BackgroundDespite several studies on the seroprevalence of antibodies against Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever virus (CCHFV) from humans and cattle in Nigeria, detailed investigation looking at IgG and IgM have not been reported. Additionally, there have been no confirmed cases of human CCHFV infection reported from Nigeria.Principal FindingsSamples from sera (n = 1189) collected from four Local Government Areas in Borno State (Askira/Uba, Damboa, Jere and Maiduguri) were assessed for the presence of IgG and IgM antibodies. The positivity rates for IgG and IgM were 10.6% and 3.5%, respectively. Additionally, sera from undiagnosed febrile patients (n = 380) were assessed by RT-PCR assay for the presence of CCHFV RNA. One positive sample was characterised by further by next generation sequencing (NGS) resulting in complete S, M and L segment sequences.ConclusionsThis article provides evidence for the continued exposure of the human population of Nigeria to CCHFV. The genomic analysis provides the first published evidence of a human case of CCHFV in Nigeria and its phylogenetic context.

Background: Recent changes in the host range of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus coupled with the presence of a huge ruminant population in the study area has stimulated our interest to carry out a sero-survey for PPR among the different domestic ruminant populations of semi-arid region of North-eastern (NE) Nigeria. Materials and Methods:The prevalence of PPR virus antibodies among domestic animals (goat, sheep, cattle and camel) populations in NE Nigeria was studied using virus neutralisation test (VNT) and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA).Results: An overall seroprevalence of 57% and 55% were revealed using VNT and c-ELISA, respectively. Significant difference (p<0.05) in the prevalence of PPR antibodies was noted between the different species of animals tested. Highest seroprevalence of 76.5% was found in sheep followed by a decreasing order of prevalence in goat 51.6%, camels 27.8% and cattle 16.7%. Similar pattern of prevalence was noted when the sera were tested for PPR using c-ELISA antibody. There was no significant difference in the sensitivity of both the procedures (VNT and c-ELISA) when used for the detection of PPR antibody in test sera. However, differences were noted in their specificity based on the degree of cross reactivity between PPR and rinderpest (RP) antibodies. Higher percentage of PPR positive sera (goats 64.8% and sheep 63.8%) cross-reacted with RP virus in VNT. None of the PPR positive sera from cattle and camels cross-reacted with RP virus in VNT and c-ELISA. Significant difference in gender and age was noted in the prevalence of PPR antibody among goats and sheep. Specificall, higher prevalence was found in females and the seroprevalence increased with age among the different age groups of goats studied. Analysis of the seasonal distribution of prevalence of PPR antibody in positive samples did not reveal any significant difference between seasons. Conclusion:We conclude that PPR virus is actively circulating among the ruminant and dromedary populations and that the infection may be endemic in the study area. Significant findings from our study indicate that cattle and camel could play a key role in the epidemiology of PPR, especially in areas like the one under this study where small ruminants are reared alongside cattle and/or camels. Further studies are necessary to fully elucidate, the pivotal roles of cattle and camel in the transmission cycle of PPR virus.

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The seroprevalence of RVF was significantly higher than that of LASV and CCHF in Borno State, Nigeria. The RVFVpv-based neutralization assay developed in this study has the potential to replace the traditional assays based on live viruses for the diagnosis and seroepidemiological studies of RVF.

The Experiment was designed to compare the internal and external egg quality traits of three phenotypes of village chickens. The study was carried out at Modibbo Adama University, poultry farm, Yola.The research lasted for a period of eight months. Three phenotypes of Sixteen (16) hens and Two (2) Cockerels each (48 breeder Hens and 6 Cocks) were purchased and assigned randomly for the study. A total of two hundred and seventy fertile eggs were collected for the study. Digital electric balance, Micrometer screw gauge and Varnier caliper were used to determine the parameters. Egg width, albumin height and width significantly (p<0.001) differ among the phenotypes. Egg weight, yolk height, yolk index and haugh unit had a significant (p<0.01) effect on all the phenotype. Egg length, egg index and shell weight had significant (p<0.05) effect on the phenotype. The egg quality traits were significantly affected by the type of phenotypes except yolk width and shell thickness. Frizzle feathered consistently produced heavier, longer, wider egg and albumin and heavier shell. Similarly frizzle naked neck produced higher albumin and yolk height and haugh unit. Furthermore naked neck produced higher egg width, egg and yolk index and yolk height. Frizzle and Smooth feathered chickens and its associate produced significant positive and negative correlations in egg quality traits. Naked neck and it crosses produced significant positive correlation in all the egg quality traits studied. It could therefore be concluded that crossing between Frizzle and naked neck feathered chicken produced better egg quality traits required. I, recommend Frizzle Naked neck chickens to be considered for table eggs.