Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Salmonella Isolates from Apparently Healthy Slaughtered Cattle in Ethiopia

The prevalence and antimicrobial resistance pattern of Salmonella isolates was determined from apparently healthy slaughtered cattle at Debre Zeit (Ethiopia). A total of 323 cattle were examined for the presence of Salmonella in faeces, mesenteric lymph nodes, abdominal and diaphragmatic muscles. Salmonellae were cultured from 23 (7.1%) of the animals. Salmonellae were isolated from 2 (3.1%) and 3 (4.5%) of 65 pooled faecal and mesenteric lymph node samples, respectively. Nine (2.8%) abdominal muscle and 10 (3.1%) diaphragmatic muscle samples (n = 323 of each) were contaminated by Salmonella. About 60% of the serovars identified in the abdominal and diaphragmatic muscles were also detected from faeces and mesenteric lymph node samples. The five different serovars isolated were Salmonella mishmarhaemek (48%), S. typhimurium (20%), S. enteritidis (12%), S. guildford (12%) and S. dublin (48%). The antimicrobial resistance profiles of 25 of the Salmonella isolates with 17 antimicrobials showed that 52% (13/25) of them were resistant to three or more antimicrobials. Both strains of Salmonella (S. mishmarhaemek and S. typhimurium) showed multiple resistance to ampicillin, sulfamethoxazole and ticarcillin. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Prevalence of Faecal Pathogens in Calves of Racing Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in the United Arab Emirates

Tropical Animal Health and Production -     

Serum Lipids and Lipoproteins in Clinically Healthy Male Camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of 87 Iranian male dromedary camels of different age groups (<3, 3–5, 5–6 and 6–8 years). Variations in the serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, total lipid, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL-cholesterol), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-cholesterol) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol) were investigated. The concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride, total lipid, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol in the different age groups were significantly different (p<0.05). With an increase in the age of the animals, there were highly significant increases in the cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol concentrations, whereas the concentration of LDL-cholesterol decreased (p<0.001).     

Effect of Season on the Productivity of Camels (Camelus dromedarius and the Prevalence of Their Major Parasites in Eastern Ethiopia

The productivity and the prevalence rates of the major parasites of camels (Camelus dromedarius) kept under traditional management conditions at Errer valley, Ethiopia were assessed for a year (October 1997–September 1998). The daily milk offtake was significantly higher (p<0.05) during the wet season (3.12±0.03 L) than during the dry season (1.49±0.04 L). Likewise, significantly higher (p<0.05) daily weight gains (50.68±0.54 g) were observed during the wet season than during dry season in immature camels aged 1–4 years. Trypanosoma evansi, Sarcoptes scabiei and strongyle parasites were present throughout the year, but their prevalence rates were higher during the rainy months than during the dry months. The minimum and maximum point prevalence rates for T. evansi were 5.4% and 20.6%, respectively. Similarly, the point prevalence rates for S. scabiei also varied from 4.7% during the dry season to 21.7% during the rainy months. The highest strongyle egg counts per gram of faeces and highest point prevalence rate (85.7%) were observed in October, a rainy month, whereas the lowest number of eggs per gram of faeces and the lowest point prevalence rate (61.5%) were recorded in April, a dry month.     

Species of Ticks on Camels and Their Seasonal Population Dynamics in Eastern Ethiopia

A study was conducted to identify the species of ticks found on camels (Camelus dromedarius) and their seasonal population dynamics in Eastern Ethiopia. Collection and identification of the ticks were undertaken at 2-month intervals from December 1997 to August 1999. On each occasion, all the visible adult ticks were collected from one side of the body of each of the same 17 camels. The most abundant species of ticks on the camels were Rhipiephalus pulchellus (85.2%), Hyalomma dromedarii (5.9%), Amblyomma gemma (4.0%) and Amblyomma variegatum (1.8%). The average tick load per camel was higher during rainy months than during dry months. The smallest number of ticks per camel was observed during the driest month (December), whereas the highest was recorded in the wettest month (August). Any strategy intended to mitigate problems of tick infestation of camels in this area should take into account the identified tick species and their season of abundance.     

Studies on Cephalopina titillator,the Cause of 'Sengale' in Camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Semi-arid Areas of Somali State,Ethiopia

The overall prevalence rate of Cephalopina titillator in 778 slaughtered camels was 71.7%, 55% in males and 85% in females. The mean larval counts in infested camels were 26.7±25.9 and 34.6±30.8, for males and females, respectively. There were highly significant differences (p<0.001) in the number of larvae in camels of different ages and sexes and also between the wet and dry seasons. The average time to pupate was 4.9±4.6 minutes, and the pupation period was 21±2.4 days. The major gross lesions observed were congestion of the pharyngeal mucosa with profuse secretions, and haemorrhage in early cases. In some cases, there were ulcer-like lesions and nodules, which contained pus. The dominant microscopic lesions were infiltration of the lamina propria by eosinophils, lymphocytes and macrophages, hyperplasia of the stratified squamous epithelium, necrotic changes in the mixed glands and desquamation of epithelial cells. A survey using questionnaires revealed that all the camel owners called the disease caused by infestation with C. titillator `Sengale' and that 87% of them considered that infestation with these larvae results in reduced milk production and body weight. The major clinical signs of the disease were sneezing and expulsion of larvae (68%), abnormal movement of the head (45%), grooming (44%), nasal discharge (40%), poor appetite (26.7%), difficulty in breathing (18%), and sometimes bleeding from the nostrils (18%) and coughing (27%).     

Some Endotoxin-induced Clinical and Biochemical Changes in Plasma of Camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Intravenous administration of endotoxin, prepared from E. coli serotype O55:B5, at a dose of 0.1 microg/kg body weight to calves and adult camels induced fever and increased haematocrit, triiodothyronine and cortisol values. The endotoxin-treated animals showed significantly decreased (p < 0.05) total protein, urea, glucose and creatinine. A significant increase was seen in the activity of aspartate aminotransaminase and creatine kinase. These results demonstrate high sensitivity of camels to endotoxin.     

The Zinc and Copper Content of the Plasma of Sudanese Camels (Camelus dromedarius)

A study was undertaken to investigate the variations in the content of zinc and copper in the plasma of Sudanese camels (Camelus dromedarius). A total of 993 Arabi camels, aged 0.5-8 years, were used to assess the effect of season, age, sex and physiological status on the plasma concentrations of copper and zinc. There was an increase in the concentration of Cu and a decrease in the concentration of Zn in the plasma with age. The concentrations of both Cu and Zn in the plasma were higher in the rainy season than in the dry season. The plasma copper concentrations in pregnant, low-lactating and high-lactating camels were 81.3 +/- 4.7, 59.7 +/- 6.1 and 61.3 +/- 5.5 microg/100 ml, respectively. The corresponding values for zinc were 51.0 +/- 8.9, 53.4 +/- 6.4 and 67.1 +/- 5.5 microg/100 ml, respectively. However, there was no effect of sex on the content of these minerals in the plasma.     

An Assessment of the Productivity for Meat and the Carcase Yield of Camels (Camelus dromedarius) and of the Consumption of Camel Meat in the Eastern Region of Ethiopia

A survey on camel meat productivity and consumption was conducted in Jijiga and Harar towns in 1999. Almost all the camels slaughtered were adults, predominantly males. Measurements of height, hump girth and thoracic girth were used to estimate the live weight. All the measurements were significantly greater in the male than in the female camels. Average live and carcass weights were 400 and 211 kg, respectively. Males were significantly heavier (p < 0.05) and had better dressing percentages than females. The carcasses contained averages of 76% meat, 12% fat and 20% bone for both males and females. The difference between the males and females was not significant for the ratio of meat and bones, except for fat, which was higher in the males. Camel meat is regarded as a high-quality food with medicinal value and as a least-cost source of meat. Camel meat is preferred to that of any other livestock by some people, particularly by the Somalis in Jijiga town. It is also more available, especially during the dry season when beef is in short supply. Hence, camel meat is a socially acceptable, economically viable and environmentally adaptable alternative source of meat, consumption of which should be encouraged.     

Occurrence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella serovars in apparently healthy slaughtered sheep and goats of central Ethiopia

The present study was undertaken to determine the occurrence, distribution and antimicrobial resistance pattern of Salmonella serovars in apparently healthy slaughtered sheep and goats in central Ethiopia. A total 1224 samples consisting of faeces, mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen, and abdominal and diaphragmatic muscle samples were collected from 104 sheep and 100 goats. Salmonella was isolated from 12 of 104 (11.5%) sheep and 3 of 100 (3%) goats. Of the total 624 and 600 samples examined from sheep and goats, 18 (2.9%) and 4 (0.7%), respectively, were Salmonella positive. The 22 Salmonella isolates belonged to 9 different serovars. The common serovars isolated were S. typhimurium, followed by S. heidelberg, S. reading, S. give, and S. poona. Seven of the 22 isolates (31.8%) were multidrug-resistant to various antimicrobials.     

Prevalence of sarcocysts in one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) from southern Ethiopia

A survey of sarcocystis was made in camels from southern Ethiopia during a part of 1998-99. A total of 605 haematoxylin and eosin-stained tissue samples from cardiac, diaphragm, shoulder, masseter and oesophagus muscles of 121 adult camels and 20 tissue samples from four foetuses were examined for sarcocysts. Sarcocysts were detected in 55 of 121 (45.45%) camels examined. The infestation rate of oesophagus, diaphragm, shoulder, masseter and cardiac musculatures were 19.83, 11.57, 12.4, 8.26 and 9.17%, respectively. There was no significant (P > 0.05) variation between males (48.6%) and females (40.82%), nor between the two sites studied (Dollo Addo, 40.00% versus Neghelle Borana 47.25%). None of the 20 tissue samples from the four foetuses examined harboured sarcocysts. The possible impact of sarcocysts on camel production is indicated. This is the first report of the presence of sarcocysts in camels from Ethiopia.     

四川省部分地区山羊沙门氏菌健康带菌率及耐药性调查

为了解四川省山羊沙门氏菌带菌情况,本试验采集了四川省部分地区5个规模化山羊养殖场表观健康山羊粪便196份,经BPW预增菌、TTB选择性增菌后,采用靶向invA基因的PCR方法检测沙门氏菌的带菌率;对阳性样本进行细菌分离鉴定,随机选择25株沙门氏菌分离株测定其对15种抗菌药物的敏感性。结果显示,山羊沙门氏菌的平均带菌率为54.59%。药敏试验结果显示,分离株均对丁胺卡那敏感,而对其余14种抗菌药物呈不同程度的耐药,多重耐药菌株占88%,其中耐2~7种药物的占52%,耐9~13种药物的占36%。结果表明,四川省部分地区山羊的沙门氏菌健康带菌率较高,且多重耐药性普遍,其公共卫生意义值得进一步研究。     

Diversity of Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella trehalosi Serotypes from Apparently Healthy Sheep and Abattoir Specimens in the Highlands of Wollo,North East Ethiopia

The prevalence and serotypic diversity of Mannheimia [Pasteurella] haemolytica and Pasteurella trehalosi from nasal swabs, sera and abattoir specimens from sheep in the highlands of Wollo, North East Ethiopia was investigated. Prevalence rates of 83% and 75% of these microorganisms were found in the serum samples and nasal swabs, respectively, from apparently healthy sheep. In a local abattoir, 205 lungs were investigated, 34% of which showed pneumonia, from which samples were collected from 51 lungs and the same number of corresponding tonsils. Mannheimia and Pasteurella species were isolated from 59% of these pneumonic lungs and 69% of the respective tonsils. M. haemolytica serotypes accounted for 41 (59%) and P. trehalosi for 11 (32%) of the isolates from the abattoir specimens. The majority (67%) of isolates from nasal swabs were P. trehalosi, M. haemolytica being isolated f rom 4 (13%) of the swabs. M. glucosida was isolated only from the tonsils. The predominant serotypes of the isolates from both the nasal swabs and the abattoir specimens were M. haemolytica A1 (17%) and P. trehalosi T4 (16%) and T3 (13%). P. trehalosi T15 was less commonly encountered, while M. haemolytica A9 and A13 were not isolated. Studies on sera from 100 sheep indicated that antibodies against M. haemolytica serotype A1 (14%) were most common, followed by A5 and A8 (each 10%) and A9 and P. trehalosi T3 (each 9%) and T4 (8%). Antibodies against M. glucosida or serotype A11 occurred in 2% of the sera. Multiple serotypes were common in all types of samples. The importance of including in vaccines the most prevalent serotypes involved in the pneumonia of sheep in the area is discussed.     

Sedative and analgesic effects of romifidine in camels (Camelus dromedarius)

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effectiveness and the sedative and analgesic effects of intravenous (IV) romifidine in camels.Study designRandomized prospective study.AnimalsEighteen healthy adult Dromedary camels.MethodsRomifidine was administered IV to camels (n = 6) at three different doses (40, 80 or 120 μg kg^?1). Time of onset, degree and duration of sedation and analgesia were recorded immediately after drug administration. Heart rate, respiratory rate, ruminal contractions, muscle relaxation, response to auditory and tactile stimulation, distance between ears, distance from lower lip to the ground, and degree of ataxia were also recorded pre-administration and at 5, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 and 180 minutes post-administration. Plasma glucose, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were measured.ResultsRomifidine produced dose dependent sedation and analgesia. Significant decreases in heart rate (p < 0.001), ruminal contractions (p < 0.05), distance from lower lip to the ground (p < 0.001), response to auditory and tactile stimuli (p < 0.01), and significant increases in the degree of ataxia (p < 0.01), distance between the ear tips (p < 0.001) and blood glucose (p < 0.01) concentration were recorded after administration of romifidine until recovery. However, no significant changes in rectal temperature and respiratory rate were recorded.Conclusions and clinical relevanceIntravenous administration of romifidine at three different doses appeared to be an effective sedative and analgesic agent for camels. Bradycardia, ruminal atony, and hyperglycemia were the most important adverse effects after IV administration of romifidine. The IV administration of romifidine at a dose rate of 120 μg kg^?1 caused profound sedation and analgesia. Romifidine could be used for chemical restraint for a variety of diagnostic and minor surgical procedures in camels.     

A Study on the Productivity and Diseases of Camels in Eastern Ethiopia

A study concerning performance traits of the Ethiopian camel indicated that, in the camel herds examined, there was one active bull camel for 25 females. The bull camel was 5 years old at puberty; it reached rutting vigour at the age of 9 years, the number of mountings per day was 8 during the breeding season, and the reproduction span was 10 years. The female camel reached puberty at 4 years of age; the age at first calving was 5 years, and the lactation period was one year; the calving interval was 2 years, the calving rate was 50%, and the reproduction span was 10–15 years. The survival rate of the newborn calves was 50%. The average milk yield was 2.5 L per day; the price of camel's milk was higher than that of cow's milk at US$0.5. Adult camels weighed around 500 kg; the dressing-out percentage was 52%. Mutton was preferred to camel meat, which came second in popularity, costing US$2/kg. Owing to their poor reproductive performance, camels are not efficient for producing meat. The camels worked for 16 h per day, covering 60 km. Animal health problems encountered were trypanosomosis, camel pox, camel pustular dermatitis, camel cephalopsis, dermatomycosis, mange mite, tick infestation and balantidiosis, most of which mainly affected the young animals.     

双峰驼脾脏的组织形态学观察

骆驼脾脏的形状和其它动物明显不同，为镰形，外缘呈锯齿状。其被膜很厚，富含平滑肌和弹性纤维，平滑肌层比结缔组织层厚，主要由相互垂直的两层构成。次级平滑肌性小梁发达，相互交织成网状，构成红髓的主要支架。白髓有典型的脾小结和动脉周围淋巴鞘，无边缘窦。边缘区明显，分布在脾小结、动脉周围淋巴鞘周围，可见大量吞噬含铁血黄素、ACP活性很强的巨噬细胞，开口于此的中央动脉分支十分丰富。鞘毛细血管主要分布在边缘区，其次是脾索的滤过区，白髓发达的个体更为多见，常见红细胞从椭球漏出，但胞质中未见含铁血黄素，ACP呈色反应呈阴性。脾索滤过区可见大量的毛细血管和吞噬有含铁血黄素、ACP活性很强的巨噬细胞。脾窦十分发达，窦壁细胞ACP和AKP均呈强阳性，窦腔中也有上述巨噬细胞。淋巴细胞在脾脏中的分布和其它动物及人相似。上述结果证实，骆驼脾脏属于免疫功能很强的防御性脾。     

Prevalence of Sarcocysts in One‐humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius) from Southern Ethiopia

A survey of sarcocystis was made in camels from southern Ethiopia during a part of 1998–99. A total of 605 haematoxylin and eosin‐stained tissue samples from cardiac, diaphragm, shoulder, masseter and oesophagus muscles of 121 adult camels and 20 tissue samples from four foetuses were examined for sarcocysts. Sarcocysts were detected in 55 of 121 (45.45%) camels examined. The infestation rate of oesophagus, diaphragm, shoulder, masseter and cardiac musculatures were 19.83, 11.57, 12.4, 8.26 and 9.17%, respectively. There was no significant (P > 0.05) variation between males (48.6%) and females (40.82%), nor between the two sites studied (Dollo Addo, 40.00% versus Neghelle Borana 47.25%). None of the 20 tissue samples from the four foetuses examined harboured sarcocysts. The possible impact of sarcocysts on camel production is indicated. This is the first report of the presence of sarcocysts in camels from Ethiopia.     

Observations on the Clinical Examination of the Camel (Camelus dromedarius) in the Field

Camels usually inhabit remote areas, where diagnostic facilities and laboratories are very scarce. The species differences between the camel and other domestic animals necessitate some specific examination techniques. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical examination methods and sources of common errors that require special consideration in the camel. Young camels are examined in the standing position, while adults require restraint. Restraining procedures, both standing and in sternal recumbency, are described. New equipment and a crush were designed. The body temperature of the camels examined fluctuated from 35.7 to 38.9 degrees C, being lowest in the morning and highest in the afternoon; high temperature in the morning is indicative of fever, while high afternoon temperatures could be hyperthermia. It was difficult to take the pulse rate for routine procedures. The heart rate ranged from 35 to 50 per min; there was no difference between the heart rate in the morning and in the afternoon. The mean respiratory rate was 11 per min and respiration was of thoracol-lumbar type. The mucous membranes of the eye were an important site for appreciating signs of discoloration, while those of the mouth, rectum and vagina were unsuitable. The left flank was the best site for determining the rate of rumen contractions, which was 3+/-1.2 every 5 min, as determined by auscultation; counting the contractions by the application of the fist was difficult. The palpable external lymph nodes were the parotid, maxillary, prescapular, inferior cervical, thoracic, cubital, ilial and popiteal; they are large and can be seen on inspection in healthy animals, so that was not indicative of disease. A list of diagnostic indicators for the rapid diagnosis of ten endemic camel diseases was generated from the empirical signs.     

Grain founder in a male camel (Camelus dromedarius)

A rare case of laminitis was recorded in an adult camel that was kept in confinement without giving any exercise and fed daily with considerable quantity of pearl millet grains (Pennisetum typhoideus) for more than five months.