Nigerian Veterinary Journal

Occurrence and Phenotypic Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia Coli and Salmonella Enterica as Well as Coliform Load Recovered from Healthy Dogs in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana

Frederick Adzitey — 2024-10-28

Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli are vital bacteria associated with infections in both humans and animals. Their presence in dogs expose humans to the risk of infections. This study determined the occurrence and phenotype antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli recovered from healthy dogs in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. The study also examined coliform loads in these dogs. A total of 120 samples from five different parts (anus, mouth, nose, inner ear and outer ear) of apparently 24 healthy dogs were examined. Isolation and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli were determined according to the Bacteriological Analytical Manual and the Disc Diffusion methods, respectively. The occurrence of Salmonella enterica was highest at 41.7% and lowest at 8.33% while Escherichia coli in the dogs was highest at 62.5% and lowest at 16.7%. The coliform load was highest at 3.7 log cfu/cm² and lowest at 3.1 log cfu/cm² . The Salmonella enterica isolates were highly resistant to teicoplanin (100%) and tetracycline (89.5%), but susceptible to gentamicin (68.4%). The MAR index ranged from 0.1 to 0.7 and the resistance pattern TecTeCCro (resistant to teicoplanin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol and ceftriaxone) was the most common. For Escherichia coli, they were highly resistant to teicoplanin (84.6%) and tetracycline (73.1%), but susceptible to gentamicin (80.8%), ceftriaxone (88.5%) and chloramphenicol (92.3%). The MAR index ranged from 0.0 to 0.6 and the resistannce pattern Tec (resistant to only tetracycline) was the most common. In conclusion, this showed that apparently healthy dogs were sources of Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli. The Salmonella enterica and Escherichia coli isolates showed varied resistances to antibiotics.

The Relationship Between the Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Herders on Hygienic Milking and The Contamination Risk of Milk with Cryptosporidium Oocyst in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Daniel Obinna Esonu — 2024-10-28

Dairy products are consumed by millions on daily basis worldwide and as such the potential for foodborne illness is a major concern. This study investigated the occurrence of Cryptosporidium oocyst in cow bulk milk and the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of herders towards hygienic milking in selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 120 milk samples were collected for this study. Detection of Cryptosporidium oocyst in milk samples was carried out by concentration technique using Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4) solution and stained with Modified Ziehl Neelsen method. Sixty (60) structured questionnaires were administered to herders in the study area to identify possible risk factors and assess their knowledge, attitudes and practices toward hygienic milking. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in cow bulk milk was 11.7% (14/120). Questionnaires administered showed that the majority of the respondents had poor knowledge (88.3%), negative attitudes (85.0%) and adopted unsatisfactory practices (95.0%) to hygienic milking. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in cow bulk milk from this study suggests that the dairy cattle in these LGAs have a high potential for transmitting Cryptosporidium to humans. Hence the findings of this study are of great public health significance as these group of animals sampled produce milk for consumption in both urban and rural communities. Therefore, inhabitants of these LGAs should be informed and educated on the need to improve sanitary measures while milking these animals and the need for adequate pasteurization of milk before consumption.

Vaccine Quality Challenges in Secretly Traded H5 and H9 Avian Influenza Vaccines in Nigeria

Franklyn Ayomide Oluwadare — 2024-10-28

Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) especially the highly pathogenic subtype H5Nx causes Avian Influenza (AI) disease and it is a major threat to the poultry industry and public health worldwide. Vaccination is one of the control measures in many countries, though restricted in Nigeria. As such, some poultry farmers secretly employ imported H5 and H9 AI vaccines to vaccinate their chickens. This study investigated the antigenic quality of these imported vaccines. Four imported vaccine brands were tested using Hemagglutination (HA) test and Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR). All four vaccine samples tested negative in the HA test, indicating a lack of detectable HA antigen titer. Similarly, RT-PCR failed to amplify the targeted region of the viral matrix gene in any of the vaccine samples against reference control. These negative results are of great concern and suggest that the imported H5 and H9 vaccines lack essential antigens that could stimulate antibodies. Thus, potentially rendering them ineffective against circulating AI subtypes. The failure in antigenic quality could be due to myriads of factors including improper storage, transport (often due to illegal import), or limitations in the original vaccine production process. Regardless of the specific cause, these findings highlight the potential risks associated with the use of unregulated vaccines. Poultry farmers who use these imported vaccines may be incurring unnecessary costs while receiving a false sense of security for their flocks. In conclusion, due to the apparent lack of efficacious antigens, we suggest a quality monitoring of imported H5 and H9 vaccines in Nigeria for compliance with local regulations on vaccine use, biosecurity measures and investigation into the root causes of the vaccine failure observed in this study.

Animal Welfare Perspectives Against the Backdrop of Animal Cruelty in Nigeria

David Oludare Omoniwa — 2024-10-28

Knowledge is crucial for improving animal welfare. People's perceptions, attitudes, and understanding may be a hindrance to adopting animal welfare-improving ideas which is crucial for developing effective animal welfare policies and advocacy in Nigeria. This study evaluates the current knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of animal welfare among Nigerian residents. A cross-sectional survey using a structured questionnaire distributed via emails, social media platforms, and by personal contact. The survey collected data from 694 respondents across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria over 6 months (November 2023 and June 2024). Descriptive statistics, reliability testing, and inferential statistical tests were performed using SPSS for windows. The result revealed that majority (60-87.3%) of the respondents had a good knowledge of what constitutes cruelty to animals. Also, 88.8% were aware that animals have right to freedoms that could enhance their welfare, and 96.1% agreed that freedom from hunger and thirst is reasonable for animals. The standard deviations were relatively low, suggesting consistent responses among participants. Respondents (87.3%) also supported the enforcement of animal cruelty laws and the enactment of comprehensive animal welfare laws in Nigeria. The high knowledge scores among Nigerian residents suggest a strong foundational understanding of animal welfare principles. It is recommended that despite the result continual advocacy and policy development are still necessary to shape the public attitudes, and perceptions to animal.

Epidemiological Dynamics of Canine Morbillivirus in Resident Dogs of Makurdi Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

John Ibu — 2024-10-28

Canine distemper is an endemic viral disease of dogs in Nigeria. Knowledge of the carrier status of dogs is key to successful control of the disease. In this study, the carrier status of apparently healthy dogs’ resident in parts of Makurdi metropolis was determined using the immunochromatographic rapid antigen assay kit for qualitative detection of canine morbillivirus antigens in ante-mortem samples. Ocular-, nasal-, and rectal- swabs, as well as serum were taken from each of 204 dogs bringing a total of 816 samples. The results showed that 26.96 % of the dogs sampled were positive for Canine morbillivirus antigens. Viral antigens were detected in 9.8%, 11.27%, and 4.41% of nasal, ocular, and rectal swaps respectively, and in 6.37% of the serum samples collected. An age-related susceptibility was observed as viral antigens detection rate was higher in younger dogs compared to older ones. Similarly, 40.43% of vaccinated and 22.93% of unvaccinated dogs were positive for canine morbillivirus antigens. Of significant importance is the prevalence rate in unvaccinated population of dogs. In terms of breed-related detection rate, 23.93% of Nigerian local dogs and 40.63% of exotic breeds tested positive for viral antigens, and it was observed that 25.54% of dogs which had history of contact with other dogs and 40% of dogs which had no such history carried canine morbillivirus antigens. The significance of this study is that it details the current epidemiological dynamics of canine morbillivirus in resident dogs of Makurdi metropolitan area, and the findings are discussed.

Subject Areas: Animal infectious disease epidemiology.

Pathogenicity of Newcastle Disease Virus Isolated from Ethiopia

Fanambinantsoa Malaza Rajemison — 2024-10-28

Newcastle disease represents an enormous problem for African breeders, and country-specific fears and economic exchanges complicate its elimination and control. Slow laboratory diagnosis creates additional delays during initial epidemic discovery. To address these concerns, researchers undertook a study in Ethiopia to examine the impact of the circulating Newcastle disease virus on chicken farms. The aim of the study is to identify the virus from likely outbreak cases, confirm its pathogenicity, and evaluate its effects on vaccinated and uninfected chicks Forty chicks were separated into 02 groups and exposed to 02 virus samples at the National Veterinary Institute in Bishoftu, Ethiopia. The isolated viruses were classified as velogenic, with the BOG strains scoring 1.67 and the HAR strains rating 1.55. Immunized chicks demonstrated high herd immunity, while single immunization failure was observed. In the challenged group, the death rate was 55%, with all 20 unvaccinated chicks dying from the sickness, whereas just 2 out of 20 vaccinated chicks were afflicted. Statistical analysis showed that the virus produced general inflammation, which was more common in the BOG group (87.50%) than in the HAR group (12.50%). Vaccination significantly reduced clinical signs and gross lesions, such as irritation in multiple organs. The study showed the persistence of velogenic Newcastle disease virus strains in Ethiopia and the importance of vaccination. The findings have improved our understanding of the disease's physiopathology and provided vital information for responsible authorities to implement early intervention techniques.