Sahel Journal of Veterinary Sciences

Clinico-haematological and serum biochemical changes associated with foot and mouth disease in some breeds of cattle in Oyo State, Nigeria

2024-10-13T13:27:31+00:00

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is considered one of the major hindrances to the growth of animal husbandry in Nigeria, with a projected annual loss of about 7 billion naira. We sought to establish the haematological and biochemical features in Nigerian indigenous cattle naturally infected with Food and Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV) by comparing the haematological and biochemical features between breeds, sex, and age. Forty cattle showing clinical manifestations and confirmed positive for FMD with the FMD rapid diagnostic kit were sampled for this study. Standard hematological and serum biochemical techniques were adopted for the analysis. There were more clinical FMD cases in the White Fulani breed (50%) compared with Red Bororo (10%), females (60%) compared to males (40%), and adults (60%) compared to young (40%) cattle, respectively. There were no significant differences between males and females in all the biochemical and haematological parameters, except neutrophils and absolute neutrophils which had p-values of 0.022 and 0.003, respectively. There were more cases of FMD in white Fulani, females, and adults than in other breeds, males and young cattle, respectively. Red Bororo breed, female and adult FMD-infected cattle had higher hematological and biochemical parameters compared to other breeds, male and young FMD infected cattle respectively. Generalized neutrophilia, lymphopenia, hypoproteinemia, increased ALT, and decreased AST enzymes were observed when compared with reference values.

Occurrence of anaplasmosis among cattle in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria

2024-10-13T14:23:59+00:00

Anaplasmosis, a tick-borne disease affecting cattle, poses significant economic challenges in Benue State, Nigeria. Despite its prevalence, detailed studies on its pathology and economic implications are limited. The study investigated the prevalence and seasonal occurrence of anaplasmosis in cattle, along with its distribution across different age classes and sexes. Blood samples were collected over a three-month period covering both dry and wet seasons. Samples were obtained from 432 cattle via jugular vein puncture and processed using the thin blood film method. Microscopic examination was conducted to detect tick-borne hemoparasites. Statistical analysis, employing the chi-square test, was performed to evaluate differences within categorical variables. Of the 432 cattle examined, 31.0% were males and 69.0% females. Female cattle exhibited a higher overall prevalence of infection (68.1%) compared to males (31.9%). A prevalence of 58.7% was recorded for the wet season compared to the dry season (41.3%), but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Adult cattle had the highest prevalence of anaplasmosis (71.0%), followed by juveniles (14.6%) and calves (14.1%). Among males, adult cattle had the highest infection rate (28.3%), while among females, adult females had the highest prevalence (71.7%), with statistical significance at P < 0.05 compared to other age classes and sexes. The findings provide valuable insights into the epidemiology of anaplasmosis in cattle and underscore the importance of considering location, season, age class, and sex in disease management and control strategies.

Molecular typing of Cryptosporidium in cattle in Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria

2024-10-13T14:47:33+00:00

Cryptosporidium is an enteric pathogen with worldwide distribution in humans and animals with cattle as their reservoirs. Molecular tools have been very useful in determining the epidemiology of this zoonotic pathogen of public health importance. Despite the importance of this pathogen to humans and animals, there is a limited published information on the risk factors of its epidemiology in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. Positive faecal samples of 400 cattle in 46 farms located in 6 area councils of the FCT that were earlier screened for Cryptosporidium on light microscopy were genotyped by nested PCR using primers that targeted 18S ssUrRNA gene and followed by RFLP. The PCR-RFLP products were further sub genotyped by nested PCR and GP 60 KDa gene amplification. The nucleotides of the amplicons were subsequently sequenced. The overall PCR detection rate was 5.5%. Analysis of the 18S rRNA gene of the PCR-RFLP fragments revealed Cryptosporidium ryanae (18.3%), C. andersoni (8.5%) and C. parvum (4.2%). Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the GP 60KDa gene of all the C. parvum detected showed all to be 100% subtype family IIa and 100% sub genotype IIaA18G3R1. This study in conclusion has established the presence of Cryptosporidium in cattle in FCT. The detection of the zoonotic C. parvum, its subtype IIa and its allele IIaA18G3R1 is an indication of source of zoonotic transmission of the parasite in the FCT, Nigeria.

Distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of extended spectrum Beta-lactamase producing-Escherichia coli from ruminants in Maiduguri, Nigeria: public health implication

2024-10-13T17:43:56+00:00

Extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) is resistant to many antibiotics, including cephalosporins and penicillin. The emergence of ESBL-E. coli poses a threat to the entire animal and human community, not just individuals with direct exposure to ruminants but also to the environment. The study evaluated the isolation rate and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of ESBL-producing E. coli from 128 ruminants in the University of Maiduguri campus. E. coli was isolated from 32 (25%) of the rectal swabs collected from cattle, goats, and sheep. ESBL-producing E. coli was more common in young animals 8(30.8%) than in adult animals 12 (11.8%). More than 80% of the isolates were resistant to all of the beta-lactam antibiotics used in the study. The study suggests that the high prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli in ruminants may be associated with the unregulated use of beta-lactam antibiotics in veterinary practice and animal husbandry. We recommend public health awareness about the dangers of antimicrobial resistance. Also, continued monitoring of BL-E. coli prevalence in both animals and humans is crucial to track trends and guide interventions. Promoting the judicious use of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine is essential to reduce selective pressure for resistance development. Improved hygiene practices at farms, slaughterhouses, and food processing facilities can minimize contamination and human exposure.

Effects of body indices and shoeing on hoof morphometry among sudanese country-bred polo horses in Nigeria

2024-10-13T17:53:32+00:00

Several factors influence hoof size which largely determine the normal function of the equine limbs. The effects of shoeing and body indices on hoof morphometry among Sudanese country-bred polo horses in Nigeria were evaluated in the present study. Apparently healthy, shod/barefooted Sudanese country-bred mares without hoof abnormalities were randomly selected and included in the present study. As body indices, we measured the height at withers, heart-girth, body length, and body weight; as hoof parameters, we measured the toe length, solar length, hoof width, and dorsal and ventral hoof wall width on all limbs. Pearson correlation analysis and the independent sample T test were applied for data analysis. The mean height, body weight, heart girth and body length of the Sudanese country-bred horses were 1589.5 ± 56.0 mm, 430.8 ± 42.9 kg, 1758.8±65.31mm and 1649.4±50.03mm respectively which were not significantly different between the shod and barefooted. The dorsal hoof wall width and the hoof solar length and width between the shod and barefooted groups differed statistically significantly (p<0.05). In Sudanese country-bred mares, there was a strong positive correlation that was different significantly between the heart-girth, body length, and body weight. Hoof morphometry and body indices showed a strong positive correlation. The most important ratios relating to hoof size differences between horses with shoes and those without were the hoof index, length, and width to body measurement ratios. According to this study, Sudanese Country-bred horses' hoof morphometry is significantly impacted by shoeing and body indices.

Haematological, serum biochemical and acute phase protein profiles of sheep with footrot infection caused by Dichelobacter nodosus

2024-10-13T18:02:41+00:00

Foot-related diseases are among the most common herd health issues worldwide, leading to heavy burden on the sheep and their owner including heavy socio-economic losses. This study investigated the haematological, serum biochemical and acute phase protein profiles of sheep with footrot infection caused by Dichelobacter nodosus. Blood samples from 15 sheep with footrot and 10 healthy controls were collected and analyzed for possible alterations in haematological, serum biochemical parameters and acute phase protein (APPs). Sheep with footrot showed significant changes in haematological parameters including left-shift, neutrophilic leukocytosis, lymphopenia and monocytosis. Serum biochemical assay revealed significant (P<0.05) increase in the concentration of total protein, cortisol, glucose, haptoglobin and fibrinogen while the concentration of albumin was significantly decreased. The finding of this study emphasizes the importance of haematological, serum biochemical and APP analytes in the diagnosis and monitoring of footrot in sheep. The finding of this current study could be used for the development of point-of-care diagnostic markers that would aid prompt diagnosis and treatment of footrot in sheep.

Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of preputial bacterial flora from apparently healthy bulls, bams, and bucks in Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria

2024-10-13T21:04:36+00:00

The aim of this study was to identify the preputial aerobic bacterial flora from bulls, rams and bucks and to determine their antimicrobial sensitivities. Preputial swabs were collected randomly from twenty each of clinically healthy post pubertal bulls, rams and bucks. Using standard bacteriological techniques, the following bacteria were identified; Escherichia coli (bulls 26.5%, rams 19.2% and buck 22.7%), Staphylococcus aureus (bulls 25.0 %, rams 26.0 % and bucks 24.2 %), Streptococcus (bulls 20.6%, rams 26.0 % and bucks 25.8%), Salmonella (bulls 14.7%), Shigella (rams 15.1% and bucks 15.2%) and Klebsiella (bulls 13.2%, rams 13.7 % and bucks 12.1%) species. There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between the proportions of bacterial species and different animal species. In bulls, all bacterial isolates were susceptible to Ciprofloxacin (100%) and Levofloxacin (100%) while 60% of the bacterial isolates showed resistance to amoxicillin, ampiclox and streptomycin. In rams, all the bacterial isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin (100%) and gentamycin (100%) while 40% of bacterial isolates were resistant to chloramphenicol. In bucks, all bacterial isolates were susceptible to amoxicillin (100%), ampiclox (100%) and gentamycin (100%) while 20% bacterial isolates were resistant to streptomycin. This study shows that a few bacteria colonize the prepuce of ruminants in Maiduguri and there is need for preputial washing prior to breeding to reduce contamination of semen during natural mating or collection. Amoxiciillin, ampiclox, ciprofloxacin and gentamycin could be used as therapeutic agents to diseases that could be caused by the bacteria in prepuce of these animal species.

Effects of Dichlorvos on pregnancy outcomes in Wistar albino rats

2024-10-13T19:15:27+00:00

Dichlorvos is an organophosphate widely used as an insecticide. This study determines the effect of dichlorvos on pregnancy in Wistar rats. Forty-two bred female rats were divided into 7 groups (A, B, C, D, E, F and G) comprising of 6 rats each. Rats in 3 groups received 4.45mg/kg in the 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd trimester of pregnancy, respectively. The other 3 groups received 8.9mg/kg in 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd trimester, respectively. The dam to pups’ ratio decreased as the dose of dichlorvos increased except in the third trimester. The percentage birth weight of the treated groups was not different from the control except at third trimester when there was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the 8.9mg/kg groups. There were no significant (p>0.05) differences in the crown-rump and gestation length within the groups and trimesters except in the third trimester where there was a significant difference (p<0.05) between 8.9mg/kg group and others. The study shows that dichlorvos is capable of altering pregnancy outcomes in female Wistar rats.

Clinicopathological manifestations of contagious bovine pleuro-pneumonia in a herd of Sokoto gudali heifers

2024-10-13T19:44:57+00:00

Contagious bovine pleuro-pneumonia (CBPP) is an endemic disease in Nigeria, mostly affecting cattle. Despite the endemic status of CBPP in Nigeria, there is a dearth of information on the clinicopathological manifestations of the disease in Sokoto Gudali breed of cattle, hence the need to highlight our findings in this report. The carcass of 11-month-old Sokoto Gudali heifer was presented for necropsy with a history of respiratory distress amongst the herd. A detailed postmortem examination was conducted, and representative tissue sections collected for histopathologic tissue processing. Swabs of the lung tissue and pleural effusion were also collected for bacteriology. A farm visit to assess and manage the disease within the herd was also carried out. Nasal swabs and blood samples were also collected for bacteriological and haematological analyses. Necropsy revealed marked fibrinous effusion in the pleural cavity, fibrinous consolidation of the left lung, and chronic pneumonia of the right lung. Clinical observations of the herd made on farm visit included emaciation, cough, nasal discharge, anorexia and fever in some of the heifers. Haematological analysis of the blood samples revealed anaemia and leukopenia due to neutropenia. Histopathological analysis of samples from the left lung revealed acute fibrinous pleuro-pneumonia whereas analysis of the right lung revealed chronic interstitial pneumonia. Microbial culture of the pleural effusion and nasal swab yielded growths of Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides (Mmm) colonies. Consequently, the sick heifers were culled while others were treated with enrofloxacin and tetracycline injections. The burden of CBPP in cattle in Nigeria is enormous and discourages investments in the livestock sector thereby thwarting efforts to meet the protein requirements of the growing population.