In vitro comparative activity of ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin against clinical isolates from chickens in Benue State, Nigeria

This study compares the in vitro activities of enrofloxacin and its main metabolite ciprofloxacin against clinical Escherichia coli and non-lactose fermenting enterobacteria isolates from chickens. Ten (10) Escherichia coli and 8 non lactose fermenting enterobacteriaceae species isolated from a pool of clinical cases at the Microbiology Laboratory of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Agriculture Makurdi were used in this study. Ten-fold serial dilution of 10 varying concentrations (0.1-50μg/mL) of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were tested against the isolates in vitro by Bauer’s disc-diffusion method to determine and compare their antimicrobial activities against the isolates. The 18 isolates tested were susceptible to both enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, and their mean values in the susceptibility of Escherichia coli and non-lactose fermenters were significantly different (p < 0.01). The study concluded that the clinical isolates are susceptible to both enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin though ciprofloxacin exhibit higher activity. Comparatively, ciprofloxacin was found to be more potent than enrofloxacin and the difference statistically significant. Ciprofloxacin was recommended as a better choice in the treatment of bacterial infections of chicken in this area compared to enrofloxacin. It was also recommended that proper steps should be taken in the administration of antimicrobials so as to reduce the incidences of bacterial resistance.Keywords:  Escherichia coli, Non-lactose fermenter, Antimicrobials, Ciprofloxacin. Enrofloxacin, Chicke

Effect of Processing Techniques on the Degradability Characteristics of Acacia Acacia hockii) Leaf

This experiment was conducted at the Federal University Dutsin-ma Livestock Teaching and Research Farm in Dutsin-ma Local Government area of Katsina State, Nigeria. The study was meant to ascertain the effect of processing techniques on crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradation characteristics of three differently processed Acacia hockii leaf meal (ensiled (T1), sun dried (T2) and fresh (T30) incubated in the rumen of five rams at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48hrs. Acacia hockii leaves were collected from Dutsin-ma town and used in the  experiment as as fresh leaves, sun-dried and ensiled. Five rams with average live weight of 20kg were fistulated and used as replicates in a  completely randomized design (CRD). They were fed with groundnut haulms, maize offal and cowpea husk in ad libitum at a ratio of 70%:30% respectively along with other management practices. The results of the rumen degradation characteristics showed that there was a significant (p<0.05) difference in the soluble fraction of crude protein, acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre degradation among the treatments. There was also a significance (p<0.05) difference between the outflow rates of effective crude protein digestibility, effective acid detergent digestibility and effective neutral detergent digestibility. It was concluded from the study that ensiling and drying methods of processing reduces the ant-nutritional factors and the consequent better degradability of T1 and T2. However, the results of the study also revealed that ensiling is more effective than drying hence the better degradability recorded of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and the effective passage rate. Keyword: Digestibility, degradability, ensile, lea

Haematologic tolerance of a rumen fistulation protocol in Udaramsata Tertiary Institution Livestock Teaching and Research Farm, Kaduna State, Nigeria

ABSTRACTThis experiment was conducted at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma Livestock Teaching and Research Farm in Dutsin-Ma Local Government area of Katsina State, Nigeria. The study was aimed at studying haematological tolerance level of Uda rams to a rumen fistulation protocol involving incision of skin and muscles separation along the direction of muscle fibers by divulsion. Blood samples were collected and evaluated at the intervals of 0, 24 and 48hours to assess blood line response to the protocol. A total of 3 rams were used and assigned T1, T2 and T3 in a completely randomized technique. A significant (P< 0.05) continuum of decreased packed cell volume and haemoglobin concentration was observed from 0hrs through to 48hours connoting anaemia condition associated with the rumen fistulation protocol. However, significant (P < 0.01) tolerance levels were observed with the cell mediated immune response as evident in the increased lymphocyte counts (lymphocytosis) and an initial acute increase in neutrophils (neutrophilia). This technique was able to demonstrate good tolerance level to rumen fistulation by Uda rams making this breed a good candidate for nutritional and physiological studies requiring rumen fistulation

Antimicrobial-resistant in Escherichia coli isolated from different effluent locations within Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

The safety of municipal water is increasingly becoming of concern globally. Agricultural activities, industrial and residential effluents and community waste are ways through which water sources are contaminated and resistant bacteria can be spread via effluents to municipal water. The study aimed to isolate and determine the distribution of antimicrobial drug-resistant Escherichia coli from different points of the University sewer system in April 2018. A total of 48 samples were collected twice weekly from the six randomly selected inspection chamber sites out of the 14 identified sites. The selected sites of the sewer were located in some hostels, markets and health service areas within the ABU. main campus. The samples were processed by culturing on an EMB agar plate followed by biochemical characterization using conventional biochemical tests and Microbact 12E. An antimicrobial sensitivity test was also carried out using 13 different antibiotic discs. The results obtained revealed that the Community market had an isolation rate of 4(50%), while Sickbay had 3(37.5%) and Danfodiyo hostel with 2(25%). Multiple antimicrobial resistance index (MARI) was found to be 0.31 from four isolates (36%) of E. coli of which 3(75%) were sampled from Sickbay and 1(25%) from ABU Dam. Also, five isolates (45%) had MARI of 0.23, of which 2(40%) were sampled from Danfodiyo hostel, 1(20%) from Ribadu hostel and 2(40%) from Community market. The E. coli isolates were more resistant to Ampicillin, tetracycline and cephalothin. Other bacteria isolated were Klebsiella ozaenae, Hapnea alvei and Morganella morganii all with MARI of 0.31. There is a need for public health awareness on the effect of discharging antibiotic-resistant E. coli contaminated effluent into the environment and water bodies. Hence, the public health significance of recycling such water for domestic usage and agricultural purpose

Risk factors and knowledge of Brucella infection in camels, attitudes and practices of camel handlers in Katsina State, Nigeria

The study was conducted to determine the risk factors to brucellosis in one-humped (Dromedary) camels and to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of camel handlers to Brucellosis in Katsina State, Nigeria. Camels in herds and those brought to the abattoir for slaughter in the north and central senatorial districts of Katsina State were sampled for the study. Structured questionnaires were administered to determine knowledge, attitude and practices of camel handlers to camel brucellosis in Katsina state, Nigeria Modified Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Serum Agglutination Test (SAT) with EDTA were used as screening and standard tests respectively. Out of a total of 980 camel sera tested, 11.2% and 10.5% were positive with RBPT and SAT, respectively. Female had OD 1.758 (95% CI = 1.157 – 2.669, p = 0.008) more chances of getting infected than males camels. There was statistical significant association (ᵡ2= 7.189, p = 0.007) observed in the prevalence rates in favour of females. It was also observed that camels of age group 16-20 years showed highest prevalence to brucellosis. There was statistical significant association (ᵡ2 = 13.602, p = 0.009) observed in the prevalence rates according to age. It was determined that there is very poor knowledge of camel brucellosis amongst stakeholders as a result they had a "lassez faire" attitude towards the disease and no practices towards prevention of infection either to them or their animals. There is the need to carry out awareness campaigns to enlighten camel owners, herdsmen, abattoir staff about the dangers of poor hygiene during meat and milk processing, the importance of use of protective clothing when carrying out these operations and the dangers of zoonotic diseases and the dangers of consumption of unpasteurized camel milk and milk products, the public health significance of the brucellosis and that there is the need to develop a strategic plan to decrease spread of brucellosis in the study area.Keywords: Brucella, Seroprevalence, Camels, KAP, Risk Factor

Evaluation of spices used in meat products in Sokoto metropolis, Nigeria

Spices and proportions of individual spice used in meat products in Sokoto metropolis were identified for consumer awareness and preference. Data were obtained through a questionnaire given to meat product producers, spice merchants and processed meat consumers within Sokoto metropolis. Cluster sampling was used to select spice merchants in Sokoto central market, snowball and multistage sampling were used to select meat products producers and consumers, respectively. The spices identified were ginger, garlic, chilli, nutmeg, black pepper, cloves and alligator pepper. Proportion of the spices used in a spice mix was found to follow the order ginger (53.89%), chilli (19.98%), garlic (12.63%), nutmeg (5.88%), black pepper (4.58%), cloves (2.42) and alligator pepper (0.61%) respectively. Based on the result of the awareness of spices, the species were found to follow the awareness order of ginger (100%), chilli (100%) garlic (76.7%), nutmeg (67.5%), black pepper (66.9%), cloves (65%) and alligator pepper (50%) while in preference for spices, the species differed (P<0.05) in all except for chilli and cloves (P>0.05) which were preferred equally. However, ginger was most preferred and alligator pepper was least preferred. There was a positive relationship between awareness and preference

Seroepidemiology of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in Katsina State, Nigeria

A cross sectional study was carried out on 200 cattle from 108 purposively  selected herds in Mai’adua, Dutsinma and Funtua Local Government Areas  representing Northern, Central and Southern Districts of Katsina state to determine herd and animal level seroprevalence of CBPP and to also identify risk factors of transmission of the disease in the state. Latex Agglutination Test (LAT) kit was used to assay for antibodies against Mycoplasma mycoides mycoides Small Colony (MmmSC). Structured questionnaires were used to generate data on possible risk factors to CBPP in the state. Herd level and animal level CBPP seroprevalence of 61.1% with odds ratio of 0.8 (95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.34-1.73) and 47.5% with odds ratio of 1.8 (95% CI = 0.52-6.39) respectively was found. It was concluded that persistence of opportunities for contact between infected herds and or individual animals with susceptible ones will continue to sustain transmission and prevalence of CBPP in Katsina state. The Katsina state government should review its control strategy on CBPP and develop more intensified initiatives that will reach the ordinary herdsman in the rural community. Control, elimination and final eradication measures should be developed and well funded towards this disease of economic importance.Keywords: CBPP, Cattle, Seroprevalence, Mai’adua, Dutsinma, Katsina Seroepidemiologie de la Pleuropneumonie Contagieuse Bovine (CBPP) dans l’etat de Katsina au Nigeria Une étude transversale a été réalisée sur 200 bovins provenant de 108 troupeaux choisis à dessein dans les districts de May’adua, Dutsinma et Funtua représentant les districts nord, centre et sud de l’État de Katsina pour déterminer la  séroprévalence de la PPCB au niveau du troupeau et de l’animal et définir les facteurs de risque de transmission de la maladie dans cet État. Le kit du Test de l’agglutination au latex (LAT) a été utilisé pour tester les anticorps contre  Mycoplasma mycoides mycoides « Small Colony » (MmmSC). Des questionnaires structurés ont été utilisés pour générer des données sur les facteurs de risque possibles de la péripneumonie contagieuse bovine dans cet État. La séroprévalence de la PPCB au niveau du troupeau et de l’animal était de 61,1%, respectivement avec un rapport de cotes de 0,8 (intervalle de confiance à 95% = 0,34-1,73) et de 47,5% avec un rapport de cotes de 1,8 (IC à 95% = 0,52-6,39). Il a été conclu que la persistance des possibilités de contact entre les troupeaux infectés et / ou les individus et les animaux sensibles continuerait à maintenir la transmission et la prévalence de la péripneumonie contagieuse bovine dans l’État de Katsina. Le  gouvernement de l’État de Katsina devrait revoir sa stratégie de contrôle de la péripneumonie contagieuse bovine et développer des initiatives plus intensives susceptibles d’atteindre le berger ordinaire dans la communauté rurale. Des mesures de contrôle, d’élimination et d’éradication finale devraient être développées et bien financées afin de lutter contre cette maladie d’importance économique.Mots-clés : PPCB, bovins, séroprévalence, Mai’adua, Dutsinma, Katsin