Sero-Evidence of Infectious Bursal Disease Transmission between Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) and Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus)

This study was carried out to determine possibility of infectious bursal disease transmission between quail and chicken. In the study, non vaccinated cockerel chicks were put together with infectious bursal disease viral inoculated quails sharing the same feeders and drinkers. The two bird groups were monitored and observed for symptoms and clinical signs of infectious bursal disease (IBD). There was no clinical sign observed however, a strong positive serological evidence of IBD infection from the test result. In this work the chickens mixed with unexposed quail did not show any clinical sign of the disease (IBD) or any sign of infection serologically. As shown in this study serological means of diagnosis is one of the simple and accurate diagnostic procedures which can not only yield quick result but may even detect a subclinical infection among birds, which may ultimately lead to timely intervention in curtailing the disease spread.Keywords: Sero-evidence, infectious bursal disease, quail; chicke

Effect of Plasmodium species infections on packed cell volume of domestic chickens and helmeted guinea fowls in north eastern Nigeria

Populations of exotic and indigenous domestic chickens and guinea fowls in northeastern Nigeria were surveyed for Plasmodium sp by examining their stained blood samples. The packed cel volumes of all blood samples were estimated. During the period of study (March to September 2006), raina data were collected. The prevalence of Plasmodium inecton in 575 domestc poultry examined was 9.4 % and the prevalence among the difference poultry types (exotic broilers and layers, indigenous chickens and guinea fowls) did not difer signiicantly (P > 0.05).There was a significant (P 005), but the infected guinea fowls had lower (P < 0.05) mean PCV than the uninfected ones. In conclusion, Plasmodium sp infection was prevalent among the domestic poultry; and whereas the infection didnot cause anaemia in chickens, mild anaemia was observed in infected guinea fowls.Keywords: Chickens, Guinea fowls, Packed cell volume, Anaemia, Plasmodium

Toxicity assessment and analgesic activity investigation of aqueous acetone extracts of <it>Sida acuta </it> Burn f <it>.</it> and <it>Sida cordifolia </it> L. (Malvaceae), medicinal plants of Burkina Faso

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p><it>Sida acuta </it> Burn f. and <it>Sida cordifolia </it> L. (Malvaceae) are traditionally used in Burkina Faso to treat several ailments, mainly pains, including abdominal infections and associated diseases. Despite the extensive use of these plants in traditional health care, literature provides little information regarding their toxicity and the pharmacology. This work was therefore designed to investigate the toxicological effects of aqueous acetone extracts of <it>Sida acuta </it> Burn f. and <it>Sida cordifolia </it> L. Furthermore, their analgesic capacity was assessed, in order to assess the efficiency of the traditional use of these two medicinal plants from Burkina Faso.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>For acute toxicity test, mice were injected different doses of each extract by intraperitoneal route and the LD50 values were determined. For the subchronic toxicity evaluation, Wistar albinos rats were treated by gavage during 28 days at different doses of aqueous acetone extracts and then haematological and biochemical parameters were determined. The analgesic effect was evaluated in mice by the acetic-acid writhing test and by the formalin test.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>For the acute toxicity test, the LD50 values of 3.2 g/kg and 3.4 g/kg respectively for <it>S. acuta </it> Burn f. and <it>S. cordifolia </it> L. were obtained. Concerning the haematological and biochemical parameters, data varied widely (increase or decrease) according to dose of extracts and weight of rats and did not show clinical correlations. The extracts have produced significant analgesic effects by the acetic acid writhing test and by the hot plate method (p <0.05) and a dose-dependent inhibition was observed.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The overall results of this study may justify the traditional uses of <it>S. acuta </it> and <it>S. cordifolia </it>.</p