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Bayeta Senbata Wakjira,1 Edilu Jorga,2 Matios Lakew,1 Abebe Olani,1 Biniam Tadesse,1 Getachew Tuli,1 Redeat Belaineh,1 Shubisa Abera,1 Getachew Kinfe,1 Solomon Gebre1 1Animal Health Institute, Sebeta, Ethiopia; 2Ambo University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, Ambo, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Bayeta Senbata Wakjira, Email didigabruma@gmail.comIntroduction: Brucellosis is a neglected bacterial zoonosis with serious veterinary and public health importance throughout the world. A cross-sectional study on animal brucellosis was conducted aiming to estimate seroprevalence and molecular detection.Methods: Blood samples were collected from a total of 4274 individual animals (cattle, small ruminants and camel) from 241 herds/flocks for serology and PCR. Serum samples were tested using multispecies I-ELISA. Blood clots from seropositive animals were also tested for brucellosis via PCR. Additionally, 13 vaginal swab samples were collected from animals (2 from bovine and 11 from small ruminants) with recent abortion history for bacterial isolation and molecular detection.Results: The overall individual animal and herd level seroprevalence was 3.95% (169/4274) and 18.26% (44/241) respectively. The animal level seroprevalence at species level was 1.58% (47/2982), 8.89% (97/1091) and 12.44% (25/201) in bovine, small ruminants (sheep and goat) and camel, respectively. Herd level seroprevalence were 5.43% (10/184), 52.08% (25/48) and 100% (9/9) in bovine, small ruminant and camel, respectively. The animal level seroprevalence of bovine from intensive and extensive systems was 1.10% (31/2808) and 2.87% (5/174) respectively. Blood clots tested for brucellosis via PCR were negative by RT-PCR. Brucella species was isolated from 6/13 (46.15%) vaginal swab samples cultured on Brucella selective agar, and shown to be B. melitensis using Real-Time PCR.Conclusion: Overall, seropositivity for camels was higher than what has been reported previously. Also, there was a notable difference in this study in cattle seroprevalence when comparing extensive with intensive systems, with the extensive system having much greater seropositivity.Keywords: Brucella melitensis, neglected bacterial diseases, camel, zoonosis

Background Escherichia coli is a major foodborne illness pathogen worldwide. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli and E. coli O157 in milk and milk products and hygienic practices in West Shewa, Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods Five hundred fifty-six milk samples comprising 421 udder milk, 57 bulk tank milk, and 78 milk products were investigated. Moreover, 145 questionnaires were administered to assess hygienic practices. A standard microbiological procedure was used to detect E. coli and E. coli O157:H7. The Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates. Petri film plates were used to enumerate the coliform in raw bulk tank milk. Farm and animal-level E coli prevalence were estimated and association with risk factors was assessed. Results E. coli was detected in 33.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 29.9–37.9%) of the samples, of which only one isolate (0.2%) was E.coli O157. E. coli contamination was higher in bulk tank samples (47.4%; 95% CI: 34.0– 61.0%) than in udder milk (34.7%; CI: 30.1–39.4%) and in cottage cheese (27.0%; 95% CI: 14.6–43.9%) than in yoghurt 10.5% (95% CI: 2.9–24.8%). For the animal-level E. coli contamination, only the study area was identified as a risk factor. Risk factors such as types of milk containers, udder washing practices, hygiene, and management systems were associated with both farm-level and milk products E.coli contamination. Most (59.0%) of the farmers practice udder washing only before milking and the remaining did not practice udder washing at all. The mean coliform count in raw bulk tank milk was higher than the international standard (4.09 log10 CFU/ml). All of the 42 E.coli isolates tested were multidrug resistant. Conclusions The occurrence of E. coli is high, while that of E. coli O157 is too low. The milk-handling practices are poor in the study areas. The high prevalence of E. coli, as well as the high coliform count, and higher multi-drug resistance may pose risk to public health and food safety. Therefore, proper hygienic practices throughout the milk chain as well as rational drug use are advised.

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious viral disease of poultry with high mortality. The local velogenic viral pool of the ND strains influences its severity and occurrence. ND vaccination is the most feasible approach to control the disease. However, some ND-vaccinated groups within chicken populations are susceptible to velogenic ND infection developing outbreaks with marked pathological lesions and shedding of the virus. Vaccine strain-related factors as well as inadequate vaccine application and delivery methods during vaccination might explain the suboptimum ND vaccine efficacy. In this study, however, we propose that host factors may contribute to the suboptimal vaccine efficacy in vaccinated chickens. We, therefore, compared the immune response of five Ethiopian chicken ecotypes to ND immunization in the presence of two reference breeds (Fayoumi and Bovans). All chickens received initial immunization at age of 21 days with HB1 ND vaccine followed by two-times LaSota booster immunization at age 50 and 120 days. Subsequently, serum was collected fortnightly post-vaccination at age 35, 65, and 135 days for immune response analysis using the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. HIantibody was significantly higher at days 135 > 65 > 35 in each ecotype following the third, second, and first vaccination, respectively. The different chicken ecotypes had significant differences in HI antibody response to the ND vaccination. Accordingly, the HI titer was significantly higher in Jarso > Cheffe > Fayoumi > Arsi > Bovans > Tepi > Horro suggesting antibody titer and ND vaccine efficacy of the ND vaccine depends on host factors. Moreover, some chicken groups within each ecotype had low HI titer. Chicken ecotypes with weak immune responses may not completely clear the virus from their body; thus, they can serve as a reservoir host by maintaining the ND virus. We conclude that herd immunity level and blanket vaccination program based on the results of a single host genetic group can be misleading during developing and recommending a new vaccine. Hence, understanding the host determinant factors in the immune response during vaccination can lead to improved efficacy and protection against ND in chicken populations.

Dogs are a potential reservoir for Escherichia coli and other zoonotic bacterial pathogens posing the risk of infection to humans and other animals. A crosssectional study was used to collect 438 rectal swab samples from apparently healthy dogs of Ambo, Gojo, and Bako towns of West Shewa Zone with the objectives of investigating the prevalence, risk factors and antibiogram of E. coli. A questionnaire survey was administered at the household level to collect data on potential risk factors to acquire E. coli infection. Prevalence was determined by using standard bacteriological culture techniques. Further confirmation and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of E. coli using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method were conducted using Automated Phoenix Machine. The overall prevalence of E. coli was found to be 24.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]:20.26-28.49%). The isolation rate of E. coli was the highest in Bako 31.01%, followed by Gojo 30.99% and Ambo 18.49% towns. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that there was a significant association between E. coli prevalence and towns and Kebeles (P 0.05). E. coli isolates were pan-susceptible to amikacin, ertapenem, imipenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, netilmicin, ampicillin, piperacillin, cefoxitin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and meropenem. A low level of resistance was found to aztreonam, ceftriaxone, (each 13.95%), cefazolin (22.73%), gentamicin (11.90%), and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (6.97%). E. coli isolates showed multidrug resistance to aztreonam, cefazolin, ceftriaxone, gentamicin, and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (14.0%). This demonstrated E. coli prevalence and moderately low antimicrobial resistance suggests the possible risk of infection of humans. Therefore, raising public awareness about zoonotic canine disease prevention measures and good hygienic practices are essential.. Keywords: Antibiogram, Dog, Escherichia coli, Ethiopia, Prevalence, Risk factor

Endrias Zewdu Gebremedhin,1 Gadisa Hirpa,2 Bizunesh Mideksa Borana,1 Edilu Jorga Sarba,1 Lencho Megersa Marami,3 Kebede Abdisa Kelbesa,1 Nega Desalegn Tadese,3 Hirut Abebe Ambecha3 1Department of Veterinary Sciences, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia; 2Department of Biology, Ambo Preparatory School, Ambo, Ethiopia; 3Department of Veterinary Laboratory Technology, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, Ambo University, Ambo, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Endrias Zewdu GebremedhinAmbo University, P.O. Box 19, Ambo, EthiopiaTel +251 911894802Fax +251 112609503Email endrias.zewdu@gmail.comPurpose: Listeriosis is one of the globally distributed foodborne diseases with the highest fatality rate. The objectives of this study were to isolate and identify Listeria species, assess factors for contamination of beef, and antibiogram of Listeria monocytogenes in Ambo and Holeta towns, Central Ethiopia.Materials and Methods: A total of 450 meat samples were collected from abattoirs (n=150), butchers (n=150), and restaurants (n=150) for isolation and identification of Listeria species. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between the occurrence of Listeria species in meat and potential risk factors. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was done using the Kirby Bauer test.Results: The overall occurrence of Listeria species in Ambo and Holeta towns was 28.4% (128/450; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 24.3– 32.9%). The isolation rate of Listeria monocytogenes was 4.4%, Listeria ivanovii 2.2%, Listeria seeligeri 1.8%, Listeria welshimeri 3.8%, Listeria innocua 6.2%, and Listeria grayi 10.2%. The probability of contamination of meat in butchers and restaurants was higher in Holeta than Ambo [OR=3.4; 95%; p=0.001], in dry than wet season [OR=5.2; p=0.009], and where the hygiene of cutting boards was poor (OR=7.7; p=0.008). Of the 20 Listeria monocytogenes isolates, 80%, 70%, 60%, and 55% were resistant to oxacillin, amikacin, and nalidixic acid, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline, respectively. The Listeria monocytogenes isolates were 95%, 90%, and 85% susceptible to amoxicillin, vancomycin, and clindamycin, respectively. About 95% of Listeria monocytogenes isolates were multidrug-resistant. One isolate (5%) had developed resistance to 10 classes of antimicrobial drugs.Conclusion: Listeria species are widespread and study towns, season, and hygiene of cutting boards are independent predictors of isolation of Listeria species. Multidrug resistance among Listeria monocytogenes was very high. Therefore, adequate cooking of meat, regular training of beef handlers, prudent use of drugs, and further molecular studies on Listeria species are important.Keywords: antimicrobial susceptibility, beef, Listeria species, Listeria monocytogenes, multidrug resistance, risk factors, Ethiopia

Lencho Megersa Marami,1 Endrias Zewdu Gebremedhin,2 Edilu Jorga Sarba,2 Getachew Kebebew Tola,2 Solomon Shiferaw Endalew,1 Asamenew Tesfaye Melkamsew,3 Vincenzo Di Marco Lo Presti,4 Maria Vitale4 1Ambo University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Veterinary Laboratory Technology, Ambo, Oromia, Ethiopia; 2Ambo University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ambo, Oromia, Ethiopia; 3National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center, Department of Immunology, Sebeta, Oromia, Ethiopia; 4Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale of Sicily, Laboratory of Genetics of Microorganisms, Palermo, ItalyCorrespondence: Endrias Zewdu GebremedhinAmbo University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Department of Veterinary Sciences, P.O. BOX 19, Ambo, Oromia, EthiopiaTel +251911894802Email endrias.zewdu@ambou.edu.etPurpose: Canine leptospirosis and brucellosis are significant zoonotic gram-negative bacterial diseases that affect humans and animal species. This study was aimed to estimate the seroprevalence and assess associated risk factors of canine Leptospira and Brucella species infections in Ambo, Bako, and Gojo Towns, West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia.Methods: A total of 385 serum samples were collected from randomly selected dogs. Antibodies against Brucella and Leptospira species infection were tested using the Enzyme-Linked immunosorbent Assay technique (ELISA). A structured questionnaire survey was administered to each dog-owning household to gather information on potential risk factors. The association between independent and outcome variables was analyzed using the Chi-square test followed by univariable, and multivariable logistic regression analyses.Results: The overall seroprevalence of Brucella and Leptospira species infections were found to be 15.06% (95% confidence interval (ci): 11.64– 19.04%) and 4.16% (95% ci: 2.39– 6.67%), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the town was the significant risk factor of Brucella species infection seropositivity. Accordingly, dogs found in Gojo ((odds ratio (OR)): 17.72 CI: 1.17– 117.54, p=0.036) and Bako (OR: 7.99, 95% CI: 0.96– 66.37), p=0.054 towns were more at risk to be infected with Brucella species than dogs living in Ambo.Conclusion: The seroprevalence of Leptospira and Brucella species infections in dogs of the West Shewa Zone was high and moderate, respectively, suggesting the possible transmission of the disease between dogs and other animals. These infections might be an under-recognized threat to public health and animal welfare. Further research on the identification of the serovars of Leptospira and biotypes of Brucella circulating in dogs is encouraged. Finally, knowledge of the comprehensive epidemiology of these diseases is an invaluable input for veterinarians, healthcare professionals, and policy-makers to avoid or manage canine leptospirosis and brucellosis.Keywords: canine, Brucella, Ethiopia, Leptospira, risk factor, seroprevalence

Fasciolosis is a serious animal health problem in Ethiopia where livestock is crucial for the domestic economy. A study was conducted in two Ethiopian abattoirs to estimate the prevalence of

Taenia saginata taeniosis and bovine cysticercosis are prevalent in Ethiopia, however, data on the knowledge/attitude, and practice (KAP) of the community and meat industry workers in this regard is scarce. The present study aimed to investigate the KAP of the community and meat industry workers about T. saginata taeniosis/cysticercosis in Jimma and Ambo towns of Ethiopia. A cross-sectional KAP survey was performed on 293 community members selected using multistage random sampling and 97 meat industry workers from the two study towns. A questionnaire was constructed to collect sociodemographic variables, knowledge/attitudes about taeniosis/cysticercosis, raw meat consumption, latrine usage, and taeniosis treatment practices. Mixed effect (generalized) linear models were used to assess the association of self-reported taeniosis as well as the KAP scores with the demographic variables. The predicted proportion of self-reported taeniosis was 54% and 75% for Jimma and 44% and 70% for Ambo community and meat industry workers, respectively. The odds of self-reported taeniosis was higher for men (OR

Background: Brucellosis is one of the most frequent contagious neglected bacterial diseases with serious veterinary and public health importance throughout the world. A cross-sectional study on animal brucellosis was conducted from October 2018 to July 2019 in southern and central Ethiopia with the objective of estimating seroprevalence and molecular detection. Blood samples were collected for serum extraction from a total of 4274 individual animals (cattle, small ruminants and camel) from 241 herds/flocks. Blood clots from seropositive animals were also tested for brucellosis via molecular techniques. Additionally, 13 vaginal swab samples were collected from animals with recent abortion history for bacterial isolation and molecular detection.Results: The extracted serum samples were tested using multispecies I-ELISA and the overall individual animal and herd level seroprevalence was 3.95% (169/4274) and 18.26% (44/241) respectively. The animal level seroprevalence at species level was 1.58%, 8.89%, 12.44% in bovine, small ruminants (sheep and goat) and camel, respectively. Herd level seroprevalence were 5.43%, 52.08%, 100% in bovine, small ruminant and camel, respectively. The animal and herd level seroprevalence of bovine from intensive and extensive systems was 1.1%, 2.87% and 9.2%, 50.00% respectively. Brucella species was isolated from 6/13 (46.15%) vaginal swab samples cultured on brucella selective agar, and shown to be B.melitensis using Real-Time PCR. All of the blood clots from seropositive animals were negative for the presence of Brucellaspp with PCR.Conclusions: In the regions sampled animals in all three categories – cattle, sheep/goats, and camels – mostly had low seroprevalence rates for brucellosis, without great differences from previous serosurveys done in Ethiopia. However, seropositivity for camels was higher than what has been reported previously. Also, there was a notable difference in this study in cattle seroprevalence when comparing extensive with intensive systems, with the extensive system being much higher.

Lencho Megersa Marami,1 Getachew Mulatu Dilba,1 Dagmawit Atalel Babele,1 Edilu Jorga Sarba,2 Askale Gizaw,1 Wakuma Mitiku Bune,1 Morka Dandecha Bayu,1 Petros Admasu,2 Abraham Mekbeb,2 Miressa Tadesse,3 Kebede Abdisa,2 Dejene Bayisa4 1Ambo University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, Department of Veterinary Laboratory Technology, Ambo, Oromia, Ethiopia; 2Ambo University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, Department of Veterinary Science, Ambo, Oromia, Ethiopia; 3Ambo University, College of Computational and Natural Science, Department of Chemistry, Ambo, Oromia, Ethiopia; 4Jeldu Woreda, Livestock and Fishery Development Office, Gojo, Oromia, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Getachew Mulatu DilbaAmbo University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, Department of Veterinary Laboratory Technology, P.O. Box 19, Ambo, Oromia, EthiopiaTel +251-912717217Email getachew.mulatu@ambou.edu.etBackground: Although traditional healers in Ethiopia have a long history of using medicinal plants to treat diseases in animals and humans, studies on the antibacterial activities and potential bioactive ingredients of most medicinal plants have been insufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the in-vitro antibacterial activities and to screen phytochemical constituents of selected medicinal plants against reference bacterial strains.Methods: The fresh and healthy roots of Echinops amplexicaulis, fruits of Ruta chalepensis, and leaves of Salix subserrata were collected from West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia. Agar well diffusion and agar dilution methods were used to evaluate antibacterial activities and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). All the crude plant extracts were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at concentrations of 100, 50, and 25 mg/mL in each triplet (3x). MIC of crude extracts ranging from 1.5625 to 12.50 mg/mL was applied to all bacterial strains. The positive control was ciprofloxacin disk (5 μg) and the negative control was 5% dimethyl sulfoxide. The presence of secondary metabolites of each crude extract was screened. The group means comparisons were done using one-way ANOVA and results were presented as mean ± standard deviation.Results: Although all selected plant extracts had shown antibacterial activities, methanol extracts had a greater zone of inhibition against all reference bacterial strains when compared to petroleum ether extracts. The growth of P. aeruginosa was inhibited at a minimum concentration of both methanol and petroleum extracts (1.5625 mg/mL) when compared to the remaining bacterial strains. Phytochemical screening showed that saponins and alkaloids were found in all crude plant extracts, while phytosterol was meager.Conclusion: This study revealed that all tested plants had significant secondary metabolites and antibacterial activities against reference bacterial strains.Keywords: antibacterial activity, crude plant extract, ethnomedicine, methanol, petroleum ether

Foodborne infections are widespread and growing public health problems in the world. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 : H7 is one of the most significant foodborne pathogens. This study was conducted to assess the occurrence and antibiogram of E. coli O157 : H7 from raw beef as well as hygienic and sanitary practices of meat handling in abattoir and retailer shops. Systematic random sampling technique and census methods were used to collect samples from abattoir and retailer shops, respectively. All tryptone soya broth preenriched carcass samples were subcultured onto MacConkey agar. Then, the bacterium confirmed as Escherichia coli using biochemical tests was streaked onto Sorbitol-MacConkey agar and incubated at 37°C for 24 hrs. Escherichia coli O157 : H7 was confirmed by latex agglutination kit. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility test of Escherichia coli O157 : H7 isolates was done against 13 antimicrobials. Hygiene and sanitation data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and observational checklist. Pearson Chi-square and Fisher’s exact two-tailed tests were performed and differences were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05. Out of 197 meat samples, 23.4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 17.6–29.9%) and 9.1% (95% CI: 5.5–14.1%) were contaminated with Escherichia coli and Escherichia coli O157 : H7, respectively. There was a significant variation in the occurrence of Escherichia coli O157 : H7 between retailer shops (19.1%) and abattoir (7.2%) (P = 0.03). The study revealed that the municipal abattoir and retailer shops in Ambo town did not adhere to the required sanitation and hygienic standards. All Escherichia coli O157 : H7 isolates were susceptible to norfloxacin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, chloramphenicol, and ceftazidime. However, all isolates were resistant to amoxicillin. Multidrug resistance was widespread and was found in 66.3% of Escherichia coli O157 : H7 isolates. The occurrence of Escherichia coli O157 : H7 was high. Therefore, fulfilling national and international meat safety requirements, training and monitoring of meat handlers, and rational use of antimicrobials are recommended

Background In urban settings, the presence of a high density of the human population and contact with domestic and/or stray animals such as dogs and cats can be risk factors for the transmission of zoonotic protozoa parasites. Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and Leishmania spp. are zoonotic protozoon parasites with significant health burdens worldwide. Methods A cross-sectional study was used to investigate the antibody prevalence and risk factors of T. gondii and Leishmania spp. infections in 385 randomly selected dogs of Ambo, Bako, and Gojo towns of West Shewa Zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A questionnaire survey was administered to households to collect data on potential risk factors. Dog sera samples were assayed for T. gondii IgG antibodies using the direct agglutination test while Leishmania spp. specific antibodies tested using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Logistic regression was used for data analysis. Results Overall, T. gondii and Leishmania spp. infection seroprevalence was found to be 82.86% (95% confidence interval (CI): 78.71–86.49%) and 92.47% (95% CI: 89.36–94.90%), respectively. Seropositivity for both T. gondii and Leishmania spp. was found in 82.58% of the dogs. None of the investigated factors were associated with Leishmania spp. seropositivity (p > 0.05). The seroprevalence of T. gondii was significantly different among the study towns (p = 0.003). The risk of T. gondii infection was 2.71 times higher in adult dogs than juvenile dogs (p = 0.043). Dogs kept simultaneously with other domestic animals had increased odds of T. gondii seropositivity compared to those with no other domestic animals (Adjusted Odds ratio: 1.96, p = 0.021). However, altitude, sex, breed, housing, feeding, educational level of head of the household, and dog’s living area were not significantly associated with T. gondii seropositivity (p > 0.05). Conclusions The high seropositivity and the simultaneous presence of antibodies of T. gondii and Leishmania spp. in dogs suggest the widespread nature of these parasites in the environment and the high potential of transmission to other animals and humans. Further epidemiological studies, isolation and molecular characterization of the parasites, and educational campaigns are suggested.

Background Although traditional healers in Ethiopia have a long history of using medicinal plants to treat diseases in animals and humans, studies on the antibacterial activities and potential bioactive ingredients of most medicinal plants have been insufficient. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the in-vitro antibacterial activities and to screen phytochemical constituents of selected medicinal plants against reference bacterial strains. Methods The fresh and healthy roots of Echinops amplexicaulis, fruits of Ruta chalepensis, and leaves of Salix subserrata were collected from West Shewa Zone, Ethiopia. Agar well diffusion and agar dilution methods were used to evaluate antibacterial activities and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC). All the crude plant extracts were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at concentrations of 100, 50, and 25 mg/mL in each triplet (3x). MIC of crude extracts ranging from 1.5625 to 12.50 mg/mL was applied to all bacterial strains. The positive control was ciprofloxacin disk (5 μg) and the negative control was 5% dimethyl sulfoxide. The presence of secondary metabolites of each crude extract was screened. The group means comparisons were done using one-way ANOVA and results were presented as mean ± standard deviation. Results Although all selected plant extracts had shown antibacterial activities, methanol extracts had a greater zone of inhibition against all reference bacterial strains when compared to petroleum ether extracts. The growth of P. aeruginosa was inhibited at a minimum concentration of both methanol and petroleum extracts (1.5625 mg/mL) when compared to the remaining bacterial strains. Phytochemical screening showed that saponins and alkaloids were found in all crude plant extracts, while phytosterol was meager. Conclusion This study revealed that all tested plants had significant secondary metabolites and antibacterial activities against reference bacterial strains.

Background The dog and cat population data is generally scarce in developing countries due to absence of surveys. The demography of owned dogs and cats, and the associated ownership characteristics, are essential for the control of pet population and zoonosis. This study was conducted in three towns of West Shoa Zone of Ethiopia with the objectives of assessing demographic characteristics of owned dogs and cats and determinants of ownership. Results About 65.1% (95% CI: 62.1–69.8%) of the householders own dogs, 39.2% (95% CI: 35.8–43.8%) own cats, and 30.6% (95% CI: 27.4–35.0%) own both. The majority of the dog-owning households own a single dog (74.8%) and cat (74.9%). There were significantly higher proportion of dog and cat-owning households in Bako than Ambo and Gojo towns. The human to owned-dog ratio was 6:1, and that of cat ratio was 10:1. There were more male dogs (72.1%) and more female cats (59.7%). The male to female sex ratio was estimated at 3:1 for the dog while nearly 1:1 for cats. About 37.5% of the owned dogs were indoor, and 62.5% have free access to outside. Dogs and cats were acquired as a gift from families, neighbors, and friends. The identified reason for not owning dogs/cats were fear of zoonosis, dislike, no time to devote, benefit not realized, and shortage of finance. Logistic regression analysis identified study town, community type, gender of head of household, ownership of other animals as determinants for dog/cat ownership. Besides, possessing dogs was significantly associated with cat ownership. Conclusion The current study provide insights into the determinants of dogs/cats ownership and their demographic characteristics in Ethiopia. Dogs are more commonly owned, but the household determinants for dog and cat ownership were comparable. Means of obtaining and reason of owning or abandoning dogs/cats is partly different from those reported in the developed countries. The results of this study could be used for the provision of veterinary services, quantifying health risks and benefits associated with dog/cat ownership, and control of pet population and related zoonosis.

Background Listeriosis is one of the globally distributed foodborne diseases with the highest fatality rate. Few studies were done on the occurrence of Listeria species from meat at abattoirs, butchers, and restaurants in Ethiopia, and there has been no study conducted at Ambo and Holeta town. The objectives of this study were to isolate and identify Listeria species, assess factors for contamination of meat, and antibiogram of Listeria monocytogenes along the meat chain in Ambo and Holeta towns, Central Ethiopia. Methods 450 meat samples were collected from abattoirs (n = 150), butchers (n = 150) and restaurants (n = 150) for isolation and identification of Listeria species using primary culture and biochemical tests. A questionnaire survey and observational checklist were made to assess the potential risk factors for the occurrence of Listeria species such as factors related to socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge on hygiene and practice of food handlers. Pearson’s Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used to assess factors contributing for contamination of meat with Listeria species. Kirby Bauer disc diffusion technique was applied to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Listeria monocytogenes isolates. Results The overall occurrence of Listeria species in both Ambo and Holeta towns was 28.44% (128/450; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 24.32–32.86%). The occurrence of L. monocytogenes was 4.4% (20/450; 95% CI: 2.74–6.78%), L. ivanovii 2.2% (10/450; 95% CI: 1.07–4.04%), L. seeligeri 1.78% (8/450; 95% CI: 0.8–3.47%), L. welshimeri 3.77% (17/450; 95% CI: 2.22–5.98%), L. inoccua 6.22% (28/450; 95% CI: 4.17–8.87%) and L. grayi 10.22% (46/450; 95% CI: 7.58–13.39%). The probability of contamination of meat in butchers and restaurants by the Listeria species were comparatively higher in high altitude (Holeta) than medium altitudes (Ambo) [OR = 4.91; 95% CI: 2.65–9.07%; p Listeria monocytogenes isolates, 16 (80%) were resistant to oxacillin; 14 (70%) were resistant to amikacin and nalidixic acid; 12 (60%) were resistant to chloramphenicol and 11 (55%) were resistant to tetracycline. The L. monocytogenes isolates were 95%, 90% and 85% susceptible to amoxicillin, vancomycin, and clindamycin, respectively. All (100%) Listeria monocytogenes isolates were resistant for two or more drugs. Nineteen (95%) L. monocytogenes isolates were multidrug-resistant. One isolate (5%) had developed resistance to 10 classes of antimicrobial drugs. Conclusions Listeria species are widespread in the study areas. The study towns, season and working hours per day are independent predictors of Listeria species isolation. Multidrug resistance among L. monocytogenes is common. Therefore, regular training for meat handlers, prudent use of drugs, and further serological and molecular studies on Listeria species are important.