Survey of External Parasites of Wild Birds in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Aims: As wild birds interact with poultry the likelihood of exchange of external parasites between wild birds and poultry highlights the need to understand wild bird parasites so as to reduce cross infection at the wild bird-poultry interface. There is paucity of data on external parasites of wild birds in Kaduna State, Nigeria. This study investigated the prevalence and diversity of external parasites among wild birds in Kaduna State. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Kaduna State, Nigeria between March, and June 2012. Methodology: Wild birds were captured and examined for external parasites by visual and microscopic examination. The data were analyzed using Quantitative Parasitology software. Results: Of the 233 wild birds representing 56 species and 25 families examined, the ectoparasite prevalence was 10.7% (25/233). The ectoparasites identified were Menacanthus spp (0.9%), Amblyomma variegatum (0.9%), Argas persicus (3.4%), Gonides gigas (2.1%) and Rhipicephalus spp (2.6%). Streptopelia senegalensis and Chalcomitra senegalensis were infested with Amblyomma varigatum while Numida meleagris and Ploceus cucullatus had Rhipicephalus spp. Conclusion: This is the first report to the best of our knowledge of hard tick infestation of free flying birds in Kaduna State. This study establishes baseline data for future study of wild bird host-parasite interaction in Nigeria. There is need for more studies on external parasites of wild birds to understand their impact on the survival of wild bird species in Nigeria.

Determination of Heavy Metal Concentration in Two Bony Fish (Catfish and Tilapia) from Orashi River in Rivers State, Nigeria

The research was intended to study the influence of human and industrial activities on the Orashi River and two bony fish (Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia nilotica). Three groups are observed to have impacted the environment – Oil/gas industries, tyre burning from abattoir, untreated human and animal waste from settlers and the abattoir. The study was carried out from September 2019 to August 2020. The mean concentrations of the parameters studied in some samples were close to or exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) and Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) recommended limits for drinking water and seafood. The results from this study have provided information on the heavy metals profile on the fish of the river. The level of heavy metals in the muscle of Catfish and Tilapia showed a range of Cadmium in Catfish (1-3.9mg/kg and Tilapia (0.1-4.2mg/kg) with the highest level occurring in station 2 (3.47mg/kg for Catfish and 3.39mg/kg for Tilapia) which is high with regard to FAO 19835, FAO/WHO 10896, EEC 20054 permissible limit of 0.01mg/l and USEPA SQG (1mg/kg) level in seafood. The levels of essential heavy metals in fish muscle were Copper (Catfish-10.9-33mg/kg, Tilapia -17.3-40.6mg/kg), Iron (Catfish-1.0-2.5mg/kg, Tilapia -0.1-5.6mg/kg) were within the FAO 1983 permissible limit while Zinc (Catfish-22-213.2mg/kg) and Tilapia (30.1-196mg/kg) exceeds the limit in some stations. Catfish muscles recorded higher mean value (127.12mg/kg) for all heavy metals than tilapia (44.03mg/kg) and the sequence is Copper > Zinc > Iron > Cadmium. The concentration of heavy metals in Orashi River is in the sequence: Sediment > Catfish > Tilapia >Water. The Total Heavy metal concentration in muscle of Catfish (0.5-1.8mg/kg) and Tilapia (0.1-3.8mg/kg) were within permissible limit.

Assessment of Microbiological Quality Associated with Ready- to- Eat Bush Meat Sold at Rumuokoro Market in Rivers State

The study was carried out to investigate the Microbiological quality of microorganisms associated with ready-to-eat bush meat sold at Rumuokoro market in Rivers state. Totally 24 samples were collected and analyzed using different media such as Nutrient agar for Total aerobic plate count (TAPC), MacConkey agar for the coliform count, Eosin methylene blue for Escherichia coli (EC), and Potato Dextrose Agar for Fungal count (FC) and ten (10) fold serial dilution was used. Staphylococcus spp, Pseudomonas spp, Bacillus spp, and Escherichia coli were isolated. The total aerobic plate count (TAPC), E. coli count (EC)-Coliform count (CC), and Fungal count (FC) isolated from antelope were higher when compared to grass-cutter so there was a significant difference (P <0.005). The occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from antelope (26.9%) was higher when compared to grass- cutter (25.0%). However the occurrence of Pseudomonas spp and Bacillus spp isolated from Antelope (23.1% and 30.8%) were higher when compared to grass- cutter (12.5% and 18.5%) while the occurrence of the above organisms isolated on both Antelope is significantly difference (P<0.005) from grass cutter. But the occurrence of Aspergillus spp and Penicillium spp were higher in grass cutter sample (57.1%) and (42.9%) compared to antelope (55.6%) and (44.4%) respectively, although the mean difference was statistically significant (P<0.005) so there was significant difference. It is hereby recommended that most handlers should always wash hands before and after handling the meat as improper hand washing is the number one cause of food borne illness. Consumers of such meat should learn food hygiene practices such as, soaking the meat in warm salt solution, proper washing and well cooked before consumption.

The Conclusion of ‘Lateral Flow between Bald and Vegetation Patches Induces the Degradation of Alpine Meadow in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau’ is Inaccurate

The “Type of Article” of this paper is “Letter to the Editor”. This paper discuses about: “The Conclusion of ‘Lateral Flow between Bald and Vegetation Patches Induces the Degradation of Alpine Meadow in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau’ is Inaccurate”. No formal abstract is available. Readers are requested to read the full article.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Some Plant Oil Extracts in the Management of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)

Four-way olfactometer was used to evaluate Laboratory repellency activities of Azadirachta indica, Jatropha curcas and Dennitia tripetala oil extracts on Tribolium castaneum at 10µl of each oil. Each arm of the olfactometer served as treatment arm with the 3 arms accommodating the 3 test substances, respectively and the 4th arm as control. Various concentrations (1, 2 and 3% V/V) of the essential oils were evaluated for fumigant and contact toxicity against T. castaneum at 8, 16 and 24 hours durations. The results obtained showed that T. castaneum spent significantly (p<0.05) more time (min) in the control arm than the 3 arms accommodating the essential oils. Similarly, significantly (p<0.05) more number of entries were made by the insect into the control arm compared with the test arms. The application of the essential oils significantly (p<0.05) caused higher mortality at 8, 16 and 24hrs than the control for both fumigant and contact tests. The mortality of the T. castaneum increased with increase in the concentration of the essential oils. The 3% concentrations of the oil extracts significantly caused the highest mortality, 67.23±8.72, 69.22± 18.74 and 79.55±9.29% by A. indica, D. tripetala and J. curcas, respectively after 24 hours application in fumigant test. The result also indicated that the contact application of A. indica, D. tripetala and J. curcas at 3% concentrations resulted in 63.07±6.55, 70.10±2.51 and 67.4±4.06% mortality of T. castaneum, respectively. The results suggest that the oil extracts from A. indica, J. curcas and D. tripetala can be used for effective management of T. castaneum infesting stored products.

Physicochemical Characteristics and Heavy Metals Contents in Soils and Cassava Plants from Farmlands within Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State

Soil samples and cassava tubers collected from farmlands within Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka vicinity were analyzed for their heavy metal levels using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) in order to assess their levels of contamination on the environment as a result of excessive fertilizers and automobile emission. Physiochemical properties of the soil samples were determined using standard methods. The soil pH had a mean value of 6.27 ± 0.07, 6.10 ± 0.06 and 6.57 ± 0.03 respectively indicating that the soils were slightly acidic to neutrality. Total organic carbon and nitrate mean values were 105.20 ± 6.20, 95.75 ± 9.57 and 94.6 ± 2.27 and 138.07 ± 12.09, 149.35 ± 14.25 and 149.20 ± 1.17 respectively showing presence of some organic matters. The mean levels of heavy metals in the soil samples were 0.01 ± 0.01, 0.05 ± 0.03 and 0.05 ± 0.03 for lead (Pb), 0.24 ± 0.16, 0.001 ± 0.001 and 0.001 ± 0.000 for cadmium (Cd) and 0.00 ± 0.00, 0.010 ± 0.006 and 0.001 ± 0.001 for chromium (Cr). These metals levels were in the abundance trend of Pb>Cd> Cr. The mean metal concentrations obtained in the cassava tubers respectively were 0.001 ± 0.001, 0.001 ± 0.001 and 0.005 ± 0.005 for lead (Pb), 0.000 ± 0.000, 0.0003 ± 0.0003 and 0.000 ± 0.000 for cadmium (Cd) and 0.002 ± 0.002, 0.000 ± 0.000 and 0.002 ± 0.002 for chromium (Cr). These metals levels were in the abundance trend of Pb> Cr > Cd. For both the soil and cassava samples, there were no significant variations in the heavy metal concentrations and also in physicochemical parameter except for pH; this showed that there is low heavy metal enrichment in the soils studied. Based on the study, the following heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Cr) falls within the Codex maximum permissible limits 0.1mg/l or ppm expect soil cadmium in science village which is above the Codex limit. The overall results showed that the farmlands (on soils and cassava tuber) appear to be free from poisoning or some metal enrichment and safe for agricultural purposes and also safe for human health and consumption.

First Record of Jungle Babbler Argya striata Feeding on House Gecko Hemidactylus sp.

We report the first record of jungle babbler Argya striata feeding on house gecko Hemidactylus sp. in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. On the morning of 09th October 2018, a small group of jungle babblers consisting of six adults and two fledglings were observed in and around plants pots and compost bins on the roof of author’s residence. A juvenile house gecko Hemidactylus sp. appeared to have incidentally flushed out of a crevice by the foraging birds. It was immediately attacked by two adults and was killed quickly by heavy pecking on gecko’s body. The gecko’s tail was quickly fed upon by one of the two attacking birds after tail autotomy. Once the gecko stopped moving, the two attacking birds tried consuming the gecko whole but soon dropped it as it appeared to be too big to swallow the whole body. They started pecking out small pieces from the head and stomach area. At one point, the two birds held the gecko from two places, one from the head and the other held a front limb and started to tug. Other members of the group were uninterested in the entire event and did not participate. The two attacking birds continued pecking out small pieces until they weren’t hungry anymore. They left the remaining body and joined the resting members of the group.

Comparative Studies of Growth Performance of Rabbits (Ornyctolagus cunniculus) Fed on Rabbit Feeds and Diverse Foodstuff in Captivity

The study was carried out to ascertain ways to increase protein for the teeming population of Nigerians. The specific objectives were to determine the growth performance of rabbits fed on rabbit feed and combination of agricultural by-product with forages and compare their feed utilization. It investigated the growth performances of rabbits; (Orynctolagus cuniculus) fed diverse ration (types A and B) in captivity for 12 weeks. A total of eighteen (18) weaner rabbits with an average initial weight of 350g – 370g and between 5 and 6 weeks old, were allotted into two treatments. Each treatment had three rabbits and three replicate in a completely randomized design. Rabbits in treatment one (A) were fed rabbit feed while the treatment two (B) were fed forage and diverse foodstuffs. Proximate analysis of these food ration types A and B showed that the ration type B was high in crude protein (23.88%), carbohydrate (53.29%) and fat (8.60%) and ration type A had the lowest crude protein (20.76%), carbohydrate, (52.49%) and fat (3.15%). Studies on the indices of ration utilization and growth performances showed that feed intake was highest in rabbit fed ration type A (94.28g) and lowest in ration B (90.98g). The diverse ration types although portrayed good weight gain, the highest was in rabbit fed ration type B (760.00g) and lowest in ration A (681.00g) and ration type B was significantly (p<0.05) different from ration A. The percentage weight gain and specific growth rate were highest in ration type B (210.50%), (4.097) and lowest in ration A (189.10%), (3.841). The best food conversion ratio was recorded for the rabbit fed ration type B (10.07g) and least in ration A (11.64g) and ration type A was significantly (p<0.05) different from ration B. Digestibility was highest in rabbit fed Ration A (93.33g) and lowest in ration B (92.67g) and were significantly different (p<0.05) from each other. The protein intake of ration B (21.73) was higher than those of ration A (19.57). The result also showed that the protein efficiency ratio of ration type A and B was not significantly different (p>0.05) from each other. Looking at the proximate composition of the diverse rations and indices of ration utilization, ration type B portrayed optimal nutrient content for rabbit growth.

Acute Toxicity of Hexavalent Chromium on Behavioural Parameters and Histopathology Damages in Freshwater Common Carp, Cyprinus carpio

Water sources of almost all regions in India are carrying the unbearable burden of dangerous pollutants. The release of waste products and anthropogenic wastes run-off has contributed to aquatic pollution. The environment has become a storehouse for chemical pollutant which infiltrate into the aquatic environment, including estuarine, thus immobilizing the aquatic biota, among the heavy metals. Chromium is a heavy metal which has both beneficial and harmful effect on organisms. It is highly toxic and carcinogenic. Many industries are disposing of chemical pollutants to the water. These disposals contain many chemicals, including Chromium. The purpose of this review was to check the accumulation and concentration of heavy metals in different organs of freshwater fishes that come in contact with the water contaminated with heavy metals. The subjected fish were exposed to Chromium (Cr) at the sub-lethal level at a concentration of 40mg/L in 96 hours. During the observation period, the fishes shown some behavioral changes like erratic swimming, slow motility, suffocation, and the scales become thin and decolorized. In the gill region, the gill filaments become swollen, and gill rackers become thick, and curling of lamellae was noticed, and it is caused due to the Chromium build-upon gills. At the region of the caudal fin, permanent bending of the tail was observed. The Chromium also affects other vital organs like the spleen and gut region. LC50 was found in 96 hours. The result indicates that Chromium is highly toxic and has deleterious effects on aquatic life. Humans are also affected by the intake of fishes for primary people of those areas where the leading food is fish.

Evaluation of the Microbial Contamination of Some Snacks: A Case Study of Lagos Mainland, Lagos State, Nigeria

This study was undertaken to evaluate the microbial contamination of some locally prepared snacks sold by street vendors in Lagos mainland, Lagos State, Nigeria. A total of (20) twenty snack samples- Meat-pie, Sausage roll, Egg roll, Puff puff and Doughnut were aseptically purchased in a sterilized polythene bags from four different locations in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area. The snacks were analyzed by standard microbiological methods using Bergey’s manual to determine the colony-forming units per gram, to isolate and determine the number of microbiological population contaminants. Unilag showed the bacteria count on snacks as follows: Meat-pie 1.50 × 106 cfu/ g), Sausage 2.20× 106 cfu/ g, Doughnut 3.20× 105 cfu/ g, Puffpuff 1.58x 106 cfµ/ g and Egg roll 9.80x105 cfµ/ g. At Yaba - Meat pie had bacteria count of 1.82x102cfµ / g, Sausage 7.00x101cfµ / g, Doughnut 1.09x 102 cfµ /g, Puff puff 3.64x104 cfµ/ g and Egg roll 5.00x101 cfµ/g. Snacks from Oyingbo had no growth on Meat pie, Doughnut and Puff puff but had bacteria cou nts on Sausage (1.00x102) and on Egg roll (1.95× 105 cfµ/ g).At Abule-Oja- Meat pie had bacteria count of 9.75x104 cfµ/ g, Puff puff 1.65x105 cfµ/ g and Egg roll 1.95x105 cfu/ g.The location with lowest bacteria count was Oyingbo which had no growth on a Meat pie, Doughnut and Puff puff, but had on Sausage 1.00x102 cfµ/ g and Egg roll 9.60x102 cfµ/ g. There were no coliforms in all the locations. Bacteria percentage range was 10.52% to 36.84%while Fungi percentage range was 0.71% - 37.59%. Four bacteria and seven fungi were identified: Bacillus cereus, Bacillus substillis, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus delbruckii with Aspergillus niger, Penicillium notatum, Trichoderma spp., Aspergillus fumigatus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Fusarium spp. and Aspergillus flavus. Bacillus cereus had the highest prevalence of 36.84%, Bacillus substillis 31.58%, Staphylococcus aureus 21.05% and Lactobacillus delbruckii 10.52%. Bacillus species were present at all sampled sites. It is concluded that the quality of these snacks can be improved by following quality control protocol and good manufacturing practices (GMP) in food.