Department of Animal Biology and Conservation Science (DABCS)
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Item Assessing the Knowledge and Awareness Among Selected Tertiary Students in the Accra Metropolis on Zoonotic Infections(Environmental Health Insights, 2023) Barimah, A.J.; Ofosua, T.Y.; Addo, H.O.; et al.Background: Zoonotic infections are a serious threat to human health and a direct risk that could potentially be fatal. Animals both domestic and wild serve as reservoirs for zoonotic infections. Thus, frequent contact with animals might occasionally result in the transfer of infections from animals to people. Ghana is especially susceptible to the effects of zoonotic infections due to the increase in the household human-animal ratio. This study assessed the awareness and knowledge level of tertiary students in a selected tertiary institution on zoonotic infections. Methods: A quantitative research method was employed making use of a descriptive cross-sectional study design. The target population chosen for the research was mainly students from the University of Ghana. A stratified sampling technique was used in selecting participants for the study. 440 participants were selected for the study. The university’s four primary colleges served as the strata for the basis of data collection. Results: The study revealed a moderate knowledge level among students. The term “zoonoses” was understood by the majority (70%) of the respondents. Respondents knew at least one route of transmission of zoonotic infection. For the spread of zoonotic infections, close con tact with infected animals and consumption of contaminated food were seen as ways of spread by a majority. Conclusion: Although the basic strategies required for the control and elimination of the zoonotic diseases in such tertiary institutions are well known and practiced as per the study findings, zoonoses still persists and this can be attributed to low education on the subject. Knowledge and awareness level on zoonoses especially in tertiary institutions such as the University of Ghana could be improved if relevant authorities create adequate enlightenment programs on improving the knowledge of zoonotic diseases through a variety of media including seminars, workshop, television, radio, newspaper and social mediaItem Contact toxicity and proximate effect of fipronil on insect pest and predatory ant community structure in cocoa agro-ecosystem(Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, 2023) Avicor, S.W.; Awudzi, G.K.; Adu-Acheampong, R.; Boamah-Dankyi, P.; Adu-Acheampong, S.Although usage persists in some countries, fipronil is banned or restricted in many others. Prior to its ban on cocoa in Ghana, concerns about its effect on non-target insects and secondary outbreak of Anomis leona were conflicting. This study, which predates the ban, assessed the toxicity and the short-term effect of fipronil on specific insect community structure in the cocoa agro-ecosystem alongside bifenthrin and a non-insecticide control. Although the insecticides induced a high mortality (90-100%) on the target (mirid: Sahlbergella singu laris, stink bug: Bathycoelia thalassina and coreid bug: Pseudotheraptus devastans) and non-target (ants: Oecophylla longinoda, Crematogaster africana, Pheidole megacephala and Camponotus consobrinus) insects, the knockdown to fipronil was very low compared to bifenthrin. On the field, fipronil was more detrimental to the ants. Insecticide treated plots recorded relatively lower post-treatment pest diversity compared to the control, except the last sampling month while ant abundance, richness and diversity were lowest on the fipronil-treated plots at the end of the study period. This study demonstrates that although fipronil was effective against pests and did not result in acute secondary pest outbreak, it was harmful to the ants. This effect could potentially be replicated on these ant species in other cropping systems where the insecticide is used, adversely affecting ecosystem service de livery. Hence, research on its impact on non-target organisms in other cropping systems is needed to regulate and monitor its use.Item The costs of living in the city: influence of urbanization on the trophic niche and body condition of the African rainbow lizard Agama picticauda(European Journal of Wildlife Research volume, 2023) Ofori, B.Y.; Martey, P.; Mensah, J.B.; Quartey, J.K.; Attuquayefio, D.K.; Anderson, R.S.Trophic niche is a fundamental aspect of the ecology and natural history of animals, influencing their behavior, health, survival, and population dynamics. Although urbanization can strongly affect the trophic niche of wildlife by altering prey availability, abundance, and distribution, this effect remains understudied in tropical reptiles. Here, we assessed the influence of urbanization on the trophic niche and body condition of the West African rainbow lizard Agama picticauda in the Accra Plains of Ghana. Gastrointestinal content analysis of 98 lizards sampled from urban, suburban, and rural areas revealed 1088 prey items belonging to 14 orders and ~47 families of arthropods. Generally, the lizards consumed insects, with Hymenoptera (Formicidae) and Coleoptera (Carabidae) being the most frequently consumed prey orders. Multinomial regression modeling indicated that sex and site strongly affected the diet and body condition of the lizards, with suburban and rural lizards scoring the highest and lowest on both trophic niche breadth and body condition, respectively. We found a weak positive association between body condition and the diversity of ingested prey orders. Our data indicated that urbanization negatively influenced the trophic niche and body condition of A. picticauda. Although the differences in body condition among sites were not statistically significant, these could have important biological ramifications. The negative body condition of the urban female lizards suggests that the city could be an ecological trap, which can reduce the long-term fitness of lizards living in the urban area. Our findings can inform urban land use planning and effective conservation of urban habitats. We caution, however, that the findings of this study may not necessarily reflect the long-term trophic dynamics of rainbow lizards in the Accra Plains of Ghana and other cities.Item Diversity and Composition of Gastrointestinal Helminths and Gram-Negative Bacteria of the West African Rainbow Lizard (Agama picticauda) in a Human-Modified Landscape: Implications for Conservation and Zoonosis(Hindawi International Journal of Zoology, 2023) Ofori, B.Y.; Ewool, J.M.; Asamoah, R.E.A.; et al.Emerging infectious diseases are negatively impacting herpetofaunal populations globally, posing a major conservation threat. Anthropogenic perturbations of natural habitats may infuence wildlife disease dynamics and spillover events. Although viral and fungal diseases of vertebrates have received considerable studies, there is scant information on the enteric bacteria and helminths of herpetofauna. Here, we assessed the gastrointestinal helminths and Gram-negative bacteria of the West African rainbow lizard (Agama picticauda) in a human-dominated landscape in Accra, Ghana. We used the fotation method and standard cultural, morphological, and biochemical methods, for helminths and bacteria, respectively. Four helminth species, Ascaris spp., Enterobius spp., Pharyngodon spp., and Oxyurid spp., were identifed, with overall high (71.9%) prevalence. Ascaris spp. (χ2 = 33.33, p < 0.001) and Pharyngodon spp. (χ2 = 14.5, p < 0.001) were more prevalent in suburban lizards during the wet season than dry season. Te prevalence of Ascaris spp. and Enterobius spp. was signifcantly higher (χ2 = 12.34, p < 0.001) in urban than suburban lizards, while Oxyurid spp. was more prevalent (χ2 = 4.75, p � 0.03) in the suburban lizards during the wet season. Te gut bacteria identifed (prevalence) were Escherichia spp. (86.5%), Enterobacter spp. (75.7%), Proteus spp. (67.6%), Shigella spp. (40.5%), Klebsiella spp. (21.6%), and Salmonella spp. (16.2%). Te prevalence of Escherichia spp. and Proteus spp. was signifcantly higher (χ2 = 5.77–7.34, p � 0.01–0.02) in suburban lizards than urban lizards during the wet season. Some Ascaris spp., Enterobius spp., Escherichia spp., Enterobacter spp., Shigella spp., and Salmonella spp. are found in humans. Our data can serve as baseline information for long term monitoring studies of reptile-parasites-environment interactions in the Accra plains of Ghana. Further studies using molecular techniques are needed to ascertain the zoonotic helminths and bacteria of A. picticauda.Item Diversity and Composition of Gastrointestinal Helminths and Gram-Negative Bacteria of the West African Rainbow Lizard (Agama picticauda) in a Human-Modified Landscape: Implications for Conservation and Zoonosis(International Journal of Zoology, 2023) Ofori, B.Y.; Ewool, J.M.; Asamoah, R.E.A.; Adarkwah, P.A.; Oduro, D.; et al.Emerging infectious diseases are negatively impacting herpetofaunal populations globally, posing a major conservation threat. Anthropogenic perturbations of natural habitats may infuence wildlife disease dynamics and spillover events. Although viral and fungal diseases of vertebrates have received considerable studies, there is scant information on the enteric bacteria and helminths of herpetofauna. Here, we assessed the gastrointestinal helminths and Gram-negative bacteria of the West African rainbow lizard (Agama picticauda) in a human-dominated landscape in Accra, Ghana. We used the fotation method and standard cultural, morphological, and biochemical methods, for helminths and bacteria, respectively. Four helminth species, Ascaris spp., Enterobius spp., Pharyngodon spp., and Oxyurid spp., were identifed, with overall high (71.9%) prevalence. Ascaris spp. (χ2 = 33.33, p < 0.001) and Pharyngodon spp. (χ2 = 14.5, p < 0.001) were more prevalent in suburban lizards during the wet season than dry season. Te prevalence of Ascaris spp. and Enterobius spp. was signifcantly higher (χ2 = 12.34, p < 0.001) in urban than suburban lizards, while Oxyurid spp. was more prevalent (χ2 = 4.75, p 0.03) in the suburban lizards during the wet season. Te gut bacteria identifed (prevalence) were Escherichia spp. (86.5%), Enterobacter spp. (75.7%), Proteus spp. (67.6%), Shigella spp. (40.5%), Klebsiella spp. (21.6%), and Salmonella spp. (16.2%). Te prevalence of Escherichia spp. and Proteus spp. was signifcantly higher (χ2 = 5.77–7.34, p 0.01–0.02) in suburban lizards than urban lizards during the wet season. Some Ascaris spp., Enterobius spp., Escherichia spp., Enterobacter spp., Shigella spp., and Salmonella spp. are found in humans. Our data can serve as baseline information for long term monitoring studies of reptile-parasites-environment interactions in the Accra plains of Ghana. Further studies using molecular techniques are needed to ascertain the zoonotic helminths and bacteria of A. picticaudaItem Gastrointestinal Parasites of the Ethiopian Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis, Pallas, 1766) in the North East Region of Ghana(International Journal of Zoology, 2023) Langbong, B.; Tetteh, A.K.; Oduro, D.; Anto, F.Wildlife may serve as potential reservoirs and intermediate or accidental hosts of zoonotic pathogens due to their interactions with human beings. For the .rst time in Ghana, we report extempore the gastrointestinal parasites of three Ethiopian rock hyraxes captured in September 2021. Forty adult parasites (21 nematodes and 19 tapeworms) were recovered from the gastrointestinal tracts of these three game hyraxes (Procavia capensis, Pallas, 1766) from the hills of Bimbagu (near the Gambaga Scarp) in the North East Region of Ghana. Adult worms comprising 16 tapeworms and 24 nematodes were identi.ed. 'e intestinal faecal examination detected ova of Trichuris spp., tapeworms, and hookworms. 'e results are presented alongside the results of the molecular determination of the worm identities. Since wildlife has been identi.ed as an important source of emerging human pathogens, including helminth parasites, there is an urgent need for su8cient literature on wildlife parasites in Ghana. As the rock hyrax is hunted for its meat, there is a potential risk of transmitting these identi.ed helminths and other zoonotic pathogens to humans, especially involving people who handle the carcasses as the transmission is faecal-oral. A more precarious situation may arise when the eggs of cestodes are ingested by handlers of these carcasses and could result in cysticercosis/neuro-cysticercosis when these eggs cross the blood-brain barrier in the person.Item Correction: Tick communities of cattle in smallholder rural livestock production systems in sub-Saharan Africa(Parasites & Vectors, 2023) Heylen, D.J. A.; Kumsa, B.; Aboagye‑Antwi, F.; Kimbita, E.; Mwiine, F.N.; et al.Background The majority of the African population lives in rural areas and depends on agriculture for their liveli‑ hoods. To increase the productivity and sustainability of their farms, they need access to afordable yield-enhancing inputs of which parasite control is of paramount importance. We therefore determined the status of current tick species with the highest economic impact on cattle by sampling representative numbers of animals in each of seven sub-Saharan countries. Methods Data included tick species’ half-body counts from approximately 120 cattle at each of two districts per country, collected four times in approximately 1 year (to include seasonality). Study sites were chosen in each country to include high cattle density and tick burden. Results East Africa (Ethiopia, Uganda and Tanzania) showed overall a higher diversity and prevalence in tick infesta‑ tions compared to West African countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Nigeria). In East Africa, Amblyomma var iegatum (vector of Ehrlichia ruminantium), Rhipicephalus microplus (Babesia bovis, B. bigemina, Anaplasma marginale), R. evertsi evertsi (A. marginale) and R. appendiculatus (Theileria parva) were the most prevalent tick species of economic importance. While the latter species was absent in West Africa, here both A. variegatum and R. microplus occurred in high numbers. Rhipicephalus microplus had spread to Uganda, infesting half of the cattle sampled. Rhipicepha lus microplus is known for its invasive behaviour and displacement of other blue tick species, as observed in other East and West African countries. Individual cattle with higher body weights, as well as males, were more likely to be infested. For six tick species, we found reduced infestation levels when hosts were treated with anti-parasiticides. Conclusions These baseline data allow the determination of possible changes in presence and prevalence of ticks in each of the countries targeted, which is of importance in the light of human-caused climate and habitat alterations or anthropogenic activities. As many of the ticks in this study are vectors of important pathogens, but also, as cattle may act as end hosts for ticks of importance to human health, our study will help a wide range of stakeholders to provide recommendations for tick infestation surveillance and preventionItem A Safe Haven or a Temporary Alternative Host? - The Displaced Mango Fruit Fly, Ceratitis cosyra in the African Peach Plant(Ecological Laboratory, 2023) Billah, M.K.; Cobblah, M. A.; Oyinkah, G. M.Abstract One of the difficulties in controlling fruit flies in cultivated crops is the use of alternative host plants as refugia when the preferred hosts are not in season. This study was aimed at collecting fruits and vegetables in localities across the five northern regions of Ghana (Northern, North-East, Savannah, Upper-East, and Upper-West regions) to catalogue the diversity of fruit flies and their host plants. A total of 1,722 fruits from all localities across the five regions were incubated, with 29.13% turning out to be fly-positive, yielding 1,141 individuals in four genera (Bactrocera, Ceratitis, Dacus, and Zeugodacus) and four species (Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), Ceratitis cosyra (Walker), Dacus bivittatus (Bigot), and Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillet)). The African Peach plant, Nauclea latifolia, showed the highest incidence level of infestation, with the Mango fruit fly, Ceratitis cosyra as the dominant species, accounting for 97.19% (974) of the flies. The Oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis and the Melon fly, Zeugodacus curcurbitae accounted for 1.23% (14 each), and Dacus bivittatus 0.35% (4). With evidence of displacement of C. cosyra from mango by the invasive Bactrocera dorsalis in most African countries, our results point to a plant that has hitherto not been known to be associated with fruit flies in Ghana for the displaced Mango fruit fly. Since information of previous fruit fly records is scanty, especially in the northern parts of the country, it is not known whether the African Peach has always been a host plant to C. cosyra, and served as a suitable alternative host during the long dry season, or is pointing to the new home after its displacement by Bactrocera dorsalis. There is therefore the need for an extended all-year-round collection to ascertain the host status and pattern of utilization of the African peach, as well as confirm the suspected host shift and displacement status of C. cosyra.Item Effect of Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M. King & H. Rob. Leaf Extract on Oviposition in Rhipicephalus microplus Canestrini, 1888(Ecological Laboratory, 2023) Aboagye, I.F.; Taylor, E. J.; Aryee, B. N. A; et al.Abstract Rhipicephalus microplus infestation in livestock is associated with animal health and economic losses. There are also environmental safety concerns regarding Rhipicephalus microplus control using synthethic acaricides, calling for affordable and safer interventions for their control. This study assessed the effect of dichloromethane extract of Chromolaena odorata leaf on oviposition in Rhipicephalus microplus. Using topical application procedures, Chromolaena odorata leaf extract treatment of Rhipicephalus microplus was observed to significantly affect the number of eggs laid, H (5) = 36.25, p < 0.001. The significant differences in eggs laid were observed between the control group and: 3.125 mg/ml (p = 0.002), 12.5 mg/ml (p = 0.001), 25 mg/ml (p < 0.001), 50 mg/ml (p < 0.001) treated groups of tick, but not control and 6.25 mg/ml (p = 0.077) treated groups of tick. A dichloromethane extract of Chromolaena odorata leaf demonstrates its potential use for effective control of Rhipicephalus microplus and may be considered for development of acaricidal compounds.Item Efficacy of Lemon Extracts in Controlling Mealy Bugs of Stored Yam (Dioscorea rotundata)(Agricultural Science Digest,, 2023) Adu-Gyamfi, R.; Ankutse, E.; Odonkor, I.; Adu-Acheampong, S.Background: The use of plant extracts in controlling mealy bugs is widespread especially on stored products. Despite this, research on lemon extracts, which is known to be very effective against some insect pests are limited. We assessed the repellent ability of lemon extracts in controlling mealy bug infestation and observed if there was any added benefit of the extract in retarding sprouting of yams in storage. Methods: We used the complete randomized design with three treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of lemon peels, lemon leaf extracts and a control. Ten tubers of Pona white yam variety were rubbed on the periderm with each treatment and placed on a shelf. Two yam tubers naturally infested with mealy bugs were placed at the edges of each replication to serve as sources of infestation. Result: Results showed that yam tubers treated with lemon peel extracts recorded relatively low mealy bug counts compared to untreated ones and, tubers treated with lemon extracts recorded relatively higher weights compared to those without any treatment. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in neither counted mealy bugs nor yam weight per treatment between extracts from leaves or peels. Lemon extract treatments did not affect sprouting and shelf life of tubers in storage. We conclude that lemon extracts are effective repellents of mealy bugs and can be promoted as a safe bio pesticide for stored yam against mealy bug infestation.