{"title":"The trend of aetiologies of chronic emaciation in off-take cattle in Ibadan metropolis","authors":"Simon Akhaine Jeremiah, O. Taiwo, A. S. Akanni","doi":"10.5897/JVMAH2020.0891","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5897/JVMAH2020.0891","url":null,"abstract":"Chronic emaciation reflects the severity and duration of the aetiologies associated with a disease condition. The primary aim of this investigation was to determine the trend and most significant causes of chronic emaciation and cachexia in off-take cattle in Ibadan metropolis and to evaluate the clinico-pathologic findings. The study was a prospective one. In this particular study, causative factors of chronic emaciation were examined. The purposive sampling technique was used for this study which was carried out at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, between September, 2019 and December, 2019. Samples were collected from 100 chronically emaciated off-take cattle of different breeds, sexes and ages, not less than two years old. The diagnostic protocol of complete physical examination and comprehensive laboratory investigations such as parasitology, haematology, serum chemistry and urinalysis amongst others, were followed as well. The study revealed six major groups of aetiologies of chronic emaciation and cachexia. The haematologic parameters of packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), neutrophil and platelet count were statistically significant (p<0.05) with differences between the mean values of emaciated cases compared to control subjects. The serum chemistry parameters of albumin, globulin, bilirubin, aspartate amino transferase (AST) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were statistically significant (p<0.05) with differences between the mean values of emaciated cases and control subjects. The increasing prevalence of dicrocoeliasis and paramphistomiasis as revealed in the study should be of epidemiological and clinical relevance to livestock health institutions and large scale animal practitioners in Nigeria. \u0000 \u0000 Key words: Aetiologies, chronic emaciation, investigation, endoparasitic infection, organ disorders, cattle, Ibadan metropolis.","PeriodicalId":17608,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health","volume":"13 1","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2021-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78601205","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Neli Vilhelmova-Ilieva, I. Sirakov, Rémi Jacquet, S. Quideau, A. Galabov
{"title":"Antiviral activities of ellagitannins against bovine herpesvirus-1, suid alphaherpesvirus-1 and caprine herpesvirus-1","authors":"Neli Vilhelmova-Ilieva, I. Sirakov, Rémi Jacquet, S. Quideau, A. Galabov","doi":"10.5897/JVMAH2020.0857","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5897/JVMAH2020.0857","url":null,"abstract":"In vitro antiviral activity of three ellagitannins - castalagin, vescalagin and grandinin was investigated against replication of three of the most common herpes viruses infecting animals, namely bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1), suid alphaherpesvirus-1 (SuHV-1), and caprine herpesvirus-1 (CapHV-1). The cytopathic effect inhibition test via the neutral red uptake assay in Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cell culture was applied. The highest activity was demonstrated by castalagin followed by vescalagin against replication of SuHV-1, strain A2, with selectivity index values of 336.8 and 309, respectively, which are close to that of acyclovir (SI = 540). The activity of grandinin against the replication of SuHV-1 A2 strain (SI = 40.8) as well as the activity of all three substances against the replication of BoHV-1 strain K22 was lower but still significant (castalagin SI = 45; vescalagin SI = 42.5; grandinin SI = 32.3). Against the E/CH strain of CapHV-1, the three ellagitannins showed a moderate to weak activity: Castalagin SI = 19.3, vescalagin SI = 18.8, grandinin SI = 11.8. The results obtained characterize compounds tested as perspective antivirals. \u0000 \u0000 Key words: bovine herpesvirus-1, suid alphaherpesvirus-1, caprine herpesvirus-1, ellagitannins, alpha acyclovir, antiviral activity.","PeriodicalId":17608,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health","volume":"3 1","pages":"139-143"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75396865","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Olabode Victoria Bose, Barde Israel Joshua, S. Audu, Benson Mercy Namang, Idachaba Stella Ejura, Oguche Moses Ojonugwa, Agada Godwin Ojonugwa, D. Gunya
{"title":"Occurrence and characterization of Salmonella isolates in raw eggs from quail and chicken in selected poultry farms in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria","authors":"Olabode Victoria Bose, Barde Israel Joshua, S. Audu, Benson Mercy Namang, Idachaba Stella Ejura, Oguche Moses Ojonugwa, Agada Godwin Ojonugwa, D. Gunya","doi":"10.5897/jvmah2020.0854","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5897/jvmah2020.0854","url":null,"abstract":"The study was carried out in three Local Government Areas: Jos North, Jos South and Jos East. For each egg type, twelve (12) samples each were collected from five (5) farms. A total of 360 samples were randomly collected consisting of equal number of quail and chicken eggs (180 each). A well-structured questionnaire was used to help analyze the results. Samples were examined for the presence of Salmonella isolates using standard microbiological practices. Isolates were confirmed using biochemical tests, and molecular characterization (using specific primers). Isolates were also tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by disc diffusion method. Results showed that 3(1.7%) chicken eggs were positive for Salmonella infection whereas no positive result was recorded from quail eggs. This resulted in a total prevalence of 0.9%. Bukuru and Zawan (Jos South) were the only farm locations with Salmonella positive cases with 1(8.3%) and 2(16.7%) respectively. Although the present finding has found low prevalence of salmonellosis in chicken and quail egg in the study area, there is need for constant monitoring on regular basis to avert health risks associated with consuming Salmonellae infected poultry products in endemic areas. The three (3) isolates were Salmonella Gallinarum and gave agglutination reaction with polyvalent O antisera and no reaction with polyvalent H antisera. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) results confirmed all the three (3) isolates that were successfully amplified using specific primers, thus supporting phenotypic outcome. The information provided in this report is crucial to all stakeholders including the poultry farmers, consumers and regulators of chicken products. \u0000 \u0000 Key Words: Salmonella; Quail and Chicken eggs; Jos; Nigeria","PeriodicalId":17608,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health","volume":"88 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78531084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gichure Mary, Kitala Philip, Kihurani David, Mande John, M. Njenga
{"title":"Sero-prevalence and risk factors of African Horse Sickness among donkeys in a highland area of Kenya","authors":"Gichure Mary, Kitala Philip, Kihurani David, Mande John, M. Njenga","doi":"10.5897/JVMAH2020.0862","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5897/JVMAH2020.0862","url":null,"abstract":"A study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors for African Horse Sickness (AHS) in donkeys in the highland area of Kiambu County, Kenya. Data on the risk factors was collected using semi-structured questionnaires administered to 146 donkey owners while blood samples collected from 398 donkeys both during the rainy and dry seasons. Antibodies against AHS were detected using competitive antibody Enzyme Linked Immuno – Sorbent Assay (c-ELISA). The estimated sero-prevalence of AHS in donkeys was 35.2 and 27.6% during the rainy and the dry seasons, respectively. The sero-prevalence of AHS in the donkeys that were re-examined during both seasons decreased from 60 to 20% indicating a waning immunity. Age of the donkey (P= 0.02) and presence of water streams (P= 0.03) were significant risk factors of AHS among donkeys. Three seropositive donkeys also showed pulmonary clinical signs of AHS. There was poor agreement (k =0.05) between the c-ELISA and clinical diagnosis of AHS. In conclusion, AHS in donkeys is endemic in the highland area of Kenya. This calls for increased adoption of preventive measures against the disease and justifies the need for future research on clinical and epidemiological patterns of AHS in donkeys in other highland areas. \u0000 \u0000 Key words: African horse sickness, donkeys, highland area, prevalence, risk factors.","PeriodicalId":17608,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health","volume":"29 1","pages":"125-131"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"72710067","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Appraisal of management and biosecurity practices on pig farms in Makurdi, Benue State, North Central Nigeria","authors":"L. D. Ojabo, Moses Ukwu Enya","doi":"10.5897/jvmah2020.0832","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5897/jvmah2020.0832","url":null,"abstract":"The role of biosecurity at farm level is to reduce the risk of introduction of diseases in pig farms and prevent the disease transmission between animals on farms. It is an important management practice that impacts the profitability of pig production ventures. A survey was conducted to assess the biosecurity practices in 50 farms in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, using a structured questionnaire and assessments through direct observations. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages and tables were used to analyse and present data generated. The results revealed that majority of the farms were semi-intensive (54%), small scale producers keeping between 1 and 50 pigs formed 96% of surveyed farms and essentially raising indigenous and crossbreed (72%). Only 12% of the farms were fenced and had gates closed to control unwanted visitors and stray animals. Most of the farms (76%) had no footbaths indicating that the risk of disease introduction was high in such farms. The use of protective clothings and foot wears by employees was only observed on 24% of the farms. Isolation of sick animal was practiced by 38% of respondents while 24% of respondents quarantined new animals to the farm. The use of disinfectants to clean the barns was practiced on 18% of the farms. Overall, there was a low level of farm biosecurity in the study area. Extension services to create awareness on the importance of biosecurity would help limit infections and boost pig production and profitability. \u0000 \u0000 Key words: Biosecurity, diseases, Nigeria, pig farmers, production system.","PeriodicalId":17608,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health","volume":"29 1","pages":"116-124"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75846771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Bakre A., A. Oladele O., O. Oluwayelu D., O. Esan O.
{"title":"Serological survey for avian metapneumovirus in commercial chickens from different climatic zones in Nigeria","authors":"A. Bakre A., A. Oladele O., O. Oluwayelu D., O. Esan O.","doi":"10.5897/jvmah2020.0860","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5897/jvmah2020.0860","url":null,"abstract":"Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) is an important poultry pathogen causing an acute highly contagious upper respiratory tract infection in chickens, and could result in swollen head syndrome. The disease causes significant economic losses in turkey and chicken flocks; however, its existence in the Nigerian poultry industry is not well defined. Also, the influence of weather on the prevalence of the disease is unknown. This study was therefore carried out to determine the prevalence of Avian Metapneumovirus in chicken flocks from different climatic zones of Nigeria during both dry and wet seasons. Eighty commercial chickens (growers and adults) including layer and broiler flock from randomly selected local government areas from each of Sokoto, Plateau and Oyo States of Nigeria, were bled via jugular venipuncture for detection and titration of aMPV antibodies in serum “(n=240 serum samples each from both dry and wet season)”. Assay was carried out using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (ID Screen®, Rue Louis Pasteur-Grabels-France) which was able to determine antibodies against A, B, C and D subtypes of the virus. Out of a total of 480 samples collected, 287 (59.8%) were positive for aMPV antibodies. During the dry season, prevalence was 100, 56.2 and 48.8% in Plateau, Sokoto and Oyo States, respectively, while it was 52.5, 65.2 and 36.2%, respectively during the wet season. Commercial chickens screened during the dry season (68.3%) and mean aMPV antibody titer of 2990.95 had significantly (α<0.001) higher seroprevalence of aMPV antibody compared to those screened in the wet season (51.2%) and mean aMPV antibody titer of 572.98. This study therefore shows that aMPV circulates more in the dry season in the studied areas of Nigeria. \u0000 \u0000 Key words: ELISA, avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), antibodies, weather conditions, seroprevalence, commercial chickens.","PeriodicalId":17608,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health","volume":"7 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"89117901","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tao Wei, Lingen Li, Weihong Lv, Shanjuan Tan, Feng Liu, Jiarui Su, Xiaona Xu, Lei Zhang
{"title":"Factors influencing survival of BALB/c mice and their effects on immune efficacy in an experiment of hepatitis B immunization","authors":"Tao Wei, Lingen Li, Weihong Lv, Shanjuan Tan, Feng Liu, Jiarui Su, Xiaona Xu, Lei Zhang","doi":"10.5897/jvmah2020.0826","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5897/jvmah2020.0826","url":null,"abstract":"There was an accidental death of BALB/c mice in the course of the experiment about hepatitis B immunization. The reasons of the mice breeding failure were analyzed in order to provide some experience for future animal preparation about hepatitis B immunization. Items of all mice including sex, age, dose of hepatitis B vaccine (HepBVac), dose of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG), immunization route, vaccination schedule and the acclimatization period were recorded before the first immunization. Among 334 mice included, the survival rates in different groups of initial ages were 45.9% in 3-week-old, 49.3% in 4-week-old, 51.9% in 5-week-old, 84.8% in 7-week-old and 96.6% in 8-week-old; the survival rate in seven days acclimatization group was 96.6% and 53.3% in one day acclimatization group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that smaller ages (3 weeks, 4 weeks) and acclimatization for only one day were the independent risk factors affecting the survival of mice. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that injection with HBIG, lower dose of HepBVac and hypodermic injection were independent risk factors for low-and non-response to HepB Vac. It is suggested that the mice should be more than five-week-old and must have acclimated to the environment for one week before the experiment begins. The initial ages of the mice have no impact on their immune efficacy. \u0000 \u0000 Key words: BALB/c mice, age, acclimatization, hepatitis B immunization.","PeriodicalId":17608,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health","volume":"3 1","pages":"91-98"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"78998193","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Factors associated with infectious bursal disease vaccination failure in Dar es salaam, Tanzania","authors":"Rukia Saidi, G. Shirima, J. Buza, C. Kasanga","doi":"10.5897/jvmah2020.0834","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5897/jvmah2020.0834","url":null,"abstract":"Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is a viral infection that affects young chicks. The IBD outbreaks in vaccinated chickens are reported in Tanzania frequently. The current study was conducted to find out the possible causes of vaccination failure focusing on knowledge and practices of vaccine sellers and users, the immunogenic potential of currently used vaccine and the phylogenetic relationship between the vaccine and the field strains. A cross-sectional study was performed to gather information on knowledge and practices from 384 poultry farmers and 20 veterinary outlets in Dar es Salaam. Results revealed inadequate knowledge of farmers in vaccine handling and administration and also breaches in the cold chain maintenance by vaccine sellers was apparent. A total of 60 chicks were experimentally vaccinated with Virgo 7 strain vaccine and titers of induced antibodies assessed. The vaccine induced adequate antibodies against IBDV, confirming its immunogenic efficacy. Isolated nucleic acids from the vaccine and field strains were sequenced and result shows that IBDV field isolates, are genetically different from the vaccine strains used in the country. The field isolates belong to the vvIBDV African types, while the vaccines belong to the vvIBDV European/Asian or classical virulent types. Putting together results from this study reveals multiple possible reasons which may contribute to vaccine failures. These include poor vaccine handling by farmers and vaccine sellers and the genetic disparity between the field and vaccine strains. It is therefore recommended that veterinary regulatory authorities should ensure good vaccine handling practices and considering local virus isolates during vaccine development. \u0000 \u0000 Key words: Infectious bursal disease (IBD), Infectious Bursal Disease Virus (vvIBDV), phylogenetic analysis, strains, vaccine, poultry farmers and antibodies.","PeriodicalId":17608,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health","volume":"64 1","pages":"99-109"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88372324","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Dakouo, P. Gil, M. Fofana, M. Niang, M. Coulibaly, Kassim Samak e, A. E., B. Diallo, E. Albina, Flabou Bougoudougou, R. Almeida
{"title":"Efficacy of Newcastle disease vaccines and vaccination protocols commonly used in Mali, West Africa","authors":"M. Dakouo, P. Gil, M. Fofana, M. Niang, M. Coulibaly, Kassim Samak e, A. E., B. Diallo, E. Albina, Flabou Bougoudougou, R. Almeida","doi":"10.5897/JVMAH2019.0817","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5897/JVMAH2019.0817","url":null,"abstract":"Newcastle disease, caused by Avian paramyxovirus -1 (APMV-1), is a devastating disease of poultry that is endemic in many countries worldwide. Several commercial vaccines and protocols are available against the disease and in most cases, they provide good clinical protection. However, despite vaccination, cases of Newcastle disease are often seen in some countries, including Mali in West Africa. Although there is only one serotype of APMV-1, eighteen different genotypes have been identified to date. The vaccine strains used in Mali belong to either genotype I (for example I-2) or II (for example LaSota and Hitchner B1) while the most recently identified isolates in Mali are from genotypes XVII and XVIII. This study was therefore undertaken to determine whether, four currently used vaccination protocols in Mali were able to protect chickens against challenges with a recently isolated genotype XVIII strain from Mali (ML008/09) and genotype IV Herts/33. The results showed clinical protection of the vaccinated birds with no shedding of ML008/09 for all of the vaccination protocols used, while shedding was detected in birds challenged with Herts/33. The data generated in this study will assist those working in the area of Newcastle disease management and control in Mali. \u0000 \u0000 Key words: Avian paramyxovirus-1, Newcastle disease, serology, vaccine, Mali.","PeriodicalId":17608,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health","volume":"353 1","pages":"55-65"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75497092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Clinicians perception and assessment of risk factors for surgical site infections in small animal practice in South-West, Nigeria","authors":"O. Eyarefe, I. M. Adeyemi","doi":"10.5897/JVMAH2019.0791","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5897/JVMAH2019.0791","url":null,"abstract":"This study evaluated the prevalence of Surgical Site Infections (SSIs), the enhancing risk factors in small animal hospitals and clinics, and clinicians’ perception of SSIs in South-west, Nigeria. Ten years (2007-2017) surgical patients’ case records from four government veterinary hospitals were initially studied. Fifty-seven copies of structured pre-tested questionnaires were further administered to practice representatives in government and private small animal facilities in 6 states of South-West, Nigeria. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and Pearson Chi-square at 95% confidence intervals. One hundred and twenty-six out of 584 small animal surgical patients satisfied the inclusion criteria. Eight (6.3%) cases from the case records had SSIs. Fifty out of 57 retrieved questionnaires satisfied the inclusion criteria for analysis. Sixty-four percent of respondents had the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree while 36% had additional degrees. The majority (64%) of respondents had 1 to 3 years practice experience with the rest having above 3 years. Most of the respondents (96%) had good knowledge of SSI, 78.7% usually manage SSI cases and 18% had lost patients due to SSIs. Only 48% of the practices perform surgery in designated operating rooms. The environment (94%), hands of clinicians/caregiver (80%) and patients’ skin (62%) were the main sources of SSIs in respondents’ practice. Few respondents (19.1%) administer prophylactic antibiotics for all surgeries, 6.1% discontinue within 24 h post-surgery, while 75.5% continue antibiotic therapy for 3 to 7 days post-surgery. Lack of facilities (40%) and funds (54%) prevented some clinicians from keeping up with SSIs prevention measures. There was an association between the risk factors of post-operative wound dehiscence (P=0.006), classification of the surgical procedures (P=0.032) and SSI occurrence. Although many small animal practitioners are aware of SSIs risk factors, only few adhere to prevention protocols. \u0000 \u0000 Key words: Surgical site infection (SSI), risk factors, small animal clinicians, perception.","PeriodicalId":17608,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health","volume":"40 1","pages":"66-77"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-06-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76678680","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}