Dermatophytes from skin lesions of domestic animals in Nsukka,Enugu State,Nigeria

Background – Dermatophytes are well‐recognized cutaneous fungi with public health implications. In Nigeria, several studies have been carried out on dermatophytosis in humans; however, data on dermatophytes in animals are lacking. Objectives – This study was conducted to determine the occurrence and species of dermatophytes in skin lesions in domestic animals in Nsukka Agricultural Zone of Enugu State, Nigeria. Animals – Forty‐six domestic animals (dogs, goats, sheep and pigs) presented for sale in the local markets in the study area and with suspected lesions of dermatophytosis were used for the study. Methods – Plucked hairs and epidermal scales from the skin lesions of affected animals were inoculated on Sabouraud dextrose agar slants containing 0.05 mg/mL of chloramphenicol and 0.5 mg/mL of cycloheximide. Inoculated slants were incubated at room temperature (27°C) for up to 4 weeks and examined at 2–3 day intervals for fungal growth. Laboratory identification of the fungal isolates was based on their colonial, microscopic and biochemical characteristics. Results – Of the 46 animals with suspected lesions of dermatophytosis, six (13.0%) were positive for a dermatophyte, and the following dermatophytes were identified: Microsporum gypseum, two of 12 sheep; Microsporum audouinii, one of 16 dogs; Trichophyton mentagrophytes, one of 16 dogs and one of 12 sheep; and Trichophyton schoenleinii, one of 13 goats. Conclusions and clinical importance – Anthropophilic dermatophytes are among the fungal agents associated with dermatophytosis in animals in Nsukka Agricultural Zone. These dermatophytes could constitute health risks to humans in contact with the animals.     

Porcine trypanosomosis in nigeria: Infections in local and exotic pigs in the Nsukka Area of Anambra State

Summary A twelve-month survey in three Local Government Areas (LGA) in Nsukka zone, Anambra State, Nigeria revealed that out of 150 local and exotic breeds of pig examined, 46 (30·7%) were infected with trypanosomes. Both single and mixed infections ofTrypanosoma brucei andT. congolense were observed. However,T. brucei was the predominant trypanosome encountered. The husbandry system in practice was the most significant factor influencing the prevalence of trypanosomes in the pigs. In addition significantly higher prevalences were recorded during the rainy seasons. Clinical trypanosomosis was encountered in only eight of the 46 positive cases seen, with anaemia, loss of weight and anoestrus being the most important effects associated with these infections. The pathogenic and economic significance of these findings are discussed.

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Resumen Un estudio epidemiológico de 12 meses, sobre tripanosomiasis en cerdos, se llevó a cabo, en tres áreas gubernamentales en Nigeria. El estudio reveló, que de las 150 razas exóticas y locales de cerdos examinados, 46 (30·7 por ciento) se encontraron infectadas con tripanosomas. Se observaron al respecto infecciones únicas y mixtas deTrypanosoma brucei yT. congolense. Sin embargo,T. brucei fue el tripanosoma más observado. Las prácticas de manejo fueron los factores más significativos, sobre la prevalencia de tripanosomiasis en los cerdos estudiados. La prevalencia fue mayor en invierno, encontradose tripanosomiasis clínica en ocho de 46 casos positivos vistos, siendo la anemia, pérdida de peso y anestro, los efectos más importantes asociados con la infección. Se discute la patogénesis e importancia económica de estos hallazgos.

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Résumé Une enquête de 12 mois, dans 3 zones de la région de Nsukka (état d'Anambra au Nigeria) a montré que parmi 150 races ou variétés exotiques ou indigènes de porcs examinées, 46 soit 30, 7 p. 100, étaient infectées de trypanosomes. Des infections uniques ou doubles àTrypanosoma brucei et T. congolense ont été observées, avec prédominance deT. brucei. Le système d'élevage pratiqué s'est révélé le facteur le plus significatif quant à la prévalence des trypanosomes chez cette espèce. De plus, des prévalences significativement plus élevées ont été enregistrées pendant la saison des pluies. Les trypanosomoses cliniques n'ont été constatées que sur 8 des 46 cas positifs. La présence d'anémie, la perte de poids et l'anoestrus ont été les signes les plus importants associés à ces mêmes infections. Les conséquences pathologiques et économiques de ces résultats sont discutées.

     

First report of an infectious bursal disease outbreak in a vaccinated chicken flock in Anambra State, Nigeria.

Infectious bursal disease was reported in a flock of 7-week old vaccinated chickens. Clinical findings and post-mortem changes were classical as well as the microscopic pathology of the bursa. Bursal homogenates from dead birds were positive for IBD virus antigen in agar gel diffusion test (AGDT). Convalescent sera obtained from birds 14 days following the onset of clinical signs were also positive for IBD virus antibody in AGDT. Seven-week old susceptible birds, each infected i/m with 0.1 ml of a bursal preparation from the outbreak, showed clinical signs of IBD on the 3rd day and were all dead by the 6th day. Their bursae were also positive for IBD virus antigen in AGDT. This is the first recorded outbreak of IBD in Southern Nigeria following inoculation with a locally produced vaccine.     

Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in Jigawa State,northwestern Nigeria

We determined the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in Jigawa State, northwestern Nigeria using the comparative intradermal tuberculin test in 22 herds consisting of 922 cattle with overall and individual prevalence of 1.08% (10/922) and 45.45% (10/22) obtained, respectively.     

Castration,other management practices and socio-economic implications for dog keepers in Nsukka area,Enugu state,Nigeria

Structured interviews were used to obtain information from 258 respondents from among 625 people who were selected by stratified random sampling from villages in five of seven local government areas of Nsukka area. Information included gender and literacy status of the respondents, whether the respondents had (between 1990 and 1995) presented any of their dogs for castration, the comparative market value of the dogs, and dog use and owner preference for castrates in performance of such duties. Information on bathing, vaccinations, confinements, use of veterinarians and cultural and religious uses of dogs also were sought. Also, 208 (80%) of the respondents had their dogs castrated.

Of the respondents, 23% were literate, 37% semiliterate and 40% illiterate. Of the 367 non-respondents, 63% were not available during the time of contact and 37% resented dog keeping and therefore refused to talk. About 958 dogs were owned by respondents, of these dogs, 56%, 27% and 17% were females, intact males and castrates, respectively.

There was no association between the respondent’s literacy status and dog-sex preference in performance of such uses as security, hunting, and “economic reasons”. The three most-important reasons for dog keeping were security, pet and hunting. However, the use of castrates for security was favoured by most keepers irrespective of literacy status. Most of the respondents agreed that dogs are used as gifts and 72% of the respondents agree that dog meat is a protein source. Castration should be encouraged because of its market value. Usage was low of veterinary services, confinement, and bathing of dogs.     

Infectious sinusitis in turkeys at Ibadan, Nigeria

Thirty out of 70 imported broad-breasted white turkeys with severe sinusitis were both culturally and serologically positive for Mycoplasma gallisepticum. Infectious sinusitis due to M. gallisepticum was therefore diagnosed. A low mortality of 5.7% of the total flock was recorded. This appears to be the first published report on M. gallisepticum isolation in turkeys in Nigeria.     

Effects of climate change on malaria morbidity and mortality in Taraba State,Nigeria

The study investigated the effects of climatic changes on malaria parasite prevalence, morbidity and mortality in Taraba State, Nigeria. Using a retrospective study design, the study relied on secondary data covering a period from 2005 to 2014, obtained from Meteorological Station Jalingo and Health facilities. Mean annual rainfall, temperature and relative humidity from 2005 to 2014 were 1 886 mm, 24.2 °C and 70%, respectively. Per 1 000 people, mean malaria morbidity was 228.9 and mortality 0.311. Years with peak malaria morbidities (2006, 2011 and 2014) had lowest annual rainfalls (1 488–1 677 mm). Monthly, malaria morbidity had a significantly negative linear relationship with rainfall (r = ?0.536, p < 0.0001) and relative humidity (r = ?0.509, p < 0.001), and a significantly positive linear relationship with temperature (r = 0.305, p = 0.001). Within the decade, malaria morbidity and mortality increased by 0.298% and 0.0007%, respectively. This study provides information on the malaria situation in Taraba State that could be useful to the National Malaria Control Programs and public health service providers in formulating policies that might promote the mitigation of malaria in Nigeria.     

Seroepidemiological survey of rabies virus antibodies in non vaccinated dogs in Nsukka environs, Nigeria

Serum samples from 254 non vaccinated and apparently healthy dogs of local breeds in Nsukka environs, Nigeria were examined for the presence of antibodies to rabies virus by haemagglutination-inhibition technique. The prevalence rates of rabies antibodies in, less than 3 months, 3-6 months, and over 6 months old dogs were 17.5%, 7.3% and 22.8% respectively, and overall 16.1% in the dog population. This was the first documented report of rabies antibodies in non vaccinated dogs in Eastern Nigeria. The results were discussed with respect to the epidemiology of prototype rabies and rabies-related viruses. It was suggested that the antibodies were most probably due to the non virulent prototype rabies or rabies-related virus strains. 83.9% of susceptible dogs in the population suggested a mandatory regular a vaccination of all dogs in interest of public health and control of the disease. The study highlighted the need for more studies on epidemiology of rabies and rabies-related viruses in Nigeria.     

Studies on the blood parasites of pigs in Ibadan,Nigeria

The blood parasites in the blood of local pigs kept under free range, and exotic pigs kept under intensive management in Ibadan were investigated. The species found were Babesia trautmanni, B. perroncitoi, Eperythrozoon suis and E. parvum. Eperythrozoon suis was the most predominant in both breeds. Most of the local pigs carried mixed infections, while the same number of the exotic pigs carried single and mixed infections. Mixed infection of individual pigs with all four blood parasites was common. The parasitaemia was generally low in pigs of both breeds.     

Prevalence of blood parasites among cattle at the central area of Saudi Arabia

The present study aimed to investigate the parasites infecting cattle blood at Al-Qassim region. Examination of 307 blood samples revealed that 235 (76.5%) and 3 (0.98%) of cattle were infected with Theileria annulata and Anaplasma marginale, respectively. T. annulata was the prevalent blood parasite among cattle while A. marginale was scarcely encountered. The monthly incidence of T. annulata ranged from 38.5% in March to 94.7% in October. Also, the infection rate reached a maximum (84.3%) in both autumn and summer seasons, while it decreased to reach (59.4%) in spring. It has been found that there was no difference between the infection rate of the laboratory and the abattoir collected samples. However, the intensity of infection was different between the two groups.     

A survey of gastro intestinal helminth parasites of stray dogs in Zaria, Nigeria.

A survey of helminth parasites in stray dogs was carried out in the Zaria area. Out of 180 dogs examined 65.6 per cent (118/180) were found positive for Ancylostoma caninum, while Toxocara canis and Trichuris vulpis were detected in 41.1 per cent (74/180) and 13.9 per cent (25/180) respectively. Other helminth parasites found Taenia ovis 35 per cent (63/180) Taenia hydatigena 67.8 per cent (122/180), Echinococcus granulosus 0.006 per cent (1/180) and Dipylidium caninum 97.8 per cent (176/180).     

The haemogram of dogs with intestinal parasites in Zaria, Nigeria

One hundred and fifty-four dogs brought to the Ahmadu Bello University Veterinary Clinic for routine examination, in which an eosinophil count of 8% or higher was observed on laboratory examination, were found to be infested with one or more types of intestinal parasites. These included hookworms, tapeworms, coccidia, ascarids and spirocerca, with hookworms accounting for 51% of parasites found. Although dogs of all ages were affected, a higher incidence was observed in those under 2 years. The clinical and public health significance of these findings are emphasized.     

Prevalence of antimicrobial residues in raw table eggs from farms and retail outlets in Enugu State,Nigeria

The use of antimicrobial agents in poultry production results in their accumulation in the body tissues and products such as milk and egg. The subsequent accumulation of these drugs and their metabolites in body cells is known as drug residue. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of antimicrobial residues in eggs from poultry farms and retail outlets in Enugu State, Nigeria. Eggs from 25 selected commercial farms and ten retail outlets were screened for the prevalence of antimicrobial residue. Also, structured questionnaires were administered to 25 commercial farms in the state to determine the management practices and the most widely used antimicrobial drugs in farms and possible association between the management practices and the occurrence of antimicrobial residues in eggs from these farms. All the 25 farms surveyed use oxytetracycline. Eggs from nine of the surveyed farms tested positive for antimicrobial residue and three of the ten surveyed farms also tested positive for antimicrobial residue. No association was observed (p 0.05; Fisher’s exact test) between the occurrence of antibiotic residues in eggs and farm size, feed source and housing systems. This study was able to demonstrate the presence of antimicrobial residues in eggs destined for human consumption. Drugs like nitrofurans which has been banned for use in food animals are still very much in use in Enugu State, Nigeria. Antibiotics given as feed additives may give rise to drug residues in food animals.     

Prevalence of skin lesions in turkeys at slaughter

1. The aims of this study were (i) to evaluate the prevalence of welfare-related cutaneous lesions in turkeys at the end of the rearing period and (ii) to study the correlations between lesions.

2. The percentage of lesions in each flock was determined by observation at the slaughterhouse. Sixty flocks were investigated in 13 slaughterhouses between April and July 2006.

3. All flocks showed a high proportion of turkeys with footpad lesions, with 40·7% of turkey flocks having severe footpad dermatitis. A significant number of feet had swelling of the footpad and deviated toes (60·0% and 21·4% respectively). Arthritis was observed in 25·4% of the carcases and an average of 30·1% had breast buttons on the keel.

4. Positive correlations were found between evidence of feather pecking and arthritis, toe deviations and swelling of the footpad. Deviated toes, swelling of the feet and feather pecking were negatively linked to the most severe scratches (P? 5. A method is proposed to assess turkey welfare at the slaughterhouse based on several criteria: footpad lesions, arthritis, severe scratches, deviated toes, swelling of the footpad and breast buttons.