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We report cases of Armillifer Armillatus infestation in three Nigerian adults within two and half years in our health facility. The first patient was a 70 year old farmer and a regular consumer of snake meat for over 50 years. He presented in February, 2014 for follow-up visit as he was a known systemic hypertensive patient. He was incidentally discovered to have multiple comma-shaped calcific lesions in the lungs and liver on a chest radiograph. These were better demonstrated on abdominal ultrasound and computed tomographic scans. He was asymptomatic. The second patient was a 42 year old male civil servant who presented in December 2015 with dry cough and right loin pain for five and three days respectively. His past medical history revealed that he had been treated previously for pneumonia. He has never eaten snake meat but consumed Alligator (Amphibious reptile) for many years but stopped about 12 years ago. Similar calcific lesions were also noted in his liver and lung parenchyma on chest radiograph and abdominal ultrasound scan. The third patient was an 80 year old man who presented in April, 2014 with dizziness and diminished urine output of one day duration. He was a farmer who has been consuming snake meat for many years, and has been on management for systemic arterial hypertension and prostatic hypertrophy. Chest radiograph and abdomino-pelvic ultrasound incidentally revealed multiple comma-shaped calcific lesions in the lungs and liver. The liver function test parameters were all within normal limits but the electrolytes were deranged and he was anaemic with a Packed Cell Volume of 27%. A diagnosis of Armillifer Armillatus infestation was made in these patients, and they were conservatively managed with Mebendazole. The third case was catherized and the deranged electrolytes were corrected. The first patient was lost to follow-up, whiles the second and third had no remarkable symptoms on subsequent follow-up visits.

The 2013-15 Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in West Africa had similar nuances with the 1976 outbreaks in Central Africa; both were caused by the Zaire Ebola Virus strain and originated from rural forested communities. The definitive reservoir host of Ebola virus still remains unknown till date. However, from ecological perspective, it is known that the virus first emerged from forest ecotypes interfacing with human activities. As at March 2015, the outbreak has claimed over 9000, which is unprecedented. Though it remains unproved, the primary sources of infection for past and present outbreaks are forest dwelling, human-hunted fauna. Understanding the ecological factors at play in these forest ecotypes where wild fauna interface with human and causing pathogen spill over is important. A broad based One Health approach incorporating these ecological concepts in the control of Ebola Virus Disease caneffectively ameliorate or forestall infection now and in the future.

INTRODUCTION: The advent of HPAI in Nigeria was a traumatic experience for the poultry industry. Wealth and resources were lost to the ravages of the virus. The Government of Nigeria with the support of International donor agencies came up with a policy for the prevention of spread of the disease leading to the eventual control and eradication of the virus in Nigeria. The various measures implemented in the control of the outbreaks, and their effects on eradication of the virus in the country are highlighted. METHODS: Using combined data from passive and active surveillance for HPAI in poultry farms, wetlands and live bird markets in Nigeria during 2006 - 2009, with laboratory diagnostic findings, we describe the characteristics of the control strategies implemented. The control measures include immediate reports of suspected outbreaks, prompt laboratory confirmation and rapid modified stamping out with compensations paid to affected farmers. Decontamination of infected farm premises, re-organization of live bird market were carried out, and bio security measures put in place before re-stocking. RESULTS: Three years following initial outbreak, the number of laboratory confirmed cases drastically reduced from 140 in 2006 and 160 in 2007 to only 2 cases of field outbreak in 2008. Only one case of human infection was documented during the period and no field outbreak or detection by surveillance was reported throughout 2009 and 2010. CONCLUSION: The measures employed by the Government through its agencies in the control of HPAI in Nigeria brought the incidence of the disease to naught.