Objective: This study was designed to assess the prevalence and the associated risk factors (e.g., sex, age, breed, management system and climate) of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in Makurdi metropolis in Nigeria.Materials and methods: Prevalence study of canine heartworm disease in dogs was conducted over a period of six months covering five localities of Makurdi metropolis in Benue State, Nigeria. A total of 186 blood samples were collected from apparently healthy and sick dogs, and the samples were examined for the presence of microfilaria between September 2015 and February 2016. Three methods (wet mount, Buffy coat and modified Knott’s techniques) were used for the examination of the samples. The Packed Cell Volume (PCV) and complete blood count for each sample were also determined.Results:  Out of the 186 dogs, 4 (2.15%) were found to be positive for the presence of microfilaria. Out of the 4 positive cases, 3 (1.61%) were microfilaria and 1 (0.54%) was unidentified motile parasite. A total of 104 females were examined and only 1 (0.96%) was positive, while 3 (3.66%) males out of 82 examined were positive. Out of 141 older dogs examined, 4 (2.84%) were positive. Hematology of the positive dogs revealed mild anemia and moderate thrombocytopenia with Mean±SD of 34.8±15.30% and 108±60.81x109/L, respectively.Conclusion: The study confirms Knott’s technique to be the most sensitive in the diagnosis of dirofilariasis in dogs using parasitological techniques. The findings confirm the occurrence of D. immitis in dogs in Makurdi with low prevalence and that the general public are at high risk of spreading infection from the dogs. Infection is more in male and adult dogs. This work can assist in planning appropriate strategies for controlling and prevention of D. immitis infection in Nigeria.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2016.c170

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth response and feed utilization of Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed graded levels of boiled Senna obtusifolia seed meal as replacement for soybean meal.Materials and methods: Five isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were formulated. The diest were- control diet (with 0% inclusion level boiled S. obtusifolia seed meal i.e., 100% soybean meal),25%, 50%, 75% and 100% inclusion level (total replacement of soya bean meal). The feeds were fed to C. gariepinus juveniles at 5% of their body weight for 84 days in an indoor partial flow through system. Weight and standard length of C. gariepinus juveniles were taken every fortnight and water quality parameters were monitored weekly.Results: Experimental fish fed diets with 0 and 25% inclusion level of boiled S. obtusifolia seed meal gave the best results in terms of Mean Weight Gain (MWG) (20.22 and 19.79 g, respectively), Specific Growth Rate (1.82 and 1.83 respectively), Protein Efficiency Ratio (2.75 and 2.00, respectively) and the Lowest Feed Conversion Ratio (1.29 and 1.39 respectively). The lowest growth and feed utilization were observed in fish fed 100% inclusion level. The weight gain of fish decreased with increase in replacement level above 25%. There was no significant difference between control diet 0 and 25% inclusion level(P?0.05).Conclusion: Boiled S. obtusifolia seed meal is a nutritive source of plant protein and a good replacement for soybean meal at 25% inclusion level of boiled S. obtusifolia seed meal in formulating catfish feed for C. gariepinus juveniles without any deleterious effect.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2016.c17

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the pathological effects of experimental trypanosomosis on the semen collection reaction time and spermatozoa morphology of Yankasa rams.Materials and Methods: Twelve apparently healthy Yankasa rams aging 24-30 months and weighing 22-25 Kg were randomly selected and were distributed into four (4) groups. Groups I and II were challenged with experimental Trypanosoma brucei brucei (Federe strain) and T. evansi (Sokoto strain) respectively, while group III was challenged with both T. brucei brucei  and T. evansi parasites. Group IV was left as uninfected control. Each infected ram received 2 mL of the infected blood containing 2x106 trypomastigotes via the jugular vein. The animals were examined for clinical observations, reaction time for semen collection and abnormalities in the morphology of the spermatozoa.Results: Infection of rams with trypanosomes showed scrotal edema, scrotal atrophy, loss of libido, increased semen collection reaction time, and significant increase of spermatozoa morphological abnormalities in all the infected rams. The rams especially in groups I and III were all deemed unfit for breeding by the end of the 98 days post infection, while the uninfected rams remained as healthy and had normal values of sperm morphology throughout the study period.Conclusion: Single or mixed interaction with T. brucei brucei or T. evansi is capable of causing infertility and reproductive failure in Yankasa rams.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2016.c174

Objective: This cross-sectional study was conducted from April to July 2014 in Khartoum state, the Sudan, to investigate aerobic bacteria and fungi of skin lesions of fish in 3 different areas in Khartoum.Material and methods: A total of 50 samples were collected from the skin lesions of different types of fish including Synodontis species (n=17), Tilapia niloticus (n=15), Labeo niloticus (n=10), Hydrocynus species (n=4), and Clarias species (n=4). Liquid, semi-solid, and solid culture media like nutrient broth, blood agar, MacConkey agar, sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA), and Simmon's citrate medium were used for the isolation and identification of bacteria and fungi. Besides, Gram staining and biochemical characterization were also conducted.Results: Culturing of the collected samples revealed growth of bacteria from all (100%), and growth of fungi could be found from 32% samples. A number of 188 bacteria were isolated, mainly Staphylococcus species, Bacillus species, Aeromonas species, Pseudomonas species, and Vibrio species. Besides, 16 fungi could be identified containing Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, and Phycomycete.Conclusion: Fishes with skin lesions are harboring many pathogenic bacteria and fungi and may act as a source of zoonotic infections and can transmit several pathogens to workers in fish industry and consumers. Therefore, thorough and strict routine inspection of fish is recommended to ensure safety and that there are no serious risks to consumers.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2016.c176

Objective: This research work was conducted for isolation of Salmonella spp. from duck and pigeon and assessment of antibiotic sensitivity patterns of the isolated Salmonella spp.Materials and methods: A total of 48 duck samples comprising of liver (n=16) spleen (n=16) and intestinal content (n=16) were collected from 16 ducks (8 sick and 8 dead). Similarly, 42 pigeon samples comprising of liver (n=14), spleen (n=14) and intestinal contents (n=14) were collected from 14 pigeons (7 sick and 7 dead). The samples were collected from the selected Duck and Pigeon farms at three Upazillas (sub-districts) in Dinajpur district, Bangladesh. The samples were subjected for isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. following standard bacteriological examinations such as cultural and morphological characteristics, biochemical properties and motility test. Commercially available antibiotic discs were used for the assesment of antibiotic resistant patterns by disc diffusion method.Results:  Salmonella spp. could be isolated from 39.58% (n=19/48) duck and 28.57% (n=12/42) pigeon samples. The growth of colony with different characteristics in Brilliant Green agar,  Nutrient agar, Salmonella-Shigella agar and Mac Conkey agar indicated positive results. Dextrose and mannitol were fermented and in Triple Sugar Iron (TSI) slant media, the isolates produced red color, yellow in butt with slightly black color. Positive result was found in Indole and Methyl Red media. The isolated Salmonella organisms were found to be highly sensitive to Azithromycin, Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin.Conclusion: Pigeons and ducks found in the study area may be the carrier of Salmonella spp. The farm should be checked periodically to know the status of Salmonella infection. Further study might be isolation and identification of Salmonella organism with detail genomic analysis and drug resistance.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2016.c177

Objective: Heavy metals are serious environmental pollutants and their uptake and accumulation in the ecosystem, beyond safe limits, would cause direct consequences to food chain and ultimately to man. The present study was undertaken to ascertain the presence and levels of lead (Pb) in muscles and organs of slaughtered pigs at Nsukka agricultural zone, Nigeria.Materials and methods: From a total of 160 slaughtered pigs, liver, kidney and muscle of each pig were collected and processed for the detection of lead residue using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.Results: A prevalence rate of 81.25% was recorded for Pb residue in Nsukka agricultural zone. There is a strong association (P<0.0001) between occurrence of Pb residue and the source of samples. Mean concentrations of 0.0758 mg/kg, 0.1050 mg/kg and 0.0985 mg/kg were recorded in kidney, mean concentrations of 0.1676 mg/kg, 0.1235 mg/kg and 0.1955 mg/kg were recorded in liver and mean concentrations of 0.0598 mg/kg, 0.0870 mg/kg and 0.1020 mg/kg in muscle samples in Nsukka, orba and Obollo slaughter houses respectively. There is no significant (P<0.05) difference between the mean concentrations of the Pb in the liver, kidney and muscle samples (Nsukka, Orba and Obollo) and its maximum permissible levels (MPL).Conclusion: More than half of the samples were positive for Pb and few samples that exceeded the MPL may pose human health threat to pork consumers in the study area.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2016.c178

Objective: A cross sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) and Newcastle Disease (ND) in poultry of Narsingdi district, Bangladesh.Materials and methods: Post mortem of a total of 208 dead birds were done for the diagnosis purpose. Different poultry species included in this study included broilers, layers, pigeon, duck etc.Results: Among the examined birds, 38% were found to be affected with IBD, and 11% were affected with ND.  Age of the birds for both IBD (19.95; 95%CI: 16-23) and ND (122.23; 95%CI: 98.62-145.83); and flock size only for IBD (1317; 95%CI: 1175-1460) was found significantly associated. The chicks aging between 16-23 days and flock size between 1175-1460 were found to be the most susceptible group to IBD, and adult poultry (98.62-145.83 days old) was mostly susceptible to ND.Conclusion: IBD and ND are highly prevalent in the study area. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct effective control measures to reduce the prevalence of these diseases. This study can help in designing appropriate control measures considering risk factors of these diseases.http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2016.c181