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In 2021, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and global food insecurity, the Nigerian poultry sector was exposed to the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus and its economic challenges. Between 2021 and 2022, HPAI caused 467 outbreaks reported in 31 of the 37 administrative regions in Nigeria. In this study, we characterized the genomes of 97 influenza A viruses of the subtypes H5N1, H5N2, and H5N8, which were identified in different agro-ecological zones and farms during the 2021–2022 epidemic. The phylogenetic analysis of the HA genes showed a widespread distribution of the H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b and similarity with the HPAI H5Nx viruses that have been detected in Europe since late 2020. The topology of the phylogenetic trees indicated the occurrence of several independent introductions of the virus into the country, followed by a regional evolution of the virus that was most probably linked to its persistent circulation in West African territories. Additional evidence of the evolutionary potential of the HPAI viruses circulating in this region is the identification in this study of a putative H5N1/H9N2 reassortant virus in a mixed-species commercial poultry farm. Our data confirm Nigeria as a crucial hotspot for HPAI virus introduction from the Eurasian territories and reveal a dynamic pattern of avian influenza virus evolution within the Nigerian poultry population.

In 2021, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and global food insecurity, the Nigerian poultry sector was yet exposed to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus and its economic challenges. Between 2021 and 2022, HPAI caused 467 outbreaks reported in 31 of the 37 administrative regions in Nigeria. In this study, we characterized the genome of 97 influenza A viruses of the subtypes H5N1, H5N2 and H5N8 identified in different agro-ecological zones and farms during the 2021-2022 epidemic. The phylogenetic analysis of the HA genes showed widespread distribution of the H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b and similarity with the HPAI H5Nx viruses detected in Europe since late 2020. Topology of the phylogenetic trees indicates the occurrence of several independent introductions of the virus into the country followed by a regional evolution of the virus most probably linked to its persistent circulation in West African territories. An additional evidence of the evolutionary potential of HPAI viruses circulating in this region is the identification in this study of a putative H5N1/H9N2 reassortant virus in a mixed-species commercial poultry farm. Our data confirm Nigeria as a crucial hotspot for HPAI virus introduction from the Eurasian territories and reveal a dynamic pattern of avian influenza virus evolution within the Nigerian poultry population.

Background: Orf virus (ORFV) is an important zoonotic parapox virus, with 100% morbidity. It affects mainly domesticated ruminants such as sheep and goats. This study determined the molecular epidemiology of ORFV local as well as imported sheep and goats in Nigeria and evolution of ORFV in Africa. Methods: A total of 30 small ruminants with orf were sampled in a livestock market Abuja Nigeria.Skin scabs from pathological tissues were collected and processed for viral genomic DNA. PCR and Sanger sequencing of B2L gene of ORFV. Phylogenetic analysis, phylogeography, and Bayesian skygird reconstruction (BSK), including mutational changes were performed on B2L gene sequences. Results: An ORFV positivity rate of 67% was determined from samples. Animals Conclusion: We report molecular evolution of ORFV in Africa and identified gap in molecular data; we recommend regional molecular surveillance of ORFV and other zoonotic trans-boundary diseases in global health prevention and control effort.

Covid-19 pandemic has hit many countries and put the majority of the public health system to test globally. Mandatory use of facemask was among policies set by the government to contain the spread of the novel disease. But citizens’ attitudes and compliance with these policies are important in controlling the pandemic. We assessed gender-based compliance to Covid-19 protocol (use of face mask) in Jos South, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Crimean - Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic febrile disease that is highly pathogenic in humans with enzootic cycle between tick vectors and animal hosts. Human infection with CCHFV takes the clinical form of viral haemorrhagic disease, a major health condition but with limited testing in Nigeria. In this study, blood samples were collected from 333 pastoralists’ cattle in North Central Nigeria and 1,470 ticks were picked from the animals. For serology, Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) was performed using a double antigen multi species ELISA kit with sensitivity and specificity of 98.9% and 95% respectively at 95% confidence interval to detect IgG antibody to CCHFV in plasma. RT-qPCR virological technique was used to identify viral antigen in ticks that were pooled based on location and genus. Four species of ticks were morphologically identified to parasitize cattle in the sampled location namely; Rhipicephalus ( Boophilus) decoloratus (34.6%), Hyalomma truncatum (32.9%), Amblyomma variegatum (24.6%) and Rhipicephalus sanguineus (8%). The seroprevalence of CCHFV was found to be 67%. In Kaduna state, 85 of 108 plasma samples tested positive (78.7%) while in Plateau state 138 of 225 plasma samples tested positive (61.3%). Of the 41 pools of tick tested for CCHF, one (1) pool of 35 Rhipicephalus ( Boophilus) ticks (2.4%) was positive for CCHF virus with qPCR cycle threshold of 31.88. Although Hyalommaspp. is documented to be the main vector of CCHFV, in the present investigation, Rhipicephalus ( Boophilus) species was identified to play a role as reservoir of CCHF. The high seroprevalence of CCHF in livestock underscores the public health risk associated with CCHFV at the human-animal interface in Nigeria.

The roles of Fusion gene in the virulence of Newcastle disease virus has been well established but the extent of its variation among the newly identified XIV, XVII and XVIII genotypes which are predominantly found in Central and West Africa have until recently been understudied and LaSota vaccine strain protection against mortality and morbidity against XIV genotype is the least reported. In this study, F gene of vNDV isolated from samples collected in Nigeria from chicken cadaver from vaccinated chicken flocks showing high mortality, clinical signs and post-mortem lesions attributable to ND during March and April, 2020 were sequenced and analysed for information about genetic changes. Results showed that all isolates from our study have virulent cleavage site sequence 112-RRRKR-116/F117 and clustered within genotype XIVb. Sequence analysis show K78R mutation in the A2 antigenic epitope in all isolates, and more along the F gene which vary in some instances within the isolates. Mutation in this A2 antigenic epitope has been reported to induce escape mutation to monoclonal antibodies generated using NDV LaSota strain. Averages of antigenic variability and percentage homology between the isolates and commonly used vaccines is 0.24; 81.40% and 0.22; 81.90% for LaSota and Komorov vaccines respectively. Nucleotide sequences was assigned accession numbers OK491971-OK491977. Many substitutions were observed in the isolates and some of their functions are yet to be determined.

Background: Late December 2019, an unknown incidence of Pneumonia was observed among some residents of Wuhan city, China. The disease named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and declared as a pandemic by the WHO on the March 11th, 2020 by the World Health Organization (WHO) has resulted to the death of million people across the globe. Prior to the current COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), two other outbreaks of coronaviruses namely severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have been experienced within the last few decades. This review looks at the unique characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 to the other coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV) and its significance(s) in the control strategies including diagnostics. Materials and Methods: Using the keywords “coronavirus mutation”, “nucleotide substitution”, “coronavirus evolution”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “COVID-19” published literatures on coronaviruses and SARS-CoV-2 were retrieved from MEDLINE and reviewed for gaps and current knowledge as it relates to evolution of SARS-CoV-2. Results: In comparison with seasonal flu, investigations revealed that SARS-CoV-2 mutates less rapidly which provides an edge in the possible development of a long-lasting vaccine to combat the spread of the virus. Though, several mutations in the genome of the virus with dire consequences on the diagnostics have been identified. Conclusions: The unique importance of mutation as a mechanism of survival for viruses cannot be overemphasized. Several mutations have been observed in SARS-CoV-2 genome whose implications as regards diagnostics and control measures have been highlighted herein.

Avian influenza has been reported in domestic birds in Nigeria since 2006 and subtype H5 of the Gs/Gg lineage has continued to be detected up till date. It has been suggested that waterfowls and local birds sold in live-bird markets may be natural reservoir and source of reinfection of different subtype of avian influenza in poultry farms. This study aims at serodetection of avian influenza virus in waterfowls and local birds at live-bird markets in Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of three hundred and nine (309) blood samples were collected over a period of three months and two hundred and ninety-two (292) sera were analysed by c-ELISA for influenza A nucleoprotein using standard protocols. Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI) specific for subtypes H5, H9, and H7 was also carried out using standard protocols on ELISA positive samples. The results showed seroprevalence of 5.14% (n=15) for influenza A. Serotype H7 was thereafter detected by HI in 5 of the 15 influenza A positive samples. The H7 positive sera also reacted with H7N3, H7N4, H7N1 and H7N7 virus strains with HI titre ranging between 1:32 to 1:512. This investigation for the first time showed serological evidence of influenza A subtype H7 in local birds and waterfowls sold at the live bird market in Nigeria. Further virological surveillance to isolate the virus is important in order to better understand influenza virus epidemiology in Nigeria and the potential risk that other subtypesof influenza poses to poultry production and public health. Keywords: Influenza A, subtype H7, serological detection, live bird market, Nigeria.

Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease-2019 include pulmonary hyper-inflammation; managing local and systemic inflammatory responses may be key in treatment. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects of a mixture (Cov-Pla 2) containing five medicinal plants in laboratory animals. The antinociceptive activity of Cov-Pla 2 was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing, Brewer’s Yeast Pyrexia test in rats and hot plate tests in mice. The egg albumin-induced rat paw oedema test was employed to evaluate the extract’s anti-inflammatory activity. The extract produced a dose-dependent (125-500 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibition of pain response elicited by acetic acid, compared to normal saline and increased reaction latency in the hot plate test. The antiinflammatory test showed a significant (P

Transmission of COVID-19 is facilitated by uptake of droplets containing coronavirus from the breath, sneeze or cough of infected persons. This represents the commonest mode of coronavirus infection and spread to mucous membranes of the respiratory system. The virus rapidly replicates in alveolar cells, triggering a strong immune response, resulting in cytokine storm syndromes and pulmonary tissue damage. These pathologic processes contribute to a compromised pulmonary function. Thus, evaluation of pulmonary function would give insights into modulatory effect of agents that may be beneficial in ameliorating this pathology. The study evaluated effects of Cov-Pla1 and Cov-Pla3 (polyherbal products of the research team, positioned for treatment of Covid-19) on pulmonary function in bleomycin-induced lung injury in rabbits. Rabbits of both sexes were divided into six groups and treated with the extracts alone or the extract following pre-treatment with bleomycin. Targeted respiratory function parameters were monitored at baseline and on day three. Vital capacity, tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume and inspiratory capacity in the groups treated with Cov-Pla1 and Cov-Pla3 at 125 and 500 mg/kg respectively were compared with the bleomycin only group. In bleomycin pre-treated groups, the two preparations at 125 mg/kg showed increased vital capacity compared to the bleomyicn only group. This pattern was repeated with the other parameters that were evaluated. These results imply that Cov-Pla1 and Cov-Pla3 at the 125 mg/kg dose have ameliorative effects on bleomycin induced lung injury and could be beneficial in situations such as COVID-19 where there are active insults to the respiratory system. Keywords: COVID-19, Cov-Pla, Herbal Preparation, Respiratory function

Globally, infectious bronchitis (IB) is an important respiratory viral disease responsible for enormous economic losses to poultry farmers. In Nigeria, limited reports on the prevalence and serotypes of the IB virus are available. Here, we investigated the prevalence and serotypes of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in chicken in Plateau State. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out involving 440 apparently healthy free-range local chickens sampled from eleven villages in four Local Government Areas (LGA) of Plateau State. Sera collected from the birds were screened for the presence of four IBV serotypes namely; Massachusetts (Mass), Arkansas (Ark), Connecticut (Con) and Delaware (De-072) using haemagglutinationinhibition (HI) test. In all, a prevalence of 82.95% (n = 365) was recorded. At LGAlevel, prevalence of 79.50%, 47.37%, 95.45% and 100% were recorded in Kanam, Mangu, Qua’an pan and Bassa LGAs, respectively. Based on serotype prevalence, Mass had 89.30% (n = 326); Ark 79.70% (n = 291); Con 88.20% (n = 322) while De-072 was 42.70% (n = 156). There were statistically significant associations between dominant serotype and the LGAs (p≤0.001). This study shows high prevalence of IBwith at least four strains of IBV present in free-range chicken flocks in Plateau State requiring attention for control measures. Keywords: Free-range chicken; Infectious bronchitis virus; Plateau state, Serosurvey, Serotype

The coronavirus disease COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) has presented unprecedented challenges to the healthcare systems in the world. There are no definite effective therapeutic agents or vaccines against the virus currently. However clinical management of the infection includes prevention, control measures, supportive care and repurposed drug therapy based on pathophysiology of the virus and manifestation of the disease condition thereby using antiviral agents such as remdesivir, lopinavir and favipiravir. Herbal preparations are being promoted for the management of Covid-19. Some selected Nigerian medicinal plants are hereby investigated by In-silico studies of the plant constituents. When compared with the listed therapeutic agents, the phytochemical constituents of the selected plants have better binding affinity to several Covid-19 viral target proteins. Also they were found to be safe for human use with LD50 of >2000 mg/Kg for the plant extracts. Some of the plants also contained phytochemicals that can be employed for the symptoms of covid-19.

Background and Aims: The current pandemic known as Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) is a significant public health menace. Currently, there is no specific treatment for this disease, although some medicinal agents are under investigation. Some published articles have reported Severe Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS CoV-2) involvement in other organs, including the liver and kidneys, which can impair the metabolism and excretion of the medications taken to treat the disease. This study evaluated the effects of 3 herbal mixtures on some biochemical parameters of the liver and kidney of laboratory animals. Methods: Liver enzymes such as serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, albumin and total serum protein were quantified. Urea, creatinine and bilirubin (total and direct) were also evaluated. These parameters were determined for all three polyherbal combinations (CoV Pla-1, CoV Pla-2, CoV Pla-3). Results: The extracts did not produce any mortality up to 5000 mg/kg per oral. Results showed that the polyherbal extracts (CoV Pla-1, CoV Pla-2 CoV Pla-3) did not cause any significant changes in ALT, AST, ALP, compared to control. The mean values of urea showed an insignificant (P>0.05) decrease across all test doses in the three extracts, compared to the control. In the current study, the mean creatinine concentration showed slight decrease across all three extracts. Total protein was observed to be lower in CoV Pla-1 and CoV Pla-2, and increased in CoV Pla-3, though these changes were not statistically significant. Serum albumin decreased at the low and intermediate doses for the three polyherbal extracts in an insignificant manner compared to control. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study indicate that the extracts did not cause significant changes in biochemical parameters evaluated and support their use in the treatment of Covid-19.

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has had a dramatic effect on human existence and still shows no sign of abating. Scientists worldwide are therefore working assiduously to get new drug treatments to help mitigate the crisis. Some of those efforts involve research to obtain Covid-19 treatments from natural sources. The present study is aimed at evaluating the elemental, nutritional and antioxidant properties of Cov-Pla1, Cov-Pla2, Cov-Pla3 and PlaBoost herbal preparations. Elemental analysis was carried out using AAS after acid digestion of the samples. Proximate analysis of the formulations was done using the official AOAC methods while the antioxidant assay was carried out using the DPPH free radical scavenging method. The results of the study showed that the concentration of the heavy metals in all the samples were within acceptable regulatory limits. Proximate analysis revealed that the suspensions had protein content between 1.52-1.68 % and carbohydrate content of 0.79 – 1.08 % with low content of fat, crude fibre and ash. The formulations were found to be free of microbial contamination and stable for thirty days. Antioxidant evaluation revealed that Cov-Pla3 had the strongest free radical scavenging capacity with IC50 of 27.29 µg/mL while PlaBoost had the least (IC50: 251 µg/mL). The result of the study indicates that the formulations are free of metallic and microbial contaminants. In addition, proximate analysis has established some diagnostic parameters which will aid future authentication and purity assessment of the formulations. The formulations were all found to possess considerable antioxidant activity which will provide collateral benefit in relieving oxidative stress associated with Covid-19 infection. Key words: Covid-19, heavy metals, trace elements, proximate analysis, antioxidant.

Newcastle disease (ND) is an infectious viral poultry disease with great economic consequences. In developing countries, outbreaks of ND caused by virulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) have been identified as a limiting factor to the growth of the poultry industry. Limited reports exist on the pathology of natural field infection caused by NDV genotype XVII in chickens. Here, we present clinical, pathological and molecular investigation of confirmed ND in a 24-week-old layer-type, semi-intensive poultry flock with recorded mortality of over 50%. During PM examination, tissues were harvested for virus isolation, histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Virus isolation was performed in 10-day-old embryonated chicken eggs, and a haemagglutinating agent thereof identified by one-step reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). For the genotyping of the isolate, the full fusion gene was sequenced. Clinical signs observed included general body lethargy, inappetence and greenish diarrhoeic faeces from the cloaca before death with daily mortality exceeding 100 chickens. The pathology was characteristic of a viral haemorrhagic infection, with serosal haemorrhages, mucosal surface erosion and ulceration. In most of the carcasses, the main lesions seen included airsacculitis, meningeal congestion, haemorrhagic oophoritis, pancreatic necrosis, enteritis and faecal matting of the vent. Virus isolation and RT-PCR made a confirmatory diagnosis of ND. Based on the cleavage site motif sequence (112RRQKR/F117), the isolate was identified as a virulent strain with phylogenetic analysis showing clustering in genotype XVII viruses. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report describing the pathological findings of a natural outbreak caused by NDV involving viruses of genotype XVII. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS First report of a natural outbreak of Newcastle disease in White Yarkon Leghorns. The outbreak was caused by virulent NDV belonging to genotype XVII. Pathology differed slightly from those in experimental studies using SPF and other unvaccinated chickens.

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious viral disease constituting a continuous threat to the poultry industry worldwide. This study evaluated the genetic characteristics of Newcastle disease viruses (NDVs) obtained from backyard commercial poultry farms and live bird markets during active and passive surveillance in different regions of Plateau and Nasarawa States of Nigeria between 2009 and 2017. The partial fusion (F) gene coding sequence and cleavage site of five NDV isolates was determined. This was aligned and compared with sequences of representative NDV from the GenBank. Deduced amino acid sequence of the protein revealed that four isolates had virulent motifs (112RRQKRF117) while one had an avirulent motif (112GRQGRL117). One virulent strain was recovered from an apparently healthy duck. Phylogenetic analysis based on comparison with different classes of NDVs revealed that two isolates clustered with genotype XIVb NDVs, another two isolates clustered with genotype XVIIa while one isolate clustered with genotype II. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the velogenic isolates clustered with published class II genotype XIVb and XVIIa closely related to isolates from Benin and Niger republic. This highlights the need for ND control programmes to place more stringent measures on cross-border trade of live bird and poultry products to prevent the introduction of new strains of NDV that would be more difficult to control. Key words: Chickens, duck, live bird market, Newcastle disease virus, genotypes, Nigeria.

Infectious diseases are responsible for illness, deaths and economic losses in human and animals. The situation is worse in developing countries with limited resources, poor infrastructures and technology necessary for disease prevention and control. Consequently, causative agents of diseases may emerge from animal reservoirs and are transmitted from animals to human as zoonoses or sustained human-to-human transmission may occur. About 60% of infectious diseases are zoonotic and over 75% of emerging and re-emerging diseases in human are acquired from animal hosts. Globally and in Nigeria, zoonotic diseases previously controlled such as yellow fever, Orthopoxvirus (monkey pox virus), Lassa fever, anthrax etc. are re-emerging and new ones like Avian influenza, Ebola, and respiratory coronaviruses (SARS, MERS and 2019-nCoV) are emerging. In addition, the transboundary nature and inter-continental introductions of many of these pathogens threaten the national economy and public health. Other zoonotic diseases like rabies, brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis are intractable due in part to negligence. Hence, the burden of zoonotic diseases in Nigeria is high and unabated despite available preventive vaccination for a disease like rabies. Some of these important zoonoses are discussed in detail in this paper with emphasis on effective control through the application of modern technology for surveillance, early and accurate diagnosis, biosecurity and preventive vaccination. These tools are however insufficiently deployed in Nigeria. It is therefore imperative to prioritise public health policies with focus on research, development and innovations for better impact on human and animal health with sequelae on national transformation.

The increasing outbreak of zoonotic diseases presents challenging times for nations and calls for a renewed effort to disrupt the chain of events that precede it. Nigeria’s response to the 2006 bird flu provided a platform for outbreak response, yet it was not its first experience with Influenza. This study describes the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on Influenza surveillance and, conversely, while the 1918 Influenza pandemic remains the most devastating (500,000 deaths in 18 million population) in Nigeria, the emergence of SARS CoV-2 presented renewed opportunities for the development of vaccines with novel technology, co-infection studies outcome, and challenges globally. Although the public health Intervention and strategies left some positive outcomes for other viruses, Nigeria and Africa’s preparation against the next pandemic may involve prioritizing a combination of technology, socioeconomic growth, and active surveillance in the spirit of One Health.

Since 2006, multiple outbreaks of avian influenza (AI) have been reported in Nigeria involving different subtypes. Surveillance and molecular epidemiology have revealed the vital role of live bird markets (LBMs) in the dissemination of AI virus to commercial poultry farms. To better understand the ecology and epidemiology of AI in Nigeria, we performed whole-genome sequencing of nineteen H9N2 viruses recovered, from apparently healthy poultry species, during active surveillance conducted in nine LBMs across Nigeria in 2019. Analyses of the HA gene segment of these viruses showed that the H9N2 strains belong to the G1 lineage, which has zoonotic potential, and are clustered with contemporary H9N2 identified in Africa between 2016 and 2020. We observed two distinct clusters of H9N2 viruses in Nigeria, suggesting different introductions into the country. In view of the zoonotic potential of H9N2 and the co-circulation of multiple subtypes of AI virus in Nigeria, continuous monitoring of the LBMs across the country and molecular characterization of AIVs identified is advocated to mitigate economic losses and public health threats.

Since 2013, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N6 (clade 2.3.4.4) has been reported in wild birds and poultry in Asia as well as in other parts of the globe. In Africa, information on the presence of this virus subtype is lacking. This study reports the first detection of a HPAI (H5N6) virus (clade 2.3.4.4b) in a duck from a live bird market in Nigeria, whose genome is closely related to the European 2017–2018 H5N6 viruses, indricating a recent virus introduction into the African continent.

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has a wide avian host range and a high degree of genetic variability, and virulent strains cause Newcastle disease (ND), a worldwide concern for poultry health. Although NDV has been studied in Nigeria, genetic information about the viruses involved in the endemicity of the disease and the transmission that likely occurs at the poultry-wildlife interface is still largely incomplete. Next-generation and Sanger sequencing was performed to provide complete (n = 73) and partial genomic sequence data (n = 38) for NDV isolates collected from domestic and wild birds in Nigeria during 2002-2015, including the first complete genome sequences of genotype IV and subgenotype VIh from the African continent. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that viruses of seven different genotypes circulated in that period, demonstrating high genetic diversity of NDV for a single country. In addition, a high degree of similarity between NDV isolates from domestic and wild birds was observed, suggesting that spillovers had occurred, including to three species that had not previously been shown to be susceptible to NDV infection. Furthermore, the first spillover of a mesogenic Komarov vaccine virus is documented, suggesting a previous spillover and evolution of this virus. The similarities between viruses from poultry and multiple bird species and the lack of evidence for host adaptation in codon usage suggest that transmission of NDV between poultry and non-poultry birds occurred recently. This is especially significant when considering that some viruses were isolated from species of conservation concern. The high diversity of NDV observed in both domestic and wild birds in Nigeria emphasizes the need for active surveillance and epidemiology of NDV in all bird species.

This study presents liquid–liquid equilibrium solubility data of the mutual solubility of cyclohexane and water in aqueous solutions of diethanolamine (DEA). Measurements were taken using a series of jacketed cells connected to a thermostat to maintain the desired solubility temperature. Different concentrations of DEA (15, 25, 35, 45, and 50 wt %) were prepared and mixed with cyclohexane in the measuring cells at temperatures ranging from 298 to 318 K and atmospheric pressure. Once thermodynamic equilibrium had reached, samples from the aqueous phase were analyzed for cyclohexane content using a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer, while samples from the hydrocarbon-rich phase were analyzed using a water content apparatus. Results showed that the solubility of cyclohexane increased with an increase in DEA concentration and varied directly with the temperature. Similarly, the solubility of water in the organic phase exhibited an increasing trend with an increase in temperature and concentration of DEA. Th...

In this work, an environmentally friendly and economically effective surfactant modified porous graphitic carbon (S-PGC) obtained from alginate biomass was successfully fabricated by functionalizing with anionic surfactants (sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS)) and used as an adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue cationic dye from aqueous solutions. The structural order and textural properties were examined using XRD, Raman spectroscopy and SEM-EDX. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted, where the influence of operating parameters such as solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dosage, initial MB concentration, and temperature on the sorption capacity were investigated. Compared with pristine PGC, the surfactant modified PGC (S-PGC) exhibited a much higher sorption capacity for MB due to the enhanced electrostatic interaction between the cationic dye and negatively charged S-PGC adsorbent. The adsorption isotherm and kinetics of adsorption were well fitted by the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second order model, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity calculated from Langmuir isotherm was 714 and 769 mg/g for two adsorbents SDBS-PGC-3000 and SDS-PGC-3000, respectively at 25 °C, suggesting SDS-PGC has a comparatively higher sorption capacity. Further investigation confirmed that the adsorption of MB over S-PGC was spontaneous and endothermic in nature. Successful regeneration of the spent adsorbents with methanol along with its high dye adsorption performance strongly confirms the ability of utilizing S-PGC as a promising and reliable adsorbent for cationic dye removal.

Outbreaks of infectious bursal disease (IBD), a highly contagious immunosuppressive disease of young chickens, are still reported globally despite vaccination efforts. This study investigated the genetic characteristics of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) from 26 reported outbreaks in 2019 in Nigeria. Nucleotide sequences of VP2 hypervariable (hvVP2) region (n=26) and VP1 (n=23) of Nigerian IBDVs were determined. Our results revealed the detection of reassortant strains with segment A related to very virulent IBDV (vvIBDV) having virulence marker (222A, 242I, 256I, 294I and 299S), whereas their segment B were closely related to previously detected IBDV strains having QEG substitution at positions 145-147. Phylogenetic analysis of the hvVP2 region revealed that all the Nigerian IBDV clustered with vvIBDV (genogroup 3) and were independent of the Asian/European lineage. Interestingly, in the hvVP2, all the viruses had a G-S substitution at residue 254. Additionally, one isolate had an A321T substitution at the PHI loop, which has been suggested to play a key role in antigenicity. Four of the viruses (Bauchi=3 and Plateau=1) had a unique A-T substitution at residue 144 on the VP1 region. We also observed a T174S substitution in nine of the Nigerian viruses from Bauchi and Plateau state that were not found in any outbreak viruses from Oyo and Akwa Ibom. This report demonstrates the circulation of reassortant strains in commercial and backyard poultry farms in Nigeria despite sustained vaccination efforts. Our data suggest that the Nigerian outbreak viruses have mutations that may affect antigenicity and contribute to antigenic drift.

Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is used worldwide to test and trace the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). "Extraction-less" or "direct" real time-reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is a transparent and accessible qualitative method for SARS-CoV-2 detection from nasopharyngeal or oral pharyngeal samples with the potential to generate actionable data more quickly, at a lower cost, and with fewer experimental resources than full RT-qPCR. This study engaged 10 global testing sites, including laboratories currently experiencing testing limitations due to reagent or equipment shortages, in an international interlaboratory ring trial. Participating laboratories were provided a common protocol, common reagents, aliquots of identical pooled clinical samples, and purified nucleic acids and used their existing in-house equipment. We observed 100% concordance across laboratories in the correct identification of all positive and negative samples, with highly similar cycle threshold values. The test also performed well when applied to locally collected patient nasopharyngeal samples, provided the viral transport media did not contain charcoal or guanidine, both of which appeared to potently inhibit the RT-PCR reaction. Our results suggest that direct RT-PCR assay methods can be clearly translated across sites utilizing readily available equipment and expertise and are thus a feasible option for more efficient COVID-19 coronavirus disease testing as demanded by the continuing pandemic.