Selected plasma biochemical parameters in improved indigenous NIGERHYB pigs in Southwestern Nigeria

This study was to assess the biochemical parameters of apparently healthy NIGERHYB pigs and comparison of age and sex related differences in these parameters. One hundred and thirty five NIGERHYB pigs (35 boar, 35 sow, 30 weaned boar piglets and 35 weaned gilt piglets) obtained from intensively managed pig farms in Abeokuta suburbs were screened for parasites. The total protein, albumin, globulin, Na+ and K+ values of apparently healthy ones were determined using standard methods. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The total protein, albumin, globulin, Na+ and K+ values showed no significant (p>0.05) differences in both sexes of adult and piglets. However, the mean values of total protein, globulin and K+ were significantly higher in the adult than young. There were significant (p<0.05) differences in mean values of Na+ and K+ in sow, boar and gilt piglets compared to the boar piglets. No significant (p>0.05) age and sex difference evident in the mean HCO3- of young and adult pigs. The relationship between these biochemical parameter and those of other animal species in this environment were discussed

Occurrence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in dogs presented with Otitis externa at the Veterinary Teaching hospital, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria

Otitis is one of the most common infections in dogs. This has been associated with misuse of antibiotics thereby promoting the emergence of multi-resistant micro-organisms. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence and the antibiotic  resistance pattern of bacterial pathogens associated with otitis in dogs presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Nigeria. Ear swab samples were obtained from 22 dogs diagnosed with otitis  externa based on physical examination of the ear canal and otoscopic examination. Bacteriological examinations of swab samples from the affected ears were done using standard methods, followed by invitro antibiotic sensitivity test by agar disk diffusion  method using the Oxoid® antibiotic discs of the commonly used antibiotics in Nigeria. Results were presented in percentages, pie chart and tables. A total of thirty-six bacterial isolates in five bacteria species namely, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Bacillus cereus were isolated. Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the highest occurrence. Most of the otitis cases were caused by polymicrobes than single bacterium. The  resistance of all the bacterial isolates to the twelve commonly used antibiotics in human and veterinary professions in Nigeria was very high, though the  fluoroquinolones still prove to be effective. The occurrence of multiple antibiotic resistant bacteria in companion animals indicates a public health risk in terms of possibility of human contact with such pathogenic bacteria. Antimicrobial resistance directly reflects the misuse of various antimicrobial agents, hence there is an urgent need for public education and control of antimicrobial usage in Nigeria

Salmonella Characterization in Poultry Eggs Sold in Farms and Markets in Relation to Handling and Biosecurity Practices in Ogun State, Nigeria

Salmonella remains one of the notable food-borne bacterial pathogens. It is associated with poultry and poultry products including eggs. This study investigated Salmonella distribution in eggshell and content, their antimicrobial resistance pattern, and the possible risk factors driving contamination in Ogun State, Nigeria. A total of 500 eggs (5 eggs pooled into one sample) were collected and culturally examined for the presence of Salmonella serovars. Isolates were further characterized biochemically using Microbact 20E (Oxoid) and Antimicrobial susceptibility determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. A total of 14 Salmonella isolates spread across 10 serovars were recovered from the 100 pooled egg samples; 10 (10%) from the market and 4 (4%) farms, 13(13%) eggshell, and 1(1%) egg content. All tested serovars were susceptible to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, florfenicol, and kanamycin. Resistance was mostly observed in sulfamethoxazole 8 (80%), followed by ciprofloxacin 5 (50%) and tetracycline 3 (30%). Sales of eggs in the market appear to be a strong factor encouraging contamination in addition to poor biosecurity and unhygienic handling of eggs on the farm