First reported case of dog associated pig rabies in Ghana

Background: Pig rabies is uncommon and there is paucity of information on rabies in pigs in West African countries other than Nigeria. This communication presents a case of dog associated pig rabies in Adidome, Ghana.Materials and Methods: Case history, Dog assessment in adjoining communities, human exposure, clinical presentations and mortality in affected pigs were evaluated using standard techniques. Laboratory screening of brain samples collected was by Fluorescent antibody technique.Results: Stray dog bitten affected pigs showed anorexia, constipation, hyper excitation, twitching of head, roaring and foaming with resultant category 1 and 11 human exposure, 17% mortality and 75% case fatality rate. Laboratory examination of swine brain specimens tested positive for Rabies virus using Fluorescent Agglutination Test.Conclusion: This report described the first documented case of dog associated pig rabies in Ghana and emphasis was laid on continued advocacy and prompt reporting of suspected neurological conditions in pigs in GhanaKey words: Dog associated Rabies, Pig, Ghan

FIRST REPORTED CASE OF DOG ASSOCIATED PIG RABIES IN GHANA

Background: Pig rabies is uncommon and there is paucity of information on rabies in pigs in West African countries other than Nigeria. This communication presents a case of dog associated pig rabies in Adidome, Ghana. Materials and Methods: Case history, Dog assessment in adjoining communities, human exposure, clinical presentations and mortality in affected pigs were evaluated using standard techniques. Laboratory screening of brain samples collected was by Fluorescent antibody technique. Results: Stray dog bitten affected pigs showed anorexia, constipation, hyper excitation, twitching of head, roaring and foaming with resultant category 1 and 11 human exposure, 17% mortality and 75% case fatality rate. Laboratory examination of swine brain specimens tested positive for Rabies virus using Fluorescent Agglutination Test. Conclusion: This report described the first documented case of dog associated pig rabies in Ghana and emphasis was laid on continued advocacy and prompt reporting of suspected neurological conditions in pigs in Ghan

Assessment of fetal wastage in pigs slaughtered at Kumasi abattoir, Ghana

There had been dearth of information on the level of fetal wastages in slaughtered pigs in West African countries other than Nigeria. This study evaluates the fetal losses due to slaughtering of pregnant pigs at the Kumasi abattoir in Kumasi, Ghana. The ages of the fetuses were estimated using standard technique with the influence of sex, age and breed of pig on fetal loss being evaluated. Data were subjected to descriptive and quantitative analysis. 2817 pigs were slaughtered during the period of the study with a monthly average of 563.1739(61.73%) were sows and 430(29.27%) were pregnant. 141(28.20%) sows were slaughtered in January, constituting the highest throughout the period of the study with corresponding fetal loss of 616(76.60%). Most of the fetuses wasted in this study were recorded in the second and third trimester (83.51%). The percentage of fetal wastage (the total number of fetuses wasted divided by the total number of pigs slaughtered) was 2117(75%) in this study. The results revealed high incidence of fetal losses at the Kumasi abattoir. There is need to advocate for routine veterinary checks and interventions in order to reduce the high level of fetal wastage which call for strategic planning and decision-making on animal food security in Ghana.Keywords: Abattoir, Fetal wastage, Slaughtered pigs, Ghan

Comparative study of antibody titres in layers boosted with inactivated Newcastle disease vaccine and the thermostable ND I-2 vaccine

Despite effective vaccination schedules employed in the control of Newcastle disease (ND) in Ghana, the preponderance of ND outbreaks is still high. This study was therefore carried out to compare booster effects of inactivated ND vaccine and thermostable ND I-2 vaccine in layers and its impact on egg production at a private farm in Kumasi, Ghana. Thirty thousand layers (10,000 per group) of 36 weeks old were used for the study. Group C was vaccinated with inactivated ND vaccine (Nobilis Newcavac, South Africa), Group D with ND I-2 vaccine and Group F was the control group, which was not vaccinated. Antibody titres of the birds were determined 10 days and a day before vaccination and from day 4 to day 28 after vaccination using haemagglutination-inhibition (HI) test and the mean titres were calculated. Both inactivated ND vaccine and thermostable ND I-2 vaccine produced booster responses. The inactivated ND vaccine produced a higher average titre increase of 37.20 % compared to ND I-2 vaccine, 33.33 %. Average titres of the control population reduced by 24.26 %. Egg production reduced by 8 % and 3 % in populations vaccinated with inactivated ND vaccine and ND I-2 vaccine respectively. In conclusion, inactivated ND vaccine and the thermostable ND I-2 vaccine produced booster effect with ND I-2 causing minimal reduction in egg production, indicating that the use of easily applicable ND I-2 vaccine should be encouraged

Rabies virus in slaughtered dogs for meat consumption in Ghana: A potential risk for rabies transmission

Dog-mediated rabies is responsible for approximately 60,000 human deaths annually worldwide. Although dog slaughter for human consumption and its potential risk for rabies transmission has been reported, mainly in some parts of Western Africa and South-East Asia, more information on this and factors that influence dog meat consumption is required for a better understanding from places like Ghana where the practice is common. We tested 144 brain tissues from apparently healthy dogs slaughtered for human consumption for the presence of rabies viruses using a Lyssavirus-specific real-Time RT-PCR. Positive samples were confirmed by virus genome sequencing. We also administered questionnaires to 541 dog owners from three regions in Ghana and evaluated factors that could influence dog meat consumption. We interacted with butchers and observed slaughtering and meat preparation procedures. Three out of 144 (2.1%) brain tissues from apparently healthy dogs tested positive for rabies virus RNA. Two of the viruses with complete genomes were distinct from one another, but both belonged to the Africa 2 lineage. The third virus with a partial genome fragment had high sequence identity to the other two and also belonged to the Africa 2 lineage. Almost half of the study participants practiced dog consumption [49% (265/541)]. Males were almost twice (cOR = 1.72, 95% CI (1.17-2.52), p-value = .006) as likely to consume dog meat compared to females. Likewise, the Frafra tribe from northern Ghana [cOR = 825.1, 95% CI (185.3-3672.9), p-value < .0001] and those with non-specific tribes [cOR = 47.05, 95% CI (10.18-217.41), p-value < .0001] presented with higher odds of dog consumption compared to Ewes. The butchers used bare hands in meat preparation. This study demonstrates the presence of rabies virus RNA in apparently healthy dogs slaughtered for human consumption in Ghana and suggests a potential risk for rabies transmission. Veterinary departments and local assemblies are recommended to monitor and regulate this practice

THE PREVALENCE OF TUBERCULOSIS IN CATTLE AND THEIR HANDLERS IN NORTH TONGU, VOLTA REGION, GHANA

Background: The need to understand the contribution of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) to the general tuberculosis burden in a poor resource setting is paramount. The aim of this study is to determine the burden of BTB among herdsmen and cattle in the North Tongu district of Volta Region in Ghana. Materials and Methods: A cross- sectional study was conducted in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region between the period of October 2011- March 2012. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information and possible risk factor information on cattle from participants. Sputum samples from 68 herdsmen and blood samples from 200 cattle belonging to these herdsmen were also collected. Sputum samples were analyzed using Ziehl- Neelsen staining while Anigen Rapid BTB Test was used for Cattle blood samples. Results: Ninety percent (61/68) of respondents were also found to consume fresh milk while 84% (57/68) do not use protective clothing. Of a total of 1580 cattle owned by the herdsmen, 200 cattle consisting of 14 bulls and 186 cows were screened where the prevalence of bovine TB was 19% (38/200) and those affected were all females. All (100%) human sample tested negative for Acid- Fast Bacilli (AFB). However, the seropositivity of cattle and kraal density were statistically associated (p= 0.001). Conclusion: Bovine TB is prevalent in cattle in North Tongu district. Although herdsmen indulge in risky lifestyles that expose them to BTB, a zero prevalence of BTB was observed, further study is envisaged using a larger sample size

Causes of kidney condemnation and associated direct financial loss at Kumasi Abattoir, Ghana between 2002 – 2014

A retrospective and active abattoir survey were conducted from 2002 to 2013 and from November 2013 to March 2014 respectively to determine the&nbsp; major causes of kidney condemnation at Kumasi abattoir, Ghana and also to estimate direct financial loss associated with kidney rejection. Ten kidneys out of 690 cattle and 901 out of 1,052,907 kidneys were condemned respectively between the periods 2013 – 2014 and 2002 – 2013 respectively. The major causes for kidney condemnation were nephritis (33.3 %), putrefaction (25.6 %), tuberculosis (18.2 %), abscessation (13.1 %)&nbsp; and hydronephrosis (10.0 %). The overall direct financial loss from kidney condemned during the study period was estimated to be GH¢ 3,189. Factors such as age, sex, breed, season and festive periods were observed to influence the occurrence of kidney condemnation. The study recommends that attention should be given to the kidney during post mortem inspection as some of the causes of its condemnation were zoonotic. Keywords: Abattoir, Kidney condemnation, Lesions, Financial implications, Ghan

Preliminary study of bovine carcass bruises and its associated financial losses in Kumasi abattoir, Ghana

In Ghana, huge quantity of meat is wasted daily due to bruise-related carcass condemnation in the slaughter houses and abattoir throughout the country. However, there is limited information on the impact of such bruise-related meat and financial losses in the country. This study estimated the prevalence of bruises and its financial wastage in bovine carcasses at Kumasi Abattoir. Bovine carcasses totalling 21,336 were examined. Bruised carcasses were identified and bruised parts grouped according to locations as shoulder, loin, butt, rib and other locations. The overall prevalence of bruised carcasses during the short study period was 16.76 % (3576/21336). The total weight of meat condemned and direct financial loss incurred were 622.4 kg and GHȻ 13,609.28 respectively. With regards to location, shoulder had the highest frequency, whereas the rib had the lowest. Education of butchers and cattle traders on human animal transport and handling before slaughter in order to minimize meat wastage and associated financial losses due to bruising is recommended.Keywords: Bovine carcass, Bruises, Financial losses, Prevalence, Kumasi Abattoi

Intersex piglet with bilobed urinary bladder in Kumasi, Ghana: A case report

This paper reports a case of a true intersex in a pig in Kumasi, Ghana. The diagnosis was based on gross and histomorphological assessment of the genital organs which consist of a left ovary, two uterine horns and body of uterus, along with a right testis without an epididymis. Vagina and vulva were also absent. A perineal scrotal pouch and a tubular tract connection with an intra-abdominal urinary bladder conducting urine through a miniature paraphimotic sigmoid shaped penis were observed. A rectal prolapse was consequent to rectal compression by the inadequately voided urinary bladder. Gonadal hormonal profiles were analysed and compared in the true intersex and those of the males and female siblings using standard techniques. The embryologic, reproductive, and swine production cost implications of intersex were discussed.Keywords: Intersex pig, Gross histology, Genital organs, Hormonal profil

Gross morphometric characteristics of respiratory organs in the Sahelian goats for assessment of lower respiratory disorders

Pulmonary consolidation assessment is relevant in the evaluation of caprine pneumonia especially in resource-poor setting. The study investigates&nbsp; body parameters and gross morphometric characteristics of lungs and trachea, of the Sahelian goat to aid in assessment of lower respiratory conditions. The study utilized 64 healthy (nonpneumonic) lungs collected from Sahelian goats slaughtered at the Kumasi Abattoir. General body characteristics of each animal before and after slaughter; including body length, height at rump and at withers, live weight, whole carcass weight&nbsp; and dressed carcass weight. Morphometric parameters of the lungs and trachea, including weight, length and width of the lungs and of separate lobes, length and width of the trachea, distance between the trachea bronchus and the tracheal bifurcation were measured. The females exhibited higher values of general body characteristics including body length, height, live weight, whole carcass weight and dressed carcass weight. The&nbsp; dimensions of the lungs and trachea were comparatively higher in females than in males. The weights of the whole lung, the right lung and the left lung were all higher in females than in males. The right lung of the Sahelian goat was generally larger and contributes 56.72 % of the whole lung; whilst the left lung contributes 43.22 %. With increasing age, the percentage contribution of the right lung to the whole organ increased whilst that&nbsp; of the left lung decreased. The current study established percentage contribution of lung parts and lobes with reference to the sex and age of&nbsp; Sahelian goat. Keywords: Sahelian goat, Caprine pneumonia, Respiratory disorders, Lung morphometri