Zoologist (The)

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of goats slaughtered in Swali, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Chinonye O. Ezenwaka — 2024-06-27

Gastrointestinal parasites are considered the major disease-causing organisms of small ruminants (sheep and goats) in Nigeria. This study evaluated the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of goats slaughtered in Swali Abattoir, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Faecal samples collected from 100 goats were analysed for the presences of gastrointestinal parasites using formol-ether concentration technique. An overall prevalence of 34% was recorded during the study. Among the 61 female and 39 male goats examined, 27(44.26%) and 7(17.95%) were infected, respectively. The gastrointestinal parasites identified were Trichostrongylus species, Haemonchus species and Eimeria species; with Trichostrongylus spp. being the most prevalent (64.7%). Statistically, the result showed no significant difference with respect to age (p=0.06). Although a higher prevalence was recorded among the Kano breed (36.84%) than Red Sokoto breed (32.26%), the difference was not significant (p<0.05). Economic losses due to gastrointestinal parasitism are serious constraints affecting small ruminant production worldwide. Therefore, it is recommended that regular effective control measures should be employed and farmers should be educated on the proper use of anthelminthics.

Drivers of bushmeat consumption and perception of zoonotic disease risks in a Nigerian wet market

Soladoye B. Iwajomo — 2024-06-27

Bushmeat trade has been documented as one of the causes of wildlife depletion and population decline and it is also implicated in the transmission of zoonotic diseases. This study investigated the factors influencing bushmeat trade and the perception of zoonotic disease transmission among vendors and buyers of the commodity at the Oluwo Market, Epe, Lagos, Nigeria. Data was collected using 150 structured interviewer-administered questionnaires through the KoboCollect survey tool between February and October 2022. Results revealed that the top three bushmeat sought after were Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus), Pangolin (Phataginus tricuspis) and Antelopes. There was no significant association between household income and bushmeat consumption pattern (p>0.05), rather non-financial factors namely taste, aroma and cultural customs were the main drivers of bushmeat consumption. Most occasional consumers (67%) would choose cheaper alternative protein sources over bushmeat. However, price increase will not deter purchasing in both groups. The lack of knowledge regarding disease transmission through contact and consumption of bushmeat was high among sellers (79%) and buyers (47%). The use of hand protection like gloves was uncommon when handling animals. Establishing safety standards among buyers and sellers is urgently needed, along with public health education to address zoonotic diseases risks.

Prevalence of fascioliasis in slaughtered cattle in six Area Councils in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Leah J. Ogbaje — 2024-06-27

This study aims to evaluate bovine fascioliasis in cattle slaughtered in abattoirs of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja. Weekly from May 2022 to April 2023, liver and faecal samples collected from cattle slaughtered at the abattoirs were examined and recovered Fasciola preserved in 70% ethanol. The formal ether concentration technique was used for ova detection. Infected livers were further examined for lesions and presence of adult parasite. A total of 584 cattle were sampled and an overall prevalence of 275 (47.00%) was recorded. Out of 584 cattle examined, 294 were males and 290 females with prevalence of 115 (39.00%) in males and 160 (55.00%) in females. Sex related prevalence showed significant relationship (p<0.05). Infection rate was significantly higher in older cattle (≥6years), 36 (70.00%) than younger cows (p<0.05). The highest prevalence was recorded in March, 20 (57.00%) and the least in May, 24 (33.00%). The relationship between season and prevalence of infection was statistically significant (p<0.05). The abattoir, AMAC, 59 (69.00%) had the highest prevalence while Abaji, 8 (32.00%) had the least. The results showed that fascioliasis is still endemic in Abuja, therefore regular inspection and treatment of cows, ranching rather than nomadism and public enlightenment are recommended mitigation measures.

Malaria parasitaemia among residents attending selected secondary health facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria

Richard Angaticha — 2024-06-27

Malaria is an urgent public health priority due to its high cause of morbidity and mortality. This study investigated the prevalence of malaria parasitaemia in Rivers State, Nigeria. Random sampling technique was used. A total of 1200 samples were collected; thick films (stained with Fields stain A&B) and thin films (stained with 3% Giemsa) were examined microscopically. Out of these samples, 530 (44.16 %) were infected, with total parasite density of 2107518/µl. Plasmodium falciparum was the only species found. The highest infection 61 (61%) was in General Hospital (GH) Abua with statewide infection, 61 (5.08%) and parasite density 248616/µl followed by GH Ahoada East, 59 (59%) with statewide infection of 59 (4.92%) and parasite density 203540/µl and the least was GH Isiokpo, 24 (24%) with statewide infection of 24 (2%) and parasite density, 137696/µl (p<0.05). Rivers West had the highest infection rate, 215 (53.75%) with statewide infection of 215 (17.92%) and parasite density, 802100/µl whereas the least was recorded in Rivers East 134 (33.5%) with parasite density 685600/µl and statewide infection of 134 (11.16%). Consistent statewide investigation and sustained awareness should be carried out to track progress and identify areas of data driven intervention needs for smart decisions to combat malaria.

Status of urinary schistosomiasis among residents of Ebonyi Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Emmanuela C. Okpeta — 2024-06-27

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease prevalent in the sub-Saharan Africa. The present study determined the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in Ebonyi Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Six hundred (600) mid-stream urine samples from 348 males and 252 females were collected from the study participants and screened for the presence and intensity of Schistosoma haematobium ova using urine centrifugation microscopy. Out of the 600 urine samples examined, 408 (68.00%) were infected. Males were more infected 242 (69.54%) than females 166 (65.87%). The highest prevalence (85.15%) was observed among age group 11-20 years while age group 31-40 years had the least (36.00%). There were significant differences in parasite prevalence among age groups and sexes (p<0.05). It was also observed that 188 (31.33%) and 220 (36.67%) participants excreted < 50 eggs/10ml urine and > 50 eggs/10ml urine, respectively with an average infection intensity of 36.72 eggs/10ml urine. This baseline study for Ebonyi LGA shows that urinary schistosomiasis is a public health problem in the study area. Integrated control approach is therefore recommended to ensure significant reduction or possible elimination of the disease in the area.

Behavioural, haematological, biochemical and histological changes in African Catfish, Heterobranchus bidorsalis (Geoffrey Saint-Hilaire, 1809) exposed to Orizoplus®

Florence A. Elebe — 2024-06-27

Worldwide, herbicides are used to control weeds to boost crop productivity, however, they could harm non-target species like fish if misapplied. This study evaluates the effect of Orizoplus®, a commonly used herbicide on the behaviour, haematology, blood biochemistry and kidney histology of juvenile catfish, Heterobranchus bidorsalis. Juvenile fish weighing 12.6.01±5.43g were exposed to sublethal concentrations of Orizoplus® for 96h. Thereafter, the water quality and behavioural, blood biochemistry and histopathological changes of the fish were monitored. The results showed concentration-dependent changes in behaviour. The white blood cell increased significantly (p<0.05) by 107-112% while red blood cells, haemoglobin, mean cell corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and mean cell haemoglobin content reduced non-significantly (p>0.05) in the test organisms compared to the control. The activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) increased significantly (p<0.05), however, changes in the serum glucose, protein and bilirubin were not significant (p>0.05). Histopathological changes in the exposed fish were moderate shrinking of the glomerulus, eosinophilic appearance of the tubules, focal distortion of the glomerulus and severe loss of renal tissues. These show that Orizoplus® is toxic to fish and proper regulation and education are required to guide against misuse.

Hydatidosis among ruminants slaughtered in Kafur Abattoir, Katsina State

Nkiru C. Eberemu — 2024-06-27

Hydatidosis is an infection caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus. It is among the parasitic diseases that imperil livestock production. This study aims to determine the prevalence of hydatid cysts among ruminants slaughtered in Kafur Abattoir, Katsina State. Post-mortem examination of the visceral organs of 600 ruminants (200 cattle, 100 sheep and 300 goats) was carried out for six months (September 2022-March 2023). The overall prevalence of hydatid cysts was 144 (24%). The prevalence was 46 (23%) cattle, 14(14%) sheep and in 84 (28%) goat. The prevalence of hydatid cysts was significantly associated with goats (OR>1.0, 95% CI>1.0) while in cattle and sheep, it showed no association. The cyst diameter of <5cm was predominant (137 out of 278 cysts) while the cyst diameter of >10cm was the least abundant (32). The liver and lungs harboured the majority of the cysts recovered in the animals. In cattle, only the liver and lungs were infected; the liver, lungs and heart were infected in sheep while in goats all four organs were infected. The study showed a significant prevalence of hydatid cyst infection in the ruminants studied, suggesting the need for public health awareness and control of the disease.