No abstract

Usutu virus (USUV) is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) of the flaviviridae family (genus Flavivirus) which belong to the Japanese encephalitis virus complex. Culex mosquitoes have been implicated in the transmission of this pathogen. The major susceptible hosts of USUV are migratory birds, thereby potentiating its ability to spread from one region to another globally. Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa with a significant percentage of the gross domestic product relying on the agricultural and animal production industry. This review explores the zoonotic potentials of the virus in Africa, especially Nigeria, with special focus on the devastating sequelae this might lead to in the future if necessary precautionary policies are not enacted and adopted to bolster the surveillance system for mosquito-borne viruses.

No abstract

Intoxication as well as infectious and metabolic diseases resulting in liver and kidney damage are major causes of losses in poultry species. While there are no specific drugs for reversal of pathophysiology of the liver and kidney, certain herbs such as garlic have been shown to improve livability of livestock and poultry. Its probable potential at enhancing the functionality of these organs in the face of injuries/insults by intoxication was investigated. Chicken subgroup supplemented with 0.25% garlic-meal and administered 300mg/kg acetaminophen at 8week-old (G1; n=25) and subgroup without acetaminophen (G2; n=25), those not supplemented and without acetaminophen (NG2; n=25) and those not initially supplemented but administered acetaminophen and later supplemented (NG1g; n=20) had higher Newcastle disease vaccinal antibody titers (8.0±0.25, 7.5±0.24, 7.6±0.23, 8.14±0.31, respectively) in comparison with subgroup without supplementation and administered acetaminophen (NGI; n=25 - 7.13±0.38). Serum protein levels had a similar pattern. AST levels (U/L) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in acetaminophen subgroups G1 (79.4±5.79) and NG1 (83.7±7.5) than their respective controls G2 (75.1±7.85) and NG2 (65.2±6.84) with no corresponding increase in CK levels. At 2-, 7- and 14-days post-administration of acetaminophen (paa), creatinine (mg/dl) was significantly higher in G1 (1.44±0.01, 1.42±0.01, 1.44±0.02) and NG1 (1.47±0.01, 1.51±0.01, 1.47±0.01) than in G2 (1.16±0.05, 1.23±0.01, 1.26±0.06) and NG2 (1.31±0.06, 1.29±0.02, 1.31±0.05). A similar pattern was observed at 21 days paa. Clinical signs and pathological lesions associated with toxic dose of acetaminophen in liver and kidneys were reversed (NG1g). Thus, exhibiting the potential of garlic in protection against hepatorenal damage or injury.

No abstract

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) is a common poultry infection that causes chronic respiratory disease in chickens and turkeys, resulting in significant financial losses for poultry farmers and affecting the entire country. The primary goal of this study was to establish the seroprevalence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in commercial layer birds in several local government in Ibadan namely; Afijio, Akinyele, Lagelu, Ido, Egbeda, Ona ara and Ibadan South west, between March and July, 2021. A total of 140 blood samples were obtained at random from commercial layer chickens (ISA brown) of various ages and flock sizes. The presence of antibodies against MG was detected using an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent test (iELISA). Overall prevalence of 74.3% was recorded during this study with Deborah farm having the highest MG prevalence of 85%, Agboola, 80%, Brian, Betty and Cornerstone had 75%, Rehoboth had 70% and Abol farm had the lowest prevalence of 60%. The highest seroprevalence of MG antibody was 85% in 18-21 weeks, followed by 80% in 22-25 weeks, and lowest with 60% in 8-11 weeks. In the farm chosen, there was no significant change in relative flock size at p < 0.05. Moreover, because the disease is transmitted vertically, these findings suggest that commercial layers in Ibadan should be frequently examined for MG infection and carrier birds should be culled. Efforts should be focused on educating poultry producers on how to effectively control MG in layer farms in Nigeria through proper management and the use of appropriate preventive or therapeutic methods.

No abstract

Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) is an important poultry pathogen causing an acute highly contagious upper respiratory tract infection in chickens, and could result in swollen head syndrome. The disease causes significant economic losses in turkey and chicken flocks; however, its existence in the Nigerian poultry industry is not well defined. Also, the influence of weather on the prevalence of the disease is unknown. This study was therefore carried out to determine the prevalence of Avian Metapneumovirus in chicken flocks from different climatic zones of Nigeria during both dry and wet seasons. Eighty commercial chickens (growers and adults) including layer and broiler flock from randomly selected local government areas from each of Sokoto, Plateau and Oyo States of Nigeria, were bled via jugular venipuncture for detection and titration of aMPV antibodies in serum "(n=240 serum samples each from both dry and wet season)". Assay was carried out using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (ID Screen®, Rue Louis Pasteur-Grabels-France) which was able to determine antibodies against A, B, C and D subtypes of the virus. Out of a total of 480 samples collected, 287 (59.8%) were positive for aMPV antibodies. During the dry season, prevalence was 100, 56.2 and 48.8% in Plateau, Sokoto and Oyo States, respectively, while it was 52.5, 65.2 and 36.2%, respectively during the wet season. Commercial chickens screened during the dry season (68.3%) and mean aMPV antibody titer of 2990.95 had significantly (α<0.001) higher seroprevalence of aMPV antibody compared to those screened in the wet season (51.2%) and mean aMPV antibody titer of 572.98. This study therefore shows that aMPV circulates more in the dry season in the studied areas of Nigeria.