First report of co-infections of Marek's disease virus and chicken infectious anaemia virus in poultry flocks in Nigeria.

Marek's disease (MD) and chicken infectious anaemia (CIA) are viral immunosuppressive diseases of poultry caused by the MD virus (MDV) and CIA virus (CIAV) respectively. Despite vaccination against MD, the incidence of the disease in vaccinated poultry flocks in Nigeria persists. However, underlying factors like co-infection with CIAV have not been investigated in the country. This study was designed to investigate possible co-infections of MDV and CIAV in poultry flocks in Nigeria. In 2016, tumorous tissue samples were collected from suspected cases of MD at necropsy in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. The samples collected were fixed in formalin for histopathological examination, genomic DNA was extracted from a second part and analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), targeting the meq and VP1 genes of the MDV and CIAV, respectively. The histology results revealed that the cutaneous and proventricular lymphomas were characterized by large numbers of mononuclear cellular infiltrates admixed with heterophils. The PCR results revealed that MDV was detected in 66.7% (16/24), CIAV in 45.8% (11/24), and co-infections of MDV and CIAV were detected in 45.8% (11/24) of the samples analysed. In addition, co-infections of MD and CIA were recorded in 100% (6/6) and 27.7% (5/18) of broilers and layer/pullet' samples respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the meq gene sequences revealed that the Nigerian MDV clusters with very virulent MDV from Egypt and Italy. While, CIAV sequences were genotype II and genotype III and clustered with CIAVs from Cameroon and China. This is the first report of co-infections of MD and CIA in Nigeria.

Seromolecular surveillance of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus in Nigeria.

Following the first 2020 rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) outbreak in Nigeria which caused massive mortalities in several rabbitries, there was a need to know the spread and strains circulating in the affected states. Over 100 rabbitries still existing post-RHDV outbreak in Ogun and Kwara States were investigated. A commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to screen for RHDV immunoglobulin G in 192 rabbit sera, while RHDV VP60 gene was amplified in RNA extracted from these sera and tissues (liver and/or spleen harvested from 37 carcasses necrotized) by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Sequences obtained from the amplicons were subjected to phylogenetic analysis. The results revealed a seroprevalence of 82.3% (158/192). RHDV VP60 gene was detected in 15/17 (88.2%) and 2/20 (10.0%) carcasses from Ogun and Kwara States, respectively, while none of the sera was positive. Sequences of the two positive amplicons selected (one from each states) shared 98.95% nucleotide identity and belonged to RHDV 2/GI.2 strain. Also, nBLAST of these sequences revealed 98.43-99.55% homology with the prototype Nigerian RHDV strain RHDV/NGR/ILN/001 (MT996357.1). Furthermore, these strains clustered with this prototype and a German RHDV strain (LR899166.1). Pathologic lesions affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, lymphatic, and digestive systems were observed in necropsied carcasses. This study indicated that RHDV 2/GI.2 strain was the cause of 2020 RHD outbreak in Nigeria. Thus, while continuous public sensitization about RHD especially among rabbit farmers in Nigeria is important, efforts aimed at design and implementation of RHD vaccination policy, preferably using indigenous seed, should be expedited.

Epidemiological studies of gastrointestinal parasites infecting dogs in Kwara Central, North Central, Nigeria.

Dogs are the most cosmopolitan pets of humans and as such a means of transmitting zoonotic parasites to their owners. This study was designed to investigate the diversity, prevalence, pattern of infection, intensity of infections, and the risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites of dogs in Kwara Central, North Central, Nigeria. Three hundred and five clinically healthy dogs were sampled. Faecal samples were subjected to the direct smear, simple faecal centrifugation flotation, formol-ether concentration, and the Modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining techniques. Oocysts/eggs per gram of faeces were counted using the modified McMaster technique. Data were analysed using univariate logistic regression, multivariate logistic regression, and the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). A p -value of < 0.05 was considered significant for all analyses. One hundred and sixty-six dogs were positive for at least one species of gastrointestinal parasite, representing 54.43% (95% CI: 44.81 - 59.96) of the sampled population. The study identified Cystoisospora species (15.41%), Cryptosporidium species (25.25%), Ancylostoma species (25.25%), Toxocara canis (19.02%), Strongyloides stercoralis (7.54%), Uncinaria stenocephala (6.89%), and Dipylidium caninum (2.30%) as the gastrointestinal parasites infecting dogs in the study area. Coinfection with more than one species of gastrointestinal parasites was a common finding in dogs. The intensity of Cystoisospora spp. among infected dogs ranged between 40 and 980 oocysts per gram of faeces, while that of helminth parasites was 40 - 1560 eggs per gram of faeces. Age, sex, breeds, body condition score, presence of ticks on dogs, the purpose of keeping dog(s), types of housing, types of feed consumed, vaccination status, and treatment with antiparasitics were predators associated with the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasites infections. Due to the zoonotic nature of most of the encountered gastrointestinal parasites, there is need for regular antiparasitic treatment, proper dog management, and adequate personal hygiene to prevent zoonosis.

Comparative Therapeutic Effect of Single/Combined Administration of Saxagliptin, Metformin and Intranasal Insulin on Dexamethasone Induced Insulin Resistance in Albino Wistar Rat Model.

Glucocorticoids have therapeutic benefits in the management of several inflammatory and immunological disorders. Despite these medicinal effects, they have the drawback of causing metabolic disorders such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance etc., which is known to be a key indicator of metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a major predisposing factor to type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiomyopathy. This study was designed to compare and evaluate the effects of saxagliptin, metformin and intranasal insulin (when used singly or in combination) on dexamethasone induced insulin resistance. Fifty-six female rats were randomly assigned into eight groups. Group 1 represented the control; Group 2 was administered with dexamethasone (1mg/kg) (untreated); Group 3 received dexamethasone + intranasal insulin (2IU); Group 4 received dexamethasone + intranasal insulin + metformin (40mg/kg); Group 5; received dexamethasone + intranasal + saxagliptin (8mg/kg); Group 6 received dexamethasone + metformin (40mg/kg); Group 7 received dexamethasone + saxagliptin (8mg/kg); Group 8 received dexamethasone + saxagliptin(8mg/kg) + metformin(40mg/kg). Treatments were given for one week. At the end of the study, blood samples were collected for biochemical assays and pancreas excised for histological examination. Dexamethasone (1mg/kg) induced hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, impaired glucose tolerance and disrupted the structural integrity of the pancreas. Treatment with saxagliptin, metformin and their combination significantly decreased blood glucose level, decreased LDL Level and improved glucose tolerance. The selected hypoglycemic agents used in present study ameliorate the dexamethasone induced hyperglycemia and insulin resistance of which the combination of metformin with saxagliptin showed greater efficacy.

Molecular and pathological investigations of Marek's disease outbreaks in vaccinated poultry farms in Plateau State, North Central-Nigeria.

Marek's disease (MD) is a devastating neoplastic disease of poultry caused by MD virus (MDV). MD is one of the several diseases limiting the thriving Nigerian poultry industry. MD is mostly diagnosed in Nigeria based on history and gross lesions without laboratory investigations leading to underreporting of the disease. This study investigated MD outbreaks in poultry farms using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histopathology. Tumourous visceral organs were collected from dead chickens presented to veterinary clinics from 110 farms in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria from April 2013 to August 2014. Clinical signs observed in affected chickens were paralysis, stunting and uneven growth. Whilst the gross lesions observed were hepatomegaly, splenomegaly with lymphoma, prominent peripheral nerves and cachexia. The meq gene of MDV­1 was detected by PCR in 55.0% (n = 11/20) of broilers and 71.1% (n = 64/90) of vaccinated layer chicken samples collected. Microscopy revealed severe diffuse lymphocytic infiltrations in the heart, spleen and liver of chickens with tumourous gross lesions. Based on history, gross lesions, detection of meq gene of MDV­1 by PCR and histopathology results, MD was confirmed in the affected farms. Despite vaccination, outbreaks of MD still occurs in poultry farms in Nigeria. This study represents the first confirmatory diagnosis of MD in vaccinated poultry in Nigeria.

Eimeria infections among commercial laying chickens in Nigeria: the prevalence and clinico-histopathological changes.

Coccidiosis is known to affect a wide range of animals including chickens. This study was designed to determine the nation-wide prevalence and clinico-histopathological changes associated with Eimeria infections in commercial laying birds in Nigeria. One Thousand eight hundred and forty-three (1843) commercial laying chickens from 28 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Nigeria, between 2007 and 2016 were examined for the presence of Eimeria parasites and for clinicopathological lesions. Simple flotation and the McMaster techniques were used to confirm the presence of Eimeria oocysts and estimate the oocyst load. Positive samples were sporulated for the purpose of species differentiation. Gross and histopathology were carried out accordingly. Two hundred and seven (207) faecal samples/carcasses were positive for Eimeria infections (11.23%; 95% CI = 9.87-12.75). Eimeria tenella and E. necatrix were the most prevalent species. The highest mean oocyst per gram (OPG) was recorded in E. acervulina (5260.87 (± 1838.35)). The prevalence of Eimeria infections in commercial laying birds within the states ranged between 4.4% (Kaduna State), and 33% (Ebonyi and Lagos States), and 21.1% in FCT. There was a higher prevalence of Eimeria infections in commercial laying birds that are less than 1 year compared to those above a year. Eimeria infections was 2.19 times more likely to occur during the wet season compared to the dry season (95% CI = 1.59-3.06; χ2 = 23.29; P = < 0.01). One hundred and eighty-five (185) carcasses showed moderate petechiae to ecchymotic intestinal/caecal mucosa, while 22 carcasses showed severe petechiae to ecchymotic intestinal/caecal mucosa with bloody intestinal lumen. This study appears to be the first nation-wide study on the prevalence and clinico-histopathological changes associated with Eimeria infections in commercial laying chickens in Nigeria.

Parasites and Parasitic Diseases of Laboratory Animals in Plateau State Nigeria: The zoonotic implications.

Parasitic agents in laboratory animals, are detrimental to the success of researches and can also infect personnel and researchers. This study is aimed at investigating the parasitic infections of laboratory animals maintained in animal houses of The National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria, as well as determining the zoonotic implications of these parasites. Two hundred and six laboratory animals (72 rabbits, 55 guinea pigs, 50 mice and 29 rats) were randomly sampled. Faecal samples and skin scrapings were collected and subjected to parasitological analyses. Pathological examinations were conducted on laboratory animals that had skin lesions. Sixteen different species comprising of 7 nematodes, 5 cestodes, 3 protozoans, and 1 mite were detected. Eimeria species (40/206; 19.42%; 95% CI = 14.44-25.25) was the most prevalent parasite, followed by Syphacia muris (26/206; 12.62%; 95% CI = 8.59-17.69). Entamoeba caviae, Tritrichomonas caviae, Rodentolepis microstoma, Rodentolepis nana, Heterakis spumosa, Capillaria hepatica and Cysticercus fasciolaris were the least prevalent with a 0.49% prevalence each. Three, four, five and six different species of parasites were detected in mice, guinea pigs, rats and rabbits respectively. The Chi-Square analysis revealed that the infection rate of parasites was significantly higher (p = < 0.01) in mice compared to rats, rabbits and guinea pigs. Of the Sixteen species of parasites detected, Eimeria species, Syphacia muris, Rodentolepis diminuta, Rodentolepis microstoma, Rodentolepis nana, and Capillaria hepatica are zoonotic. This study showed that 40.29% of the studied laboratory animals were infected with one parasite species or the other. The outcome of this study stresses the zoonotic implications of the parasites detected. We thereby advise researchers and handlers to take caution and apply utmost sanitary measures in the handling of laboratory animals so as to prevent themselves from being infected with these zoonotic parasites.

Antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects of aqueous extract of Parquetina nigrescens in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced type 2 diabetic rats.

BACKGROUND: Parquetina nigrescens is among the evergreen plants native to West Africa. It is used in the management of various ailments including anemia, fever, asthma and diabetes. This study evaluated the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effect of Parquetina nigrescens in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetic rats. METHODS: Type 2 diabetes mellitus was induced in overnight fasted rats with a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg), followed by the administration of nicotinamide (120 mg/kg) after an interval of 15 min. Diabetic rats were orally administered with; 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of aqueous extract of Parquetina nigrescens (AEPN), metformin (180 mg/kg) and glibenclamide (1 mg/kg) for two weeks. The effect of treatments on fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, leptin, adiponectin, homa-ir, lipid profile, body weight, pancreatic antioxidants parameters, hepatic glycogen content, glucose-6-phosphate activity, α-amylase inhibition, α-glucosidase inhibition, lipase inhibition and histology of the organs were evaluated. RESULTS: Data from this study showed that treatment with AEPN produced a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in fasting blood glucose, glucose-6-phosphatase activity, serum lipase, total triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, very low-density lipoprotein, atherogenic index, coronary risk index, pancreatic α-amylase, α-glucosidase and lipase activities. Treatment with AEPN also produced a significant (p < 0.05) increase in; glucose tolerance, glycogen content, leptin, adiponectin and pancreatic antioxidants (glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase and high-density lipoproteins). The histology of the organ showed regeneration of the pancreatic tissue after treatment with AEPN. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that AEPN exhibited antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activity in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced type 2 diabetic rats.

The effect of a Local isolate and Houghton strain of Eimeria tenella on clinical and growth parameters following challenge in chickens vaccinated with IMMUCOX® and LIVACOX® vaccines.

Coccidiosis, a parasitic infection caused by one or more of the numerous species of Eimeria is recognised as the disease that has severe economic impact on poultry production. In an experiment to determine the effect of vaccination on the infection with a Local isolate and Houghton strain of Eimeria tenella (E. tenella). Ninety (90) day-old Dominant black cockerel chicks of D109 strain were randomly divided into nine groups (A-I). Two commercially available anti-coccidial vaccines-Livacox® (Biopharm, Czech Republic) and Immucox® (Vetech, Ontario, Canada) were used to immunize the chicks. Immunization was done at 5 days-old by oral gavage and infection was carried out with 1.7 × 104 E. tenella of either Houghton strain or a field (Local) isolate at 4-weeks old. Six (6) days post-challenge, generalized pallor, moderate bloody diarrhea, slight reduction in feed intake and weight gain characterized the infected groups. There is a significant difference (p < 0.05) in packed cell volume of group B, unvaccinated and infected with Houghton strain of E. tenella and group E vaccinated with Livacox® and infected with Houghton strain. The Immunogenicity of Livacox® and Immucox® was determined primarily on the ability of the vaccinated chickens to overcome the effect of the virulent challenge by E. tenella including blood loss, reduction in feed intake and feed conversion and weight loss. The two anticoccidial vaccines used in this experiment were effective in varying degrees especially with the local isolate.

Lead Toxicoses in Free-Range Chickens in Artisanal Gold-Mining Communities, Zamfara, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: In early 2010, outbreaks of lead poisoning due to artisanal gold mining in villages in the northwest Nigerian state of Zamfara have resulted in the death of hundreds of children < 5 years old. There have also been unconfirmed reports of high mortality of geese within these villages. OBJECTIVES: To report a case of lead poisoning in three domestic free-range chickens found in one of the affected communities where illegal small-scale gold mining activities take place. METHODS: Three free-range domestic chickens were presented during a field investigation in one of the villages. The birds were observed to be emaciated, weak, showing nervous manifestations and moribund. RESULTS: Tissue extracts of liver, spleen and intestines were negative for Newcastle viral antigens, while cultures of liver and spleen biopsy were positive for Escherichia coli. Histopathological lesions were observed in the kidney, proventriculus and brain. Concentrations of lead in the tissues ranged between 7.5 mg/kg and 120.5 mg/kg wet weight, and the potential daily intake of lead in the tissues were estimated at 34.06-200.15 µg/day/kg body weight with an average of 118.37 µg/day/kg body weight. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest probable risk to human health due to the consumption of chicken contaminated by lead in the affected villages. Poisoning in animal populations may serve as a sentinel to assess the extent of environmental contamination and human health problems related to lead. ETHICS APPROVAL: Protocols were approved and performed in accordance with relevant local guidelines and regulations as set by the Animal Care and Use Committee of the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Nigeria. COMPETING INTERESTS: The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Peste Des Petits Ruminants Virus and Goatpox Virus Co-Infection in Goats.

Infection of small ruminants with peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) and goatpox virus (GTPV) are endemic and can have devastating economic consequences in Asia and Africa. Co-infection with these viruses have recently been reported in goats and sheep in Nigeria. In this study, we evaluated samples from the lips of a red Sokoto goat, and describe co-infection of keratinocytes with PPRV and GTPV using histopathology and transmission electron microscopy. Eosinophilic cytoplasmic inclusion bodies were identified histologically, and ultrastructural analysis revealed numerous large cytoplasmic viral factories containing poxvirus particles and varying sizes of smaller cytoplasmic inclusions composed of PPRV nucleocapsids. These histopathological and ultrastructural findings show concurrent infection with the 2 viruses for the first time as well as the detection of PPRV particles in epithelial cells of the mucocutaneous junction of the lip.

Molecular and pathological investigation of a natural outbreak of Newcastle disease caused by genotype XVII in White Leghorn chickens.

ABSTRACT Newcastle disease (ND) is an infectious viral poultry disease with great economic consequences. In developing countries, outbreaks of ND caused by virulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) have been identified as a limiting factor to the growth of the poultry industry. Limited reports exist on the pathology of natural field infection caused by NDV genotype XVII in chickens. Here, we present clinical, pathological and molecular investigation of confirmed ND in a 24-week-old layer-type, semi-intensive poultry flock with recorded mortality of over 50%. During PM examination, tissues were harvested for virus isolation, histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Virus isolation was performed in 10-day-old embryonated chicken eggs, and a haemagglutinating agent thereof identified by one-step reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). For the genotyping of the isolate, the full fusion gene was sequenced. Clinical signs observed included general body lethargy, inappetence and greenish diarrhoeic faeces from the cloaca before death with daily mortality exceeding 100 chickens. The pathology was characteristic of a viral haemorrhagic infection, with serosal haemorrhages, mucosal surface erosion and ulceration. In most of the carcasses, the main lesions seen included airsacculitis, meningeal congestion, haemorrhagic oophoritis, pancreatic necrosis, enteritis and faecal matting of the vent. Virus isolation and RT-PCR made a confirmatory diagnosis of ND. Based on the cleavage site motif sequence (112RRQKR/F117), the isolate was identified as a virulent strain with phylogenetic analysis showing clustering in genotype XVII viruses. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report describing the pathological findings of a natural outbreak caused by NDV involving viruses of genotype XVII. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS First report of a natural outbreak of Newcastle disease in White Yarkon Leghorns. The outbreak was caused by virulent NDV belonging to genotype XVII. Pathology differed slightly from those in experimental studies using SPF and other unvaccinated chickens.

Anticoccidial effects of Khaya senegalensis aqueous stem bark extract on broiler chickens experimentally infected with Eimeria species.

Graded concentrations (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) of the aqueous stem bark extract of Khaya senegalensis was evaluated for its therapeutic efficacy against experimentally induced coccidiosis in broiler chicken. The phytochemical analysis shows the presence of tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides and steroids. There was significant reduction in oocyst count across the groups in a graded dose manner with 800 mg/kg being the most efficacious dose. There was also weight gain across the treatment groups with immuno-modulatory and erythropoetic activities observed. Also, a significant (p < 0.05) graded dose-dependent reduction in the oocyst count in the treatment groups. A significant (p < 0.05) increase in mean weight gain was also recorded across the experimental groups except the negative control. The haematology also showed a dose-dependent increase in red blood cells, haemoglobin and packed cell volume of the treatment groups. The extract had no significant difference (p > 0.05) on the white blood cells, but a slight decrease in the white blood cells and heterophil counts was observed at 400 mg/kg. Furthermore, the aspartate amino transaminase level showed a significant difference (p < 0.05). Fluctuating levels of other serum biochemical parameters such as total protein, albumin and potassium were observed. No significant difference (p > 0.05) in the sodium concentration was observed. In addition, oxidative stress biomarkers such as catalase significantly increased (p < 0.05) in all the experimental groups in addition to the concomitant increase in reduced gluthathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Conclusively, the aqueous extract of K. senegalensis was effective in the management of coccidiosis thus supporting its folkloric use.

Natural outbreak of Marek's disease in indigenous chicken and Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Carcasses of an indigenous adult chicken and Japanese quail from different flocks were presented to a veterinary clinic for postmortem (PM) examination in 2014 in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. PM observations revealed cutaneous, hepatic, and splenic tumors in the Indigenous chicken. The quail carcass was emaciated with hepatic tumors. Histopathology revealed severe focally extensive non-encapsulated circumscribed large nodules with pleomorphic population of cells mainly composed of lymphoplasmacytic and mixed neutrophilic polymorphonuclear cells in the chicken. The pleomorphic infiltration of lymphohistioplasmacytic cells mixed with neutrophilic polymorphonuclear cells in the quail was consistent with Marek's disease virus (MDV) infection. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out, and the Meq oncogene of the MDV was amplified in the samples collected from the chicken and quail to confirm the presence of the virulent MDV. The samples were also subjected to PCR for detection of MDV Rispens CVI988 vaccine strain which was detected in both chicken and quail samples. The findings in this study represent the first report of confirmatory diagnosis of MD using histopathology in an indigenous chicken and Japanese quail in Nigeria. It is also the first report of the detection of MDV Rispens CVI988 vaccine strain in unvaccinated chicken and quail in Nigeria.

Co-infection of peste des petits ruminants and goatpox in a mixed flock of sheep and goats in Kanam, North Central Nigeria.

Peste-des-petits-ruminants (PPR) and Goat pox (GTP) are two devastating and economically important transboundary animal diseases of small ruminants in Africa and Asia that have been difficult to control. This study however, investigated an outbreak of PPR and GTP in a mixed flock of indigenous sheep and goats in Kanam, North Central Nigeria. A total of nine sera and seven tissues (lungs, spleen, scab and skin) samples were collected and analysed in the laboratory using competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) for PPR antibodies and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of PPR virus (PPRV) and GTP virus (GTPV). Gene fragments of the nucleoprotein of PPRV and the G-protein-coupled chemokine receptor (GPCR) of GTPV were amplified and sequenced to confirm the presence of the causative viruses. Serologically, antibodies to PPRV were detected in all (9/9) sera collected. GTPV and PPRV was detected in corresponding samples (42.8% n = 3/7) of the scab/skin samples collected by both PCR and RT-PCR technique. The phylogenetic analysis of PPRV revealed that the virus belongs to lineage IV and clustered with viruses from Gabon and Cameroon. Similarly, the GTPV also clustered with other sequences from Burkina Faso and Yemen. The positive cELISA, RT-PCR and PCR results from samples collected from the same animals confirmed co-infection of PPR and GTP in this mixed flock of sheep and goats. This is the first report of concurrent infection of PPR and GTP in mixed flock of sheep and goats in Nigeria. Our findings underscore the need for farmers to vaccinate their flock to control spread and economic losses as result of these diseases.

Phosphine poisoning in free-range local chickens: a case report.

Phosphine poisoning is rarely reported in poultry, and its diagnosis is a great challenge for veterinary toxicologists and pathologists. A case of phosphine toxicosis in local, free range chickens is reported. Fourteen dead chickens (age ≥6 months old) were presented to the veterinary clinic for necropsy. The history revealed that the chickens were normally fed with guinea corn grains, but were suspected to have been fed boiled rice laced with poison. The clinical signs observed were ruffled feathers, somnolence, anorexia and high mortality. The disease ran a 2-day course with mortality pattern of four chickens the first day, six overnight and 14 the following day. Necropsy findings showed generalized vascular congestion and haemorrhage in the lungs and visceral organs, with the crop and gizzard filled with guinea corn and rice grains and greenish-yellow faecal material in the intestinal lumen. The presence of widespread congestion and petechial haemorrhages on visceral organs with the microscopic pulmonary congestion, and diffuse intraparabronchial presence of air sac macrophages, strongly suggested an acute toxic cause of death. Chemical tests on the crop contents of the dead chickens were positive for phosphine gas. This report will contribute to a better understanding of the clinical signs and lesions presented in cases of acute phosphide rodenticide exposure in domestic chickens, with a brief review of the forensic literature.

Mortality and Pathology Associated with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Outbreaks in Commercial Poultry Production Systems in Nigeria.

Commercial layer-type, pullet, cockerel, and broiler chicken flocks infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in Nigeria between 2006 and 2008 were investigated for morbidity, mortality, and pathology. Of the one hundred and fifty-three (153) farms confirmed with HPAI infection, one hundred and twenty-seven (127) were layer-type farms, nine (9) were pullet and broiler farms each, and eight (8) were cockerel rearing farms. This study revealed the morbidity and mortality of a total of 939,620 commercial layer chickens, 16,421 pullets, 3,109 cockerels, and 6,433 broilers. Mortality rates were 11.11% in commercial layers, 26.84% in pullets, 45.51% in cockerels, and 73.92% in broilers in a total of eighteen (18) states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. A total of 316 carcasses were examined of which 248 were commercial layer, 25 were pullet, 14 were cockerel, and 29 were broiler. Main clinical and pathologic findings were observed in the nervous, circulatory, respiratory, integumentary, musculoskeletal, hemopoietic, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems and, occasionally, lesions were generally nonspecific and multisystemic. Lesions occurred more frequently, severely, and in most of the carcasses examined, irrespective of chicken type.

Systemic listeriosis in caged canaries (Serinus canarius).

The occurrence of listeriosis in 12 caged canaries is described where 50% of the birds, including the female and all of the offspring, died within 2 weeks without clinical signs. At necropsy, multifocal necrotizing and partly granulomatous hepatitis, splenitis, myocarditis, interstitial nephritis, and exudative pericarditis with intra-lesional Listeria monocytogenes were the predominant findings as shown by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Microbiology, serology and polymerase chain reaction revealed L. monocytogenes serotype 1/2a as the causative agent. Thus listeriosis has to be considered in the differential diagnosis for granulomas associated with mycobacteriosis, yersiniosis, coligranulomatosis or fungal infections.