Tanzania Veterinary Journal

The use of alfaxalone on free ranging African Pygmy Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) premedicated with xylazine produces a stable and short term anaesthesia

D.G. Mpanduji — 2024-10-07

The African wild pygmy hedgehog has been domesticated and widely used in scientific experiments. Anesthesia of hedgehogs appear to be challenging, commonly associated with peri-anesthetic mortality. Inhalant anaesthetics are the agents of choice while injectable agents are seldom used and there are no reports on the use of alfaxalone. Thus the aim of this study was to evaluate two anaesthesia protocols of alfaxalone combined with a fixed dose of xylazine in hedgehog. Two groups consisting of 10 hedgehogs each were used in the study. The first group received 8mg/kg dose while the second group received 12mg/kg dose of alfaxalone with xylazine premedication maintained at 1mg/kg. All drugs were administered intramuscularly. Induction time, duration of anaesthesia and pain reflexes were monitored and recorded. Cardinal Health parameters were recorded just before, and at the 10^th and 20^th minutes post injection of anaesthetics. The two doses (8mg/kg and 12mg/kg) of alfaxalone used showed no differences on the induction time but induced profound anaesthesia that differed significantly (P≤0.05) and lasted for 37±14.72 and 54.4±17.35 minutes respectively with spontaneous and uneventful recovery. The two doses maintained respiration rates within the ranges of pre injection values while significant depression was noted on heart rates and rectal temperatures. The two tested doses of alfaxalone were well tolerated and appear to be safe for induction of short duration anaesthesia in hedgehogs. However, further study involving several doses to evaluate the cardiopulmonary dynamics and temperature regulation effects of the drug in question is recommended.

Tracheal epithelium and submucosal glands are predominant sites expressing Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Antigen 2 alpha in the mouse

C. Luziga — 2024-10-07

Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 2-alpha (CTLA 2-alpha) is cysteine proteinase inhibitor protein originally expressed in mouse activated T-cells and mast cells. Microarray, semi-quantitative PCR and Western blotting techniques identified CTLA 2-alpha as a novel lung tissue-specific secretory gene in the mouse. We also demonstrated the expression of CTLA 2-alpha in bronchiolar epithelial cells of the mouse lung. To extend these findings, we performed immunohistochemical analysis to determine the distribution of CTLA 2-alpha in the trachea. Results showed that CTLA 2-alpha is strongly expressed in pseaudostratified epithelium within columnar ciliated cells, and goblet cells that produce mucin. Staining was also evident in the submucosal glands within serous cells, and cuboidal cells lining ducts of submucosal glands. In the hyaline cartilage, CTLA 2-alpha was found in the cytoplasm of chondrocytes located in lacuna. The distribution pattern implicates an important role of CTLA 2-alpha in relation to immune defense of the trachea against infections and processing of secretions produced by the submucosal glands.

Canine intestinal parasitosis in Antananarivo, Madagascar

F. M. Rajemison — 2024-10-07

The canine intestinal parasitosis has rarely been documented in Madagascar. Intestinal parasite causes one of the most digestive diseases in dog, and contributes to the risk of zoonoses due to the existing close relationship between humans and dogs. The main objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of canine intestinal parasitosis in Antananarivo and the associated risk factors for humans. This is a retro-prospective, analytical study covering the period between 2016-2017. Multivariate logistic regression was used to study the relationship between parasitic infestation and epidemio-clinical parameters. The prevalence obtained was 52.43% (n = 215/ 410). In general, the parasitic infestation was dominated by nematodes; the main identified parasites were Toxocara canis (73%) and Ankylostoma caninum (24.63%). The others parasites were Trichuris vulpis (2.78%), Dipylidium caninum (2.78%), Toxascaris leonina (0.93%), Taenia spp (0.46%). The results confirm the existence of canine gastrointestinal parasites and calls for the implementation of preventive measures.

Trends in human animal-bite cases and rabies control efforts in Iringa region, Tanzania

J.T. Choga — 2024-10-07

Animal-bites are the major cause for rabies transmission to humans. A retrospective study was conducted to determine trends in human animal-bites, spatial distribution and rabies vaccination coverage in cats and dogs in Iringa region for years between 2017 and 2021. Records of animal-bites were acquired from animal disease surveillance reports of all Iringa region districts. A total of 2,725 animal-bite human victims were recorded over the period of five years. A decreasing trend in human animal-bites incidence was recorded from 74 bites per 100,000 populations in 2017 to 32 bites per 100,000 populations in 2021. Dogs were the main cause of bites recorded (99%), and the most affected group were children aged between one and 15 years (36%). The spatial distribution of animal-bites cases indicated significant difference between district (P<0.001) with Iringa District Council accounting for 30.2%, Mufindi District Council 21%, Mafinga Town Council 20.7%, Iringa Municipal Council 18.5% and Kilolo District Council accounting for 9.6%. The mean annual vaccination coverage in dogs and cats were about 54% and 35%, respectively during the study period. The number of animal-bite cases recorded is significant to indicate potential risks of rabies transmission to human in Iringa region. Therefore, deliberate efforts should be made in Iringa region to increase vaccination coverage in both cats and dogs. Appropriate intervention measures should also be taken to prevent animal-bites with emphasis to responsible animal ownership.

Prevalence of Aflatoxins B1 in livestock feeds and its awareness among selected small and medium scale farmers in Zambia

N. S. Stanley — 2024-10-07

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a poisonous and carcinogenic fungal by-product produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus species, causing acute and chronic toxicity in humans and animals. The global concern surrounding AFB1 arises from its adverse effects on public health, the economy, and social well-being. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of AFB1 in feeds and its awareness among small and medium scale livestock farmers. Livestock feed samples were randomly collected and analyzed in the laboratory for fungi known to produce aflatoxins using selective media. The positive samples were subjected to QSight LX50 UHPLC coupled with QSight 220 triple quadrupole Mass Spectrometer analysis to confirm presence of AFB1 and determine the quantity of the levels of AFB1. The questionnaire was employed to assess cognizance of aflatoxin among livestock farmers. On average every 27 out of 100 collected samples were found to be contaminated with aflatoxins. Poultry feeds had the highest contamination followed by feeds for other species. Further analysis revealed a significant association between storage and aflatoxins contaminations (X²= 10.65; p-value= 0.03). The contamination ranged from 6.5 to70.2ng g-¹of AFB. The study also revealed a varied levels of awareness on AFB1 between small and medium scale farmers with medium scale farmers having a relatively higher awareness on the effect of AFB1 than small scale farmers. The presence of AFB1 shows that it is necessary to implement mitigation measures that focus on reducing the incidence of aflatoxin contamination, and improvement of AFB1 awareness in small and medium scale livestock farmers.