A five-year survey of African swine fever outbreaks in Plateau State, Nigeria

Reported here is a five-year account of outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) in Plateau state, which devastated swine production and almost threw the whole pig induatry of the state in total disarray. Although veterinary authorities from 15 local government areas (LGA) of the state kreported the lsuspicion of the ldiseas, confirmation by laboratory test was obtained only from 8 LGA.s namely: Jos-North, Jos-South, Mangu, Pankshin, Langtang North, LantangSouth, Shendam and quaan-pan, representing all the three zones of the state (Northern, central and southern zones). Since its initial outbreak in 1999, the disease; has remained enzootic in the state. A control programme ,involving improved management, major surveillance operation, heightened public awareness and a market value compensation scheme for slaughtered pigs is suggested

Incursion of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) Serotype O East Africa Topotype -3 (O/EA-3) in Nigeria

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an endemic transboundary animal disease that affects livestock health across most of sub-Saharan Africa. Since the first official report of FMD in Nigeria in 1924, serotypes O, A, SAT 1 and SAT 2 have been documented within the  country. Molecular epidemiology has been used to trace the origin of FMD outbreaks in the case of animal movement, inter-species transmissions and trans-continental introductions. Phylogenetic analyses of VP1 nucleotide sequences of the twelve isolates (n=12) provide evidence for the presence of type O/EAST AFRICA 3 (EA-3) in Nigeria. The epidemiological situation of FMD in Nigeria and other West African countries is further complicated by the emergence of the O/EA-3 lineage that is causing new outbreaks in the region in addition to the West Africa (WA) topotype that has been known to be in circulation in Nigeria and other parts of West African and  Central African regions. These recent development in west and central Africa, indicates the dynamic and complex nature of FMD epidemiology in the region and this is not un-connected to the nomadism in the region. In addition the un-restricted animal movement across the porous border in the region in search of pasture and water for their animal has contributed to the spread of diseases across  the region. From the results the phylogenetic analysis of the O/EA-3 has close identity and was closely related to O/EA-3 from the 2009 outbreak in Sudan. Therefore, based on these findings a sustained surveillance is required to yet understand the epidemiology of FMD  in West and Central Africa that will inform the type of vaccine and target areas in other to control the disease. The need to restrict animal movement across the border should be put in place and where necessary all animals that must move from one point to another  must have proper evidence of vaccine certification before it should be allow access into the area. Finally for effective FMD control, regional vaccination and surveillance should be advocated and it should be backed by law. The need to have FMD vaccination at national as well as regional FMD control policy is strongly advocate for effective FMD control in Nigeria and across the regions. Key words: Topotype, West African; FMD and Nigeri

Histopathological changes in female rabbits administered with aqueous extract of Calotropis procera

Calotropis procera is an evergreen perennial shrub, which is found mainly in the arid regions and produces copious latex when cut. It has been reported to possess medicinal properties but equally pose deleterious effect in animals. In a bid to exploit its pharmacological properties, it was necessary to ascertain its level of safety. A toxicological evaluation of the aqueous extract of fresh leaves of the plant was therefore conducted in the more sensitive female rabbits of the same weight range. Low levels of phytochemicals (alkaloids, saponins, tannins, cardiac glycosides and flavonoids) were found, while elemental analyses showed traces of iron, lead, sodium, and potassium in concentrations of 0.23, 0.03, 0.82 and 9.5 mg/g, respectively. Acute toxicity study was conducted with oral administration of 200, 400, 800 and 1600 mg/kg of the extract once to groups I, II, III and IV, respectively with a 24 h observation period. Clinical signs such as mouth chewing, photophobia, bradycardia, coughing, vomiting and convulsion amongst others were noticed. Four rabbits died within 24 h and LD50 was estimated (940 mg/kg). 80, 40 and 20 mg/kg of the extract were administered daily to groups I, II, and III, respectively, during sub-acute toxicity study for 14 days. Grossly, catarrhal enteritis and mesenteric congestion of the small intestines, congestion of the lungs, hepatization and paleness of the liver, congestion and pallor of the kidney cortex, and congestion of the meninges were noticed. Histopathological examination of the tissues revealed mild pulmonary oedema and peribronchial lymphocytic infiltration of the lungs, hepatization of the liver, disruption of cardiac architecture, generalised cell necrosis and erosion of the villi of the small intestine. All the rabbits that survived gained weight, which is indicative of some nutrient value in the extract. It was concluded that the extract had dose-dependent deleterious effects on the tissues as higher dose groups were more affected. Hence, it is evident that sub-chronic toxicity studies would reveal greater lesions to better ascertain extent of damage.Key words: Calotropis procera, phytochemical, histopathology, toxicity, lesions, tissues, organs

Genetic variant of canine distemper virus from clinical cases in vaccinated dogs in South Africa

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious viral pathogen of worldwide distribution that can cause lethal disease in domestic dogs and other members of the family Canidae. Genetic diversity is found among reference strains and isolates of CDV, mainly in the haemagglutinin (H) protein, and this may be associated with the increasing incidence of distemper in dogs. CDV was isolated in Vero cells expressing canine signalling lymphocyte activation molecule (Vero.DogSLAM) from peripheralblood mononuclear cells and spleen of clinically diseased, previously vaccinated South African dogs. Direct fluorescence antibody test and electronmicroscopy were used to confirm the isolation procedure. Subsequently, RT-PCR was performed on the cell culture isolates, the amplified products were purified and the complete H gene wassequenced and phylogenetically analysed. The H gene of vaccines in use in South Africa was also sequenced and comparative analyses performed. However, the sequences obtained from the sick dogs showed 100% nucleotide identity and was different to that found in virus strains used in vaccines and in isolates reported from other parts of the world in GenBank. The results suggest that a novel CDV lineage may be present in South Africa and we conclude that a recent reversion of vaccine virus to virulence was not the cause of the clinical signs seen in dogs with a previoushistory of vaccination

Co-circulation of peste-des-petits-ruminants virus Asian lineage IV with lineage II in Nigeria

Peste-des-petits-ruminants (PPR), a major small ruminant transboundary animal disease, is endemic in Nigeria. Strains of the causal agent, peste-des-petits-ruminants virus (PPRV), have been differentiated into four genetically distinct lineages based on the partial sequence of the virus nucleoprotein (N) or fusion (F) genes. PPRV strains that were identified initially in Africa were grouped into lineages I, II and III and viruses from Asia were classified as lineage IV and referred to as the Asian lineage. Many recent reports indicate that the Asian lineage is now also present in Africa. With this in mind, this study was conducted to re-assess the epidemiology of PPRV in Nigeria. A total of 140 clinical samples from 16 sheep and 63 goats with symptoms suggestive of PPR were collected from different states of Nigeria during a four year period (2010 – 2013). They were analyzed by the amplification of fragments of the N gene. Results for 33 (42%) animals were positive. The phylogenetic analysis of the N gene sequences with those available in GenBank showed that viruses that were detected belong to both lineage II and IV. Based on an analysis of the N gene sequences, the lineage IV isolates grouped into two clades, one being predominant in the north-eastern part of the country and the other found primarily in the southern regions of the country. This study reports the presence of PPRV Asian lineage IV in Nigeria for the first time.This work was supported by a grant (RFA 2 No. 48) from the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria through the Competitive Agricultural Research Grant Scheme (CARGS).http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1865-16822017-06-30hb2016Veterinary Tropical Disease

Molecular Detection of Torque Teno Sus Virus and Coinfection with African Swine Fever Virus in Blood Samples of Pigs from Some Slaughterhouses in Nigeria

Torque teno sus virus 1 (TTSuV1a/TTSuV1b) infection is present in pig herds worldwide. This study investigated the prevalence of TTSuV1a/TTSuV1b infections in domestic pigs from some slaughterhouses in Nigeria as well as coinfection with African swine fever virus (ASFV) and described the phylogeny in relation to global strains. One hundred and eighty-one (181) blood samples from four slaughterhouses were used for the study and viral nucleic acid detection was carried out by PCR. Comparative sequence analysis was carried out to infer phylogeny. The overall prevalence of TTSuV1a/b was 17.7%. Prevalence of individual genotypes was 10.5% and 7.2% for TTSuV1a and TTSuV1b, respectively. Coinfection of ASFV/TTSuV1a/b was 7.7% while that of TTSuV1a and TTSuV1b was 1.7%. ASFV alone was detected in 11.91% of the total samples. The Nigerian TTSuV1a and TTSuV1b shared a sequence identity of 91–100% and 95–100%, respectively, among each other. The ASFV sequences were 100% identical to members of genotype 1. This is the first report on the presence of TTSuV1a/b in domestic pigs in Nigeria and coinfection with ASFV. Although the prevalence of TTSuV1a/b in Nigeria was low, we recommend further studies to establish the trend and possible role in the pathogenesis of ASFV

Dog anti-rabies vaccination coverage in Jos South LGA of Plateau State, Nigeria CI Odita1, IS Tekki2*, DG Moses3, JI Barde3, KO Egwu3,

Domestic dog (Canis familiaris), a well-known companion of man, is the main reservoir host of rabies virus and source of infection to humans in 95% cases in Africa. Vaccination of dogs against rabies is the most effective way of controlling the disease. WHO recommends that annual vaccination coverage of dog populations should be 70% and above for effective control of rabies. However, vaccination coverage of dogs is very low in most African countries, including Nigeria, where the global burden of the disease is highest next to Asia. The aim of this study was to determine and compare rabies vaccination coverage of dog population in Jos South Local Government area (LGA), Plateau State, Nigeria, using two survey approaches. Data on vaccination profile of rabid suspected dogs in Jos South LGA, were retrieved from records of cases presented to the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Nigeria, for confirmatory diagnosis from 2011 to 2016. Field data on demography and vaccination profile of owned domestic dogs were also obtained by face to face interview with dog owners in the LGA using structured questionnaire. Vaccination coverage of 4.9% and 19.7% were obtained for record and field surveys respectively, for sample estimates. Although average vaccination coverage was estimated as 12.4%, the true population vaccination coverage could be between 12% and 18%, (95% CI). The P-value (0.000) for association between survey approach and true vaccination coverage of dog populations in Jos South LGA was significant. Consequently, evaluation of regular vaccination by active survey is key to achieving WHO recommended vaccination coverage. Nigeria can only align with the world rabies elimination target of 2030 set by the WHO, OIE and FAO by active disease surveillance and enforcement of responsible dog ownership.Keywords: Domestic dog, Jos South LGA, Rabies, Surveillance, Vaccinatio

Geographic distribution of MERS coronavirus among dromedary camels, Africa

We found serologic evidence for the circulation of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus among dromedary camels in Nigeria, Tunisia, and Ethiopia. Circulation of the virus among dromedaries across broad areas of Africa may indicate that this disease is currently underdiagnosed in humans outside the Arabian Peninsula

Short Communication: The epizootiology, prevalence and economic aspects of African Swine Fever in parts of the middle belt central states of Nigeria

No AbstractBulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa Vol. 54 (4) 2006: pp. 79-8