Background and Aim: Helminth infections are one of the greatest causes of productive and reproductive loss in animals and man, and in some cases, it results in heavy mortalities. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, species diversity, patterns of infections and risk factors associated with helminth infections of cattle in Ilorin, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 478 fecal samples were collected from abattoirs and cattle farms over a year period (March, 2018-February, 2019). Fecal samples were visually examined then observed using simple flotation and formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation techniques. Eggs and worms were identified according to standard procedures. The packed cell volume was determined using the hematocrit centrifugation technique. Results: A total of 79.92% of the cattle examined were found positive with one or more helminth species. Eighteen helminth species (cutting across all classes of helminths) were detected, with Haemonchus contortus (60.46%), Trichostrongylus spp. (46.44%), Ostertagia ostertagi (42.05%), Bunostomum phlebotomum (28.87%), Cooperia spp. (24.27%), Oesophagostomum radiatum (21.97%), Strongyloides papillosus (12.13%), and Fasciola gigantica (10.67%) been the most prevalent. Helminth infection was detected all through the year with the least prevalence recorded in February (55.00%). About 61% of the examined cattle harbored double/multiple helminth species. There was a significant difference between breed, sex, physiological status, and season with the prevalence rate of helminth infections (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our investigation demonstrated high prevalence and wide diversity of helminth species, which suggests that helminth infections are of great concern among cattle in Ilorin and Nigeria in general. There is a need for a radical veterinary intervention to curb the menace so as to have an economically robust cattle industry in Nigeria.

Objective: Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease caused by members of the genus Brucella. It causes economic loss and ill health among animals and humans. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of brucellosis in cattle particularly in White Fulani breed of cattle in Kwara State, Nigeria. Materials and methods: A total of 120 blood samples were collected randomly from the cattle in Kwara State of Nigeria. Sera were separated from the blood samples. The serum was used for the identification of antibodies against Brucella present in it. Three screening tests namely Bovine Brucella Antibody Test (BBAT; ImmunoComb R ), Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Serum Agglutination Test (SAT) were used for the identification purpose. Results: Based on BBAT, 13.3% (n=16/120) cattle were positive for brucellosis. Similary, 14.2% (n=17/120) and 3.3% (n=4/120 cattle were found to be positive for RBPT and SAT, respectively. The affected cattle were mainly of White Fulani breed with few cross-bred. Conclusion: Results of this study indicates that brucella antibody is circulating in cattle examined in the study area. This calls for urgent public health intervention and routine screening of other domestic animals as well.

To ascertain the effects of Elaeis guineensis oil on the haematological and water quality parameters of Clarias gariepinus to road transportation, experiments were conducted. Forty-two clinically healthy adult Clarias gariepinus, weighing an average of 450.46 ± 26.06 g and measuring an average total length of 38.23 ± 4.46 cm were utilized for the experiment and split into two groups. Elaeis guineensis oil was given to group I every day for one month and on the day of transportation, but not to group II. After transportation, the group I's packed cell volume and erythrocyte counts were significantly elevated (P < 0.05). In comparison to group II, the group I's total leucocyte count, neutrophil count, and stress index (neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio) were all considerably lower (P < 0.05). Following transportation, group II had significantly higher levels (P < 0.05) of nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia than group I. However, the dissolved oxygen level was significantly elevated in group I than in group II. As a result, it was determined that palm oil improved the various Clarias gariepinus haematological and water quality indicators. As a result, it can be beneficial to the fish to reduce the stress of transportation consequently mitigating the effect of stress leading to disease susceptibility and mortality of the fish.

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