An evaluation of intestinal parasites in edible frogs (Hoplobatracus spp) sold for consumption in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

To determine the presence of eggs, oocysts and larvae of intestinal parasites in edible frogs (Hoplobatrachus species) sold for human consumption in Hanwa Zaria, Kaduna State, Northwestern Nigeria. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) samples of edible frogs (n = 225) were collected from the frog market (FM) at Hanwa, Zaria. The samples were analysed for parasites eggs, oocysts and larvae using zinc sulphate-sucrose floatation method of specific gravity 1.21, sedimentation tests followed by microscopy. Parasitic eggs, larvae, and oocyst were found in 54.7% of the total gastrointestinal tract samples using floatation technique while, eggs were found in 40 (17.8%) of the samples using sedimentation technique. The overall prevalence of the parasitic oocyst, eggs or larva using the simple floatation and sedimentation techniques techniques in the examination of the frog was 63.1% (142/225). The presence of parasites in both the male and female frogs were 92 (75.4%) and 50 (48.5%), respectively, there was statistically significant association between gender and parasite prevalence, P = 0.0001. There was no significant association between original location of frogs and prevalence of parasites, but there was statistically significant association between gender and parasite prevalence, p = 0.525. Coccidia oocysts mean counts were highest (8.11 ± 0.423). People should be educated on how to prevent possible zoonotic transmission to humans during capture, slaughter, processing and/or consumption of raw or improperly cooked frogs.Keywords: Frog, Hoplobatrachus spp, eggs, oocysts, larvae, Zari

Occurrence of Salmonella and Shigella on Dried Crayfish (Procambarus Clarkia) Sold in Zaria and Kaduna Central Market, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Dried crayfish is a rich source of protein and an important crustacean consumed all over the world.To determine the occurrence of Salmonella and Shigella in dried crayfish and crayfish sellers practices which may predispose the food item to microbial contamination, dried crayfish were sampled from 100 stalls in Samaru (n=20), Sabo (n=30) and Central market (n=50) markets of Kaduna state. Dried crayfish samples were each homogenized, analyzed for total coliform plate count, then pre-enriched and enriched in peptone water and Rappaport-Vassiliadis broth respectively, which was further cultured on Salmonella Shigella Agar (SSA). Non-lactose fermenting colonies were subjected to biochemical and Sugar tests. The overall mean coliform count was 14.95log10cfu/100ml. Salmonella and Shigella species were isolated from 12 (35.3%) and 5 (14.3%) samples respectively. Locational distribution of dried crayfish showed, Sabon gari (13.3%) and Central market Kaduna (6%) having the highest occurrence of Salmonella and Shigella suspect species respectively. Questionnaire survey administered to 100 of the crayfish sellers revealed that most of them 71 (74%) eat uncooked dried crayfish, 39% (44/100) of them use their bare hands unwashed while packaging the crayfish at point of sale. The presence of Salmonella and Shigella in crayfish from these locations is of public health significance. Therefore, public enlightenment on hygiene, sanitation and proper storage and packaging of crayfish to prevent foodborne disease outbreak such as Salmonellosis and Shigellosis in Nigeria is highly advocated. Key words: Crayfish, Salmonella, Shigella, food contamination and hygien

An Evaluation of Village Chicken Management Practices in Bauchi State, Nigeria

A study to identify gaps in the management practices given to village chickens was conducted using a structured questionnaire administered on 72 farmers drawn from eight communities in Bauchi State, Nigeria for the purpose of obtaining information that could be used to improve the productivity of these chickens in the State. The demography of the respondents revealed that most of them were farmers 47/72 (65.3%) married 71/72 (98.6%), females 40/72 (55.6%) and over 20 years (77.8%) of age; many of them had received some formal education 37/72 (54.5%) and had kept village chickens for over 5 years 55/72 (77.8%). Income generation was the main reason why respondents reared village chickens 33/72 (45.8%). Breeding stock were mostly bought from the market 48/72 (66.7%) and reared under an extensive system of production 72/72 (100%) together with other rural poultry 41/72 (56.9%); with birds receiving feed supplementation 68/72 (94.4%) and water 72/72 (100%); and kept at night in some locally made housing 37/72 (51.4%). Respondent do not vaccinate chickens against diseases like Newcastle disease (ND) nor keep any production record 72/72 (100%). Poor biosecurity practices like permitting chickens to intermingle with those from other households 72 (100%); sales of sick chickens (80.6%); consumption of sick chickens and the disposal of its inedible parts on the garbage that is accessible to chickens from other households are common. The results seem to suggest the need for farmers to improve upon the existing management practices especially with regards to vaccination, record keeping, housing and biosecurity measures in order to increase the productivity of these chickens in Bauchi State.Key words: Village chickens, management practices, biosecurity, vaccination, Bauchi State, Nigeri

Retrospective study of dog bites and cases of rabies virus infected dogs in slaughter houses in Makurdi, Nigeria

This study was carried out to obtain a 16-year retrospective data on dog bites/suspected dog rabies cases and to determine the prevalence of rabies antigen in the brains of dogs slaughtered for human consumption in Makurdi, Benue State. Data for retrospective studies (2003 - 2018) of dog bite/suspected rabies cases was collected from both government and private veterinary clinics in Makurdi while dog brain samples were collected from the dog slaughter slab at the mammy market in Makurdi. A total of 139 dog bite/suspected rabies cases were reported between January, 2003 and December, 2018 in the veterinary clinics with majority (55.3%) of the victims being children less than 16-years old. Only 18 (12.2%) of the offending dogs were quarantined at the time of bite, 11 of which died in quarantine. Five samples from the dogs that died in quarantine were later confirmed positive for rabies at the National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Nigeria. Of the 464 brain samples collected from the slaughter slab, 52 (11.2%) tested positive for rabies antigen through the direct fluorescent antibody technique. The presence of rabies antigen in apparently healthy dogs may serve as a source of spread of the virus to the public as most people do not regard bites from healthy dogs as possible exposures. There is need for public health awareness on the health challenges posed by dog bites especially on the possibility of developing rabies from such bites, and the need to promptly report every bite so that proper medical attention can be given. With the world looking at eliminating canine mediated rabies by the year 2030, mass enlightenment programmes regarding rabies and its prevention in Makurdi is strongly recommended to help achieve this goal. Keywords: Bites, Dogs, Rabies, Makurdi, Nigeria, Retrospectiv

Seroprevalence and detection of newcastle disease virus matrix gene in domestic local breed of chickens from eight communities in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Indigenous breed of domestic chickens have been identified as an appropriate tool for eradication poverty and hunger because of the ease at which poor people can acquire, grow and consume or sale the meat and eggs of these animals. The production of these chickens is largely constrained by disease especially, velogenic Newcastle disease (ND) which have the potential of wiping out an entire susceptible chicken population. Foundational to the control of ND in local breed of chickens in every community is the need for baseline information. Such information is scanty in Bauchi State even though the state is one of the major producers of these chickens in Nigeria. The aim of this study is to determine the seroprevalence of ND and also detect Newcastle disease virus (NDV) for the purpose of understanding the presence and distribution of the disease in the State. This study was conducted among 1085 village chickens from nine (9) randomly selected communities in Bauchi State, Nigeria. The seroprevalence of ND by Haemagglutination inhibition test was 36.4%. Matrix gene of ND virus (NDV) was also detected from 29.9% of 281 pooled cloacal swabs of the same chickens. The result indicates that ND virus (NDV) and its antibodies were widespread among village chickens in these communities. Vaccination is suggested as an appropriate control measure to protect chickens against a possible attack by a velogenic strain of NDV in chickens from these communities.Keywords: Newcastle disease, seroprevalence, molecular detection, domestic breed of local chickens, Bauchi Stat

A retrospective study of dog bite cases reported to some hospitals in Plateau State, Nigeria

Dog bite exposes victims to many potential zoonoses, particularly rabies which is feared because of its extremely high fatality rate of almost 100%. This study was carried out to evaluate the incidences of dog bite reported to some human hospitals in Plateau State, Nigeria and to provide data that will help in planning of rabies control programmes in the state. Information retrieved from the hospitals include date of bite, location of bite, age and sex of the victims for the period of January, 2007 to December, 2016. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data and the results were presented in tables. A total of 884 dog bite cases were reported in 9 hospitals visited across the state; the highest cumulative number (85 cases) was reported in April followed by 84 cases in May and 81 cases in October. Furthermore, there were more male (53.39%) victims of dog bite than female (46.61%) victims as well as more adult (53.51%) victims than children (46.49%) below 15 years of age. It can be concluded from this study that there is a high incidence of dog bite cases in the state. The presence of two popular dog markets located in Jos South and Kanke Local Government Areas of Plateau state could possibly play a significant role in the high incidences of dog bite cases recorded in this study. Hospitals in Plateau State should endeavor to improve on their record keeping of dog bite cases as this will help health workers in planning of rabies control programmes.Keywords: Dog Bite, Hospital, Plateau State, Retrospective Stud

Comparison of the Fluorescent Antibody Test and Direct Microscopic Examination for Rabies Diagnosis at the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria.

One hundred and eighty-nine (189) dog brain samples submitted to the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria for rabies diagnosis were assayed by the Direct Microscopic Examination (DME) for Negri bodies, the Fluorescent Antibody Test (FAT) for rabies antigens, and the Mouse Inoculation Test (MIT). The MIT was used as a confirmatory test. There were 12(12.5%) false negative and 6(6.7%) false positive results with DME, while there was 2(1.7%) false negative and 2(1.7%) false positive with FAT. The FAT was more sensitive (98.26%) than the DME (87.5%), and also more specific, 97.29% and 93.55% respectively. The FAT predicted positive and negative results more accurately than the DME. Positive predictive value of FAT was 98.26% compared with 93.33% of DME, and the negative predictive value of FAT was 97.29% compared with DME’s 87.88%. The pre-test probability of rabies in Vom was 60.8%. This finding shows that FAT is a sensitive and reliable rabies diagnostic test than DME and its continued use is recommended in Nigeria whenever is feasible. The DME is still useful as a screening test, and the MIT must be used to confirm both FAT and DM

Assessment of farmer opinions on vaccination of village chickens against Newcastle disease and its benefit in eight communities in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Newcastle disease (ND) is a major limitation to the production, consumption and sales of village chickens in Africa. A pagrticipatory proportional piling exercise was conducted among village chicken farmers selected during focus group discussions held in eight communities in Bauchi State to assess their opinions on vaccination of their village chickens with thermostable Newcastle disease vaccine I-2 (I-2 NDV) and its benefits. The assessment involved 64 participants (8 from each community) whose chickens had received two I-2 NDV three months apart and 12 participants whose chicken had received only one I-2 NDV. Of the 64 farmers who initially were selected and had volunteered to participate in the study, two of the participants were not available to give their opinion on the importance and benefit of vaccination; while, eight of participants did not think the vaccine is important and have chosen not to participate in the assessment exercise. The remaining 54 participants had endorsed the vaccine with a total score of 100% (270/270). They also awarded 91.3% (283/310) of their scores to flock increase due to reduced mortality by I-2 NDV with the remaining 8.7% (27/310) of the scores indicating no flock increase. A probing of the reason why some of these farmers did not experience flock increase revealed the occurrence of fowl pox disease that has killed some of their chickens. The scores from participants whose chicken had received only one vaccine was 100% for both endorsement of the vaccine (60/60) and observation of flock increase (60/60). The study highlights I-2 NDV as an appropriate vaccine that could be used to control ND in village chickens in Bauchi State and beyond.Keywords: Newcastle disease, Thermostable Newcastle disease vaccine (I-2), Village chickens, Bauchi State, Nigeri

Molecular characterization of a rabies virus isolated from trade dogs in Plateau State, Nigeria

To have a better understanding of the prevalence of rabies virus (RABV) in the dog trading markets in Plateau State of Nigeria, a total of 532 brain samples collected between 2010 and 2011 were subjected to rabies virus antigen detection and molecular characterization. RABV antigen was detected in 92 out of 532 (17.3%) brain samples from two major commercial dog markets in Plateau State of Nigeria by direct fluorescence antibody assay, indicating the possibility of a high prevalence of RABV in the dog trading markets. The complete genomic sequence was obtained from one of these RABV positive samples. The overall organization of this virus (DRV-NG11) was typical of all the other wild-type RABV. Phylogenetic analysis using either the complete or partial genomic sequence of DRV-NG11 demonstrates that this isolate is most closely related to viruses previously shown to circulate in Nigeria, belonging to the Africa 2 Clade. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the molecular characterization of the complete genome of RABV from trade dogs, which provides a better understanding of the molecular epidemiology, pathogenesis and rabies control in this country.Keywords: Genome, Nigeria, Rabies virus, Street strain, Trade dog