Adult Clarias gariepinus of mean weight and mean standard length of 450 + 50gm and 34 + 5 cm respectively were allotted to aquaria at 10 fish per group (A -D) in replicates, based on the dose of cassava wastewater (CWW) to be administered (2, 5, 10 and 15 mls) respectively. Group E served as the control. The different doses were administered to the various groups for three consecutive days. After 96 hours, no mortality was observed in the control (Group E) and the group (Group A) injected with 2mls of cassava wastewater (CWW), 20% mortality was observed in the group that were injected with 5mls (Group B) and 50% mortality was observed in the 10mls group (C). None survived (100%mortality) in the group that was injected with 15mls CWW. Haematological changes in groups A, B and C includes: Anaemia marked by significantly low (at p< 0.05) PCV, Hb and RBC (in B and C alone). MCV values were significantly low in all the experimental groups relative to the control; MCH value was significantly low in Group A, while MCHC was significantly low (p< 0.05) in groups B and C. The total white blood cell (WBC) count was significantly higher (p< 0.05) than the control in all the experimental groups. Histopathological lesions were marked in the fish injected with the higher dose (10ml), the fish revealed severe necrosis, hypertrophy and vacuolation of hepatocytes. Other observation during the experiment includes reduced activities (swimming), haemorrahagic patches on the ventral surface of the fish, general discoloration and anoxia.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans has been linked to non-judicious antimicrobial use (AMU) in food animals. To develop antimicrobial stewardship plans (AMSPs) for pig farmers, there is the need to understand the current status of AMU and the driving factors in the industry. Data on AMU, farmers’ perceptions of associated drivers, and biosecurity were collected through a mixed-method study design with focus group discussions (FGDs) and questionnaire-based interviews. Antimicrobials (AMs) were mainly used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. Common AMs used were tetracycline (78.8%), gentamycin (53.8%), and tylosin (52.5%). Perceived drivers of AMU were linked to economic benefits, farmers’ previous experiences, sick animals, expensive veterinary services, easy accessibility to over-the-counter drugs, poor farm practices, and poor disease prevention strategies. AMU was poor (average 40.2%), while knowledge on AMs and implications for animal and human health was considered averagely satisfactory (56.4%). The biosecurity level was also satisfactory (53.0%) and significantly associated with having a written farm health plan (p = 0.035). Good AMU was found to be strongly associated with farmers’ use of veterinary services (p = 0.001). Diverse factors drive antimicrobial use among pig farmers in Ogun State, and these could be addressed by providing continuing education on antimicrobial stewardship and best farm practices.

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Cattle transported to the government-run cattle market and slaughter slab in Akinyele, Oyo State, Nigeria on their final voyage are facing a disturbingly cruel, filthy and unsafe environment that is also raising the risk of contamination of meat sold for human consumption. This report gives a picture of what the cattle have to go through before they are slaughtered. This study also reveals cattle awaiting slaughter in abysmal health conditions, cows pulled with extreme force towards lairage and slaughter slab. Equally disturbing is the filthy situation inside the abattoir where the risk of contamination of meat is significant. Also, poor meat handling, transportation and sales practices subject meat to contamination leading to poor quality and exposure of human consumers to health risk. Development of hygienic slaughter slab operations, improved transportation system for both livestock and meat is therefore recommended; not only for Akinyele, but all abattoirs and slaughter slabs in Nigeria.