The Control of Neglected Zoonotic Diseases in Nigeria through Animal Intervention

Zoonoses are a major cause of morbidity and mortality across the world and particularly in Nigeria; however, they are often neglected by primary healthcare managers and policy makers. The neglected zoonotic diseases endemic in Nigeria include Anthrax, brucellosis, Bovine Tuberculosis, Rabies, Lassa Fever, Animal Trypanosomosis and Echinococcosis. With a population of over 140million people, urbanisation, economic development; and the concomitant intensification of animal husbandry coupled with the development of peri-urban livestock production systems, the risk posed by these neglected zoonoses are enormous. Their control in Nigeria is nearly non-existent and their impact on human health is largely unknown. The possible risk factors associated with their occurrences have been identified, and risk-avoidance advocated. These neglected zoonoses are mainly maintained in animal reservoir; hence their control/elimination is possible only through interventions that extensively target animal reservoirs accompanied by public enlightenment and information. This underscores the need for collaborations and partnerships between stakeholders in the Ministries of Agriculture, Health and Information for the enhancement of the health of both human and animal populations

Comparison of the Fluorescent Antibody Test and Direct Microscopic Examination for Rabies Diagnosis at the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria.

One hundred and eighty-nine (189) dog brain samples submitted to the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria for rabies diagnosis were assayed by the Direct Microscopic Examination (DME) for Negri bodies, the Fluorescent Antibody Test (FAT) for rabies antigens, and the Mouse Inoculation Test (MIT). The MIT was used as a confirmatory test. There were 12(12.5%) false negative and 6(6.7%) false positive results with DME, while there was 2(1.7%) false negative and 2(1.7%) false positive with FAT. The FAT was more sensitive (98.26%) than the DME (87.5%), and also more specific, 97.29% and 93.55% respectively. The FAT predicted positive and negative results more accurately than the DME. Positive predictive value of FAT was 98.26% compared with 93.33% of DME, and the negative predictive value of FAT was 97.29% compared with DME’s 87.88%. The pre-test probability of rabies in Vom was 60.8%. This finding shows that FAT is a sensitive and reliable rabies diagnostic test than DME and its continued use is recommended in Nigeria whenever is feasible. The DME is still useful as a screening test, and the MIT must be used to confirm both FAT and DM