Search

Livestock intensification has facilitated antimicrobial use (AMU) with consequent antimicrobial resistance (AMR) development. We assessed AMU in beef farms, pathways for residues and resistance dissemination to humans, risk status, residues identification, and drivers for antimicrobial residues and resistance emergence in beef cattle production systems. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in randomly selected beef farms of Northern Nigeria, between 2018 and 2019. Traffic Light model and Disc Diffusion Test were used to assess risk status and determined residues, respectively. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models at 95% confidence level. About 92% (n = 608) farmers participated. The majority of farmers managing intensive (78.9%) and semi-intensive (76.6%) farms did not follow antimicrobial dosage instructions. Also, 72.4% and 83.9% of the farmers on intensive and semi-intensive systems, respectively, did not observed withdrawal periods after AMU. Furthermore, 71.5% farmers in intensive and 53.2% in semi-intensive farms used antimicrobials as growth promoters. Antimicrobials frequently used include tetracyclines, sulfonamides and penicillin. Antimicrobial residues and resistance dissemination pathways from beef herds were: consumption of contaminated meat with residues (p = 0.007); contacts with contaminated cattle and fomites (p 0.001); and contaminated manure and aerosols in farm environment (p = 0.003). Significant drivers of residues and resistance emergence were antimicrobial misuse and overuse (OR = 2.72; 95% CI:1.93-3.83), non-enforcement of laws (OR = 2.98; 95% CI:2.11-4.21), poor education and expertise (OR = 1.52; 95% CI:1.09-2.12), and husbandry management system (OR = 10.24; 95% CI:6.75-15.54). The majority of intensive (63.6%) and semi-intensive (57.63%) farm systems belonged to Class 3 (Red risk) status. Antimicrobial residues were detected in 48.4% intensively and 34.4% semi-intensively managed farms. The study revealed poor practices of AMU in beef cattle production. Many factors were found to influenced antimicrobial residues and resistance occurrence and dissemination. A 'One Health' approach mitigation with adequate sanitation, hygiene, and good biosecurity measures will assure food safety, public and environmental health.

Over 70% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic and 72% of them have wildlife reservoirs with consequent global health impacts. Both SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 emerged certainly through wildlife market routes. We assessed wildlife handlers' zoonotic risk perceptions and preventive health behaviour measures toward COVID-19 during pandemic waves, and its drivers at wildlife markets using Health Belief Model (HBM) constructs. A cross-sectional study was conducted at purposively selected wildlife markets in Nigeria between November 2020 and October 2021. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariable logistic regressions analyses were performed at 95% confidence interval. Of the 600 targeted handlers in 97 wildlife markets, 97.2% (n = 583) participated. Consumers were the majority (65.3%), followed by hunters (18.4) and vendors (16.3%). Only 10.3% hunters, 24.3% vendors and 21.0% consumers associated COVID-19 with high zoonotic risk. Also, only few handlers practiced social/physical distancing at markets. Avoidance of handshaking or hugging and vaccination was significantly (p = 0.001) practiced by few handlers as preventive health behaviours at the markets. All the socio-demographic variables were significantly (p0.05) associated with their knowledge, risk perceptions, and practice of preventive health behaviours toward COVID-19 at univariate analysis. Poor markets sanitation, hygiene, and biosecurity (OR=3.35, 95% CI: 2.33, 4.82); and poor butchering practices and exchange of wildlife species between shops [(OR=1.87; 95% CI: 1.34, 2.60) and (OR=2.03; 95% CI: 1.43, 2.88), respectively] were more likely to significantly influence COVID-19 emergence and spread at the markets. To tackle the highlighted gaps, collaborations between the public health, anthropologists, and veterinary and wildlife authorities through the One Health approach are advocated to intensify awareness and health education programmes that will improve perceptions and behaviours toward the disease and other emerging diseases control and prevention.

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is an infectious and contagious respiratory disease of cattle, caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm). In this review, basic epidemiological features of CBPP, complicated by existing different strains of Mycoplasmas with similar biochemical characteristics, with preference to Sub-Saharan Africa are discussed. Many sub-Saharan African countries are challenged by variable gaps that include diagnostic tools and control strategies. Science-based issues on diagnostic procedures, vaccination, treatment, and other control strategies are discussed. Participatory epidemiology (PE), a diagnostic technique used in the identification and solving of animal health problems in rural communities, was also discussed. PE application, in conjunction with conventional diagnostic tools, will improve CBPP identification in pastoral rural communities and promote control of the disease in Africa. Furthermore, adequate CBPP control can be achieved through stronger political commitments from governments by prioritizing the disease among major diseases of high economic importance to the livestock industry for surveillance and control. Investment in CBPP control in endemic African countries will assure food security, livelihoods and the general well-being of people, and international trade.

Introduction:the on-going COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has imposed serious public health and economic threats on the entire world population. The SARS-CoV-2 has been identified from both domestic and wild animals constituting a threat to humans since most apparently healthy animals may potentially infect and cause the disease in humans, especially Animal Health Professionals (AHPs) who come directly in contact with animals. These professionals such as veterinarians play important roles among the One Health team in controlling the pandemic. This survey was conducted to assess the knowledge, risk perception, and prevention behaviors of AHPs in Nigeria who are important personnel in the control of emerging and re-emerging zoonotic and infectious diseases. Methods:an online-based epidemiological cross-sectional pre-tested questionnaire survey was carried out from April to May 2020. A total of 427 AHPs joined this survey. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression model were used to analyze the data collected. Results:the respondents have a mean knowledge score of 7.34 ± 2.05 (from a total possible score of 11) with the majority (66.7%, n = 285) having satisfactory knowledge scores on COVID-19. A high proportion (240/353) of respondents reported bats to be the major wildlife incriminated in the transmission of the COVID-19 virus though other animals reported were tiger, monkey, lion, and pangolin. At least, a quarter 131 (30.7%) of respondents perceived that visiting live animal markets is of high zoonotic risk to the spread of coronavirus. Most respondents reported hands washing and sanitizing after handling animals, and using personal protective equipment when handling suspected animals. At p

Background Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a vector-borne emerging zoonotic disease of animals and humans, characterized by socioeconomic losses to livestock farmers and global public health threat. The study determined RVFV seroprevalence in cattle, assessed pastoralists’ knowledge about RVF, and factors that influence its occurrence in pastoral cattle herds of Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted in pastoral herds of North-central Nigeria from 2017 to 2018. Data were collected using serology and questionnaire tools. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the obtained data. Categorical variables were presented as proportions and their associations determined by Chi-square tests. Associations of risk factors were analyzed by univariable and multivariable logistic regressions analyses at 95% confidence level. Results The overall IgM seropositivity of RVFV in pastoral cattle herds was 5.6%. This was higher in nomadic herds (7.4%) than in agro-pastoral herds (3.8%). All animal demographic characteristics of age, sex and breeds were not significantly (p > 0.05) associated with RVFV occurrence in pastoral herds. All the 403 pastoralists selected participated in the study, with the majorities of them being male, married and have no formal education. Majority of the pastoralists had low knowledge levels about zoonotic RVFV infection. All identified socio-ecological factors significantly (p , bushy vegetation (OR = 6.11; 95% CI: 3.96, 9.43), animal movement (OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.45, 3.25), and seasons (OR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.55, 3.51) were more likely to influenced RVFV occurrence in cattle herds. Conclusions Results of this study had illustrated recent circulation of RVFV in pastoral cattle herds in Nigeria and needs urgent interventions. The surveyed pastoralists had low knowledge level about RVF while the socio-ecological factors significantly influenced RVFV occurrence in herds. To address these gaps, pastoralists should be educated on clinical manifestations and modes of transmission of the disease in animals and humans, and mitigation measures. Adequate knowledge about RVF epidemiology will assure food security and public health.

BackgroundRift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic disease that has become emerging and re-emerging in some regions of the world, infecting livestock and humans. One-humped camels are important economic livestock species in Africa used for traction, transportation, and food. Regional and international trade has continued to increase the risk of this disease, spreading widely and causing severe economic and public health catastrophes in affected regions. In spite of these risks, there is a dearth of information about the status of RVF in camels in Nigeria. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of the RVF virus in one-humped camels in Nigeria and identify the risk factors associated with the disease.MethodsA cross-sectional study with simple random sampling was carried out in seven local government areas of Jigawa and Katsina States. The sera from camels were tested for anti-RVFV IgG. Camel owners were administered a structured questionnaire to ascertain their knowledge, attitude, and practice.ResultsAn overall prevalence of 19.9% (95% CI; 17.07-22.90) was recorded. Based on age groups, the highest prevalence of 20.9% (95% CI; 17.00-25.31) was obtained among older camels (6-10 years), while female camels recorded a high prevalence of 20.4% (95%CI; 15.71-25.80). Sule Tankar-kar recorded the highest prevalence with 33% (95%CI; 1.31-4.72, p= 0.007) and OR 2.47 in Jigawa State while Mai’adua had 24.7% (95%CI; 0.97-2.73, p=0.030) with OR 1.62 in Katsina State respectively. From the risk map, local government areas bordering Niger Republic were at a high risk of RVF. Only high rainfall was not significantly linked with RVF occurrence among nomadic camel pastoralists (95%CI 0.93-5.20; p=0.070).ConclusionThere is a need for the country to have quarantine units across borders for screening animals coming from neighbouring countries for transboundary infectious diseases such as RVF.Author SummaryRift Valley fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever that affects animals and humans with high mortality. Recently there has been increased demand in camel meat and products for food and therapeutic purposes. Climate change, coupled with insecurity in the Sahel, has had a significant impact on transhumance activities where camels and their owners move to different countries in search of pasture for their animals. Though Nigeria has not reported an outbreak of Rift Valley fever despite serological evidence in various animal species, there is a need to assess RVF in camels, which is a critical animal species, involved in transhumance with the potential of introducing transboundary diseases into new areas. The study assessed the presence of antibodies in camels, identified risk factors associated with the disease in camels and areas at risk for the disease. Our study found a seroprevalence of 19.9% in camels in two northern states of Nigeria, which shares a boundary with the Niger Republic that recently reported an outbreak. Our findings suggest that areas in proximity to Niger Republic are at a high risk to the disease and camels belonging to transhumance pastoralists are highly likely to contract Rift Valley fever since they are exposed to various ecological and environmental factors that precipitate the disease.

Antimicrobials are used to maintain good health and productivity of food animals. Misuse of antibiotics in livestock contributes to development of antimicrobial resistance, an emerging One Health issue. This study assessed pastoralists' knowledge and practices regarding antimicrobial usage, explore pathways for resistant pathogens emergence and associated social drivers for antimicrobial misuse in pastoral herds of North-central Nigeria. An interview questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in randomly selected pastoral households. Descriptive and analytical statistical analyses were performed at 95% confidence level. All the 384 pastoralists participated in the study. Majority (58%) of respondents had no formal education. Only 8.1% of respondents knew antibiotic misuse to be when given under-dose and 70.1% of them did not know what misuse entailed. About 58.3% reported self-prescription of antimicrobials used on animals, while 67% of them reported arbitrary applications for dosage determination. Most frequently used antimicrobials were tetracycline (96.6%), tylosin (95.6%) and penicillin (94.0%). Identified pathways for antimicrobial resistant pathogens spread to humans were through contaminated animal products; contaminated animals and fomites; and environmental wastes. Improper antimicrobial usage (p, Highlights • Only 8.1% pastoralists knew antimicrobials misuse to be when given under-dose. • About 58% pastoralists reported self prescription of antimicrobials used on animals. • Most frequently used antimicrobial was tetracycline (96.6%). • Nomadic culture influenced antimicrobials misuse in livestock. • ‘OneHealth’ approach is needed for efficient antimicrobial usage surveillance.

The World Health Organization's Global Action Plan on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) recommended monitoring of antimicrobial use (AMU) through surveillance and research to help mitigate AMR. This survey was aimed at assessing poultry owners' knowledge/awareness and practices regarding AMU, identified pathways for AMR emergence and spread in small-scale commercial poultry farms and free-range local bird flocks in North-central Nigeria. An interview questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted on commercial poultry farmers and local bird flock keepers in 2017. Also, a Traffic Light system model was used assess risk status of AMU in farms and flocks. All the 384 recruited poultry farmers/keepers participated in the survey. Female respondents were the majority (67.2%). Low proportion of poultry farmers (46.4%, 89/192) and very low proportion of bird keepers (6.8%, 13/192) knew antimicrobials misuse to be when administered under dose. About 48% (93/192) of farmers and 93% (179/192) of keepers arbitrary determined antimicrobial dosage before administration. Respondents used antimicrobials for therapeutic, prophylactic, and growth promotion in birds. Also, participants significantly identified contaminated poultry products, infected poultry or contaminated formites, and discharged contaminated faeces into environment as pathways for transmission of antimicrobial resistant pathogens to humans. Traffic Light system model revealed 88.5% of small-scale commercial poultry farms to frequently used antimicrobials without veterinarians' consultations thereby attaining Class 1 (Red risk) status. The model showed that 92.1% of free-range local bird flocks rarely used antimicrobials thereby attaining Class 3 (Green risk) status. Improper antimicrobial dosage in poultry (OR: 7.23; 95% CI: 2.74, 19.21), non-enforcement of AMU regulating laws in poultry (OR: 4.12; 95% CI: 2.39, 7.10), weak financial status of poultry owners (OR: 3.00; 95% CI: 2.39, 7.10), and management system (OR: 8.94; 95% CI: 5.62, 14.24) were more likely to satisfactorily influenced antimicrobials misuse in poultry farms and local bird flocks. The survey revealed low knowledge level regarding AMU in the poultry. Antimicrobials were rarely used in local bird flocks, making them likely organic and safe from AMR. It is imperative to educate farmers on judicious AMU, enforce existing veterinary legislation on antimicrobials, establish antimicrobials surveillance system, and sensitize farmers on adequate biosecurity measures and routine vaccination of farms, so as to assure food safety, food security, and public health.

A structured questionnaire was administered to 151 purposively selected fish farmers to assess their practices and perceptions on antimicrobial usage (AMU) in fresh water fish farms in North-central Nigeria. Risk pathways for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) spread, risk status and drivers for misuse and overuse of antimicrobials were also assessed and residue presence in fish and pond water samples determined. Descriptive and analytic statistical analyses were performed at 95% confidence level. AMU risk status was assessed with Traffic Light model. Disc diffusion test was used to detect residues. All 151 recruited farmers participated but only 78.1% of them used antimicrobials in fish production. About 94% farmers practiced self-prescription of antimicrobials, and 94.9% did not observe withdrawal periods after AMU. AMR risk pathways were consumption (p=0.010), contacts (p=0.004), and environment (p=0.002). Socio-cultural drivers of antimicrobial misuse, overuse and resistance emergence in fish farms were inappropriate AMU (p=0.002), poor biosecurity (p=0.001), poor sanitation (p=0.001), poor economic status of farmers (p=0.002), and intensive management system (p=0.001). Majority (73.5%) of farms were in Class 3 (Red risk) status. Residues were detected in fish and water samples from 44.4% of the farms. The study revealed poor practices and perceptions on AMU. AMU stewardship should be promoted through farmers’ education. To achieve food safety, food security, public and environmental health, socio-cultural drivers for misuse and overuse in farms should be mitigated through surveillance and control programmes using the concept of ‘One Health’ approach.

Village poultry closely interact with wild birds and other livestock in extensively managed poultry flocks, a practice common in pastoral communities of Nigeria. This practice provides sustained dissemination of avian viruses, such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus. The objectives of this study were to assess their knowledge/awareness, risks identification and biosecurity measures on HPAI H5N1 in pastoral poultry flocks. A questionnaire‐based cross‐sectional survey was conducted in systematically selected pastoral households of North‐central Nigeria between May 2015 and June 2016. A total of 422 pastoralists participated in the study. Mean age of the respondents was 54.7 ± 11.4 SD years and 36.0% of them were in age group 50–59 years. The majority (81.3%) of respondents were of the Fulani tribe. Also, 64.9% of the respondents had no formal education and only 6.9% had tertiary education. About 30.8% of the nomadic and 81.0% of sedentary pastoralists significantly mentioned avian influenza to be a zoonotic disease. Very few nomadic (10.9%) and sedentary (26.1%) pastoralists significantly reported restriction of birds’ movement to nearby water bodies as biosecurity measure. Only 7.6% of the nomadic and 16.1% of sedentary pastoralists practiced keeping of birds according to species. Sedentary pastoralists were more likely to have significant knowledge about HPAI H5N1 than the nomadic (OR: 1.76; 94% CI: 1.19–2.61). Female pastoralists were more likely to practice significant biosecurity measures against HPAI H5N1 than the males (OR: 1.99; 95% CI: 1.28–3.09). The majority of pastoralists neither possessed adequate knowledge about avian influenza nor applied adequate biosecurity measures against it, which are the most challenging gaps. Education of pastoralists on HPAI virus infection, specifically on information about clinical signs of avian influenza in birds, transmission dynamics among different species of birds, flyways of migrating wild birds and adequate mitigation measures are recommended.

The challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is grave in developing countries. Antimicrobials are misused yet stakeholders&rsquo, contribution to antimicrobial stewardship is low. Veterinary students are future prescribers and their knowledge could influence progress in combating AMR, hence, there is a need to assess their knowledge, attitude, and awareness of AMR. A multi-institutional questionnaire was administered to undergraduates in Nigerian veterinary schools. It comprised demographics, own personal antibiotic usage, and knowledge, attitude, and awareness of AMR in humans and animals. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used for analyses. Of the 426 respondents, 39.2% reported personal antimicrobial use in the previous six months. Over 60% received knowledge scores lower than average and &gt, 87% requested more education on clinical use and prescriptions pre-graduation, monitored dispensing of antimicrobials, conducting AMR research, and confirmed link among human, animal, and environmental health. Less than 25% of respondents were aware of antimicrobial stewardship and global efforts/organizations for AMR. Final year students have 9-fold and 14-fold more satisfactory knowledge on antimicrobials in humans and animals compared with other students, respectively (p = 0.001). Final year students also have more knowledge (13&times, ) and awareness of contributory factors (3&times, ) on AMR (p = 0.001) than other students. Unsatisfactory knowledge on AMR issues exists among veterinary students yet willingness to improve was observed. Identified knowledge, attitude, and gaps in AMR awareness should be targeted by veterinary schools in Nigeria.

Background: Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a vector-borne emerging zoonotic disease of animals and humans characterized by major socioeconomic losses to livestock farmers, with potential global public health threat. The study assessed herders’ existing knowledge, sero-prevalence and factors influencing the occurrence of RVF in cattle herds. Methods: A cross-sectional study using questionnaire and determination of IgM was conducted among pastoral herds. Frequencies and proportions were used for descriptive analysis. Categorical variables were presented as proportions and their associations determined by Chi-square tests. Associations were analyzed by univariable tests and multivariable logistic regressions analysis at 95% confidence level. Results: All 403 pastoralists (50.5±15.5 years) participated in this study with the majority of respondents being male, married and had no formal education. The majority of the pastoralists reported low knowledge about zoonotic RVF infections. The within-herd seropositivity of RVF in Nigeria is 5.6% which was higher under nomadic (7.4%) than agro-pastoral (3.8%) settings. All animal demographic characteristics of age, sex and breeds were not significantly (p>0.05) associated with occurrence of RVF in pastoral cattle herds. However, all the socio-ecological factors significantly (p (OR=10.80; 95% CI: 6.77, 17.34), high rainfall (OR=4.30; 95% CI: 2.74, 6.59), irrigated rice fields (OR=5.14; 95% CI: 3.21, 7.79) and bushy vegetation and (OR=6.11; 95% CI: 3.96, 9.43), animal movement (OR=2.2; 95% CI: 1.45, 3.25) and seasonal variations (OR=2.34; 95% CI: 1.55, 3.51) were more likely to influence RVF occurrence in pastoral herds. Conclusions: This study highlighted low levels of knowledge about RVF among surveyed pastoralists as well as socio-ecological factors contributory to RVF occurrence. This study illustrates recent circulation of RVFV in Nigeria and needs urgent interventions. This challenging gap calls for health education of these vulnerable populations on the socio-economic and health threats of RVF in the remote rural areas of developing countries, especially Africa.

Background Antimicrobials are used as a measure to maintain good health and productivity of lactating cows. This study assessed pastoralists’ knowledge and practices regarding AMU in lactating cows; and risk pathways for AMR dissemination from cow milk to humans. Methods Interview questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Fulani pastoral communities. Frequencies and proportions were used for descriptive statistics. Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regressions were used for analytic statistics at 95% confidence level. Results All recruited 384 pastoral households participated. About 11% of participants indicated antimicrobials misuse as when given at under-dose, while 58.9% had no knowledge of what antimicrobial misuse entailed. Most participants (51.6%) were unaware about effects of improper AMU. Most respondents (61.7%) reported self-prescription of antimicrobials used on cows. Also, 67.4% of respondents reported arbitrary applications of antimicrobials used in cows, while 15% used antimicrobials to increase milk yield. Frequently used antimicrobials were: tetracycline (98.7%), penicillin (96.6%), streptomycin (95.8%) and sulfonamides (95.3%). Consumption of raw milk and milk products (p = 0.010); contacts with contaminated udder (p = 0.002); and aerosols of discarded contaminated milk P = 0.001) were perceived risk pathways for spread of antimicrobial resistance from cow milk. Improper AMU (p

Milk has been envisaged as a major source of high-quality protein and bioavailable nutrients to humans. Its production is constraint by foot and mouth disease (FMD), a contagious viral disease of very high economic importance worldwide. This study was aimed at assessing the economic impact of FMD in pastoral dairy cattle herds in Nigeria and determines returns to investments in its control to better inform policy decisions. An interview questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 660 nomadic and agro-pastoral dairy cattle herds in 2019. Economic impact analyses were conducted using the total economic cost and benefit-cost analysis models. Of the 660 pastoralists enrolled, 92.6% (n = 611) participated. Nomadic pastoralists constituted 50.7% (n = 310) of the respondents while 49.3% (n = 301) were agro-pastoralists. Most of the respondents (66.4%, n = 406) had no formal education. The value of visible losses to the herders was estimated at USD 15,591,694.30 and the cost of control by treatment of secondary infections was USD 463,673.70. The economic impact of FMD due to production losses and costs of treatment to pastoralists was estimated to be USD 16,055,368.00. Return on investment in FMD control was positive with a benefit-cost ratio of 33.6. The estimated total economic costs due to FMD have indicated that it is a disease of high economic importance to dairy production herds and must be controlled to assure food security, local incomes to herders, and protein requirement of human population, especially the children in FMD endemic countries.

Background Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an emerging neglected mosquito-borne viral zoonotic disease of domestic animals and humans, with potential for global expansion. The objectives of this study were: to assess perceived relative burden and seasonality of RVF in nomadic cattle herds and validate the burden with sero-prevalence impact; and assess perceived risk factors associated with the disease and risk pathways for RVF virus in nomadic pastoral herds of North-central Nigeria using pastoralists’ existing veterinary knowledge. Methods Participatory Epidemiology (PE) survey was conducted in Fulani nomadic pastoral communities domiciled in Niger State between January and December 2015. A cross-sectional sero-prevalence investigation was also carried out in nomadic pastoral cattle herds to validate outcomes of PE. A total of nine nomadic pastoral communities were purposively selected for qualitative impact assessment using Participatory Rural Appraisal tools, while 97 cattle randomly sampled from 15 purposively selected nomadic herds and had their sera analyzed using c-ELISA. Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance W statistics and OpenEpi 2.3.1 were used for statistical analyses. Results Mean proportional piles (relative burden) of RVF (Gabi-gabiF) was 8.3%, and nomads agreement on the burden was strong (W = 0.6855) and statistically significant (P, Author summary Rift Valley fever (RVF), is a neglected vector-borne zoonotic disease, commonly occurring in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It causes severe socio-economic and public health impacts on livestock, humans and environment, placing further economic demands on pastoralist communities already experiencing high level of poverty. There is urgent need to develop new surveillance and control approaches that will identify and tackle RVF in under-privileged communities. One such approach would be by use of Participatory Epidemiology, which involves local communities in the surveillance of diseases, empowering them as agents of change rather than relegating them to disease information providers. RVF is a disease with global implication, but it starts at local level. Therefore, to control this neglected disease, it is important to understand exiting veterinary knowledge contained in the local communities. Using a bottom-up perspective, we investigated factors that influence RVF occurrence and pathways for its entry, spread and consequences in herds. By devising acceptable and cost-effective methods of investigations, we believe pastoralist communities can be encouraged to be the first line of defense against RVF and other neglected animal diseases. Furthermore, policies aimed at preventing RVF occurrence in animals and humans would be beneficiary if pastoral communities are fully involved.

Dermatophilosis is a contagious disease of high economic importance. The study assessed knowledge/awareness and clinical burden of and mitigation measures practised against clinical bovine dermatophilosis in pastoral herds of North-Central Nigeria and associated socio-cultural factors that predisposed to its occurrence in herds. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between October 2015 and September 2016. Questionnaires were administered on pastoralists and clinical assessment of cattle with gross pathological lesions indicative of dermatophilosis conducted. Associated economic impact was estimated. All 384 selected pastoralists participated in the survey. The majorities of nomadic (97.4%) and sedentary (68.2%) pastoralists significantly (p

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is an infectious disease of cattle endemic in sub-Saharan Africa. A cross-sectional sero-geospatial survey was conducted to assess the CBPP sero-geospatial burdens among estimate at-risk sero-positive cattle in nomadic and sedentary pastoral cattle production systems of north-central Nigeria, between January and August 2013. A total of 765 cattle in 125 nomadic herds and 375 cattle in 125 sedentary herds were sampled. Sera were analysed using c-ELISA. OpenEpi version 2.3 was used for statistical analyses. Geo-coordinates of herds were taken using Garmin GPS, while ArcGIS 9.3 was used to map geospatial data of sero-positive cattle and herds in the agro-geographical zones. In nomadic production, 16.2 % (95 % CI 13.7 to 19.0.) cattle were sero-positive in 47.2 % (95 % CI 38.2 to 56.3) herds. And the sedentary system had 9.6 % (95 % CI 6.9 to 12.0) sero-positive cattle in 27.2 % (95 % CI 19.6 to 35.9) herds. Agro-geographical zone A was more likely (OR 3.42; 95 % CI 1.90, 6.15) to have significant impacts on cattle-level sero-geospatial burden than Agro-geographical zone B. Also, Agro-geographical zone C was more likely (OR 5.14; 95 % CI 2.91, 9.08) to have significant impacts on cattle-level sero-geospatial burden than Agro-geographical zone B. The developed GIS CBPP risk maps showed various densities of its burdens in the agro-zones. The visualized proportional circle maps presented GIS usefulness in the active surveillance of CBPP, and if used in conjunction with sero-diagnosis, the maps would aid policymakers with practical imageries for livestock disease control decisions in pastoral cattle herds.

This study was aimed to assess zoonotic disease knowledge, risk perceptions, and preventive practices of animal health professionals in Nigeria. Cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted on 582 participants and 529 responded. Collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression models. The proportion of veterinarians (92.0%) which knowledge about zoonosis was much higher (P < 0.001) than that of para-veterinarians (32.4%). In contrast to para-veterinarians (46.2%), the majority of veterinarians (76.7%) perceived high risk of zoonotic infections during necropsy/tissue collections. Similarly, a much higher (P < 0.001) proportion of veterinarians (54.0%) considered hand washing before eating at work as effective way of risk mitigation, compared to para-veterinarians (25.0%). Professionals in large animal practice were less likely (OR 0.35; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.77) not to be engaged in satisfactory protective measures. These results constitute public health contributions to the risk mitigation information that may support measures for zoonosis prevention in Nigeria.

There is considerable global concern over the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) that has affected domestic poultry flocks in Nigeria and other parts of the world. There have been little investigations on the proposition that free-range flocks are potentially at higher risk of HPAI than confined small-scale commercial enterprises. The objective is to analyse the biosecurity measures instituted in the small-scale commercial poultry farms and established free-range bird flocks owned by households in the rural areas and qualitatively assess the risk status at the two levels of poultry management systems in northcentral Nigeria. We used data collected through questionnaire administration to farms and flock owners and subjected them to a traffic light system model to test for relative risks of HPAI infection based on the biosecurity measures put in place at the farm and flock levels. The results indicate that free-range flocks are at lower risk compared to small-scale commercial operations. These findings are plausible as birds from free-range flocks have more opportunities to contact wild bird reservoirs of low-pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) strains than small-scale commercial poultry, thus providing them with constant challenge and maintenance of flock immunity. The development of efficient and effective biosecurity measures against poultry diseases on small-scale commercial farms requires adequate placement of barriers to provide segregation, cleaning and disinfection, while concerted community-led sanitary measures are required for free-range poultry flocks in the developing topical and subtropical economies.

The study was conducted to evaluate the volume of pregnant cows slaughtered at Minna abattoir, Niger State, Nigeria between 2001 and 2009 based on abattoir meat inspection records. Of the 98,407 cows slaughtered, 4,368 were pregnant, translating to a ratio of one calf foetal wastage in every 23 cows slaughtered. The wastage was significantly (P < 0.05) high during the early rainy season (April to June). There was no significant difference observed across the years. The economic impact of the wastage is estimated at N8, 353,800.00 ($56,828.57) which is a great loss to the livestock industry. With these findings, there is the need to advocate for adequate enforcement of legislations on routine veterinary examinations at the slaughter houses in Nigeria. Also, livestock owners should be educated on the seasonal breeding patterns of cattle in order to avoid selling cows during the calving season to salvage high level of calf foetal wastage.

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia is one of the most important trans-boundary disease affecting Fulani cattle herds of Nigeria and whose control is urgently needed. A Participatory Epidemiology approach and cross-sectional study were concurrently conducted to investigate qualitative and quantitative impacts of CBPP, respectively and associated socio-cultural factors that influenced exposure of Fulani nomadic pastoral communities to its risk in Niger State, North-central Nigeria between January and December 2013. A total of nine pastoral communities were purposively selected for qualitative impact assessment using Participatory Rural Appraisal tools, while 765 cattle randomly sampled from 125 purposively selected nomadic herds were analyzed using c-ELISA. Data on socio-cultural characteristics were collected using structured questionnaires administered on nomadic herd owners of the 125 selected herds. Kendall's Coefficient of Concordance W statistics and OpenEpi 2.3 were used for statistical analyses. Pastoralists' dependent factors associated with their socio-cultural activities were tested using Chisquare tests and likelihood backward logistic regressions. The mean proportional piles (relative qualitative impact) of CBPP was 12.6%, and nomads agreement on this impact was strong (W=0.6855) and statistically significant (P

In developing countries, foetal wastage from slaughtered ruminants and the associated economic losses appear to be substantial. However, only a limited number of studies have comprehensively evaluated these trends. In the current study, secondary (retrospective) and primary data were collected and evaluated to estimate the prevalence of foetal wastage from cattle, sheep and goats slaughtered at an abattoir in Minna, Nigeria, over a 12-year period (January 2001 – December 2012). Time-series modelling revealed substantial differences in the rate of foetal wastage amongst the slaughtered species, with more lambs having been wasted than calves or kids. Seasonal effects seem to influence rates of foetal wastage and certain months in the year appear to be associated with higher odds of foetal wastage. Improved management systems are suggested to reduce the risk of foetal losses.

The study was aimed at epidemiologically detecting, identifying, and differentiating Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides strains according to their geographical origins in asymptomatic cattle populations of Niger State, North-central Nigeria between January and August 2013, using conventional and fingerprinting PCR assays without culturing or enriching of the field samples. Cross sectional molecular study of asymptomatic cattle sampled in the major abattoirs and livestock markets was carried out. Geographical lineage differentiation of the strains was performed on the basis of presence or absence of 8.84 kb genomic segment. With primers pair MM450/MM451, two 574 bp genomic fragments of DNA of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides were detected. Using fingerprinting PCR; with insertion element IS1296/R(all) primers pair the detected two strains of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides genomic DNA were specifically identified by generation of a fragment of 1.1 kb; with IS1296/R1 primers pair, identified Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides strains were differentiated to be of African cluster by generation of 1.4 kb. The PCR procedures were sensitive and produced rapid results that identified two strains of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides of African/Australian origin. The presence of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides African /Australian strains, which is useful for vaccine production, was therefore established in Niger State, Nigeria. Keywords: Cattle, Control, Cross-sectional molecular study, Mmm , Molecular fingerprinting, Nigeria