Occurrence of adulterants and preservatives in the Milk Sold in Rural areas of Omdurman, Sudan

In the present investigation, the chemical composition of milk was determined and the detection of the presence of some additives and preservatives in raw cow milk obtained from rural area of Omdurman city Sudan was done. The milk samples (n= 120) were obtained from rural areas of North and South Omdurman. Significantly, (P≤0.05) higher values for the chemical constituents of the examined raw milk samples were reported in the samples from South Omdurman compared to those from North Omdurman. In addition, the results showed that the added water was found in 16.7% of the examined milk samples. Also, formaldehyde was used as a preservative in 19.2% of the samples, while boric acid was used as preservative in 25% of the milk samples in South Omdurman. However, sodium bicarbonate, hydrogen peroxide and starch were not detected. It was concluded that milk distributed in North and South Omdurman contains some adulterants. Hence control and monitoring programs should be directed towards the hygienic quality of milk during production and marketing.

Structural and functional effects of single nucleotide polymorphism on canine cytochrome b 5 reductase - in silico

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of single nucleotide polymorphism in Canine cytochrome b5 reductase using computational methods. Data was obtained from database of National Centre for Biotechnology Information (db SNP) and computational software was used for the analysis. The 3D protein structure was predicted using phyre 2 server. PANTHER analysis predicted the effect of single nucleotide polymorphism (substitution of Isoleucine for Leucine at position 194) as damaging. Analysis using the Mutpred 2 web application also indicated deleterious effects of the amino acid substitution. Molecular mechanisms of structural changes in the amino acid were determined using Mutpred 2 to be altered ordered interface, gain of allosteric sites and altered metal binding. The study indicated that the substitution of Isoleucine by Leucine at position 194 of the amino acid sequence (Ile 194 Leu) resulted in the destabilization of the amino acid structure leading to functional deviation in canine cytochrome b5 reductase.

Prevalence and antibiotic resistance profile of Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli O157 (STEC) from retailed miscellaneous meat and fish types in Abuja, Nigeria

Most Escherichia coli strains are harmless intestinal bacteria of animals, but some are implicated in food infection/poisoning especially Shiga toxin (or Vero toxin) producing E. coli (STEC) due to consumption of meat. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profile of Shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli O157 (STEC) from retailed miscellaneous fish and meat types in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. A total of 256 meat and fish consisting of cow muscles, intestines, rumen-sacs, livers and tails, cat-fish, frozen fish (mackerel and herrings) were examined. Escherichia coli were isolated by enrichment culture cefixime-tellurite sorbitol MacConkey agar (CT-SMAC), morphological, biochemical, serotype latex agglutination and disk diffusion methods. Of the 256 samples, 138 (53.9%) were contaminated with E. coli and 28 (21.7%) E. coli strains were positive for Shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli O157 (STEC). Meat muscles had the highest prevalence of STEC (7.41%) among meat samples, followed by rumen-sacs (6.0%), intestines (5.77%), tails (4.0%), and the prevalence of STEC in Fish includes Cat-fish intestine (26.7%), skin (21.4%), Mackerel intestine (26.7%), skin (14.3%), and Herrings skin (15.4%), gill (7.1%). All the STEC assessed indicated multi-drug resistance, with the isolates showing 100% resistant to ampicilin, and erythromycin, nitrofurantoin (95.7%), amoxicilin clavulanic acid (84.3%), sulphamethaxazole/trimethoprim (75%), streptomycin (75%), tetracycline (66.17%), and gentamycin (53.6%). The isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin (66.7%), Cefoxitin (66.7%), amikacin (39.3%), and chloramphenicol (35.7%). The implication of STEC in this study suggests that contaminated meat types are sold to consumers and can result to serious foodborne hazards. Prescription of ciprofloxacin and cefoxicilin are recommended against this organism. Application of good hygienic procedures in meat and fish handling processes and proper boiling before consumption can mitigate the risk of infection due to resistance STEC strains.

Microbial pathogen contamination of waterholes in old Oyo national park: possible wildlife and animal health implications

Surface water quality is an important module of the aquatic ecosystem which is crucial to wildlife and environmental health. The term water quality is sometimes extended to include biodiversity of waters and biological indicators or ecological health. Microbiological examination of water is an essential tool to investigate the presence of microorganisms that might constitute a hazard to both animal and public health. Microbiological examination of waterholes in national parks is thus crucial in assessing ecosystem health. The study therefore aimed at assessing the bacteriological and mycological characteristics of perennial waterholes in Old Oyo National Park (OONP), Nigeria. Coliform test was performed using the most probable number (MPN) technique and heterotrophic plate count (aerobic) by Pour Plate method while fungi count was done using the direct plate and dilution plate methods. Microbial populations were expressed as colony forming units per milliliter (cfu/ml). Different species of microflora were observed in the sampled waterholes includes Bacillus sp, Aspergillus spp, Actinobacter sp, Pseudomonas sp, Penicillium sp, Enterobacter sp, Klebsiella sp, Salmonella sp, Flavobacter sp, Seratia sp and Shigella sp. The presence of Escherichia coli observed in the study is an indication of recent faecal contamination. The mean values of microbial counts of the water samples were higher during the dry season with increased water concentration and more drinking from animals a probable cause. The presence of the various microflora observed in the study could pose a serious threat to both wildlife and public health. The study gave an insight to the health of the animals over seasons in the park and how it can affect health and population and a source of contaminants to all animals. There is need for continuous assessment of water quality in waterholes in OONP as a means of ensuring good ecological health.

Feed intake analysis and organ weights of growing west African dwarf goats fed some browse plants and a concentrate supplement diet

The study evaluated the feed intake and organ weights of sixteen growing West African dwarf bucks fed some browse species and a concentrate supplement diet. The goats were allotted into four (4) treatments of four goats each. The goats were fed leaves from Gmelina, (Gmelina aborea)) Tamarind, (Tamarindus, Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Teak leaves (Tectona grandis) at 200g/goat/day for Treatments 1, 2, 3and 4 respectively and a concentrate supplement diet at 100g per goat/day for a duration of fifty (50) days. Known volume of water was served, feed and water intake were monitored and recorded The experimental design was a completely randomized design ,data were analysed using a one way analysis of variance and least significant difference to separate the significant means using SPSS statistical package for windows 23 , 2015 version .Concentrate and browse samples were analysed using the methods of AOAC (2000) ,daily browse intake (134.22– 245.44g), total daily feed intake(225.53 – 339.87g), daily water intake(340.00– 420.00ml) and daily supplement intake values were all significantly (p>0.05) different across the treatment means . The water intake followed similar trend as the dry matter intake. All the organ weights were not significant (P<0.05), the weights were within normal ranges for goats. It was therefore concluded that Gmelina arborea was the most preferred by the goats in terms of intake, it also had the best array of nutrients. The four browse species were safe for the goats and were therefore recommended for goat feeding especially during the long dry season. Further research using other breeds and classes of goats as well as other species of ruminants such as sheep and cattle was also recommended.

Pathological diagnosis of cirrhotic ascites in a Caucasian Dog

Although ascites is widely reported in dogs, those of cirrhotic ascites are scanty, especially in Abuja, Nigeria, hence the need for this report on cirrhotic ascites in a 2-year-old Caucasian dog. The reported complaints of anorexia, weakness, and distended abdomen before the presentation for proper veterinary attention led to a tentative diagnosis of suspected liver-induced ascites. The dog later died while receiving treatment necessitating the performance of a post-mortem examination on the severely emaciated carcass, which had pale mucous membranes, distended abdomen, and slightly oedematous distal limbs. Grossly, the lungs had multiple areas of congestion with visible hydrothorax and hydroperitoneum while the liver was shrunken, firm, nodular, misshapen, and haemorrhagic. Pulmonary congestion and oedema characterized the lung microscopically. The liver showed hepatic haemorrhage, cytoplasmic vacuolation, and necrosis with mononuclear cellular infiltration, fibrous connective tissue proliferation, and nests of apparently normal hepatocytes. The positive alpha-smooth muscle actin and vimentin immunoreactivity confirmed the hepatic fibrosis. Microscopic renal lesions indicated nephropathy. Consequently, the definitive diagnosis became cirrhotic ascites. The observed liver pathology indicated end-stage liver damage responsible for the ascites and eventual death of the dog. Prompt diagnosis with appropriate treatment is very crucial in the prognosis of cirrhotic ascites in affected dogs.

A survey of tick infestation of animals before Eid-al-Adha as suspected cases of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in Kabul city’s streets and live animal markets

Ticks are considered the crucial vectors of many infectious agents and considered the main vectors and reservoirs of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) virus which is endemic in Afghanistan. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of tick infestation in animals brought to Kabul city streets and live animal markets before Eid-al-Adha days as suspected cases of CCHF. Totally, 4,200 animals were examined in a four-day survey to estimate the prevalence of infested animals and related risk factors in Kabul city streets and live animal markets before Eid-al-Adha days in August 2019. The animals originated from 85.3% of provinces (29/34) and consisted of sheep (66.5%), goats (14.8%), cattle (14.9%), buffallos (1.9%) and camels (0.008%). The overall prevalence of the tick infestation was 25.2% and the mean number of ticks per animal was 2.6. The prevalence was 18.2% in animals <1 year old, 23.4% in animals 1-2 years old and 33.5% in animals > 2 years old (p<0.05), but it was 27.1% in female and 25.1% in male respectively (p>0.05). From the total 2,101 ectoparasites collected, Hyalomma was the dominant genus (40.7%), followed by Rhipicephalus (6.1%), Amblyomma (5.4%), Dermacentor (1.3%), Boophilus (1.0%), Ixodes (0.05%) and Argas (0.1%). The overall awareness about CCHF among sellers/farmers was low, and only 5% just had heard about the disease. It has been concluded that tick infestation is very prevalent in animals brought to Kabul city before Eid-al-Adha days and low awareness about zoonotic diseases including CCHF among society greatly threaten the health of people.

Hematology and serum biochemistry of yearling West African dwarf goats fed cashew nut shell based diets

Yearling West African dwarf bucks were allotted into four (4) dietary treatments of four goats each. The goats were fed bamboo leaves at 250g/goat/day and concentrate supplement diets containing 0%,10%,15%and 20% cashew nutshell for T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively at 150g per goat/day for a duration of sixty-three (63) days. The experimental design was a completely randomized design ,data were analyzed using a one way analysis of variance and least significant difference to separate the significant means.(SPSS version 23, 2015 edition) Concentrate diets and bamboo leaf samples were analyzed using the methods of AOAC ( 2000)), on the last day of the experiment blood samples for hematological and serological studies were collected in sample bottles from the jugular veins of the goats ,using needles and syringes. Values for daily supplement intake (62.40 – 98.80 g), and total daily feed intake (249.98- 285.10 g) were significantly(P<0.05) different, daily bamboo intake (182.75 – 187.63g) were not significant. (P>0.05) All the hematological parameters determined were not significantly(P>0.05) different, only the cholesterol (4.80- -9.88Mmol/l) showed significant(P<0.05) difference amongst all the serological parameters tested. It was therefore concluded that cashew nutshell up to 15% level of inclusion in supplement diets for yearling West African dwarf goats had no adverse effects on the hematological and serum biochemical indices of the goats Cashew nut shell at 15% level of inclusion was recommended in supplement diets for yearling West African dwarf goats. Further research using other species of ruminants such as sheep and cattle was also recommended.

Anticoccidial potentials of methanol leaf extract of Lannea Schimperi in experimentally induced Eimeria tenella infection in broiler chickens

Coccidiosis is caused in chickens by the genus Eimeria spp, and is considered as one of the dominant poultry diseases worldwide. For decades, anticoccidial products have been used for the successful control of this disease. However, long term use of these products has led to the development of resistance. The current study therefore sought to investigate the anticoccidial activity of the methanol leaf extract of Lannea schimperi on experimentally induced Eimeria tenella (E. tenella) infection in broiler chickens in an attempt to provide good alternative therapy due to increasing resistance to the conventional anticoccidial agents. Seven groups (A-G) of 4 birds were used for the experiment and five groups (A-E) were orally inoculated with 1.0 x 103 sporulated oocysts of E. tenella. Groups A, B and C were treated with 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight of L. schimperi methanolic leaf extract respectively and Group D was treated with1.5 mg/ml of amprolium, group E served as negative control. Groups F and G were the uninfected neutral control and were treated with 25 and 100 mg/ml of L. schimperi methanol leaf extract respectively without being infected with E. tenella oocysts. Findings revealed dose dependent anticoccidial effect, with highest concentration of 100 mg/ml giving more activity than 50 and 25 mg/ml of the plant extract. Significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in the number of both schizonts and merozoites in the groups (A, B, C, F and G) treated with L. schimperi methanol leaf extract were observed. Large number of schizonts and merozoites were observed in the infected untreated group compared to the treated groups. Significant changes were also seen in the number of circulating eosinophils and lymphocytes. Insignificant changes (P > 0.05) in body weight gain were recorded; however, significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in the intestinal mucus secretion was recorded in the amprolium treated group. These findings suggest that the methanolic leaf extract of L. schimperi possess anticoccidial activity that may warrant further investigation.

Descriptive epidemiology of Crimean – Congo hemorrhagic fever cases admitted to Kabul main hospitals during 2015 to 2018

Crimean – Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a deadly viral disease which is transmitted to humans by tick bites and contact with infected animal and humans’ fluids. This is a retrospective study designed to identify the descriptive epidemiology of registered CCHF cases and their related fatalities in Kabul’s 12 public and private hospitals during 2015 - 2018. Totally, 521 CCHF cases and 71 deaths have been registered in two public hospitals only (mainly in Antani hospital). These cases were from 28 out of 34 provinces of Afghanistan, with more than half of the cases (50.3%) from Kabul. More than 75% of cases were male and 24.8% were female (p <0.001). The median age of the CCHF patients was 29 years old (range = 3 – 95), where majority of cases (74.8%) occurred in the patients between 15 – 45 years old. CCHF cases have been recorded in all four seasons of the year, where the cases were 11.9% (61), 55.85% (291), 27.1% (141) and 5.4% (28) (p <0.05) in spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively. Results of this study indicate that CCHF is a recurrent disease in Afghanistan and the prevalence of the disease has increased dramatically in recent years. Active surveillance to detect infected and infested animals with CCHF virus and hard ticks, and combat against ticks are essential to control and prevent the disease in human populations.