Animal Science articles list

Avian leukosis virus is recognized as an important viral pathogen in the poultry industry, resulting in salient severe economic losses due to reduced production, uneven flock growth rates, reduced growth, and immunosuppression which predispose affected birds to other infections. This study examined the seroprevalence of avian leukosis virus (ALV) in local chickens (LC) in 5 different live bird markets (LBMs) in Kaduna Metropolis. A total of 276 sera were tested for ALV p27 antigen using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). An overall seroprevalence of 28.3% (78/276) was recorded in the study. At the market level, the seroprevalence of 35% (21/60), 30% (18/60), 32% (16/50), 28.6% (16/56), and 14% (7/50) were recorded for Sabon Tasha, Central market, Railway station, Kawo and Sokoto Road LBMs respectively. With regards to sex, female LC showed a significantly higher prevalence of 30.5% (46/105) compared to male chickens 26.9% (46/171) with no significant difference (P > 0.05) observed. This study established the presence of antigen to ALV in local chickens sold in LBMs. We recommend surveillance and further studies on the isolation, molecular characterization and pathogenicity of ALV in the study area.

Bitrus Inuwa

Infectious bronchitis (IB) is one of the most common highly infectious viral respiratory diseases of poultry having wide geographical distribution. Yet, little is known about the infection in the northwestern states of Nigeria. In this study, a total of 263 pooled cloacal and tracheal swab samples were collected from apparently healthy avian species (duck, dove, geese, guinea fowl, local chicken, ostrich, parrot, pigeon, peacock, and turkey). The samples were from nine live bird markets in three states (Kaduna, Kano and Jigawa) of northwestern, Nigeria collected from September through November 2017. Total RNAs were extracted directly from the swab samples and screened for infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. An overall prevalence of 38.0% (100/263) was recorded. IB was detected in 70 % (7/10) of the avian species with prevalence of 100 % in dove, local chicken 45.9 %, duck 42.3 %, geese 26.6 %, pigeon 23.5 %, turkey 20.0 % and guinea fowl 6.2 %. Conversely, no detection was made from ostrich, parrot, and peacock. Widespread distribution of IBV was observed and evidence of subclinical infection in seven out of ten (70 %) of the avian species sampled. These avian species harbouring IBV may act as reservoirs with an influence on the ecology and epidemiology of the disease. Continuous surveillance and characterization of the different serotypes in avian species are recommended to inform the adoption of suitable vaccination strategy and control measures for the disease in Nigeria.

Bitrus Inuwa

The control of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Nigeria from inception is predicated on effective biosecurity by stamping out policy but outbreaks of the disease continued to re-occur with altered clinico-pathologic manifestations. This study undertook the qualitative assessment of the clinico- pathological features of HPAI H5N1 during the 2021/2022 outbreaks in commercial poultry and peri-domestic birds in northern Nigeria. A total of 22 commercial poultry farms with 53,932 laying chickens and 3 households with 120 backyard broiler chickens, 18 indigenous chickens, 10 peafowls and 9 geese were investigated for HPAI. The clinico-pathologic manifestations observed in commercial poultry were subtle compared to previous presentations of the disease except in the peafowls, geese, broilers and indigenous chickens. The interspecies mortality rates significantly varied from 1.6% to 19.6% for laying chickens and 33.3% to 100% for broilers, indigenous chickens, geese and peafowls. Based on the history of sudden and high mortality, clinical signs and post mortem lesions observed, three diseases; HPAI, very virulent Newcastle disease and fowl cholera were drawn out as differential diagnoses. However, a tentative diagnosis of HPAI was made and samples were sent to the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria for confirmatory diagnosis. Results of the laboratory tests conducted on the samples using one step flu A screening and duplex real time RT-PCR and virus isolation in embryonated chicken eggs confirmed HPAI H5N1 in twenty-five farms. It is concluded that the continuous though, irregular outbreaks of HPAI and emerging clinico-pathologic manifestations are pointers to failure of control and that the disease may become endemic. It is recommended that government should review its policy on the control of HPAI to include the adoption of zoned vaccination with close monitoring.

Bitrus Inuwa

Cardiovascular diseases represent a formidable global health challenge, standing as the foremost cause of both mortality and morbidity. Atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction, as primary contributors to this epidemiological burden, underscore the urgent need for effective therapeutic interventions with minimal side effects. Natural compounds derived from plants have emerged as promising candidates, given their enhanced efficacy and reduced adverse effects. Phytochemicals, in particular, have garnered attention for their potential as alternative therapeutic agents. This review delves into the cardioprotective potential of pinocembrin (5,7-Dihydroxy flavanone), a compound extracted from various plants and honey. Renowned for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, pinocembrin demonstrates significant cardioprotective effects through the modulation of diverse signaling pathways. Atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction entail intricate cellular mechanisms involving oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, cellular remodeling, and programmed cell death. Pinocembrin, by targeting key factors within these pathways, exhibits cardioprotective actions. While existing research underscores its effectiveness, further investigations are warranted to elucidate the impact of pinocembrin on additional cardiovascular conditions and explore novel molecular targets, thus paving the way for future advancements in therapeutic interventions.

Brinda Elangovan