Prevalence of multidrug-resistant isolates and virulence gene expression in poultry farms in Jos, Nigeria.

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance is increasingly becoming a global health concern. This study aimed to investigate and report MDR prevalence, resistance, and virulence genes from poultry in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

Methods: The samples were analyzed using microbiological standard methods and polymerase chain reactions (PCRs).

Poxvirus Infections in Dairy Farms and Transhumance Cattle Herds in Nigeria.

Lumpy Skin disease (LSD) is an economically important disease in cattle caused by the LSD virus (LSDV) of the genus , while pseudocowpox (PCP) is a widely distributed zoonotic cattle disease caused by the PCP virus (PCPV) of the genus . Though both viral pox infections are reportedly present in Nigeria, similarities in their clinical presentation and limited access to laboratories often lead to misdiagnosis in the field. This study investigated suspected LSD outbreaks in organized and transhumance cattle herds in Nigeria in 2020.

SARS-CoV-2 at the Human-Animal Interface: Implication for Global Public Health from an African Perspective.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become the most far-reaching public health crisis of modern times. Several efforts are underway to unravel its root cause as well as to proffer adequate preventive or inhibitive measures. Zoonotic spillover of the causative virus from an animal reservoir to the human population is being studied as the most likely event leading to the pandemic.

Sero-detection of antibodies to in peri-domestic birds, Nigeria.

Avian metaavulavirus 2 (AMAV-2) previously known as the avian paramyxovirus-2 causes mild to severe respiratory disease, reduced hatchability and infertility of eggs, including increase in white-shelled eggs in chickens and Turkey breeders. When exacerbated by secondary pathogens and environmental stresses, infection is more severe leading to significant economic losses. This study was conducted to determine, if any, the presence of antibodies to (AMAV-2) in peri-domestic birds in Bauchi State, Nigeria.

The COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing in Nigeria: ignorance or defiance.

The severity of the novel 2019 Coronavirus leaves much trepidation, anxiety and desperate measures are taken to curb the pandemic. Such measures according to WHO include hygiene, isolation and social distancing. If clustering of people is considered a major catalyst in the spread of corona virus, social distancing is therefore important for its control.

Molecular characterization of Capripox viruses obtained from field outbreaks in Nigeria between 2000 and 2016.

Capripox virus infections are endemic diseases of livestock in Nigeria, but there are limited data on molecular characterization of circulating viruses. In this study, we investigated field outbreaks of Capripox virus infections in Nigeria via partial sequencing of viruses obtained from field samples. Eleven selected samples, collected from 2000-2016 from cattle (9), sheep (1) and goat (1) in three states in Nigeria and Capripox virus genome positive by PCR and real-time qPCR, were characterized using our newly developed partial sequencing protocol.

The emerging influenza virus threat: status and new prospects for its therapy and control.

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are zoonotic pathogens that cause yearly outbreaks with high rates of morbidity and fatality. The virus continuously acquires point mutations while circulating in several hosts, ranging from aquatic birds to mammals, including humans. The wide range of hosts provides influenza A viruses greater chances of genetic re-assortment, leading to the emergence of zoonotic strains and occasional pandemics that have a severe impact on human life.

Implications of Ebola virus disease on wildlife conservation in Nigeria.

The recent Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in some West African countries spanning from late 2013 and currently on as of 13th March, 2015 is the most widespread and fatal with human mortality that has surpassed all previous outbreaks. The outbreak has had its toll on conservation of endangered species. This portends danger for the wild fauna of the country if proactive measures are not taken to prepare grounds for evidence-based assertions concerning the involvement of wild species.

Ebola virus disease control in West Africa: an ecological, one health approach.

The 2013-2015 Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in West Africa had similar nuances with the 1976 outbreaks in Central Africa; both were caused by the Zaire Ebola Virus strain and originated from rural forested communities. The definitive reservoir host of Ebola virus still remains unknown till date. However, from ecological perspective, it is known that the virus first emerged from forest ecotypes interfacing with human activities.

Effect of intervention on the control of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Nigeria.

Introduction: The advent of HPAI in Nigeria was a traumatic experience for the poultry industry. Wealth and resources were lost to the ravages of the virus. The Government of Nigeria with the support of International donor agencies came up with a policy for the prevention of spread of the disease leading to the eventual control and eradication of the virus in Nigeria.

Seroprevalence of fowl pox antibody in indigenous chickens in jos north and South council areas of plateau state, Nigeria: implication for vector vaccine.

Fowl pox is a viral disease of domestic and wild birds. The large size of the genome makes it a useful vector for recombinant DNA technology. Although the disease has been described in both commercial and indigenous chickens in Nigeria, data are limited on seroprevalence in free range chickens.

Rapid antigen detection in the diagnosis of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) virus in Nigeria.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (AI) is an infectious disease of agroeconomic and public health importance. The outbreak that occurred in Nigeria (2006-2008) was devastating to the poultry industry and raised public health concerns. In the course of its control, rapid laboratory confirmation of suspected cases in poultry was essential for prompt mobilization of control logistics for depopulation and decontamination of affected premises.