-EDTA (6.80% vs 16.67% vs 12.50%). It was concluded that the seroprevalence of brucellosis was higher in sheep, Sahel goats and younger animals. To understand the pattern and dynamics of transmission of brucellosis in different groups of animals, there is the need for further studies to identify the Brucella species circulating in small ruminants. Keywords: Antibodies, Brucellosis, m-RBPT, SAT-EDTA, Small ruminant

Occurrence of parasite eggs and oocysts in commonly consumed vegetables collected from selected markets in Zaria, Kaduna State Nigeria

A study was conducted with the objective of determining the occurrence of parasite eggs and oocysts in washed and unwashed vegetables sold in some selected markets in Zaria, Kaduna State. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea), Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), Lettuce (Lactuca sativa), Carrot (Daucus carota) and Spinach (Spinacea oleracea) were collected based on convenient sampling from 5 markets. Three hundred grams of each vegetable was purchased every week in the morning hours from each of the selected markets during the rainy and dry seasons. Floatation technique was used for processing of the vegetable samples. Unwashed vegetables (269) had more parasite eggs and oocysts than washed vegetables (209). Spinach (52.50%) had the highest contamination, followed by carrot (48.75%), cabbage (42.50%), lettuce (40.0%) and tomatoes (28.75%). There was a significant (p < 0.05) association between the occurrence of parasite eggs and oocysts and the washing of vegetables. Among the unwashed vegetables, lettuce was highly contaminated (58.75%) with parasite eggs and oocysts, followed by spinach (55.0%), carrot (55.0%), tomatoes (50.0%) and cabbage (39.75%). There was, however, no significant (p > 0.05) association between the occurrence of parasite eggs and oocysts and the unwashed vegetables. Among the different markets, vegetables purchased from Dan Magaji market (51.25%) were highly contaminated, followed by Tudun Wada (49.38%), Sabongari (48.75%), Zaria city (48.75%) and Samaru market (41.88%).There was, however, no significant (p > 0.05) association between the occurrence of parasite eggs and oocysts on vegetables and the markets where the vegetables were purchased. The study showed that eggs and oocysts of various parasites mainly of human and animal faecal origin were present on vegetables marketed for human consumption even after washing. Therefore, people should properly wash their vegetables before consumption and indiscriminate defecation should be discouraged to prevent contamination and improve hygienic conditions.Keywords: Eggs, Oocyst, Market, Parasite, Vegetable, Zari

Seroprevalence of Mycobacterium bovis in cattle and wildlife in Yankari game reserve, Bauchi State, Nigeria

This study was designed to determine the seroprevalence of Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) in wildlife in Yankari Game Reserve (YGR) and cattle living in settlements surrounding the Game Reserve in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Seven hundred and fifty cattle from 21 herds surrounding the game reserve were conveniently selected and blood samples collected from the animals that were above six months of age in the selected herds. Blood samples were also collected from 250 darted wildlife species during routine examinations and from wild animals captured by hunters with the species, sexes and estimated ages determined at capture. Serum sample was obtained by allowing the blood to coagulate to produce sera. The serum was analyzed using Rapid bovine tuberculosis (TB) antibodies test kits which is specific for M. bovis. While 88 (11.7%) of the 750 cattle sera tested were positive for M. bovis antibodies, 30 (12.0%) of the 250 wildlife sera were positive for M. bovis antibodies. Among the cattle that tested positive to M. bovis antibodies, 19 (11.5%) were males, while 69 (11.8%) were females. Of the 250 wildlife species tested 6 (19.35%) zebras, 2 (10.0%) elands, 3 (7.6%), antelopes, 4 (10.0%), baboons, 6 (15.0%), African giant rats, 3 (12.0%) hares, and 6 (30.0%) grass cutters were positive for M. bovis antibodies. There was no significant difference (p < 0.05) in sero-prevalence of M. bovis between cattle living around YGR and the wildlife. The prevalence of M. bovis in cattle and wildlife is of public health significance to humans in close proximity to the game reserve and tourists due to the possibility of its transmission to humans. Further studies on the isolation and characterization of M. bovis in cattle and wildlife in YGR are recommended.Keywords: Antibodies, Cattle, M. bovis, Wildlife, Yankari Game Reserv

Diseases as Impediments to Livestock Production and Wildlife Conservation Goals

Disease outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics have been of importance for human and animal health worldwide and sparked enormous public interest. These outbreaks might be caused by known endemic pathogens or by emerging or re-emerging pathogens. Wildlife are the major reservoirs and responsible for most of these outbreaks. They play significant role in the transmission of several livestock diseases and pathogen spill-over may occur in complex socio-ecological systems at the wildlife-domestic animal interface which have been seldom studied. Interspecific pathogen spill-over at the wildlife-livestock interface have been of growing concern in the scientific community over the past years due to their impact on wildlife, livestock and human health. In this section the epidemiology of some viral infections (Foot and Mouth Disease and rabies), bacterial infections (Tuberculosis and brucellosis) and parasites (haemo and endo-parasites) at the wildlife-livestock interface and potential impacts to livestock production and conservation goal is described

Risk factors and knowledge of Brucella infection in camels, attitudes and practices of camel handlers in Katsina State, Nigeria

The study was conducted to determine the risk factors to brucellosis in one-humped (Dromedary) camels and to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of camel handlers to Brucellosis in Katsina State, Nigeria. Camels in herds and those brought to the abattoir for slaughter in the north and central senatorial districts of Katsina State were sampled for the study. Structured questionnaires were administered to determine knowledge, attitude and practices of camel handlers to camel brucellosis in Katsina state, Nigeria Modified Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Serum Agglutination Test (SAT) with EDTA were used as screening and standard tests respectively. Out of a total of 980 camel sera tested, 11.2% and 10.5% were positive with RBPT and SAT, respectively. Female had OD 1.758 (95% CI = 1.157 – 2.669, p = 0.008) more chances of getting infected than males camels. There was statistical significant association (ᵡ2= 7.189, p = 0.007) observed in the prevalence rates in favour of females. It was also observed that camels of age group 16-20 years showed highest prevalence to brucellosis. There was statistical significant association (ᵡ2 = 13.602, p = 0.009) observed in the prevalence rates according to age. It was determined that there is very poor knowledge of camel brucellosis amongst stakeholders as a result they had a "lassez faire" attitude towards the disease and no practices towards prevention of infection either to them or their animals. There is the need to carry out awareness campaigns to enlighten camel owners, herdsmen, abattoir staff about the dangers of poor hygiene during meat and milk processing, the importance of use of protective clothing when carrying out these operations and the dangers of zoonotic diseases and the dangers of consumption of unpasteurized camel milk and milk products, the public health significance of the brucellosis and that there is the need to develop a strategic plan to decrease spread of brucellosis in the study area.Keywords: Brucella, Seroprevalence, Camels, KAP, Risk Factor

Geo-spatial distribution of Brucella melitensis infection in selected local government areas of Katsina and Sokoto States, Nigeria

Brucellosis due to Brucella melitensis infects mostly small ruminants and has been reported to be the most invasive and pathogenic species for humans. A cross-sectional sero-geospatial study was conducted in 4 and 3 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Katsina and Sokoto States, Nigeria respectively. Sera were analysed using c-ELISA while A Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver was used to take geographic coordinates of all sampling points. Data were analysed with SPSS version 20. Chi-square test was used to measure associations among categorical variables. ArcGIS 10.3 was used to map the geospatial pattern of distribution of B. melitensis. Three-dimensional analysis was also performed using the Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation to determine the distribution pattern of B. melitensis in unsampled LGAs. Six (10.52%), 11 (20.0%), 11(2.0%) and 23 (23.0%) sera were positive from Bakori (n=57), Baure (n=56), Daura (n=55) and Funtua (n=101) LGAs of Katsina State respectively while 4 (12.5%), 1 (5.6%), 13 (14.8%) were positive from Illela (n=22), Tambuwal (n=19) and Yabo (n=90) LGAs respectively in Sokoto State were positive for B. melitensis antibodies. All the variables tested were not statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05). The geospatial maps for both States were produced to show the prevalence of B. melitensis using c-ELISA throughout the LGAs sampled and extrapolation was done for other unsampled LGAs. Small ruminants in the study areas harboured antibodies to B. melitensis. The maps may serve as an excellent tool for active surveillance and control strategies for livestock diseases like brucellosis in the study area.Keywords: Brucella melitensis, Small Ruminants, Nigeria, c-ELISA, GI

Prevalence of parasites of wildlife in Yankari game reserve and Sumu wildlife park in Bauchi State, Nigeria

The role of wildlife in the epidemiology of parasites in Yankari Game Reserve and Sumu Wildlife Park in Bauchi State, Nigeria was investigated by analysis of blood, faeces and ticks collected from 106 wildlife including 4 elephants (Loxodonta africana), 11 waterbucks (Kobus ellipsiprymus), 1 hartbeest (Alcelaphus baselaphus caama), 24 elands (Taurotragus oryx), 53 zebras (Equus quagga crawshayi), 1 kudu (Tragelaphus streptsiceros) and 12 wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus). Blood samples were examined for haemoparasites by classical parasitological techniques i.e Geimsa's stained thin, thick and buffy coat blood smear. Whereas faecal samples were examined for gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasites using floatation and sedimentation techniques while ticks were identified morphologically. Overall prevalence of haemoparasites was fifty six percent (56%). The identified haemoparasites were Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina, Babesia bovis, Theileria equi, Babesia caballi, Trypanosoma spp and Ehrlichia ruminantium. Haemoparasites identified alone or in combination with others had a significant (P <0.05) effect on mean PCV of infected animals. Sixty percent (60%) of the wildlife species were infected with GIT parasites. Types of GIT parasites identified were two protozoans (Balantidium coli and Eimeria spp) and helminths from eighteen genera including ten nematodes (Strongyle type-egg, Dictyocaulus, Cooperia, Strongyloides, Haemonchus, Trichuris, Trichonema, Oesophagostomum, Bunostomum, and Ancylostoma), four Trematodes (Fasciola, Schistosoma, Paramphistomum and Gastrodiscus) and three Cestodes (Anoplocephala, Taenia and Moniezia. Four genera of ticks, Amblyomma, Boophilus, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus were identified on the wildlife species. Our findings indicated the presence of infective parasites in wildlife and potential risks of transmitting these parasites to in contact domestic animals and humans in the study area. Control measures should be focused on reducing parasitic infections by proper management of wildlife in the Game Reserves in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Keywords: Gastrointestinal parasites, Haemoparasites, Prevalence, Ticks, Wildlif

Human death from suspected rabid dog bite in Zamfara State, Nigeria

Rabies is a neglected zoonotic disease occurring mostly as a result of dog bites and with a case fatality rate approaching 100% in humans. We describe here a suspected case of human rabies from a stray dog bite in a 52-year-old woman in Zamfara State, northwest Nigeria. In response to the exposure, a team of researchers was set up to investigate further the possible contacts between the rabid dog and the subjects at risk. Rabies was identified based on clinical signs observed on the victim, in addition to exposure history and incubation period. Rabies is becoming a rising public health problem in Nigeria. Coordinated efforts from various partners guided by one-health approach in the control and prevention of rabies should be prioritized at a wider scale in the country.Keywords: Dog bite, Human rabies, Nigeria, Zamfara, Zoonosi