Influenza A Virus Infections in Dromedary Camels, Nigeria and Ethiopia, 2015-2017.

We examined nasal swabs and serum samples acquired from dromedary camels in Nigeria and Ethiopia during 2015-2017 for evidence of influenza virus infection. We detected antibodies against influenza A(H1N1) and A(H3N2) viruses and isolated an influenza A(H1N1)pdm09-like virus from a camel in Nigeria. Influenza surveillance in dromedary camels is needed.

Susceptibility assay of Haemonchus contortus to commonly used anthelmintics in Jimma, southwest Ethiopia.

An experimental study to investigate the susceptibility pattern of Haemonchus contortus to commonly used anthelmintics (albendazole, tetramisole, ivermectin, and triclobendazole) was conducted between June and September 2009. Adult H. contortus parasites were collected from a total of 30 sheep slaughtered at Jimma municipal abattoir. The anthelmintics were assessed for egg hatch inhibition ability against H. contortus eggs. The eggs (500 eggs/ml) were incubated with different concentrations (0.25, 0.125, 0.0625, 0.03125, and 0.015625 µg/ml) at 26°C for 48 h. Egg hatching inhibition of different anthelmintics at different concentrations was recorded. The overall mean percent inhibition showed that there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) among the different concentrations. Mean egg hatch inhibition of ivermectin showed the highest result (84.90 %) at 0.25 µg/ml, followed by albendazole (78.77 %), triclobendazole (76.66 %), and tetramisole (78.98 %), respectively. The overall mean percent inhibition showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) among the different anthelmintics. Further evaluation of these anthelmintics was recommended.

Study on the prevalence of cystic hydatidosis and its economic significance in cattle slaughtered at Hawassa Municipal abattoir, Ethiopia.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2008 to March 2009 to assess the status of cystic hydatidosis in cattle slaughtered at Hawassa Municipal abattoir. Out of the total 632 cattle examined visually and manually (palpation and incision), 333 (52.69%) were found harboring hydatid cysts. A significantly higher infection was detected in older cattle (P < 0.05, chi(2) = 4.36) than young. Regarding body condition score, no significant variation (P > 0.05, chi(2) = 2.148) was observed as the prevalence was 54.55% for lean cattle followed by medium (53.83%) and fat (46.88%). Of the total 333 infected, 123 (36.9%) had hydatid cysts only in the lung, 23 (6.9%) in the liver, 12 (3.6%) in the spleen, five (1.5%) in the heart, and three (0.9%) in the kidney while the rest 167 (50.2%) had multiple organ infections. Of the 530 viscera harboring hydatid cysts, the highest (52.83%) was lung followed by liver (34.15%), spleen (9.06%), heart (3.39%), and kidney (0.56%). Size assessment made on 874 cysts indicated that 308 (35.3%) were small, 251 (28.7%) medium, 89 (10.2%) large, and 226 (25.9%) were calcified. The distribution of characterized cysts in different organs based on their size was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). In addition, out of the total 874 cysts collected, 26.9% were fertile, 47.3% sterile, and 25.9% calcified or purulent cysts. There was a significant difference in fertility of cyst from different organs (P < 0.05, chi(2) = 27.96), those of lung origin being highly fertile. Likewise, out of the 121 fertile cysts subjected for viability test, 68 (56.2%) were viable. Considering the current result, the total annual economic loss from organ condemnation and carcass weight loss due to bovine hydatidosis at Hawassa Municipal abattoir was estimated at 1,791,625.89 Ethiopian Birr (ETB; 1USD = 12.93ETB). Results in the study were discussed in light of the situation in different parts of Ethiopia and abroad, and finally, relevant recommendations were forwarded.