Yersinia enterocolitica infections impose a significant public health and socioeconomic burden on human population in many countries. The current study investigated the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance profile and molecular diversity of Y. enterocolitica in meat and meat products across various retail outlets in selected provinces of South Africa (SA). In a cross-sectional study, a total of 581 retail meat and meat products were collected from four cities across three provinces of SA. Samples were from beef and pork products, which included 292 raw intact, 167 raw processed, and 122 ready-to-eat (RTE) meats. Samples were analysed using classical microbiological methods for isolation, identification and biotyping of Y. enterocolitica. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for confirmation, serotyping, screening of virulence (n = 11) and antimicrobial resistance (n = 18) genes. Phenotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles were determined against 12 antibiotics discs, using disc diffusion method. The overall prevalence of 12% (70/581) was reported across all cities with contamination proportion reported in samples collected from raw intact 15% (43/292), followed by raw processed 11% (18/167) and RTE meats 7% (9/122). All positive isolates were of biotype 1A with 7% (5/70) belonging to bioserotype 1A/O:8. Most of the isolates harboured ymoA, ystB, fepD, ail, fepA, invA and myfA virulence genes. High antimicrobial resistance frequency was observed for ampicillin (94%), cephalothin (83%) and amoxicillin (41%), respectively. Of the 18 tested antimicrobial resistance genes, blaTEM was the most predominant (40%) followed by cmlA (21%). This study reveals the presence of antimicrobial resistant Y. enterocolitica possessing virulent genes of public health importance in products of animal origin, therefore, health monitoring and surveillance of this pathogen is required.

Yersinia enterocolitica infections impose a significant public health and socioeconomic burden on human population in many countries. The current study investigated the prevalence, antimicrobial resistance profile and molecular diversity of Y. enterocolitica in meat and meat products across various retail outlets in selected provinces of South Africa (SA). In a cross-sectional study, a total of 581 retail meat and meat products were collected from four cities across three provinces of SA. Samples were from beef and pork products, which included 292 raw intact, 167 raw processed, and 122 ready-to-eat (RTE) meats. Samples were analysed using classical microbiological methods for isolation, identification and biotyping of Y. enterocolitica. Conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for confirmation, serotyping, screening of virulence (n = 11) and antimicrobial resistance (n = 18) genes. Phenotypic antimicrobial resistance profiles were determined against 12 antibiotics discs, using disc diffusion method. The overall prevalence of 12% (70/581) was reported across all cities with contamination proportion reported in samples collected from raw intact 15% (43/292), followed by raw processed 11% (18/167) and RTE meats 7% (9/122). All positive isolates were of biotype 1A with 7% (5/70) belonging to bioserotype 1A/O:8. Most of the isolates harboured ymoA, ystB, fepD, ail, fepA, invA and myfA virulence genes. High antimicrobial resistance frequency was observed for ampicillin (94%), cephalothin (83%) and amoxicillin (41%), respectively. Of the 18 tested antimicrobial resistance genes, blaTEM was the most predominant (40%) followed by cmlA (21%). This study reveals the presence of antimicrobial resistant Y. enterocolitica possessing virulent genes of public health importance in products of animal origin, therefore, health monitoring and surveillance of this pathogen is required.

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and avian reovirus (ARV) cause significant losses in the poultry industry throughout the world. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four villages in Manjacaze district, Southern Mozambique, to determine the seroprevalence of IBV and ARV. A total of 467 serum samples from adult unvaccinated backyard chickens were screened using commercial and competitive enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay kits. Our results showed anti-IBV and anti-ARV antibodies in all surveyed households and villages. The overall seroprevalence was 89.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 77.2–97.4) and 95.7% (95% CI: 88.0–99.2) for IBV and ARV, respectively. The risk of becoming exposed to IBV was lower in Chidenguele village compared with the other three villages (p  0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed for becoming exposed to ARV between villages (p  0.05). The backyard chickens tested in this study had no previous history of vaccination, outbreaks or typical clinical signs of IB and AR diseases. Therefore, the presence of antibodies to IBV and ARV was considered clear evidence that the birds have been naturally exposed to those two infectious agents, and the infection was of subclinical type. It is concluded that IBV and ARV are widespread in backyard chickens in the studied area. These obtained data are essential for design and implementation of chicken health development programmes. Contribution: The epidemiology of IBV and ARV of backyard chicken in Mozambique is unknown. This study determined the seroprevalence of IBV and ARV in backyard chicken health. The obtained data are essential for design and implementation of chicken health development programmes.

Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) and avian reovirus (ARV) cause significant losses in the poultry industry throughout the world. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four villages in Manjacaze district, Southern Mozambique, to determine the seroprevalence of IBV and ARV. A total of 467 serum samples from adult unvaccinated backyard chickens were screened using commercial and competitive enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay kits. Our results showed anti-IBV and anti-ARV antibodies in all surveyed households and villages. The overall seroprevalence was 89.5% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 77.2–97.4) and 95.7% (95% CI: 88.0–99.2) for IBV and ARV, respectively. The risk of becoming exposed to IBV was lower in Chidenguele village compared with the other three villages (p  0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were observed for becoming exposed to ARV between villages (p  0.05). The backyard chickens tested in this study had no previous history of vaccination, outbreaks or typical clinical signs of IB and AR diseases. Therefore, the presence of antibodies to IBV and ARV was considered clear evidence that the birds have been naturally exposed to those two infectious agents, and the infection was of subclinical type. It is concluded that IBV and ARV are widespread in backyard chickens in the studied area. These obtained data are essential for design and implementation of chicken health development programmes.Contribution: The epidemiology of IBV and ARV of backyard chicken in Mozambique is unknown. This study determined the seroprevalence of IBV and ARV in backyard chicken health. The obtained data are essential for design and implementation of chicken health development programmes.

Detailed information on specific species of non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) has become a necessity for effective udder health control programs in South Africa. The main objective of this preliminary study was to identify the different NAS species and strains present in dairy herds in South Africa using a cost-effective method. A further objective was to investigate the effects of cow risk factors and farming systems on the NAS isolates identified. A total of 214 NAS, isolated from milk collected from 17 South African dairy herds, were identified using three diagnostic tests (API Staph test, MALDI-TOF and 16s rRNA). There was a good observed agreement between the MALDI-TOF and 16S rRNA sequencing (92.2%) and a poor observed agreement between the MALDI-TOF and API Staph (25.7%). The genetic relatedness within species was investigated in 128 of these isolates using random polymorphic amplified deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (RAPD), verified by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and phylogenetic analysis and cow risk factors were investigated on species level. The main NAS species isolated were Staphylococcus chromogenes (75.2%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (9.4%) and Staphylococcus haemolyticus (8.9%). The RAPD test identified 34 Staphylococcus chromogenes, 13 Staphylococcus epidermidis and nine Staphylococcus haemolyticus strains, indicating genetic diversity amongst strains and herds. The presence of NAS intramammary infections was found to be significantly related to the farming systems, composite cow milk somatic cell count (SCC), parity and days in milk (DIM). Significantly more NAS were isolated from primiparous and from older cows. This knowledge could assist with the management of NAS on dairy farms.

Detailed information on specific species of non-aureus staphylococci (NAS) has become a necessity for effective udder health control programs in South Africa. The main objective of this preliminary study was to identify the different NAS species and strains present in dairy herds in South Africa using a cost-effective method. A further objective was to investigate the effects of cow risk factors and farming systems on the NAS isolates identified. A total of 214 NAS, isolated from milk collected from 17 South African dairy herds, were identified using three diagnostic tests (API Staph test, MALDI-TOF and 16s rRNA). There was a good observed agreement between the MALDI-TOF and 16S rRNA sequencing (92.2%) and a poor observed agreement between the MALDI-TOF and API Staph (25.7%). The genetic relatedness within species was investigated in 128 of these isolates using random polymorphic amplified deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (RAPD), verified by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and phylogenetic analysis and cow risk factors were investigated on species level. The main NAS species isolated were Staphylococcus chromogenes (75.2%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (9.4%) and Staphylococcus haemolyticus (8.9%). The RAPD test identified 34 Staphylococcus chromogenes, 13 Staphylococcus epidermidis and nine Staphylococcus haemolyticus strains, indicating genetic diversity amongst strains and herds. The presence of NAS intramammary infections was found to be significantly related to the farming systems, composite cow milk somatic cell count (SCC), parity and days in milk (DIM). Significantly more NAS were isolated from primiparous and from older cows. This knowledge could assist with the management of NAS on dairy farms.

Fasciolosis is caused by digenean trematodes of the genus Fasciola. The principal definitive hosts are cattle, sheep and goats. Humans are infected as accidental hosts. Fasciolosis is one of the major neglected tropical diseases and is considered an emerging zoonotic infection. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of human and domestic animal fasciolosis in selected counties in Kenya. Stool samples for Fasciola diagnosis were collected from humans and domestic animals and transported to the laboratory at Egerton University and processed using sedimentation technique and examined for the presence of eggs. A total of 272 human samples collected were all negative for Fasciola eggs. A total of 582 domestic animals (cattle (46.0%), sheep (29.9%) and goats (24.1%)) samples collected had overall prevalence of 30.9% for Fasciola infection. There was no significant differences (p0.05) between prevalence of fasciolosis and origin of the animals, sex and season. There was a significant difference (p0.05) between the prevalence of fasciolosis and domestic animals, age and body condition. The prevalence of fasciolosis was high in two irrigation schemes which favor the breeding of intermediate host snail and grazing of animals along the irrigation canals where metacercaria of Fasciola parasites could be present on the vegetation. Though human fasciolosis was not detected in this study, the presence of animal fasciolosis can pose public health risk because of its zoonotic nature. It is therefore, important to introduce measures which would assist reduce exposure of animals to Fasciola infection.

Fasciolosis is caused by digenean trematodes of the genus Fasciola. The principal definitive hosts are cattle, sheep and goats. Humans are infected as accidental hosts. Fasciolosis is one of the major neglected tropical diseases and is considered an emerging zoonotic infection. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of human and domestic animal fasciolosis in selected counties in Kenya. Stool samples for Fasciola diagnosis were collected from humans and domestic animals and transported to the laboratory at Egerton University and processed using sedimentation technique and examined for the presence of eggs. A total of 272 human samples collected were all negative for Fasciola eggs. A total of 582 domestic animals (cattle (46.0%), sheep (29.9%) and goats (24.1%)) samples collected had overall prevalence of 30.9% for Fasciola infection. There was no significant differences (p0.05) between prevalence of fasciolosis and origin of the animals, sex and season. There was a significant difference (p0.05) between the prevalence of fasciolosis and domestic animals, age and body condition. The prevalence of fasciolosis was high in two irrigation schemes which favor the breeding of intermediate host snail and grazing of animals along the irrigation canals where metacercaria of Fasciola parasites could be present on the vegetation. Though human fasciolosis was not detected in this study, the presence of animal fasciolosis can pose public health risk because of its zoonotic nature. It is therefore, important to introduce measures which would assist reduce exposure of animals to Fasciola infection.

Brucellosis is an important zoonotic infection of Pakistani ruminants. Muzaffargarh is an historically and agriculturally important district of Pakistan and the data on brucellosis remains scarce in this district. To overcome this gap, a preliminary study was performed to estimate the occurrence of brucellosis. A total of 53 sera were screened by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Serum Agglutination Test (SAT) followed by a Brucella genus specific conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and gel visualization of the PCR products. Four (7.54%) samples were positive by RBPT and SAT and only 1 (1.88%) sample was positive by PCR. The results point towards a persistent zoonotic threat in cattle in the district and the potential spill over infection when close contact to other animal species. Pasteurization of milk and regular screening of animals is recommended to prevent transmission.

The research was at determining the knowledge, attitudes, and actions of farmers on the Qanun number 3 of 2016 regarding the control of productive cows and buffaloes to avoid slaughtering productive cows and buffaloes so that livestock populations are maintained. This research was conducted using a survey method for three months starting from May 2021 to July 2021. Breeders were selected using the purposive sampling method and interviews were conducted by filling out a validated questionnaire. The data analysis method used was descriptive qualitative analysis using a structured questionnaire to 110 farmer respondents with the criteria of having 2 years of experience in raising cattle, and raising female cows. The livestock population has increased since Qanun Number 3 was issued in 2016. The results of this study indicate that the level of knowledge of farmers is in a good category (72.5%), attitude is a very good category (83.2%) and action is good category (72.5%).

The research was at determining the knowledge, attitudes, and actions of farmers on the Qanun number 3 of 2016 regarding the control of productive cows and buffaloes to avoid slaughtering productive cows and buffaloes so that livestock populations are maintained. This research was conducted using a survey method for three months starting from May 2021 to July 2021. Breeders were selected using the purposive sampling method and interviews were conducted by filling out a validated questionnaire. The data analysis method used was descriptive qualitative analysis using a structured questionnaire to 110 farmer respondents with the criteria of having 2 years of experience in raising cattle, and raising female cows. The livestock population has increased since Qanun Number 3 was issued in 2016. The results of this study indicate that the level of knowledge of farmers is in a good category (72.5%), attitude is a very good category (83.2%) and action is good category (72.5%).

Primates are known to harbour different gastrointestinal parasite species that affect their survival and reproductive activity. Entamoeba histolytica infects humans predominantly as well as non-human (NH) primates causing amoebiasis. Amoebic dysentery is common amongst non-human primates in captive sites. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with the prevalence of amoebic dysentery in captive NH primates of the Mefou Primate Sanctuary (MPS) in Cameroon. The faecal samples of 277 NH primates were analysed by qualitative (direct smear and evergreen kit sedimentation technique) coprology from January to July 2019. Factors such as habitat type, keepers age and level of education were assessed to evaluate their effect on the prevalence of amoebic dysentery. The prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica was 46.2% (P=0,079 and 2=18.13). E histolytica was the most predominant parasite species detected and it was present in all instances of mixed parasite infections. Amongst the NH primates positive for E. histolytica, 28 suffered from amoebic dysentery giving a prevalence of 21.9% and one of the infected primates (Cercopithecus pogonias) actually died from amoebic dysentery. The prevalence of mixed infections was significantly lower amongst NH primates living in outdoor enclosures compared to those living in other habitat types (P=0.015, 2=10.46). The rate of re-infection was significantly higher amongst NH primates under the care of keepers with the lowest (primary school) level of education (P=0.001, 2=13.09) on one hand and of older keepers (50s) (P = 0.008, 2=13.708) on the other hand. This study shows that amoebic dysentery is a cause for a major concern in the MPS. The housing conditions of the NH primates at the sanctuary, the keepers age and level of education were important factors that influenced the prevalence of amoebic dysentery. Adequate measures should be put in place to address the situation.

Primates are known to harbour different gastrointestinal parasite species that affect their survival and reproductive activity. Entamoeba histolytica infects humans predominantly as well as non-human (NH) primates causing amoebiasis. Amoebic dysentery is common amongst non-human primates in captive sites. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with the prevalence of amoebic dysentery in captive NH primates of the Mefou Primate Sanctuary (MPS) in Cameroon. The faecal samples of 277 NH primates were analysed by qualitative (direct smear and evergreen kit sedimentation technique) coprology from January to July 2019. Factors such as habitat type, keeper’s age and level of education were assessed to evaluate their effect on the prevalence of amoebic dysentery. The prevalence of Entamoeba histolytica was 46.2% (P=0,079 and χ2=18.13). E histolytica was the most predominant parasite species detected and it was present in all instances of mixed parasite infections. Amongst the NH primates positive for E. histolytica, 28 suffered from amoebic dysentery giving a prevalence of 21.9% and one of the infected primates (Cercopithecus pogonias) actually died from amoebic dysentery. The prevalence of mixed infections was significantly lower amongst NH primates living in outdoor enclosures compared to those living in other habitat types (P=0.015, χ2=10.46). The rate of re-infection was significantly higher amongst NH primates under the care of keepers with the lowest (primary school) level of education (P=0.001, χ2=13.09) on one hand and of older keepers (≥50s) (P = 0.008, χ2=13.708) on the other hand. This study shows that amoebic dysentery is a cause for a major concern in the MPS. The housing conditions of the NH primates at the sanctuary, the keeper’s age and level of education were important factors that influenced the prevalence of amoebic dysentery. Adequate measures should be put in place to address the situation.

The COVID-19 cases in Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency, Jambi, have has risen significantly daily. This significant increase in cases illustrates that the people are less than optimal in complying with the health protocols established by the government. This phenomenon concluded that public compliance in efforts to prevent COVID-19 has a vital role in preventing the spread. This study aims to describe the level of compliance towards prevention efforts of COVID-19 in the community. We use a descriptive survey method with probability sampling techniques to obtain the data. The subjects in this study were the community of Tanjung Jabung Barat, Jambi Regency, who were17 years old with a sample size of 400 samples. Collecting data using a questionnaire in a validated form and distributed to the public via social media. The data analysis in this study is the frequency distribution analysis (univariate analysis). The results of this study shown were that 172 respondents (43.0%) had a good level of compliance, 146 respondents (36.5%) had a sufficient level of adherence, and as many as 82 respondents (20.5%) had a good level of compliance to prevent COVID-19 spreads.

The COVID-19 cases in Tanjung Jabung Barat Regency, Jambi, have has risen significantly daily. This significant increase in cases illustrates that the people are less than optimal in complying with the health protocols established by the government. This phenomenon concluded that public compliance in efforts to prevent COVID-19 has a vital role in preventing the spread. This study aims to describe the level of compliance towards prevention efforts of COVID-19 in the community. We use a descriptive survey method with probability sampling techniques to obtain the data. The subjects in this study were the community of Tanjung Jabung Barat, Jambi Regency, who were17 years old with a sample size of 400 samples. Collecting data using a questionnaire in a validated form and distributed to the public via social media. The data analysis in this study is the frequency distribution analysis (univariate analysis). The results of this study shown were that 172 respondents (43.0%) had a good level of compliance, 146 respondents (36.5%) had a sufficient level of adherence, and as many as 82 respondents (20.5%) had a good level of compliance to prevent COVID-19 spreads.

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Hout) is a leading commodity from Aceh Province. The high yield of nutmeg oil and its distinctive aroma makes it in demand by the world market. The production of nutmeg plants is currently decreasing due to the disturbance of nuisance organisms so that nutmeg plants get sick and die. Appropriate agro eco-management of the nutmeg system is thought to overcome these problems. Such as by conserving the diversity of arthropod communities. Information regarding the presence of arthropods in nutmeg cultivation is very limited in South Aceh District. This study investigates the abundance of arthropods in nutmeg cultivation in different vegetation to detect the causes of the decline in nutmeg production in the South Aceh district. Sampling was carried out at 2 locations with different vegetation conditions, using the determining sub-samples. Each location consisted of 200 individual nutmeg plants, and at each location, several 20 individual nutmeg plants were assigned as samples. The results showed that the total collection of arthropod populations at the location I found nine orders, namely Araneae, Coleoptera, Dermaptera, Diptera, Homoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Isoptera, and Orthoptera. Location II found 12 orders, namely Araneae, Blattodea, Coleoptera, Dermaptera, Diptera, Embioptera, Homoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Isoptera, Orthoptera, and Phasmatodea). The class of insects and arachnids found at these two locations is part of the Phylum Arthropoda.

Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Hout) is a leading commodity from Aceh Province. The high yield of nutmeg oil and its distinctive aroma makes it in demand by the world market. The production of nutmeg plants is currently decreasing due to the disturbance of nuisance organisms so that nutmeg plants get sick and die. Appropriate agro eco-management of the nutmeg system is thought to overcome these problems. Such as by conserving the diversity of arthropod communities. Information regarding the presence of arthropods in nutmeg cultivation is very limited in South Aceh District. This study investigates the abundance of arthropods in nutmeg cultivation in different vegetation to detect the causes of the decline in nutmeg production in the South Aceh district. Sampling was carried out at 2 locations with different vegetation conditions, using the determining sub-samples. Each location consisted of 200 individual nutmeg plants, and at each location, several 20 individual nutmeg plants were assigned as samples. The results showed that the total collection of arthropod populations at the location I found nine orders, namely Araneae, Coleoptera, Dermaptera, Diptera, Homoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Isoptera, and Orthoptera. Location II found 12 orders, namely Araneae, Blattodea, Coleoptera, Dermaptera, Diptera, Embioptera, Homoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Isoptera, Orthoptera, and Phasmatodea). The class of insects and arachnids found at these two locations is part of the Phylum Arthropoda.