Basic Veterinary Sciences
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Item Reduction of Ascaridia galli Pathology by Salmonella typhimurium in Broiler Chicken.(Hindawi, 2021) Foka, E.I.S.; Yamssi, C.; Enyetornye, B.; Anangmo, C.N.; Mbida, M.; Mayaka, T.B.Previous studies have reported interactions between Salmonella spp. and some helminth coinfections. In this study, S. typhimurium and Ascaridia galli coinfections were analyzed, and the consequences on therapy were proposed. In a first experiment where the effect of the bacteria on the nematode was evaluated, thirty 42-day-old broiler chickens were divided into 3 groups and coinfected with both parasites. The rate of A. galli egg inoculum was kept constant at 500/ml while that of S. typhimurium varied as follows: T0 (500 A. galli eggs/ml), T104 (500 A. galli eggs/ml+104 S. typhimurium CFUs), and T106 (500 A. galli eggs/ml +106 S. typhymurium CFUs). EPG and parasitic load were measured using the McMaster technic, and number of worms and their length were also measured. We observed that T106 containing 106 CFUs of Salmonella significantly reduced the EPG values, and this group recorded the lowest worm load ranging from 18 to 21 worms. Likewise, the length of the worms obtained with T104 and T106 appeared to be shorter than those of the control (T0). In a second experiment to assess the effects of the nematode on the bacteria, thirty 42-day-old broiler chickens were divided into 3 groups and coinfected with both parasites. The rate of S. typhimurium inoculum was kept constant at 106 CFUs while that of A. galli varied as follows: T0 (106 CFUs), T500 (500 A. galli eggs/ml +106 S. typhymurium CFUs), and T750 (750 A. galli eggs/ml +106 S. typhymurium CFUs). Bacterial load was measured using Voogt technique. We observed that T500 increased the colonization time and prolonged the duration of S. typhimurium secretion. Salmonella appears to be a hyperparasite considering the deleterious effect on A. galli. Due to this, it may be prudent to combine anti-Salmonella treatment with anthelmintic so as to effectively treat pathologies caused by these two pathogens.Item A community approach of pathogens and their arthropod vectors (ticks and feas) in dogs of African Sub-Sahara(Parasites & Vectors, 2021) Heylen, D.; Day, ,M.; Schunack, B.; Fourie, J.; Labuschange, M.; Johnson, S.; Githigia, S.M.; Akande, F.A.; Nzalawahe, J.S.; Tayebwa, D.S.; Aschenborn, O.; Marcondes, M.; Madder, M.Background: Arthropod-borne pathogens and their vectors are present throughout Africa. They have been well studied in livestock of sub-Saharan Africa, but poorly in companion animals. Given the socio-economic importance of companion animals, the African Small Companion Animal Network (AFSCAN), as part of the WSAVA Foundation, initiated a standardized multi-country surveillance study. Methods: Macro-geographic variation in ectoparasite (ticks and feas) and pathogen communities in dogs was assessed through molecular screening of approximately 100 infested dogs in each of six countries (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Namibia), both in rural and urban settings. The most important intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors within the subpopulation of infested dogs were evaluated. Results: Despite the large macro-geographic variation in the dogs screened, there was no consistent diference between East and West Africa in terms of the diversity and numbers of ticks. The highest and lowest numbers of ticks were found in Nigeria and Namibia, respectively. Most often, there was a higher diversity of ticks in rural habitats than in urban habitats, although the highest diversity was observed in an urban Uganda setting. With the exception of Namibia, more feas were collected in rural areas. We identifed tick species (including Haemaphysalis spinulosa) as well as zoonotic pathogens (Coxiella burnetti, Trypanosoma spp.) that are not classically associated with companion animals. Rhipicephalus sanguineus was the most abundant tick, with a preference for urban areas. Exophilic ticks, such as Haemaphysalis spp., were more often found in rural areas. Several multi-host ticks occurred in urban areas. For R. sanguineus, housing conditions and additional pets were relevant factors in terms of infestation, while for a rural tick species (Haemaphysalis elliptica), free-roaming dogs were more often infested. Tick occurrence was associated to the use of endoparasiticide, but not to the use of ectoparasiticide. The most prevalent tick-borne pathogen was Hepato zoon canis followed by Ehrlichia canis. High levels of co-parasitism were observed in all countries and habitats. Conclusions: As dogs share a common environment with people, they have the potential to extend the network of pathogen transmission to humans. Our study will help epidemiologists to provide recommendations for surveillance and prevention of pathogens in dogs and humans.Item What is stirring in the reservoir? Modelling mechanisms of henipavirus circulation in fruit bat hosts(The Royal Society, 2019-05-28) Suu-Ire, R.D.; Glennon, E.E.; Becker, D.J.; Peel, A.J.; Garnier, R.; Gibson, L.; Hayman, D.T.S.; Wood, J.L.N.; Cunningham, A.A.; Plowright, R.K.; Restif, O.Pathogen circulation among reservoir hosts is a precondition for zoonotic spillover. Unlike the acute, high morbidity infections typical in spillover hosts, infected reservoir hosts often exhibit low morbidity and mortality. Although it has been proposed that reservoir host infections may be persistent with recurrent episodes of shedding, direct evidence is often lacking. We construct a generalized SEIR (susceptible, exposed, infectious, recovered) framework encompassing 46 sub-models representing the full range of possible transitions among those four states of infection and immunity. We then use likelihood-based methods to fit these models to nine years of longitudinal data on henipavirus serology from a captive colony of Eidolon helvum bats in Ghana. We find that reinfection is necessary to explain observed dynamics; that acute infectious periods may be very short (hours to days); that immunity, if present, lasts about 1–2 years; and that recurring latent infection is likely. Although quantitative inference is sensitive to assumptions about serology, qualitative predictions are robust. Our novel approach helps clarify mechanisms of viral persistence and circulation in wild bats, including estimated ranges for key parameters such as the basic reproduction number and the duration of the infectious period. Our results inform how future field-based and experimental work could differentiate the processes of viral recurrence and reinfection in reservoir hosts.Item Dog population structure in Kumasi, Ghana: A missing link towards rabies control(Pan African Medical Journal, 2019-03-27) Johnson, S.; Tasiame, W.; Burimuah, V.; Akyereko, E.; Amemor, E.Introduction: dog-mediated human rabies remains a major public health threat in Ghana. Dog population structure surveys are pre-requisites for appropriate planning for rabies vaccination; however, this information is unavailable in Ghana. This study describes dog population structure in Kumasi, Ghana. Methods: a household cross sectional survey was conducted from January through April 2016 in Ayeduase and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) campus using a structured questionnaire. Results: a total of 1319 households were surveyed out of which 35.1% (463/1319) kept dogs. We recorded 816 dogs from 463 households, giving dog to household ratio of 1.8:1. Respondents acquired 71% (579/816) of dogs through purchase. Of 2065 persons in Ayeduase, 406 owned dogs, resulting in man to dog ratio of 5.1:1. Male dogs represented 62.9% (513/816) while those aged a year and above recorded 70%. Most of the dogs were not restricted (80.3%) and 49.9% were allowed to enter neighbors' households. Dog rabies vaccination coverage was 28.1% and 64.9% in Ayeduase and KNUST campus respectively. Respondents (87.8%) from Ayeduase knew dog bite was the main means of rabies transmission, however, about 65% believed in traditional ways of treatment such as concoction, herbs and consumption of offending dogs' organs. Conclusion: the high dog to household-human ratio, increased roaming dog population and low vaccination coverage is of concern to rabies. Respondents' knowledge on their dogs is an indication of accessibility for vaccination. Obtained results can be useful for rabies vaccination planning in Kumasi and other comparable settings in Ghana.Item The role of autophagy in morphogenesis and stem cell maintenance(Histochemistry and Cell Biology, 2018-12) Offei, E.B.; Yang, X.; Brand-Saberi, B.During embryonic development, cells need to undergo a number of morphological changes that are decisive for the shaping of the embryo’s body, initiating organogenesis and differentiation into functional tissues. These remodeling processes are accompanied by profound changes in the cell membrane, the cytoskeleton, organelles, and extracellular matrix composition. While considerably detailed insight into the role of autophagy in stem cells biology has been gained in the recent years, information regarding the participation of autophagy in morphogenetic processes is only sparse. This review, therefore, focuses on the role of autophagy in cell morphogenesis through its regulatory activity in TGFβ signaling, expression of adhesion molecules and cell cycle modification. It also discusses the role of autophagy in stem cell maintenance which is very fundamental for cell renewal and replacement during development, pathogenesis of certain diseases and development of therapies. We are thus addressing here perspectives for further potentially rewarding research topics. © 2018, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.Item Antimicrobial drug usage and poultry production: Case study in Ghana(Animal Production Science, 2019-01) Johnson, S.; Bugyei, K.; Nortey, P.; Tasiame, W.Antimicrobial use in food animal production could lead to the occurrence of antimicrobial residues in the animal products. In Ghana, there is no monitoring program for antimicrobial residue in foods of animal origin. We determined the types of antimicrobial drugs used in poultry production in Dormaa municipality and the levels of residue found in poultry products. Performing a cross-sectional study, a structured questionnaire and direct observation methods were used to assess antimicrobial usage, knowledge of and adherence to withdrawal periods in randomly selected poultry farms. Eggs and ready-for-sale broilers were purchased from selected respondents' farms for detection and quantification of residues using the microbial inhibition plate assay. A total of 132 farmers were interviewed from 115 farms. Farms (86%) administered drugs to birds for prophylactic purposes. A total of 28 (24.3%) farms had tetracycline residue in eggs, 25 (21.7%) in kidney and 14 (12.2%) in liver. Mean (±s.d.) tetracycline concentration (μg/g) found were: eggs 0.02 ± 0.003 kidneys 0.02 ± 0.01 and liver 0.01 ± 0.008. Twenty-six farms (92.9% ρ > 0.05) that had residues in eggs had sold eggs during treatment of the laying birds. A disinfectant and two antibiotics in human formulations were administered to birds in 44.3%, 17.4% and 2.6% farms respectively on an extra-label basis. Tetracyclines were the main antimicrobial drugs used in poultry farming in the study area with little or no regard to withdrawal periods. Tetracycline residue was found in poultry but below the Maximum Residue Level set by Codex Alimentarius. Extra-label use of disinfectant to water-medicate birds poses a health hazard to farmers and consumers alike. © 2019 CSIRO.Item Full genome sequence of a peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) from Ghana(Virus Genes, 2014-12) Dundon, W.G.; Adombi, C.; Waqas, A.; Otsyina, H.R.; Arthur, C.T.; Silber, R.; Loitsch, A.; Diallo, A.The full genome of a peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) isolated from a sheep lung sample collected in Ghana, Western Africa, in 2010, has been sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the virus clustered within the lineage II clade while comparison of its full genome with those of other PPRV strains revealed the highest identity (96.6 %) at a nucleotide level with the PPRV strain Nigeria/76/1. This is the first full genome sequence generated for a PPRV lineage II isolated since 1976. © 2014, Springer Science+Business Media New York.Item Knowledge, attitude, and practices on usage, disposal, and effect of plastic bags on sheep and goats(Springer Netherlands, 2018-06) Otsyina, H.R.; Nguhiu-Mwangi, J.; Mogoa, E.G.M.; Mbuthia, P.G.; Ogara, W.O.The objective of this study was to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices of people in the Nairobi and Kajiado Counties, Kenya, on the usage, disposal, and effect of plastic waste on sheep and goats (shoats). A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 384 respondents in four communities in the two counties. Most of the people irrespective of their age, occupation, and educational status used plastic bags of some type on a daily basis. A high proportion of the respondents (37.0%, 142) used plastic bags because of the low cost. Approximately, 79.1% (304) disposed used plastic bags in open dumps. A total of 147 (38.3%) households kept shoats. Out of these, 38.1% (56) purchased feed and also allowed their animals to roam. Most of them (45.3%, 174) thought that lack of feed for the animals was the main reason why shoats roam and scavenge at refuse dump sites and road sides. A large proportion of the respondents (44.5%, 143) mentioned death of animals as the ultimate consequence of ingestion of waste plastic bags. Though, the respondents were aware that indiscriminate disposal of used plastic bags could result in death of the animals from which they derive their livelihoods, they nevertheless continued with the practice. There is a need for a paradigm shift in the way and manner plastic bags are used and disposed. © 2018, Springer Science+Business Media B.V., part of Springer Nature.Item Patterns of passage into protected areas: Drivers and outcomes of Fulani immigration, settlement and integration into the Kachia Grazing Reserve, northwest Nigeria(2018) Ducrotoy, M.J.; Majekodunmi, A.O.; Shaw, A.P.M.; Bagulo, H.; Bertu, W.J.; Gusi, A.M.; Ocholi, R.; Welburn, S.C.Increasing land use and associated competition for natural resources in the wake of high human and livestock population pressures have been major challenges confronting pastoralists of West Africa. This is especially true in Nigeria where Fulani make up 4% of the national population and prevailing national insecurity issues are impacting on pastoral livelihoods, including violent conflicts over land and ethnic, religious and political disparities. This study examined the dynamics of immigration within the Kachia Grazing Reserve (KGR), an exclusively Fulani pastoralist community in Kaduna State, northwest Nigeria, prompted by concerns from both the farming communities and the authorities about mounting pressure on existing limited resources, particularly in regard to availability of cattle grazing resources. Drawing from a household census conducted in 2011 and employing a range of qualitative methods (focus group discussions and key informant interviews), this study explored the drivers and consequences of immigration and subsequent integration within the KGR community. The study revealed two types of immigration: a steady trickle of pastoralists migrating to the reserve to settle and acquire land, secure from the stresses of competition from cultivators, and the sudden influx of internally displaced persons fleeing violent clashes in their areas of origin. Population pressure within the reserve has risen steadily over the past three decades, such that it is severely overgrazed (as evidenced by reports from the KGR community that the animals run short of pasture even during the wet season due to desertification and the spread of non-edible weeds). The newer immigrants, fleeing conflict, tended to arrive in the reserve with significantly larger herds than those kept by established residents. Pastoralists in the reserve have been forced back into the practice of seasonal transhumance in both wet and dry seasons to support their herds, with all the attendant risks of theft, clashes with cultivators and increased disease transmission. © 2018, The Author(s).Item Prevalence ofgastrointestinal helminths andmanagement practices fordogsinthe Greater Accraregionof Ghana(Elsevier, 2015-08) Johnson, M.A.S.; Gakuya, D.W.; Mbuthia, P.G.; Mande, J.D.; Maingi, N.Toxocariosisandancylostomosisremainthemostimportantparasiticinfections affectingcompanionanimalsworldwideandposearisktoanimalandhuman health.InformationontheseinfectionsindogsinGhanaisinadequate.Across sectionalstudywasundertakentodeterminetheoccurrenceofgastrointestinal helminthsinfectionsandmanagementpracticesofdogsintheGreaterAccra Region(GAR)ofGhana.Faecalsampleswereobtainedfrom380dogsfrom communitiesin11outof16districtsintheGAR.Coprologicalexaminationof the sampleswasperformedusingthemodifiedMcMastertechnique.Management practicesforcontrolofhelminthsindogswereassessedthroughquestionnaire interviewsofthedogowners.Mostdogs(70.7%)werekeptforsecurityreasons and werenothoused(61.8%).Prevalenceofgastrointestinalhelminthswas62.6%. Hookwormeggswerefoundin178(46.8%)dogs, Toxocaracanis eggsin22(5.8%)andmixedinfectionsofhookwormsand T. canis in 38(10.0%). Dipylidiumcaninum wasfoundin51(13.4%)dogs,whileIsosporaspecieswas in 33(8.5%)dogs.Mosthouseholds(68%;133/194)ofthesampleddogshad atleastachildbelowtheageof5years.Hookworm, T.canis and D. caninum werethezoonoticgastrointestinalhelminthsprevalentindogsinthestudy area.Lackofhousingfordogscreatesidealconditionsforinfectionandspread of thezoonoticparasites.