Microbial resistance to the few conventional antitrypanosomal drugs, increasing resistance of vectors to insecticides, lack of effective vaccines, and adverse effects of the existing antitrypanosomal drugs justify the urgent need for effective, tolerable, and affordable drugs. We assessed antitrypanosomal effects of the hydromethanolic extract of Echinops kebericho Mesfin roots against Trypanosoma congolense field isolate using in vitro and in vivo techniques. Parasite load, packed cell volume (PCV), body weight, and rectal temperature in Swiss albino mice were assessed. This finding is part of the outcomes of drug discovery research for neglected tropical diseases. The extract arrested the motility of trypanosomes within 40 min at 4 and 2 mg/mL concentration, whereas in the untreated control, motility continued for more than 160 min. The extract also reduced parasitemia and prevented drop in PCV and body weight significantly (p<0.05), as compared to control. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of flavonoids, triterpenes, steroids, saponins, glycosides, tannins, and alkaloids. It is observed that this extract has activity against the parasite. Isolation and purification of specific compounds are required to identify hit compounds responsible for the antitrypanosomal activity of the studied medicinal plant.

Millions of people around the globe use flora and fauna as source of ethno medicine since ancient times. Despite the fact that ethno medicine has been very crucial for the health of animal and human beings it has not yet been well documented, and much effort is needed in research and integration activities in Ethiopia. It is important to document the traditional knowledge of human communities, since the majority of such communities are losing their socioeconomic and cultural characteristics. This research was focused on assessing and identifying the knowledge of ethno medicine practices used for maintaining the health and curing diseases of humans and livestock in Sayo and Hawa Galan Districts. A purposive Study conducted from January 2018 to June 2019 on Ethno practitioners indicates sixty-six (66) different plant species under 38 families and 10 different animal species are used as medicine for different human and animal ailments. The most common herbal preparation method is concoction with oral route frequently used. Shrubs, herbs and trees are the common habitats whereas leaf, root, seed and coat are common parts of plants used as medicine. Different animal parts like hoof, blood, meat, liver is commonly used with different additives like milk, honey, salt.This study showed the wide use of medicinal plants and animals in Hawa Galan and Sayo District in meeting the primary healthcare needs of the community. Even though there is a wealth of indigenous knowledge transfer is declining from generation to generation as a result of oral transmission. This finding therefore may imply that conducting in-depth scientific studies may help elucidate the science underlying the efficacy of both animals and plants in managing health and this may lead to the discovery of useful Lead compound. Further studies concerning the conservation and management of the animal and plant resources are needed.

Background Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is a highly contagious viral disease challenging poultry industry throughout the world. It is also among the main obstacles in the different chicken production system in Ethiopia. This study was conducted with the aim of determining seroprevalence and associated risk factors of IBD in backyard and intensively managed chickens of the study area. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in selected districts of western Oromia on intensive and backyard production systems to investigate seroprevalence of IBD and associated risk factors from September 2020 to August 2021. A total of 384 chickens of either sex, 128 from each district, were included from three randomly selected peasant associations (PAs). In addition, 180 individual poultry keepers, of both sexes, and different educational backgrounds, were included for questionnaire survey ( Supplementary Material ). Data were analyzed using SPSS Version-20, and results were presented as percentages. The samples were processed by using (ProFLOKIBV, USA) indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA) kits. Results Out of 384 serum samples tested, 66.93% ( n = 257) were found positive by indirect ELISA. The highest prevalence was recorded from Sasiga district Balo Bareda PA. Prevalence of IBD showed significant statistical association ( p < 0.05) among owner education level, chicken rearing practice, origin and breed. Questionnaire survey results showed the majority of respondents lack sufficient knowledge about IBD and other chicken diseases. The practice of backyard chicken producers on vaccination and treatment of sick birds is limited. Conclusion In conclusion, IBD is a major factor hindering production and health of birds. Proper vaccination programs coordinated with awareness creation of chicken owners on how to isolate and treat sick birds should be implemented.

Introduction. Trypanosomiasis is one of the world’s most serious infectious diseases caused by Trypanosoma parasites. Concern about resistance to conventional antitrypanosomal drugs, mosquito vector resistance to existing insecticide side effects of existing antitrypanosomal drugs justifies the urgent need for more effective, tolerable, and affordable drugs. Objective. The present study is aimed at determining the in vivo antitrypanosomal effect of the hydromethanolic extracts of Solanum anguivi fruit extracts against the field isolates of T. congolense. Methods. The 80% methanol extracts of S. anguivi fruits were prepared by cold maceration technique. In vivo curative tests were done to check the effect of plant extract against T. congolense in Swiss albino mice. Plant extracts were administered at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/body weight. Acute toxicity of the extracts at 2000 mg/kg was performed according to OECD guidelines. Data obtained from the experiment were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey test. Results. This study indicated that extract did not exhibit any sign of acute toxicity up to 2000 mg/kg/body weight. In curative test, extracts reduced parasitemia, preventing the drop in packed cell volume and body weight significantly ( p < 0.05 ), compared to control. Groups provided with the extract before infection got prolonged incubation period with chemoprophylactic effect at the doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Phytochemical analysis showed presence of flavonoids, steroids, triterpens, saponins, glycosides, tannins, and alkaloids. Conclusion. The extract showed promising curative. Further effort is required to isolate and purify specific compounds responsible for antitrypanosomal activity of studied plant.