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This study examined Ghanaian veterinary and medical students' knowledge and perception of zoonoses' public health impact. This cross-sectional survey utilised online structured questionnaires which were completed by 384 students (174 veterinary and 210 medical students) from 4 Ghanaian state universities. SPSS version 25 was used to analyse the data obtained using mean scores, Pearson Chi-square, and regression analysis. The study found that 78.6% of medical and veterinary students in Ghana have decent understanding of zoonoses, with a mean response of 4.88 ± 1.049. Veterinary students (42.9%) knew more about zoonosis than medical students (35.7%). 83.6% of medical and veterinary students had a strong opinion of the public health importance of zoonoses, with a mean of 3.99 ± 1.017. Medical students (45.8%) had a higher view of zoonosis than veterinary students (37.8%). Students' awareness of zoonosis was not substantially associated to religion (P=0.694) or institution (P=0.06), but was significantly related to gender (P=0.044), school (P=0.031), and year of study (P=0.004). Students' perceptions of zoonoses' public health significance were not significantly related to gender, religion, institution, or school (P>0.05), but were significantly related to their year of study (P<0.001). Ghanaian medical and veterinary students had strong awareness and perceived public health importance of zoonoses, especially the clinical students. In view of these findings, policy debate is needed to evaluate medical and veterinary pre-clinical education to include the teaching of zoonoses. To understand their role in zoonoses control, medical, veterinary, animal, and environmental science students should be encouraged to attend workshops that focus on zoonoses and their control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pneumonia has been identified as one of the limiting factors to pig production. Some of the pneumonia-inducing agents include Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (MHYO), the primary cause of enzootic pneumonia and Metastrongylus species. which are widely distributed lungworms commonly found in indigenous free-range pigs. This paper describes the pathological findings of 6 cases out of 204 lungs randomly collected from slaughtered pigs in Southwest Nigeria. Samples of the lungs were collected from the cases for bacterial culture, histopathology and detection of MHYO antigens using immunohistochemisty. Gross lesions were severe acute lobular bronchopneumonia (104/204, 50.98%) and greyish discrete nodules in the lungs. Microscopically, there were varying degrees of lymphoid hyperplasia of bronchial-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) (82.2%), suppurative bronchiolitis with widespread bronchiolar epithelial cells necrosis (57.4%) and granulomatous bronchopneumonia with presence of Metastrongylus spp. and bronchiolar intraluminal cellular exudate consisting predominantly of eosinophils (2.9%). Pasteurella multocida was the most isolated bacterial pathogen (49.0%) either as a single pathogen or in combination with other pathogens from the infected lung samples. Immunohistochemical labelling showed strong MHYO antigens on the surface of bronchial epithelial cells in infected lungs (86/204). This is the first report of granulomatous bronchopneumonia due to Metastrongylus spp. associated with a coinfection of MHYO and Pasteurella multocida in Nigerian indigenous pigs. It is suggested that metastrongylosis may be more common than reported in this study. The detection of respiratory pathogens such as Mycoplasma. hyopneumoniae, Metasrongylus spp. and Pasteurella multocida suggest that they are potential contributors to bronchopneumonia observed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An active cross-sectional abattoir study was conducted to assess the prevalence, types and associated factors of liver lesions in sheep and goat at the Suame Abattoir in Kumasi- Ghana. A total prevalence rate of 13.2% liver lesions was recorded with a 7.3% and 5.9% prevalence rate in sheep and goats respectively. Liver abscess was recorded in 80.71% pathologic liver samples followed by liver fibrosis (5.71%), calcified cysts (2.86%), liver putrefaction (2.14%), liver cirrhosis (2.14%), melanosis (2.14%), hydatid cyst (1.42%) and fatty infiltration (1.42%), hepatitis (0.71%) and liver with urate deposits (gout) (0.71%). More liver lesions were found in the West African Dwarf Sheep (WADS) (54.5%) as compared to the Sahelian breed (45.5%) of sheep. The West African Dwarf Goat (WADG) had a higher occurrence (76.2%) of liver lesions than the Sahelian (23.8%). Female sheep and goats had higher occurrences of liver lesions as compared to the male. The adult (> 2 years) sheep and goats had more liver lesions compared to the young (< 2 years). Sheep and goats with good body condition score recorded higher liver pathologies with more recorded in the dry season. The differences in occurrence of liver lesions with respect to species of small ruminant was statistically significant (p < 0.05) whilst that of breed, sex, age and season of occurrence were not significantly different (p >0.05). Good animal husbandry practices should be employed to lower the incidence of liver pathologies in small ruminants. Expert policies to trace back to towns of origin of small ruminants that present with liver diseases should be put in place by the abattoir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The haematological parameters of giant African catfish exposed to different anaesthetic agents, such as lidocaine, clove oil, and ice, and the control with no exposure were examined. Methods: Ten fish each from the control and treatment groups had their blood drawn and the samples were examined immediately for haematological parameters. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare each of the parameters among the treatment groups and the control. Results: The highest red blood cell (RBC), Haemoglobin, and parked cell volume (PCV) were observed in the control and they were different significantly (P<0.05) from the fish exposed to clove oil. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCHC) were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the control than in all the treatment groups. The highest heterophil was observed in the fish exposed to ice and it was different significantly (P<0.05) from the control treatment. Platelet was significantly higher in the control and lidocaine treatments than in clove oil. The least heterophil-lymphocyte ratio (HLR) was also observed in the control and it was different significantly (P<0.05) from fish ice treatment. The PLR of lidocaine and ice treatments were higher significantly (P<0.05) than the control, while that of clove oil was much lower than the control. Significance: The findings from the research showed that all the anaesthetics experimented with had considerable negative impacts on the fish's haematological parameters, with clove oil tending to be the worst. Hence, extra care is required in using any of these treatments on fish, and the recommended dosages must be followed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peste des petit ruminants virus (PPRv) and Mannheimia haemolytica have been commonly implicated in naturally occurring pneumonia in sub-Saharan Africa and account for huge economic losses as they are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The Nigerian 75/1 PPR vaccine has been proven to be efficacious in the control of PPR. However, there is a paucity of information on the ability of this live attenuated vaccine to modulate bacteria of the nasal flora to control or confer protection against secondary bacterial infection induced especially by M. haemolytica. Nasal swabs and blood samples were collected for bacterial count and serology respectively. This study describes the effect of the N/75/1 PPR vaccine on the nasal bacteria flora and clinical indices of Red Sokoto goats. Ten (10) Red Sokoto goats were divided into two groups of five animals each. In one group, 1ml of PPR vaccine (2.5 TCID50) was administered subcutaneously while the other group served as control and 1ml of normal saline was administered subcutaneously. The results showed that for the PPR vaccinated group, although there was a significant decrease (p=0.05) in nasal bacteria counts for Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Escherichia coli compared to the control group it was not sufficient to clear out these potentially pathogenic bacteria from the nasal flora. Also, in the PPR-vaccinated group, the only clinical symptom observed was a mild transient and self-limiting hyperthermia at about 2 weeks post-vaccination which may be attributed to the initiation and enhancement of immune responses. Hence, it can be deduced that the PPR vaccine may moderately inhibit the colonization of certain pathogenic bacteria of the nasal microbial flora but however, it is incapable of conferring total immunity against the secondary bacterial infection in naturally occurring pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of haemoparasites in horses and their effects on the blood parameters of horses in the Ashanti Region of Ghana from June to July 2021. A total of 26 horses were sampled. Three millilitres (3mls) of blood samples were collected from each horse from the jugular vein which was examined using a thin blood film and autoanalyzer. Data obtained was analysed descriptively using SPSS Version 21. A Chi-square test was performed, and the significance level was tested at a 5% significance level (P-value ≤ 0.05). Results showed 20 (76.9%) positive cases for blood parasites; of which 13 (65%) had Babesia caballi only, 1 (5%) with Theileria equi only, 5 (25%) with both Babesia caballi and Theileria equi, and 1 (5%) with both Babesia caballi and Trypanosoma equiperdum. Prevalence was observed to be high in the young horses (3-7 years) as well as in the local breed of horses and the male horses. There were marked effects on haematological parameters in infected horses. Concerning infected horses, haematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were low whilst the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was high indicating macrocytic hypochromic anaemia. The difference in the effects on haematological parameters between infected and non-infected horses was not statistically significant (p>0.05). This study has established the presence of haemoparasites with Babesia caballi being the most prevalent parasite in the horses sampled in the Ashanti Region of Ghana with marked effects on haematological parameters indicating the presence of macrocytic, hypochromic anaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite that infects all homoeothermic animals, including humans. The study aimed to isolate T. gondii from the diaphragm of goats and to estimate the prevalence of T. gondii infection in goats at the Kumasi abattoir. A 2cm x 1cm sample was obtained from the skeletal muscle (diaphragm) of 100 goats slaughtered at the Kumasi abattoir. Samples were kept in 10% formalin, sectioned, deparaffinized, rehydrated, and stained with haematoxylin and eosin to identify only T. gondii tissue cysts, including bradyzoites and tachyzoites. The data obtained were entered into to Microsoft Excel spreadsheet (version 2016) and analysed using GraphPad Prism software (v. 9.2.0 (332). Results revealed Toxoplasma gondii present in slaughtered goats at a prevalence of 42%. Male animals (53.7%) were mostly affected by Toxoplasma gondii as compared to the females (38.7%) at the Kumasi abattoir. Goats which were 2 years of age recorded a higher prevalence of 48.5% followed by goats within the age of 1 year (40.0%), 1 1/2 year (36.4%) and 3 years (40.0%) whilst goats of 2 1/2 years old recorded least prevalence (40.0%) of Toxoplasma gondii infection. The West African Dwarf goats (WADG) recorded a lower prevalence of 23% whilst the Sahelian breed of goats recorded a higher percentage prevalence of 29%. Nevertheless, breed (p=0.865), age (p=0.920) and sex (p=0.155) of goats did not have statistically significant effects on the prevalence of T. gondii infection in goats. Institution of surveillance and reporting system for Toxoplasma gondii in goat populations in Ghana is recommended to stakeholders because of its public health importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess the preference for grasscutter offal among consumers in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions of Ghana. The stratified three-stage random sampling was adopted for the selection of respondents. A total of 140 respondents (120 consumers; 20 operators) were used in this study. In the Ashanti region, 93 consumers and 13 chop bar operators were considered. Within the Greater Accra region, only one market was selected (Agbogbloshie market), where 27 consumers and seven chop bar operators were considered. Relevant information was collected through the administration of well-structured questionnaires. Results obtained showed a relatively higher offal preference by consumers in the Ashanti region (91.4%) as compared to the Greater Accra region (81.5%). Most consumers preferred the intestines and intestinal contents in both represented areas 60% from the Ashanti region and 45.6% from the Greater Accra region. 90.6% and 81.8% of the consumers from the Ashanti and Greater Accra regions, respectively preferred cooked offal to either smoked or roasted. These regional differences were not statistically significant. The rate of offal consumption was higher in the Ashanti region (i.e., on a weekly basis) as compared to the Greater Accra region (i.e., occasionally), represented by 63.5% and 68.2%, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The taste was considered the most significant, relevant and important factor affecting consumer preference for grasscutter offal consumption in both regions. It is concluded in this study that the grasscutter offal has relatively high patronage by the respondents in this study. Further studies should be focused on the possible health implication of offal consumption on consumers as the intestines, and their contents might contain some parasites and other bacteria which can be harmful to humans. Further studies should be carried out to obtain a nationwide view of grasscutter offal consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Tritrichomonas foetusin slaughtered cattle at the Kumasi abattoir. A total of one hundred (100) slaughtered cattle were sampled randomly (60-bulls and 40 cows) with preputial wash and vaginal lavage collected after slaughter for laboratory analysis using Wet-mount technique. Data obtained were analyzed by descriptive statistics using MS Excel and the results expressed in percentages and graphs. The prevalence of bovine Tritrichomoniasis was 34% with the cows recording 20% and the bulls 14% of the sampled population. Out of the cows sampled, twenty (20) were positive representing 50% and out of the bulls sampled, fourteen (14) were positive representing 23.3%. This clearly shows that cows had the highest prevalence compared to the bulls, therefore sex has a significant effect on the infection, since p˂0.05. The WASH and the Zebu cattle had relatively higher % positivity of 41.7% and 40.7%. N’dama cattle recorded 28.6% positivity which was same as the 28.6% positivity in the White Fulani, while the Sanga breed recorded the least positivity (21.4%) of the infection. Breed of cattle however had no significant effect on infection (p>0.05). The highest prevalence of Tritrichomonas infection was 47.2% in adult cattle of 4 years old whiles adult cattle of 3 years old had a prevalence rate of 28.6% whereas cattle of 2 years of age recorded the lowest prevalence rate of 22.7%. However, age had no significant effect (p>0.05) on the infection. Further studies should be conducted to ascertain the rate of infection in the country by using a larger sample size. In order to reduce the level of infection it is advisable to screen all breeding bulls and cull the affected ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of tamarind pulp extract (TPE) on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphometrics, body proximate composition, and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila infection in Nile tilapia was determined. The fish were fed experimental diets formulated to contain 0.0 (control), 5, 10, 15, or 20 g TPE/kg diet at 3% body weight daily for 84 days. Thereafter, a 14-day challenge test with A. hydrophila infection was done. The results showed that TPE supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the fish growth, protein efficiency ratio, apparent lipid and protein digestibility, villi height, and absorption area at levels of 10–20 g/kg diet compared to the control diet. Similarly, TPE supplementation increased the crude lipids and ash contents in the fish body. Postchallenge fish fed TPE-supplemented diets showed a higher survival rate relative to fish fed the control diet. The results demonstrated that dietary TPE promoted growth, nutrient digestibility, and protection against A. hydrophila infection in Nile tilapia, and its inclusion at 15 g/kg diet is therefore recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemoparasitic diseases is one of the major challenges that hamper cattle production in Africa with their effect usually manifested in production losses, late maturity, weight loss, still birth and increased susceptibility to other diseases. Information on the burden of some haemoparasites in wildlife/livestock interface in Ghana is scanty in literature. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of haemoparasites in cattle at Gbele Reserve wildlife/livestock interface, Upper west region of Ghana. A total of 143 blood samples collected from four selected fringe communities namely Desima, Gbele, Wahabu and Sakalu were transported to Central Veterinary Laboratory at Pong-Tamale for analysis. Giemsa stained thin blood smears were examined for haemoparasites, and packed cell volume (PCV) for each sample was determined using Haematocrit method. Mean PCV value was 25% and 42% for infected and non-infected cattle respectively. An overall prevalence of haemoparasites was 2.8% for all samples examined. Village specific prevalence of 0.7%, 1.4%, 0.0% and 0.7% was recorded in cattle infected in Gbele, Desima, Sakalu and Wahabu respectively. The low prevalence of haemoparasites recorded was attributed to the earlier intervention by Pan-African Tsetse and Trypanosomosis Eradication campaign (PATTEC) project and the quarterly treatment regime employed by farmers. Babesia bovis and Anaplasma marginale were identified with prevalence of 2.1% and 0.7% respectively. The distribution of parasite based on sex was 2.1% for cows and 0.7% for bulls. Polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays are recommended alongside with thin blood smear examination in future studies for better sensitivity and identification of the haemoparasites to species level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The West African Dwarf (WAD) goat has genetic potentials that can be exploited for improved goat production. However, their testicular morphometric parameters and sperm reserves in Ghana are not well known. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Sabtiu Musah abattoir in Kumasi, Ghana, to evaluate the gross testicular morphometric parameters and sperm reserves in 10 indigenous WAD goats. The samples were stored on an ice chest and transported to the Regional Veterinary Laboratory for analysis on the day of collection. In the laboratory, the testes and epididymis were separated by dissection and then freed of all connective tissue and the Tunica albuginea. The weight, length, width and volume of the testis were determined. A segment of testicular parenchyma was incised and homogenized in a 20 ml normal saline solution. The resulting homogenate was stored in the refrigerator overnight and a filtered aliquot used for estimating spermatid concentration and sperm reserves. The weight, length, width, volume of the testis and the gonadosomatic index were 70.09 ±14.19 gm, 7.46 ± 0.52 cm, 5.08 ± 0.62, cm, 102.40 ± 29.40 ml and 5.09 ± 0.07%, respectively. The sperm reserves per the whole testis, sperm reserves per gramme testis, Daily Sperm production (DSP), and DSP per gramme testis of Ghanaian WAD bucks were 146.0 ± 50.95, 2.2 ± 0.62, 41.01 ± 14.3 and 0.62 ± 0.17 x109 spermatozoa, respectively. Indigenous West African Draft goats have a high potential for sperm production. It is recommended that further research be conducted on the semen quality parameters of this breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The high morbidity rate and poor prognosis associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in developing countries is attributed to late diagnosis. In this study, we sought to determine the value of age, gender, tumor location, immunohistochemical expression of epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and cytokeratin (CkAE1/AE3) proteins in OSCC diagnosis. Methods: Cases of OSCC at the Dental Clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria between January 2004 and December 2015 were profiled for gender, age, tumor location and histologic class. The pattern of immunoreactivity was also determined. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze patients' demographic data which were then presented as frequencies and percentages, while Pearson's x 2 test was used to assess the association between demographic variables and OSCC. Results: Out of 1527 tumor cases accessioned 100 (6.5%) were OSCC with a male to female ratio of 1.4:1. Peak prevalence was observed at the 7th decade age group. The moderately differentiated class which was observed to be associated with patients in the 1st, 2nd and 4th decade age groups was the most preponderant constituting 65% of cases. The palate was the most commonly affected site. While the floor of the mouth, parotid, buccal mucosa and commissure were associated with the moderately differentiated class, the oropharynx was associated with the poorly differentiated class. Cytokeratin was expressed by all the histologic classes. However, only the poorly differentiated class failed to express EMA protein. Conclusions: In conclusion gender (P > 0.05), age (P > 0.05) and tumor location (P > 0.05) do not seem to be critical diagnostic factors associated with OSCC. However, the EMA seems to be a valuable predictive diagnostic marker for the poorly differentiated oral squamous cell carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study sought to provide data on influence of sex and management system on seroprevalence of Newcastle disease (ND) in unvaccinated indigenous chicken in Ashanti Region, Ghana. A total of seventy-one (71) local chickens were screened for ND virus antibodies using haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. The overall seroprevalence of 69.0% was obtained. A higher ND antibodies seroprevalence of 60.56% was recorded in local chicken at Aboaso (kept under extensive system) than those from Amakom (kept under intensive system) with 8.45%. More female birds from extensive system (11 (69.1%) tested positive for the ND antibodies also a higher mean titer of 6.4 were obtained in positive male birds also the same system. The differences in seroprevalence with respect to management systems and the mean titre values with respect to sex of birds were statistically significant (p<0.05). The findings indicate that ND is endemic in Ashanti region particularly at Aboaso where extensive system is practised. It is imperative to conclude that the extensive system of management of indigenous chicken play a role in the spread of ND in Ghana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swine respiratory diseases particularly enzootic pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo) constitutes a significant health problem to pig production in many countries. However, the impact has been underestimated in Nigeria. This study therefore, retrospectively analyzed swine respiratory diseases and the associated pulmonary histopathology. Postmortem records and archival lung samples were obtained from the Departments of Veterinary Pathology University of Ibadan, Ibadan and Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. A total of 98 pig carcasses were presented for necropsy during the period between 2005 and 2017. The diseases presumptively diagnosed using gross morphological criteria were extracted from the postmortem records while, 21 formalin-fixed archival lung samples were used for histopathology and immunohistochemistry using standard techniques. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics while Chi Square was used to test for association between different variables and pulmonary lesions at a0.05. In this study, respiratory diseases had a prevalence of 56.1% with enzootic pneumonia as the most frequently diagnosed at postmortem (49%, 48/98). Only age was identified to be a significant (P = 0.019) predisposing factor in the development of respiratory diseases. Microscopically, hyperplasia of bronchus associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) with formation of lymphoid nodules and thickening of alveolar septa were the most significant changes (38.1%, 8/21). Immunohistochemically, M. hyopneumoniae antigen was detected in 13/21 (61.9%) of the lung samples and were immunolabelled as granular brown reactions on the luminal surfaces of bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial cells and intraluminal cellular exudates within the airways. The histopathological findings and the detection of M. hyopneumoniae antigen indicated that the organism is primarily involved in the development of enzootic pneumonia in naturally infected pigs and may be central in the pathogenesis. It is concluded that enzootic pneumonia is a serious health issue in pigs in the study area and needs urgent attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin is the largest organ in the body of man and animal where interdigitation of the dermal papillae with epidermal pegs enhances structural stability of the skin especially where frequent pressure is applied. Cane rats are robust rodents with stocky bodies. They are only found in Africa and only a single species known as Thryonomys has been found to exist. This work was designed to establish the nature of the interdigitating structural disposition of the epidermal-dermal interface in T. swinderianus (Greater cane rat) which may account for the fragility and easy tear of their skin. A total of twenty adult male greater cane rats were used. Three samples sized 1cm to 2cm were taken from each of 14 different body sites for histological evaluation for rete pegs. These pegs were generally few in six regions with the following average per light microscopic field: head (5.5±3.7), neck (1.0±1.7), forelimb (5.6±3.7), trunk (4.3±4.2), tail (1.0±1.7) and the hindlimb (6.3±5.3). The neck and the tail parts of the body have the least concentration of this structure compared to other regions evaluated. This few in number of rete pegs may account for the fragility of the skin which makes it difficult to restrain or handle without damage during research work procedures and management during domestication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piglet diarrhea is one of the major causes of huge losses facing the pig industry in West Africa. The problem of limited access to veterinary services and drugs by low-income farmers, coupled with a global rise in antibiotic resistance has necessitated research into identifying comparably efficacious, economical and readily available phytogenic extracts which could serve as alternatives to antibiotics. In this study, a field evaluation of extracts of three medicinal plants: Picralima nitida, Ficus exasperata, and Khaya senegalensis were investigated for their individual antidiarrheal activities in management of piglet scours in Ashanti Region of Ghana. Aqueous decoctions of the stem barks of F. exasperata and K. senegalensis, and seeds of P. nitida were extracted and concentrated into 5% and 10% w/v preparations. Piglets with non-induced diarrhea were recruited and divided into groups which were treated with extracts of specific concentrations and monitored till cessation of the diarrhea. The study revealed that extracts of all three medicinal plants, in the concentrations administered, portrayed clear evidence of efficacy; and significantly inhibited the diarrheal course in the piglets. More than 70% of the subjects achieved complete cessation of the diarrhea following treatment with P. nitida 10% at 30-35 hrs; P. nitida 5% at 49-54 hrs; F. exasperata 10% at 54-59 hrs; F. exasperata 5% at 54-59 hrs; and K. senegalensis 10% at 49-54 hours. Comparatively, the different extracts showed varying degrees of efficiency in the treatment of diarrhoea in piglets; and the highest efficiency and potency was with P. nitida 10% [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This retrospective study highlights the degree of losses and time-course through which the 2015 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in Ghana were managed. A total of 102 760 birds from 35 farms across five regions in Ghana included in this study were affected. Out of this, 89.3% was from the Greater Accra region. Majority of the birds were culled (94.2%). Adult layers were most affected and destroyed (64.0%), followed by broilers (13.7%). Event initiation to reporting averaged 7.7 ± 1.3 days (range: 1–30 days). Laboratory confirmation to depopulation of birds averaged 2.2 ± 0.5 (0–15) days while depopulation to disinfection took 2.2 ± 0.7 (0–20) days. Overall, some farms took as long as 30 days to report the outbreak to the authorities, 15 days from confirmation to depopulation and 20 days from depopulation to disinfection. On average, outbreak management lasted 12.3 (2–43) days from event initiation to depopulation. The study reveals a significant number of avian losses and delays in HPAI reporting and management by the authorities in Ghana during the 2015 out- break. This poses a high risk of spread to other farms and a threat to public health. Awareness creation for poultry farmers is necessary for early reporting, while further study is required to set thresholds for the management of such outbreaks by veterinary departments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this study was to test the pathogenicity of Mycoplasma bovis isolated from cases of clinical mastitis in cattle in some states of Nigeria. Pathogenicity study of Mycoplasma bovis was carried out using five New Zealand White lactating rabbits, obtained from a local breeder in Ibadan, Nigeria. The left mammary glands of each rabbit were inoculated intracisternally with 1ml of 2.4 x 105 cfu/ml of Mycoplasma bovis obtained from cases of clinical mastitis in Nigeria. The right mammary glands served as control and received 1 ml of sterile Tryptose Soy broth each. The clinical signs, post-mortem and histological findings were recorded. Clinically, the rabbits were weak and anorexic with mortalities. Grossly, lesions were observed in the spleens, lungs and the ovaries, while the mammary glands were atrophied. This clearly showed the septicaemic nature of the Mycoplasma bovis isolated from the clinical mastitis cases hence proper hygienic practices should be implemented during milking for public health reasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to understand the ecological dynamics of parasites allows for a more wholistic insight into the application of the one health concept in wildlife medicine. Using this method, the ecological dynamics of shared gastrointestinal parasites of wildlife, humans and domestic animals in the Kumasi metropolis was determined. The study analyzed 102 faecal samples (59 from game and 43 from captive animals) from Kumasi Metropolis using the flotation and Mcmaster techniques. From the study, the pattern of prevalence for helminth parasites was same for both game and captive animals with Trichostrongyles being the most prevalent (49.2% in game animals and 44.2% in captive animals) followed by Ascarids, Stongyloides spp., and Trichuris spp. Capillaria spp. was least prevalent in captive animals at 23.3% and just a bit more prevalent in game animals (8.5%) than Trichuris spp. (5.1%). Protozoan parasite prevalence pattern differed between game and captive animals with Coccidia (45.8%) more prevalent in game animals than Entamoeba spp. (6.8%). In captive animals Entamoeba spp. (20.9%) was most prevalent followed by Coccidia (13.9%) and then Giardia spp. (11.6%). This confirmed the existence of shared gastrointestinal parasites between wildlife, humans and domestic animals with the potential to be spilled over into wildlife or spilled back to humans and domestic animals, emphasizing the need for more extensive studies in wildlife parasitology and ways in which to reduce the risks posed to humans, wildlife and our domestic animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastric ulceration has been identified as a significant problem affecting pigs worldwide causing economic losses and is of a welfare concern. Limited information was available on the awareness of farmers of gastric ulcers and the exposure of pigs to some identified predisposing factors. This study sought to fill this information gap. Methods: Data were collected from 148 registered pig farmers in 12 local government areas of Oyo state using structured questionnaires. On-site assessment of farms' facilities and management practices was observed to determine the level of exposure of pigs to known predisposing factors. Results: Most (84.5%) of the farmers were males with the majority (89.2%) being Christians. The scale of production was mostly (71%) between 50-150 pigs, while many (52.7%) had farming experience of over 5 years. Most (83.1%) of the farmers were aware of the occurrence of gastric ulcers in humans while only 23% were aware that pigs were affected. A high proportion (69%) of the farmers formulated their feeds based on their discretion while some (28.4%) used standard formula. A high proportion (62.2%) of farmers were utilizing mixed sized particles while 33.1% farmers were using finely grounded grains with most farmers (84%) feeding 1-2 times daily. Only 12.2% farmers evaluated water quality parameters with some (9.5%) sourcing water from streams. Farm design and facilities supported manual processes of feeding (100%), watering (60.8%) and sorting (85.8%). Restraints were mostly (96%) dependent on physical methods. Conclusion: This study showed that the awareness of gastric ulceration in pigs among farmers in the Oyo state was limited and pigs were consistently exposed to predisposing factors such as fine feed particles, unhygienic water, and stressful handling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newcastle disease vaccination regimes commonly used in the control of the disease in chicken abound in literature in most endemic countries however such in guinea fowl has not being previously reported especially in Ghana. This study was conducted to evaluate waning of maternal antibodies and Newcastle disease vaccination regime in keets at a private Farm in Kumasi, Ghana. 3000 keets (1000 per group) were used for the study. Group A keets were vaccinated with Hitchner B1 strain (HB 1) on day 1, Group B keets on day 7 and Group C keets were not vaccinated and served as the control group for maternal antibody waning. The antibody titres of the birds were determined from day 1 to day 28 using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test and the mean titres were calculated. The maternal antibodies waned to a very low level at day 14 while at day 28, keets in Group A produced the highest average titre of 5067.3 compared to Group B and Group C (p<0.05). In conclusion, vaccination of keets at day 1 seems to produce better immune response even with the presence of maternal antibodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report investigates an outbreak of coccidiosis in a rabbitry in Ibadan, Nigeria. The rabbits were raised in a commercial breeder rabbitry with a total stock of 700 rabbits. The duration of mortality was 5 days, with an average of 140 rabbits per day giving a total of 635 (85%) mortalities. Clinical signs, necropsy findings, cytological, Histopathological and confirmatory diagnosis were reported and discussed. This case report further showed that coccidiosis in rabbitry is still a serious problem which should be monitored and controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated incidence and prevalence of fungi isolates that grow naturally on palm kernel sludge (PKS). The in vitro digestibility of crude enzyme extract (CEE) from identified fungi on proximate composition, fibre fractions and reducing sugars of the substrate was also assessed using standard methods. Solid state fermentation (SSF) with inoculum concentration of 2.3 x 106 spores/mL was used to produce CEE from the most prevalent isolated fungi after which PKS was digested with the CEE. The fungal isolates with high prevalence of occurence on PKS were: Aspergillus candida(90%), Aspergillus flavus(90%), Aspergillus niger(90%), Rhizopus microspororus(90%), Trichoderma harzianum (80%), Aspergillus brasiliensis(80%), Phythium sp (80%) and Cunninghamella sp (70%). Aspergillus candida was consistent in significantly reducing lignin, Acid detergent fibre and Neutral detergent fibre of PKS relative to the control. Aspergillus brasiliensis was able to release reducing sugars from the substrate. Crude enzyme extract of isolates tested on PKS improved the substrate in one form or the other. The different results exhibited by different isolates point to the fact that tested fungal isolates explore different mechanisms in degrading the substrate however the utilization by animals can be confirmed when nutrient digestibility is carried out in-vivo with any species of livestock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One health issues need to be accepted and well implemented in rural setting of developing nations where health care delivery is still a mirage. This paper examines the challenges and approaches of implementing one health concept at rural communities in Sierra Leone. Rapid and participatory rural appraisal was adopted to obtain information from invitees, Non-Governmental organizations operating in the communities, direct and indirect beneficiaries in and around the project area which include officials from District council, councilors, ward representatives, Paramount Chiefs, community leaders, health workers, International and National Non-Governmental Organization, Traders, Animal Owners and officials from Ministry of Health and Agriculture. This study showed that implementing One Health in rural communities of this nature had been difficult due to a myriad of factors ranging from lack of trained available personnel, poor infrastructure, a weak health system in the animal and human sector, lack of organized institution and mismanagement of funds. It also identified one health needs and zoonotic diseases of interest as an entry point for implementation of one health concept. One of the zoonoses identified is rabies while dog ownership pattern and management were identified as factors that need improvement to achieve rabies control at rural setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Jatropha protein isolate was prepared following the principle of isoelectric precipitation. The isolated protein is low in fibre, lipid and ash, and high in protein and gross energy contents. The antinutritional factors such as phytic acid, tannin and trypsin inhibitor were found to decrease after protein extraction except phorbol esters (PEs), which remain bounded to the protein matrix. Thus, the protein isolate was detoxified and the PEs content reduced significantly. For the feeding trial, six isonitrogenous diets were formulated as DJP 0, DJP 25, DJP 50, DJP 75, DJP 100, or DJP 100 + lysine with detoxified Jatropha protein isolate (DJP) in replacement for soybean protein isolate (SPI) and fed to L. rohita fingerlings (3.25 ± 0.02 g) for 60 days. The weight gain percentage (WG %), specific growth rate and metabolic growth rate values among the groups showed no significant difference (p > .05), except DJP 100 fed group. The feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, protein productive value, and survival, digestive and hepatic aminotransferase enzymes activities were not significantly affected, whereas intestinal alkaline phosphatase and serum alanine transaminase differ significantly (p < .05). Thus, this study revealed that DJP supplemented with lysine could replace 100% SPI protein without causing any significant effects on fish performance and organ integrity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A case of high grade large cell lymphoma was diagnosed in a dog at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Ibadan. The animal was a male Boerboel over six years old. The case was monitored clinically until necropsy where cytological, gross and histological techniques were used for detailed examination of morphological features of the tumour. The morphological pattern and classification schemes of lymphoma were generally reviewed. The relevance of other diagnostic methods was emphasised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmacoepidemiological survey of the use of herbal products and orthodox drugs was carried out within a university community using structured questionnaires. Three commonly used herbal products; Oroki Herbal Mixture® (OH), Mama Decoction® (MD) and Alomo Bitters® (AB) and co-administration with paracetamol were investigated based on the dosage instructions. Analgesic activity was evaluated using Hotplate method to determine the pain reaction time (PRT), while haematological and biochemical analysis and histopathological evaluation of the organs were carried out at the end of the study using standard procedures. All the herbal products showed significant analgesic activity, co-administration with paracetamol resulted in slight reduction in the PRT of AB and OH, while MD showed a significant reduction in time to reach peak PRT from 120 minutes to 30minutes. There was no significant effect on PCV, RBC and Hb level, while varied effect on other haematological parameters was observed by the co-administration with paracetamol. Co-administration of AB and MD increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), while reduction was observed in OH. All the herbal products and their combination with paracetamol showed various stages of liver damage. Marked testicular degeneration was observed with co-administration of the herbal products with paracetamol, while kidney morphology was normal in all the treatments. All the herbal products investigated showed analgesic activities with synergistic enhancement of analgesic activity of paracetamol by Mama Decoction. However, their effect and their coadministration with paracetamol on some of the biochemical and haematological parameters as well as the damage to the liver and testes call for caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune response of challenged chickens following previous vaccinations with Newcastle disease vaccine using gums from Cedrela odorata and Khaya senegalensis as delivery agent were evaluated. Two hundred and fifty-two one-day old chickens were divided into vaccine-gum oral (GVOR), vaccine-gum ocular (GVOC), vaccine oral (VOR), vaccine ocular (VOC), gum oral (GOR), gum ocular (GOC), No-gum-no-vaccine/challenged (NGNV/C), and No-gum-no-vaccine/unchallenged (NGNV/U) groups. They were vaccinated at days 21 & 42 and challenged at day 84. Trachea and intestinal washings were collected at intervals as well as weekly serum samples. These were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test for mucosal and systemic IgG response (MA and SA). Statistical analysis was done using Omnibus one-way ANOVA. MA and SA were not different (P > 0.05) post first and second vaccination although gum-vaccine groups were marginally higher post second vaccination. Post Infection (PI), there was an early and sustained spike in both MA and SA for the GV groups especially GVOR (P < 0.05). MA and SA for the Gum alone (especially GOR) groups also spiked PI (P < 0.05). Therefore, phytogenic polymers used could be said to possess immunopotentiating property with a possible induction of immunologic memory mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve sexually matured West African Dwarf bucks from were used for the experiment. Plant extraction was by cold extraction method using hexane and ethanol as solvents. All the goats had bilaterally well descended free testicles. They were kept in standard goat pen, were served water ad libitum, centrosema plant and ration. They were stabilised for two weeks after which pre-treatment spermiogram was done followed by 14 days of oral administration of 800mg/kg ethanol leaf extract of Spondias mombin. Spermiogram was repeated after treatment. Two randomly selected goats were then castrated through a midline pre-scrotal incision for morphological study and histology of the testes and epididymides. Total spermatozoa morphological abnormalities in pre-treatment of 17.1% was significantly (p≤0.05) higher than the 10% recorded for post-treatment. Curved mid-piece (1.8%) and bent tail (1.8%) constituted the highest abnormalities post-treatment while curved tail (3.5%) was highest pretreatment. Mean values of progressive motility and percentage liveability were significantly higher (p≤0.05) in post-treatment (96.17±3.10% and 98.25±1.36% respectively) compared to pre-treatment (80.83±11.84% and 78.75±9.56% respectively). Post-treatment sperm concentration (2.50±0.32 x109 cells/ml) compared with pretreatment (2.32±0.36 x109 cells/ml) was not significantly different. Post-treatment gross and histological features of the bucks' testes and epididymis were normal. The work revealed that Spondias mombin at 800mg/kgBW improved semen quality in bucks indicating its usefulness as a potential profertility agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A commercial red hybrid tilapia was experimented with S. agalactiae infection under influences of heat stress which indicated by plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) as biomarkers of stress. To achieve these objectives, 110 red hybrid tilapia in good health were divided into five groups of 22 fish each. Group A was challenged with 2.3 × 109 CFU of S. agalactiae and exposed to heat stress at 33 ± 0.5°C on day 1. Group B was challenged on day 1 as in Group A but heat stress was introduced on day 7 post challenge (pc). Group C was exposed to heat stress on day 1 and challenged on day 7 pc while groups D and E served as a positive and negative controls respectively. Blood samples were collected at days 0, 3, 7, 10 and 14 for MDA and SOD analysis. Groups A and B recorded high mortality following exposure to heat stress and bacteria inoculation, with group A reaching 100% mortality at day 7 post inoculation. Overall, Groups A, B, C and Group D showed pattern of increase in MDA level as early as day 3 and decrease pattern for SOD activity. Group E did not show any significant difference in MDA level throughout the study period. Clinical signs such as erratic swimming, exopthalmia, skin haemorrhage and cloudy eye were predominantly observed in group A 24 h post inoculation. Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that heat stress plays crucial role in the pathogenesis of S. agalactiae, via alteration of the oxidant defence system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the first detection of human H3N2 influenza virus in Taiwanese pigs in 1970, infection of pigs with wholly human viruses has been known to occur in other parts of the world. These viruses, referred to as human-like H3N2 viruses, have been known to cause clinical and subclinical infections of swine populations. Due to the paucity and complete unavailability of information on transmission of influenza viruses from other species, especially humans, to swine in Nigeria and Ghana, respectively, this study was designed to investigate the presence and prevalence of a human strain of influenza A (H3N2) in swine populations at three locations in two cities within these two West African countries in January and February, 2014. Using stratified random technique, nasal swab specimens were collected from seventy-five (75) pigs at two locations in Ibadan, Nigeria and from fifty (50) pigs in Kumasi, Ghana. These specimens were tested directly by a sensitive Quantitative Solid Phase Antigen-detection Sandwich ELISA using anti-A/Brisbane/10/2007 haemagglutinin monoclonal antibody. Influenza virus A/Brisbane/10/2007 (H3N2) was detected among pigs at the three study locations, with an aggregate prevalence of 4.0% for the two locations in Ibadan, Nigeria and also 4.0% for Kumasi, Ghana. Transmission of influenza viruses from other species to swine portends serious sinister prospects for genetic reassortment and evolvement of novel viruses. We therefore recommend that further studies should be carried out to investigate the presence of other circulating human and avian influenza viruses in swine populations in West Africa and also determine the extent of genetic reassortment of strains circulating among these pigs. This would provide an early warning system for detection of novel influenza viruses, which could have pandemic potentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the occurrence of gastric lesions in pigs in Ghana is lacking in literature. This study was designed as a preliminary investigation to determine the occurrence and pattern of gastric lesion in pigs in Ghana. Ante-mortem animal assessment and post-slaughter stomach evaluation were conducted on 75 pigs out of a total of 694 slaughtered between October, 2014 and March, 2015 at the Kumasi abattoir. The gross lesions observed on the gastric mucosa were graded using standard technique. Stomach contents were assessed and tissue sections were used for histopathology evaluation. The data obtained were cross tabulated and analyzed using Chi-square and One-way ANOVA. Significance was determined at p < 0.05.The prevalence of gastric lesions in the sampled population was 25.3% while the non-glandular stomach (pars oesophagea) and glandular had a prevalence of 17.3% and 21.3% respectively. The predominant lesions observed were epithelial changes in the pars oesophagea and ulcers in glandular region of the stomach. Epithelial changes were restricted to the non-glandular region and it affected 8 (42.1%) of the stomachs with lesions. Erosions and ulceration were observed in the pars oesophagea and glandular stomach while mucosa damage was restricted to the glandular stomach. Lesions were observed in the two breeds studied and the stomach contents of the pigs were mostly finely grounded compounded feed, millet/maize chaff or cassava based feed. Histopathological evaluation of gastric mucosa tissues revealed erosion, multifocal ulcerations with occasional presence of silver staining micro-organisms. There was no significant association between breed, age, sex and occurrence of gastric lesions in pigs. Stomach content volume and feed type were identified as risk factors. Evidence of stomach infection with spirochetes was also observed. Our findings reveal the occurrence of gastric lesions in pigs in Ghana and its associated risk factors. It is therefore recommended that stake-holders should adopt on-farm and abattoir periodic monitoring of the condition as well as improved animal welfare and hygiene practices both on farm and in transit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritional value and toxicological effects of seeds of Canavalia ensiformis, an underutilized tropical leguminous plant and a possible alternative protein source was investigated. The seeds were pre-treated before fermenting with pure double strains inoculum comprising of three sets of bacteria and four sets of moulds. The treatment diets were formulated with crude protein content from all the samples. Additionally, positive (casein) diet and negative (basal) diet serves as controls. Each group had four mice. Feeding was for 14 days to evaluate the net protein utilization while the toxicological evaluation was by haematological, serum enzymes changes and histopathology. There was significant (p<0.05) difference in terms of feed/ nutrient utilization by the mice on the different diets. In all, only diet formulated from Bacillus subtilis plus Pediococcus pentosaceus fermented sample (0.30 ± 0.01g/mice/day and 79.11 ± 2.37%) was close to the nitrogen intake and net protein of the casein diet (0.83 ± 0.02g/ mice/day and 94.18 ± 4.08%). The serum transferases increased significantly in treatment groups when compared with the casein diet. The PCV and RBC values decreased significantly while the WBC counts increased in all the mice fed with fermented diets except for those on B. subtilis plus P. pentosaceus fermented sample (46.40% - PCV, 11.40 x 106mm-3 -RBC). The histopathology of the livers of mice in some treated groups showed moderate to severe hepatic degeneration. In terms of nutritional constituent and assessment of protein quality only diet formulated from B. subtilis plus P. pentosaceus fermented diet showed great promises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the prevalence of important reproductive zoonoses in West African countries other than Nigeria had been scanty in literature. This study estimates the prevalence of brucellosis in sheep and goats from Northern, Ashanti and Greater Accra regions of Ghana. Tissues/swabs (319) and serum (370) samples were collected from sheep and goats comprising male and female West African Dwarf (WAD) and Sahelian breeds between 1 to 4 years of age in the regions. These were screened for brucellosis using Modified Ziehl Neelsen (MZN) staining method and the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT). A seroprevalence of 13.3% was recorded while 17.0% were positive with modified ZN staining. Goats (10%) and female animals (7.0%) had slightly higher seroprevalence. Adult animals of above two years had prevalence of 92.0% while WAD breed had the highest prevalence of 63.0% with 2.7% in female WAD. More seropositive animals were found from Ashanti region than other regions. Due to the zoonotic and economic implications of the disease, there is the need to embark on the strict control strategies including vaccination of small ruminants against brucellosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]