Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Thermophilic Campylobacter Species Isolated From Cattle in Plateau State, Nigeria

A study was designed to determine the prevalence of Campylobacter species isolated from cattle in Plateau state, Nigeria. From April, 2008 – March, 2009, 352 rectal swab samples were randomly taken from cattle in 18 herds in Plateau State, Nigeria and analyzed for the presence of Campylobacter species. Out of the 352 samples tested, 65 (18.5%) were identified as Campylobacter species using biochemical tests; with 52 (80%) as C. jejuni and 13 (20%) as C. coli. Of the 65 isolates, 63 (97%) were confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Out of the 18 cattle herds tested, 12 (66.7%) were positive. The results of the study also showed that the prevalence was significantly (p<0.05) higher in calves (25%) than in adults (12.2%). Keywords: Prevalence, thermophilic Campylobacter, PCR, cattleNigerian Veterinary Journal, VOL:32 (4) 349-35

Fusarium graminearum in a Papilloma Virus Infected Friesian Bull in Vom, Nigeria: Case Report

Importation of exotic cattle to improve the yield and productivityof the local 'White Fulani' breed of cattle has been on the rise inNigeria. The problem most farmers faces with the Friesian hasalways been the adaptation to the weather and endemic diseaseconditions in Nigeria. Fungal infections represent an importantcomplication for immunosuppressed animals and are associatedwith high morbidity and mortality (De Pauw and Meunier, 1999).Fusarium is one of the most important fungal genera, whichincludes many species that are pathogenic to plants and responsible for a broad range of diseases while others are highly mycotoxigenic (Viquez et al., ) and some cause opportunistic infections in humans and in farm animals. Fusarium graminearum (Gibberella zeae) is an importantpathogen of commercial crops such as wheat, maize, and rice.Infection with F. graminearum causes yield losses in grains anddegrades their nutritive, physical and chemical qualities, resultingin their being used for animal feed rather than for human consumption (Charmley et al., 1994). A contaminated crop can be salvaged by feeding it to livestock or poultry, but further losses may be incurred due to the negative effects of mycotoxins on animal performance. Potent toxins such as the estrogenic toxin zearalenone (F-2) have been reported by Vesonder and Hesseltine, (1980) but the most common mycotoxins produced byF. graminearum are deoxynivalenol (DON, also known as vomitoxin), 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol, and nivalenol belonging to a group of compounds known as trichothecenes (Homdork et al., 2000; Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, CAST, 2003). These mycotoxins are known to diminish feed consumption in domestic livestock, especially swine (CAST 2003). Because of their apparent tolerance for higher levels of dietary DON, Fusarium-infested grains are often fed to cattle or sheep asopportunity feeds. This may be due to little or insufficient information describing the pathogenesis and the ability of this plant pathogen to survive as they move through the gastrointestinal tract of cattle or on a compromised skin (Kedar and Gemerlyn, 2008)

Prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility and risk factors associated with non-typhoidal Salmonella on Ugandan layer hen farms

Abstract Background Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) are among the leading global foodborne pathogens and a significant public health threat. Their occurrence in animal reservoirs and their susceptibilities to commonly used antimicrobials are poorly understood in developing countries. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence, determine antimicrobial susceptibility and identify risk factors associated with NTS presence in laying hen farms in Uganda through a cross-sectional study. Results Pooled faecal samples were collected from 237 laying hen farms and these were analysed for NTS following standard laboratory procedures. In total, 49 farms (20.7%; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 15.6–25.6%) were positive for NTS presence. Altogether, ten Salmonella serotypes were identified among the confirmed 78 isolates, and the predominant serotypes were Salmonella Newport (30.8%), S. Hadar (14.1%), S. Aberdeen (12.8%), S. Heidelberg (12.8%), and S. Bolton (12.8%). Phenotypic antimicrobial resistance was detected in 45(57.7%) of the isolates and the highest resistance was against ciprofloxacin (50.0%) followed by sulphonamides (26.9%) and sulphamethoxazole/trimethoprim (7.7%). Resistance was significantly associated with sampled districts (p = 0.034). Resistance to three or more drugs, multi-drug resistance (MDR) was detected in 12 (15.4%) of the isolates, 9 (75%) of these were from Wakiso district. A multivariable logistic model identified large farm size (OR = 7.0; 95% CI: 2.5–19.8) and the presence of other animal species on the farm (OR = 5.9; 95% CI: 2.1–16.1) as risk factors for NTS prevalence on farms. Having a separate house for birds newly brought to the farms was found to be protective (OR = 0,4; 95% CI: 0.2–0.8). Conclusion This study has highlighted a high prevalence and diversity of NTS species in laying hen farms in Uganda and identified associated risk factors. In addition, it has demonstrated high levels of antimicrobial resistance in isolates of NTS. This could be because of overuse or misuse of antimicrobials in poultry production. Also importantly, the insights provided in this study justifies a strong case for strengthening One Health practices and this will contribute to the development of NTS control strategies at local, national and international levels

Seroprevalence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in Plateau state, North-central Nigeria

This survey was undertaken to establish the prevalence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in Plateau State, Nigeria by screening 528 cattle for Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides (Mmm) antibodies using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA). Sera samples were collected from 6 randomly selected local government areas (LGAs) of the State over a 14-month period (May, 2013 – June, 2014). Results showed an overall CBPP seroprevalence of 14.39% for the State. Antibodies to Mmm were detected in all the LGAs sampled with prevalence ranging from 7.50% to 31.58%, indicating a significant association (P<0.05). Seasons (P<0.05, χ2=34.00) and sample collection points (P<0.05, χ2=8.848) were also significantly associated with the seroprevalence of CBPP. There was however, no significant association (P>0.05, χ2=0.47) between the sex of cattle and seroprevalence of CBPP. This study confirms that CBPP is widespread, and the findings could serve as a baseline for initiation of effective control programmes against the disease to improve cattle health and production in the State.Key words: Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, seroprevalence, Plateau State

Production and efficacy testing of live attenuated and inactivated vaccines against experimental Salmonella Kentucky infection in broiler chickens

Background: Salmonella Kentucky is of great veterinary and public health concern and exhibits the capacities to emerge as the most prominent Salmonella serotype in human disease. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of prepared live attenuated and inactivated vaccines against experimentally induced salmonellosis caused by S. Kentucky in broiler chickens. Methods: Field isolate of S. Kentucky was obtained from the National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Nigeria and used in the preparation of experimental vaccines. Broiler chickens purchased and ascertained to be free of Salmonellae were randomly distributed into three experimental groups of 20 chicks each. Five-bromouracil at a concentration of 1000μg/ml was used in attenuation of S. Kentucky in preparation of the live vaccine and 0.6% formaldehyde was used in inactivation of S. Kentucky for preparation of the inactivated vaccine. Group 1 chicks were immunized with the live vaccine subcutaneously at 0.5ml per bird, group 2 received 1ml of the inactivated vaccine subcutaneously, and group 3 served as unvaccinated/control. Results: There was 100% faecal inhibition and 100% vaccinal efficacy in broiler chickens immunized with the live vaccine on day 56 of age, and 49.6% faecal inhibition and 82.8% vaccinal efficacy in broiler chickens immunized with the inactivated vaccine on day 56 of age when compared with the unvaccinated control. The vaccinated birds also showed higher antibody (IgY) titre levels from day 21 to day 56 of age (p<0.001) on all sampling days when values were compared with the unvaccinated birds. Conclusion: The interplay between vaccination protocol that includes administration of live attenuated or inactivated S. Kentucky vaccines and developed antibody (IgY) can reduce intestinal colonization by S. Kentucky and subsequent shedding of the serovar in faeces. Keywords: Salmonella Kentucky, 5-bromouracil, IgY, Antibody, Vaccin