Rabies is a highly lethal virus that can affect both humans and warm-blooded animals. In Africa, dogs are the primary source of human rabies cases, with Nigeria being one of the endemic countries. An effective rabies prevention and control strategy relies on the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of dog owners regarding the disease. A study was conducted in Jigawa State, Nigeria, to assess the KAP of hunters and cattle herders to inform rabies prevention and control efforts. A cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2021 and November 2022, questionnaires were administered to 295 hunters and cattle herders to assess their KAP regarding rabies. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a Chi-square test at a significance level of P < 0.05. The results showed good knowledge and attitude but poor practice scores of the respondents, with scores of 67.5%, 56.3%, and 45.1%, respectively. The study also found a statistically significant association between the respondents' educational status, age, and occupation and their overall categorized KAP scores (P < 0.005). In conclusion, the KAP scores of the respondents regarding rabies were suboptimal, which poses a public health threat. Therefore, there is a need for routine awareness campaign to boost public knowledge of rabies in a society. 

The review was aimed at recording ectoparasites of African Black Vulture (Gyps africanus). The physical examination resulted in collection of several mites and ticks. High quality images of the mites and ticks were accustomed to capture its identification through the aid of three dimensional (3D) microscopy. Further confirmations of the mites and ticks taxonomy were achieved through mites and tick research site: (www.tickspotters.org). The nymphal stage of lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and mites (Estrilda astrild) were confirmed during the study. For endoparasites, a faecal sample was collected to spot eggs and larvae through the direct smear  method. Coproscopy revealed a variety of Ascarid eggs, eggs of the Strongyle group and blood smear made for blood protozoa. Ectoparasite the nymphal stage of Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and endoparasite Ascarid eggs and eggs of the Strongyle group found in direct smear but no protozoa was found in a blood smear.

Rabbits are increasingly recognized as valuable livestock species, yet mange remains a significant ectoparasitic disease affecting dermatological integrity, welfare, and productivity. Ivermectin is the standard therapeutic agent; however, concerns about acaricide resistance, drug residues, and cost necessitate alternative management strategies. This study investigated the prevalence of mange in rabbits within Jos metropolis and evaluated the acaricidal efficacy of Eucalyptus globulus and Azadirachta indica (Neem) oils. One hundred skin scrapings were collected from rabbits presenting mange-like lesions across multiple farms and examined microscopically for mite identification. Infestation severity was categorised as mild, moderate, or severe. Eight naturally infested rabbits were randomly allocated into four groups (A–D). Group A (positive control) received ivermectin, while Groups B–D were treated topically with Eucalyptus oil, Neem oil, or their combination at intervals of 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Clinical efficacy was assessed based on lesion resolution and recovery rate. Mange prevalence was 79%, with mild (70.9%), moderate (17.7%), and severe (11.4%) infestations showing statistically significant variation (p < 0.0001, ᵡ² = 47.5910; df = 2). Therapeutic response also varied significantly across treatment groups (p < 0.0001, F = 1.844). Psoroptes cuniculi was identified as the predominant mite species. By day 35, Eucalyptus oil exhibited superior acaricidal activity, leaving only alopecia, while Neem oil and its combination with Eucalyptus produced marked but slightly less rapid healing, with minimal residual crusting. Findings demonstrate a high prevalence of mange in the study area and highlight essential oils as cost-effective, eco-friendly alternatives for rabbit mange control.

Intensification of aquaculture has led to the increasing use of drugs and other chemicals in order to reduce mortality and increase yield and production. Antimicrobial regiments are being employed prophylactically and therapeutically to combat the challenges of fish health condition and also growth promotion in aquaculture. A number of these chemoprophylactic and chemotherapeutic agents are used in feeds or directly into the culture after lowering the level of water. Oxytetracycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic is widely used in aquaculture as a therapeutic or prophylactic agent because of its broad spectrum activity and its low price. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Oxytetracycline (OTC) residues in cultured African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Sokoto State, Nigeria. One hundred and eighty (180 table size and ready-for-market catfish were sampled from the selected fish farms across three senatorial zones in Sokoto State for detection of Oxytetracycline residue using quantitative ELISA. The results showed that forty-nine (27.22%) catfish samples contains average Oxytetracycline residue concentration of 349.0925 ppb, which is more than the recommended Maximum Residue Level of 200 ppb. There was no significant statistical association between Oxytetracycline residues detected between three agricultural zones.

One hundred and twenty Marshall Breed broiler chickens were used to investigate the effect of raw Leucaena leucocephala seeds meal in the diet of broiler chickens. The birds were randomly assigned to the four treatments /diets in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), each treatment made up of three replicates each with 10 birds per replicate. With the exception of treatment one (T1) which is the control, the other treatments T2, T3 and T4 contained incorporated milled raw Leucaena leucocephala seeds meal at 2.50%, 5.00% and 7.50% respectively. The result showed a significant difference (P<0.05) in the growth performance, cut-parts (expressed as % dressed weight) and in organ weights (expressed as % dressed weight). For haematological indices, the values were significantly different (P<0.05) for the parameters measured with the exception of hemoglobin (Hb). The values for the RBC, PCV, WBC and MCV, fell within the normal range of haematological indices for broiler chickens. For blood chemistry there were significant differences (P<0.05) for all the parameters measured. Values for total protein, albumin and urea for T2 (2.5%) inclusion fell within the normal range for broiler production. From the economics of diet, in view of the cost/kg weight gain, weight gain, revenue and gross margin, birds on T2 (2.5%) inclusion of raw Leucaena leucocephala seeds mealbased diets were most productive. In all, birds on 2.5% inclusion of raw Leucaena leucocephala seeds meal performed maximally or best than the rest. Hence soybean meal can be safely and most productively be replaced with 2.5% inclusion of raw Leucaena leucocephala seeds meal in the diet of broiler birds.

This research work was conducted to survey and isolate Escherichia coli and Salmonella organisms from Japanese raw quail eggs from 10 selected farms within Sokoto metropolis. A total of 50 Japanese raw quail eggs were used for this study, 5 eggs from each of the selected farms. The eggs were collected and transported aseptically in sterile polythene bags to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto Department of Public health Laboratory for processing. The external surface of each egg sample was swabbed using sterile swab stick pre-enriched in peptone water and selenite F broth separately while the internal content was homogenized and pre-enriched in peptone water and selenite F broth separately incubated at 37oC for 24 hours. The culture was streaked on Mac Conkey agar separately and incubated at 37oC for 24 hours. Plates were then examined for the presence of small circular pale and pinkish colonies; suggestive of non-lactose fermenters and lactose fermenters respectively. Discrete colonies of pale and pinkish colonies were gram stained and observed under a light microscope for cellular characterization. Biochemical tests comprising of Triple sugar ion (TSI) test was conducted on each Salmonella isolate and Indole production on each E. coli isolate. From the samples processed, 21 of the isolates could be identified as E. coli base on their biochemical characteristics of which 11 were from egg external swab and 13 from egg content swab while 19 could be identified as salmonella base on their biochemical reactions, of which 8 were from egg external swab and 11 from egg content swab. Findings from this study shows that raw Japanese quail eggs from 9 farms out of the 10 selected farms within Sokoto metropolis sold to public for consumption were contaminated and this may be partly due to unhygienic practices within farms. To reduce the E. coli and salmonella contamination on quail eggs strategies should be employed which include hygienic maintenance of flock, implementation of hazard analysis for critical control point (HACCP) systems, and increased consumer education through media and public enlightenment. In advance consumption of raw and undercooked quail eggs should be avoided and washed adequately before use.

Brucellosis is an important zoonotic disease affecting animals and humans. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Brucellosis in sheep and goats slaughtered at Sokoto metropolitan abattoir using serological assay and molecular detection technique. Serum samples from 131 sheep and 242 goats were analyzed. An overall prevalence of 10.72% (40/373) was recorded using PCR while none of the samples was positive by RBPT. The prevalence rates in sheep and goats were 12.2% (16/131) and 9.91% (24/242) respectively, while the sex prevalence rates were 16.47% and 4.54% for rams and ewes respectively. The prevalence based on breed were 15.18%, 11.11% and 0% for Ouda, Balami and Yankasa respectively. The sex prevalence for goats were 10.08% and 9.75% for bucks and does, while the breed prevalence rates were 50%, 33.3% and 9.28% for Sahelian, West African Dwarf and Red Sokoto goat respectively. A statistically significant association between Brucella infection and sex of sheep (p=0.037) was observed. However, there was no statistically significant association (p>0.05) between the infection and the small ruminant species, breeds and sex of goats. The study revealed presence of brucellosis in sheep and goats in the study area and the occupational hazards associated with the zoonotic disease. 

Brucellosis is an important but often neglected zoonosis that results in serious economic losses in both livestock and human populations. In Nigeria, the prevalence of Brucella is increasing, particularly among camels. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Northern senatorial district of Yobe State, which includes Karasuwa, Machina, Nguru, and Yusufari, to determine the seroprevalence of Brucella abortus in camels and assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of camel handlers regarding brucellosis. A total of 250 blood (serum) samples were collected from camels of various sexes and ages using convenience sampling. The samples were tested using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Serum Agglutination Test (SAT), and Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). A Structured, close-ended questionnaire was also employed and administered to the camel handlers. Results showed that 106 samples (42.4%) were seropositive by RBPT, 56 (22.4%) by SAT, and 42 (16.8%) by ELISA. Notably, 40 out of 56 camels with SAT titers had clinically significant antibody levels (≥1:80), indicating infection. Prevalence was higher in females compared to males across all tests, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). Additionally, adult camels aged 7 years and above showed a higher prevalence than younger camels (<7 years) based on RBPT results (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences were found among locations within the study area (p > 0.05). Analysis of the structured questionnaire revealed that camel handlers lacked comprehensive knowledge about brucellosis and its zoonotic potential but were aware of the disease in other species like cattle and goats. They did not practice preventive measures such as quarantine and consumed unboiled milk without protective clothing while handling camels. The study established a seroprevalence of Brucella abortus antibodies in camels in Yobe State and highlighted the lack of knowledge among camel handlers regarding the disease and its risks. Recommendations include monitoring herds with positive camels, advising culling of positive reactors, conducting public awareness campaigns on brucellosis's public health significance, and instituting routine surveillance and control programs in the region.

This study evaluated the performance of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats fed diets with varying levels of chopped palm fronds supplemented with a concentrate diet. The objectives were to analyze the proximate nutrient composition, evaluate feed intake, assess weight gain, and determine the feed conversion ratio (FCR) across different feeding regimens. Twenty goats with an initial body weight of 6.23-6.45 kg were assigned to five treatments in a completely randomized design: T1 (100% concentrate), T2 (20% palm frond + 80% concentrate), T3 (40% palm frond + 60% concentrate), T4 (60% palm frond + 40% concentrate), and T5 (80% palm frond + 20% concentrate), The concentrate diet consisted of 40% pullet droppings, 20.5% wheat offal, 23.5% palm kernel cake, 5% limestone, 1% salt, and 10% Alfa-Safe, was fed for 12 weeks. Results showed significant differences (p<0.05) in growth performance. Goats on T3 achieved the highest final body weight (9.35 kg), total body weight gain (3.25 kg), and average daily weight gain (0.05 kg), with the best FCR (5.91). Total feed intake did not differ significantly (p>0.05) across treatments, ranging from 26.17 to 28.51 kg. The findings suggest that a diet of 40% palm frond and 60% concentrate optimizes growth performance and feed efficiency in WAD goats, offering a balanced and cost-effective feeding strategy for goat production.

A 6-month-old local breed dog weighing 13.4 kg was presented to the Small Animal Unit of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, with non–weight-bearing lameness on the right hindlimb following a road traffic accident. The dog was weak but responsive, with evident swelling and crepitation on the affected limb. Radiographic and clinical findings confirmed a long spiral comminuted fracture of the right femur. Haematological analysis revealed anaemia and mild eosinophilia. Surgical stabilisation was achieved through open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Postoperative management included analgesics, antibiotics, haematinics, and vitamins. Recovery was uneventful, though the patient was not presented for subsequent follow-up evaluations. This case underscores the importance of timely surgical intervention, appropriate fixation methods, and diligent postoperative care in achieving satisfactory outcomes in canine femoral fractures.