Seroprevalence of African swine fever in free range pigs In Taraba State, Nigeria

A cross-sectional survey was carried out in two Local Government Areas of Taraba State between the months of March to June, 2007, to asses the serological evidence of African Swine fever (ASF) virus antibodies in free range pig population. Extensive herds of pigs were targeted for this study, and a convenient sampling technique was employed based on the availability of pigs population as well as farmer’s willingness to allow their animals to be bled. A total of 304 blood samples were collected from apparently healthy pigs. Sera were tested using Blocking Enzyme linked Immuno Assay (B-ELISA).There was an overall seroprevalence of 48.7% (95% CI: 43.09- 54.3). Seroprevalence based on different locations showed a significantly (p<0.05) higher prevalence of ASF 61% (95% CI: 54.9-66.9) in Wukari LGA than 26% (95% CI: 15.3-39.4) in Karin Lamido LGA. Seropositivity based on sex revealed a higher seroprevalence in females 50.4% (95 %:( CI 44.3-56.5), than in males 40% (95%: CI 27.2-54.0). This study has shown that ASF is enzootic in free-range pig population in Taraba State which entails a potential danger to pig production with its attendance negative impact on food security and means of livelihood. We recommend an ASFV ecological study to unravel the factors responsible for continues circulation and maintenance of the virus in Nigerian pig population

Brucella infection in migratory cattle herds in Jigawa State Nigeria: A cross sectional study

A cross sectional study on Brucella infection was carried out in Jigawa State in order to evaluate seroprevalence and transmission exposure factors among migratory cattle herds. A total of 1,810 cattle of different ages and sexes were systematically selected from 147 herds across four agricultural zones in the State and screened using Serum Agglutination Test (SAT) while closed ended questionnaire was used to evaluate exposure factors. From the results out of the 1,810 (serum samples) (3.37%) tested positive. Females showed higher seropositivity (3.6%) to the infection, compared to males (2.7%). Cattle of age 4-5 years had the highest prevalence (7%), compared to 3-4 years (4.5%), 2-3years (2%), 1-2years (0.8%), with no positive reactor among cattle of less than one year (0%). Seropositive animals according to the locations was found to be highest in Zone III (5.2%), followed by Zone IV (3.9%) and Zone I (2.4%), and least in Zone II (1.5%). A higher herd prevalence was recorded in Zone III (29%), followed by Zone IV (21%) and Zone I (17%), with lowest in Zone II (12%). The overall herd prevalence was 20.4%. There was association between herds that do not practice quarantine, raise multiple species, share communal  pastures and water points with Brucella infection (P< 0.05) and they are more likely to acquire the infection as indicated by odds ratio. In conclusion the results have indicated that Brucella infection exists in the studied herds and some exposure factors were identified. It is hereby recommended that herd owners should practice quarantine of newly purchased animals, avoid herding multiple species of animals  together, carryout routine testing and minimize contacts at grazing and water points. Keywords: Brucella, Cattle herds, Exposure factors, Jigawa State, SAT, Seroprevalence, Seru

Novel use of ear sockets as points of traction in partial foetotomy in Bunaji cows

Dystocia was managed in 4½-, 3- and 3½-year-old Bunaji and Bunaji-Friesian cross cows at the University farm, a Fulani camp and an Institutional farm, respectively. Clinical examination showed normal vital parameters, straining, well relaxed perineum, oedematous vulva, fully engorged mammary glands and extended foetal fore-limbs. Vaginal exploration revealed fully relaxed cervices, dead foetuses in anterior longitudinal presentation and dorso-sacral positions. The necks and heads were flexed laterally and dorsally. Dystocia of foetal causes due to postural abnormalities (lateral and dorsal flexion of the neck) were diagnosed. Amputations of fore-limbs of the foetuses at the point of the shoulders using ThygesenM® foetotome and obstetrical wire were done. A crutch-repeller placed between the neck and the stump of shoulder of the amputated fore-limb was then used to repel the foetuses into the uteri to achieve extension of the neck. Extension of the flexed necks and heads was achieved by the use of three-point traction on the heads and repulsion concurrently. Traction was used to deliver the dead foetuses while guarding the points of amputation in the birth canals. It was concluded that the ear socket can be used as a new point of traction along with or in place of the eye socket in partial foetotomy for relieving dystocia with non-viable foetus in Bunaji cows.Keywords: Bunaji cow, Dystocia, Ear, Foetotomy, Obstetrical-wire, Tractio

Assessment of Farm management risk factors of contracting haemoparasitic infections in Pastoralist and Sedentary cattle in Soba Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria

The major cattle management system observed in Soba Local Government Area was pastoral husbandry system. Under this system, cattle were extensively grazed on established forages of Kaduna State forests and were exposed to various arthropod vectors of haemoparasites. These haemoparasites are a serious threat to food security in Soba LGA due to their influence on cattle productivity. Questionnaires were used in assessing some farm management risk factors of contracting haemoparasitic infections in both pastoralist and sedentary herds in Soba LGA. A total of 24 herdsmen made up of 20 pastoralists and 4 sedentary herdsmen were interviewed. The study revealed, that some herd management practices were observed to have constituted risks to acquiring haemoparasitic infections in both pastoralist and sedentary herds in the study area. For instance, vectors of haemoparasites such as ticks and biting flies aside Glossina were present in both pastoralist and sedentary herds in the study area. Some farm management practices such as screening of herds for haemoparasites, treatment of it once in 12 months and quarantining of new stock before adding to the existing herds were found not to be carried. Thus, constituted risk factors in the herds. This preliminary study, provided evidence of the possible arthropod vectors (ticks and biting flies) that may be involved in the transmission of haemoparasites to cattle in Soba LGA of Kaduna State. It is envisaged that this survey will stimulate more studies to determine the prevalence of haemoparasites in cattle in Soba LGA of Kaduna State

A case of gastric ulcers and intussusception due to Ascariasis in a 4-months old American Hampshire boar in Sabon Gari Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria

A Four months old American Hampshire boar weighing about 35kg from a back-yard piggery in Sabon Gari Local Government Area, Kaduna State was presented with the chief complains of restlessness, shivering and pasty perineum. There was no medical history. Physical examination revealed, pale ocular mucus membrane, restlessness, shivering and pasty perineum. The vital parameters were above normal ranges. Faecal sample from the rectum was taken to the helminthology laboratory of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, for helminth egg detection and identification. Based on the tentative diagnosis of Ascariasis and enteritis, 35mg of a 17% piperazine adipate solution and 700mg of a 20% oxytetracyline long acting were administered orally and deep intramuscularly, respectively as single doses. The boar died 2 hours after therapy. Post-mortem examination revealed; distended ingesta-filled stomach, ulceration of the stomach mucosal wall with tarry (blackish) haemorrhages, Ascaris suum in the stomach and small intestine, intussusception of the small intestine and empty distal portion of the intussuscepted small intestine. The helminthology laboratory result indicated eggs of Ascaris suum. Based on the helminthology laboratory result and the post mortem examination findings, it was concluded that the boar died of gastric ulcer and small intestine intussusception due to Ascariasis. Routine deworming and deworming record keeping in order to know when the next deworming is due were advocated to the farmer

Prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis in Bassa Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

The prevalence rate of bovine trypanosomosis in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State was studied over a period of twenty-four months (Jan. 1999-Dec. 2000). A total of 1,300 whole blood samples collected via jugular venipuncture and examined for trypanosomosis using standard trypanosome detection method. The overall prevalence rate revealed that 13.08 % of the 1,300 screened were positive. Animals over than 5 years' old had an infection rates of 58.8 % and the least age-group were the younger age less than 2 years old (11.8 %). There was no statistical significant difference between the age group (p>0.05). Breed specific rates showed that white Fulani (14.6 %) had higher infection than the red Bororos (7.6 %, p0.05). Distribution of trypanosomes infection rate between rainy and dry seasons and also that of the locations showed no statistically significant difference between the seasons and the areas of study (p>0.05). The PCV of the infected and non infected animals showed statistically significant difference (

Prevalence of tuberculosis-like lesions in goats slaughtered at Bauchi central abattoir, Bauchi State

Slaughter houses provide excellent avenues for detecting diseases of both economic and public health  importance in livestock. A study of 12,429 slaughtered goats at the Bauchi central abattoir was carried out  (from February to May, 2015) in order to determine the prevalence of tuberculosis-like lesions in  slaughtered goats. The lesions were counted, visually examined and palpated during post mortem meat  inspection. Of the 12,429 goats slaughtered and examined, tuberculosis-like lesions were observed in four  (4) slaughtered goats with a prevalence of 0.03%. It was concluded that although the prevalence was  relatively low, the financial losses and public health implications of the finding should not be over looked.Keywords: Abattoir, Bauchi State, Goat, Prevalence, Slaughtered Goats, Tuberculosi

Effects of seasons on haematologic and serum biochemical profiles of indigenous chickens in Shendam, Plateau State, Nigeria

The study was conducted at the Shendam Outstation of the National Veterinary Research Institute to investigate the influence of seasons on haematologic and serum biochemical profiles of indigenous chickens in Shendam, Plateau State, Nigeria. Four males and forty females formed the base populations. For haematologic parameters, season had significant effect only on haemoglobin, PCV (P<0.001), MCV, MCHC (P<0.05) and monocytes (P<0.001). Haemoglobin was highest (14.58±2.52g/dl) during the late rainy season and lowest (12.41±2.99; 12.33±3.14g/dl) during the late and early rainy seasons respectively. The PCV had highest value (35.98± 1.19%) during late rainy season and lowest (31.18± 1.20%) during the early rains. On the other hand, monocytes were highest (3.21±0.13%) during the early rains and lowest (1.01±0.20%) during the early dry season. For biochemical parameters on the other hand, season had significant effect only on glucose, albumin (P<0.001), total protein (P<0.01), cholesterol (P<0.001) and calcium (P<0.05). For these serum biochemical parameters, highest versus lowest values on season bases were: glucose (early higher than late rainy season), albumin (late than early rainy season), total proteins (early than late rainy season), cholesterol (late rains than late dry season), cholesterol (late rains than late dry season) and calcium (late rains than late dry season) respectively. On the higher haematologic values during the late rains might have been because of favourable environment. There were also variations in biochemical parameters with season but there was no trend to indicate that they were in response to environmental changes. Deliberate efforts should be made to ameliorate the effects posed by these changes.Keywords: Effect, Seasons, erythrogram, biochemical, profile, indigenous chicken

Strategic Treatment of Fascioliasis in an Integrated Dairy Farm in Kaduna State, A Clinical Experiment

Abstract: An experimental study on strategic treatment of bovine fascioliasis was conducted on 180 white Fulani x Friesians cross of various ages and sex. All the animals are on semi intensive management system. The animals were divided into 3 groups of 60 lactating, 60 dry cows and 60 young stocks (heifers and bulls). All animal in farm were screened for fascioliasis. The lactating animals and the young stock were treated with Ivomec super ® at a dose rate of 1 mL/50 kg body weight at the beginning of the dry season (December) while the dry cows were excluded. 20 faecal samples were collected randomly from each group every end of the month throughout the dry season (December-April respectively) and analyzed by sedimentation technique for Fasciola egg(s). None of the treated animals were positive at the end of December to April. 16, 19, 24, 26, 29% of dry animals were positive for Fasciola eggs throughout the experimental period (December-April). In conclusion, a single injection of Ivomec super® administered in mid-December may be used as a protocol to effectively control the incidence of bovine fascioliasis in the tropic