Intestinal intussusception due to concurrent infections with Hymenolepis nana and Dentostomella translucida in an African giant rat (cricetomys gambianus). A case report

A rare case of intestinal intussusception due to multiple worm infections (Hymenolepis nana and Dentostomella translucida) was observed in an African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse, 1840). The condition was observed as an incidental finding before an experimental dissection of the animals in the Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Nigeria. The rat was anorexic and depressed with rough hair coat, and died before the commencement of the experiment. Grossly, the intussusception was 7 cm in length and 27 cm caudal to the stomach and 81cm to the ileo-caecal junction. The affected part of the small intestine was moderately distended with worms and the associated mesenteric blood vessels were engorged. Microscopically, worms (H. nana and D. translucida) were observed in the lumen of the intestine with severe cellular infiltration mostly eosinophils, neutrophils and macrophages. Eggs of both worms, at different stages of development and a focus of attachment of the worms were observed on the intestinal mucosa. The zoonotic implications of these worms were discussed especially H. nana. This report appears to be the first reported case of intestinal intussusception due to multiple helminth infections in an African giant rat. KEYWORDS: Hymenolepis nana, Dentostomella translucida, Intestinal intussusception, African giant rat

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of rams brought into Abeokuta small ruminants markets in preparation for a festive season

In an effort to gain a better understanding into the role played by food animals in the epidemiology of gastrointestinal parasites, we assessed the prevalence of  gastrointestinal parasites in different breeds of rams brought into Abeokuta during a festive  season by microscopic examination of faecal samples. A total of 206 rams of different breeds were randomly sampled. The faecal samples collected were  subjected to simple floatation and sedimentation tests. McMaster egg counting  technique was used to estimate the faecal oocyst load in positive samples. Overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 51.46%. There was significant (p < 0.05) difference between the prevalence of Eimeria spp (37.38%)and helminth eggs (13.59%).Among the 29 samples that tested positive for helminth eggs, 6 (20.7%), 19 (65.5%) and 4 (13.8%) were cestode, nematode and trematode eggs,  respectively. The genera of nematodes eggs identified include Strongyloides spp, Haemonchus spp, Mashallagia spp,  Bunostomum spp, Ascaris spp, Dictyocaulus spp, Gongylonema spp and Ostergia spp; trematodes were Fasciola spp and Dicrocoelium spp while cestodes were Moniezia spp and Avitellinaspp. The only protozoan parasite identified was Eimeria spp. This study has  clearly shown that rams brought to Abeokuta during festive seasons carry different gastrointestinal parasites of which Eimeria spp had the largest share. Parasites of zoonotic importance (Fasciola and Moniezia) were also detected. Therefore, there is need for  regular screening of animals being introduced from one state to the other and also from neighbouring countries for effective  monitoring and control of parasitic diseases in domestic animals and human population.Keywords: GIT parasite, ram, helminth, protozoan

Assessment of ticks on cattle entering Nigeria through a major trans-boundary animal route in Ogun State

Ticks cause great economic losses of livestock in several ways including their ability to act as potential vector for haemoprotozoan, rickettsial and helminth parasites; they suck blood resulting in reduction in live weight and anaemia. Ticks and tick-borne diseases are widely distributed throughout the world, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical countries where they seriously limit livestock production and improvement in much of Africa. Cattle entering Nigeria by hoof along a major trans-boundary route were assessed and found infested with a mean tick count of 66.3±35.8 per animal confirming that the trans-boundary areas are points of entry of parasites into the country. 57.7% of the animals had a very high level of tick infestation. Adult ticks identified include Amblyomma spp. (49.6%), Rhipicephalus (sub genus Boophilus) spp. (93.6%), Rhipicephalus spp. (33.9%) and Hyalomma spp. (12.1%). A total of 16,440 ticks were counted in the course of the study. Rhipicephalus (subgenus Boophilus) spp. is the most predominant tick species found in this study. These ticks were found around the ear, dewlap, brisket, udder/scrotum, anal/ genital region, legs and tail region of the animals. It was concluded that cattle entering Nigeria from Burkina Faso, Benin republic, Niger republic, Mali, Togo, and Cote d’ivoire were infested with these adult ticks which also acted as a vector for protozoa and rickettsial parasites. The Nigerian government should establish effective quarantine centres to screen and treat animals entering the country. With irrigation and planting of improved grasses and crops for zero-grazing, more farmers can be encouraged to invest in intensive system of cattle management.Keywords: Ticks, cattle, transboundary, prevalenc