Handling practices and contamination of raw milk sold for consumption in markets of Kwara State, Nigeria

Milk handling practices in the Nigerian informal sector are usually poorly done. This is a threat to food safety and public health. We investigated the common practices by handlers involved in the milk processing and the contamination levels of raw cow milk marketed for consumption in Kwara State, Nigeria. In a cross-sectional survey, a pretested questionnaire (n = 500) was administered to consenting vendors to assess practices employed in milk processing. Raw cattle milk (n = 1225) sold in markets of Kwara State were assessed for contamination using the Total aerobic count (TAC) and Total coliform count (TCC) methods. Data were analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics. The majority of respondents were married (84%), females (65.2%), and had no formal education (43.2%). Some unwholesome practices among vendors such as pooling unsold milk (40.6%), adding unsterilized water to milk (22.2%), and sourcing water from streams (53.2%) were reported. Females (OR = 0.09; 95% CI: 0.040, 0.170; p < 0.001) and those with tertiary educational level (OR=0.01, 95% CI: 0.002, 0.041; p < 0.001) were less likely to be associated with unsatisfactory hygienic practices. All TAC and TCC were higher than 5logcfu/ml and higher counts were observed in the dry season. Because of public safety, a high-level hygienic and good milk handling practices – while enlightenment of vendors on standard hygiene, are required

Handling practices and contamination of raw milk sold for consumption in markets of Kwara State, Nigeria

Milk handling practices in the Nigerian informal sector are usually poorly done. This is a threat to food safety and public health. We investigated the common practices by handlers involved in the milk processing and the contamination levels of raw cow milk marketed for consumption in Kwara State, Nigeria. In a cross-sectional survey, a pretested questionnaire (n = 500) was administered to consenting vendors to assess practices employed in milk processing. Raw cattle milk (n = 1225) sold in markets of Kwara State were assessed for contamination using the Total aerobic count (TAC) and Total coliform count (TCC) methods. Data were analysed by descriptive and inferential statistics. The majority of respondents were married (84%), females (65.2%), and had no formal education (43.2%). Some unwholesome practices among vendors such as pooling unsold milk (40.6%), adding unsterilized water to milk (22.2%), and sourcing water from streams (53.2%) were reported. Females (OR = 0.09; 95% CI: 0.040, 0.170; p < 0.001) and those with tertiary educational level (OR=0.01, 95% CI: 0.002, 0.041; p < 0.001) were less likely to be associated with unsatisfactory hygienic practices. All TAC and TCC were higher than 5logcfu/ml and higher counts were observed in the dry season. Because of public safety, a high-level hygienic and good milk handling practices – while enlightenment of vendors on standard hygiene, are required

Participatory epidemiological survey of foot-and-mouth disease among some cattle diseases in some pastoral communities of Niger, north central, Nigeria

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is known to cause significant financial losses, making it a threat to the livelihood and food security. Disease surveillance in pastoral areas are often difficult because human populations are relatively small and highly mobile, and requires considerable flexibility and commitment. Participatory epidemiological approach was used to assess relative burden, seasonality and perceived risk factors of FMD among other important cattle diseases in cattle population of pastoral communities of North-central, Nigeria. Nine pastoral communities and three key informants from each community were purposively selected for the survey between January and December 2014. Participatory rural appraisal tools were used for participatory exercises. Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance W statistics was used for statistical analyses. Mean proportional piles (relative burden) of FMD (Boru,Chabo) was 17.2%, and pastoralists’agreement on the piles was strong (W=0.6855) and statistically significant (P<0.001). Key informants’ perceived risk factors for FMD were: keeping healthy cattle with sick ones (17.2%), high cattle density (16.8%), grazing cattle in areas of FMD outbreaks (12.4%), long distance trekking (10.3%), giving out cattle as gift or payment for dowry (8.2%), and cattle rustling (4.9%). The key informants agreement on the risk factors was strong (W=0.8372) and statistically significant (p<0.01). FMD occurred in all seasons, but more in late rainy season (Damina) and less in late dry season (Rani). Agreement on FMD seasonal occurrence was strong (W=0.8719) and statistically significant (P<0.01). This survey revealed the relative burden and seasonal impacts of FMD in pastoral herds in North-central Nigeria. FMD surveillance, control and prevention programmes that take these factors into consideration will be beneficial to the livestock industry. The combined use of Participatory epidemiological techniques and clinical record of cases is essential for cost effective disease surveillance, reporting and control strategies in Nigeria.Keywords: Burden, FMD, Fulani pastoralists, Participatory Epidemiology, season, Nigeri

Time-series analysis of ruminant foetal wastage at a slaughterhouse in North Central Nigeria between 2001 and 2012

In developing countries, foetal wastage from slaughtered ruminants and the associated economic losses appear to be substantial. However, only a limited number of studies have comprehensively evaluated these trends. In the current study, secondary (retrospective) and primary data were collected and evaluated to estimate the prevalence of foetal wastage from cattle, sheep and goats slaughtered at an abattoir in Minna, Nigeria, over a 12-year period (January 2001 – December 2012). Time-series modelling revealed substantial differences in the rate of foetal wastage amongst the slaughtered species, with more lambs having been wasted than calves or kids. Seasonal effects seem to influence rates of foetal wastage and certain months in the year appear to be associated with higher odds of foetal wastage. Improved management systems are suggested to reduce the risk of foetal losses