Tirelo Matlala, Rejoice B Maseko, Kedibone G Kgosana
{"title":"Antioxidant properties, anti-nutritive and toxic factors of Terminalia sericea in Onderstepoort.","authors":"Tirelo Matlala, Rejoice B Maseko, Kedibone G Kgosana","doi":"10.4102/ojvr.v91i1.2172","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ojvr.v91i1.2172","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Anti-nutritive and toxic factors in plants adversely affect animal health and production. Hence, the aims of the study were to (1) carry out qualitative and quantitative analysis of these factors in Terminalia sericea that grows abundantly in Onderstepoort; (2) evaluate an affordable, efficient and reliable method that reduces these factors and (3) evaluate antioxidant properties of the phenolic compounds. Thus, sequential organic and aqueous extractions were carried out on T. sericea leaves and feed pellets. Extracts were subjected to qualitative analysis to confirm the presence of 11 phytochemicals. While quantitative analysis of nine phytochemicals was carried out on spectrophotometry, the phenolic extracts were further tested for antioxidant activity on 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay where gallic acid (GA), quercetin (Q) and ascorbic acid (AA) were used as standards. The contents of GA, Q and AA in the phenolic extracts were determined on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Aqueous extraction was an effective method as most phytochemicals were extracted. Nine phytochemicals were qualitatively analysed in T. sericea. The highest contents of 1.97% and 2.37 ± 0.077 mg/g gallic acid equivalent with a significant difference (p 0.05) were determined in oxalates and phenolics, respectively. Furthermore, 83.1% DPPH inhibition (IC50 = 0.0432 µg/mL) was determined relative to the standards (85.27% - 85.96%; IC50 = 0.000009 µg/mL - 0.00042 µg/mL). Subsequently, HPLC results showed that T. sericea contained high concentration of AA (62.5 ± 2.13 µg/mL) to confirm antioxidant properties of the leaves.Contribution: Though T. sericea leaves have antioxidant activities, the alkaloid contents may pose a threat to the livestock. Therefore, farmers around Onderstepoort should protect their livestock from feeding on these leaves.</p>","PeriodicalId":54685,"journal":{"name":"Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11538496/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142570335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nma B Alhaji, Ismail Ayoade Odetokun, Mohammed S Jibrin, Mohammed K Lawan, Jacob Kwaga
{"title":"Antibiotic resistance and mitigation using One Health lens in aquaculture of Northern Nigeria.","authors":"Nma B Alhaji, Ismail Ayoade Odetokun, Mohammed S Jibrin, Mohammed K Lawan, Jacob Kwaga","doi":"10.4102/ojvr.v91i2.2165","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ojvr.v91i2.2165","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess antibiotic usage, residues, resistance and drivers of their emergence in fish aquaculture in Northern Nigeria between 2019 and 2020. A structured questionnaire was administered to 151 randomly selected farmers. Fish, column and wastewater samples were analysed with enzyme link immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for residue detection and quantification. We performed descriptive and analytic statistical analyses. All selected farmers participated, 78.1% used antibiotics in ponds. Majority (77.1%) of the farmers did not know what antibiotic misuse entailed and 73.3% mentioned that antibiotic misuse and overuse cannot predispose to residues and resistance. The most frequently used antibiotics were tetracyclines (TCs) (99.2%). Significant risk routes for residue and resistance spread were: contaminated fish and its products ingestion, direct contact with fish and fomites contaminated as well as water and aerosols contaminated in the pond environment. Significant social and cultural that influenced residue and resistance development include antibiotics misuse/overuse (Odds Ratio [OR] = 3.8; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.62-8.74) as well as poor education and expertise of the farmers (OR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.24-6.94). The mean TCs residues level in column and wastewater was 123.6 ± 18.2 μg/kg-1. Poor knowledge and attitudes regarding antibiotic usage were identified. Adequate antibiotic stewardship should be promoted through farmers' education. Identified social and cultural factors can be mitigated through the 'One Health' approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":54685,"journal":{"name":"Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11538107/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142570336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yahia H Ali, Tenzeil A G Mohieddeen, Muaz M Abdellatif, Baraa Mohammed Ahmed, Intisar K Saeed, Husham M Attaalfadeel, Amani A Ali
{"title":"Rabies in equids in Sudan.","authors":"Yahia H Ali, Tenzeil A G Mohieddeen, Muaz M Abdellatif, Baraa Mohammed Ahmed, Intisar K Saeed, Husham M Attaalfadeel, Amani A Ali","doi":"10.4102/ojvr.v91i1.2181","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ojvr.v91i1.2181","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rabies is endemic in Sudan with continuing outbreaks occurring annually, the most common animals affected are dogs, followed by goats and equids. This work focused on equid rabies, to elucidate the current situation of the disease through analysis of reports of equid rabies outbreaks in Sudan during 2010-2022 supported by laboratory confirmation of the disease. During the study period, 66 animals were affected during 35 equid rabies outbreaks. The highest incidences were found in Al Gezira (30.3%), followed by Darfur (24.2%) and Kordofan (15.2%). The highest incidence rate was observed during 2018 (33.3%), followed by 2015 (16.7%). Within seasons, the highest incidence rate was reported during October - December (33.3%), followed by July - September (30.3%). Chi-square analysis revealed a significant correlation between rabid animals and year, season, and state. Wald statistics demonstrated that year and season had a significant association with the disease. Virus antigen was identified (72.2%) in brain tissues using the fluorescent antibody test. Viral nucleic acid was amplified (n = 6) with a reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay.Contribution: As equids are kept in close contact with humans and other animals in the country, according to the present investigation, equid rabies in Sudan is a potential public health concern, emphasising the importance of implementing effective control measures.</p>","PeriodicalId":54685,"journal":{"name":"Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11447646/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142362464","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Clement A Meseko, Ismaila Shittu, Olayinka O Asala, Adeyinka J Adedeji, Tinuke A Laleye, Ebere R Agusi, Dorcas A Gado, Kayode A Olawuyi, Nicodemus Mkpuma, Chinyere Chinonyerem, Bitrus Inuwa, Nneka Chima, Ruth Akintola, Patrick Nyango, Hellen Luka, Judith Bakam, Rebecca Atai, Dennis Kabantiyok, Mark Samson, ThankGod Daniel, Joshua Oyetunde, Olajide A Owolodun, David D Lazarus, Emmanuel T Obishakin, Pam D Luka, Benshak J Audu, Sunday Makama, Hussaini G Ularamu, Yiltawe S Wungak, James S Ahmed, Reuben A Ocholi, Maryam Muhammad
{"title":"Applied One Health: Nigeria National Veterinary Research Institute COVID-19 pandemic response.","authors":"Clement A Meseko, Ismaila Shittu, Olayinka O Asala, Adeyinka J Adedeji, Tinuke A Laleye, Ebere R Agusi, Dorcas A Gado, Kayode A Olawuyi, Nicodemus Mkpuma, Chinyere Chinonyerem, Bitrus Inuwa, Nneka Chima, Ruth Akintola, Patrick Nyango, Hellen Luka, Judith Bakam, Rebecca Atai, Dennis Kabantiyok, Mark Samson, ThankGod Daniel, Joshua Oyetunde, Olajide A Owolodun, David D Lazarus, Emmanuel T Obishakin, Pam D Luka, Benshak J Audu, Sunday Makama, Hussaini G Ularamu, Yiltawe S Wungak, James S Ahmed, Reuben A Ocholi, Maryam Muhammad","doi":"10.4102/ojvr.v91i2.2156","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ojvr.v91i2.2156","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the death of 7.1 million people worldwide as of 7 July 2024. In Nigeria, the first confirmed case was reported on 27 February 2020, subsequently followed by a nationwide spread of SARS-CoV-2 with morbidity and mortality reaching 267 173 and 3155, respectively, as of 7 July 2024. At the beginning of the pandemic, only a few public health laboratories in Nigeria had the capacity for SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnosis. The National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), already experienced in influenza diagnosis, responded to the public health challenge for the diagnosis of COVID-19 samples from humans. The feat was possible through the collective utilisation of NVRI human and material resources, including biosafety facilities, equipment, reagents and consumables donated by international partners and collaborators. Within 6 months of the reported COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria, over 33 000 samples were processed in NVRI facilities covering five states. Thereafter, many field and laboratory projects were jointly implemented between NVRI and collaborating sectors including the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), which brought together professionals in the health, veterinary, education and socio-sciences. In addition, One Health grants were secured to enhance surveillance for coronavirus and other zoonoses and build capacity in genomics. Bio-surveillance for coronaviruses and other emerging zoonotic pathogens at the human-animal interface was activated and continued with sample collection and analysis in the laboratory for coronaviruses, Lassa fever virus and Mpox. One Health approach has shown that inter-sectoral and multinational collaboration for diagnosis, research and development in animals, and the environment to better understand pathogen spillover events at the human-animal interface is an important global health priority and pandemic preparedness.</p>","PeriodicalId":54685,"journal":{"name":"Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11447676/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142362465","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Prince D Kimpanga, Emery K Taghembwa, Gauthier M Mubenga, Jean-Marie T Makwera, Norbert M Muhongya, Odrade B Chabikuli, Justin M Masumu
{"title":"Factors associated with the rabies vaccination status of dogs in households in Beni City, D.R. Congo.","authors":"Prince D Kimpanga, Emery K Taghembwa, Gauthier M Mubenga, Jean-Marie T Makwera, Norbert M Muhongya, Odrade B Chabikuli, Justin M Masumu","doi":"10.4102/ojvr.v91i2.2168","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ojvr.v91i2.2168","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Human rabies transmitted by dogs still kills thousands of people each year worldwide. Dog bites are common in the city of Beni (Democratic Republic of Congo), which shows low rabies vaccination coverage. This study aimed to determine the factors associated with the rabies vaccination status of dogs. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the town of Beni among dog owners, during a household survey selected using a multistage sampling. The information sought concerned the knowledge and characteristics of the dog owners as well as the vaccination status of these dogs. Logistic regression was used to investigate associations between the vaccination status of the dogs and the main independent factors. Rabies vaccination coverage in Beni was 26% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22% - 30%). The main factors associated with the rabies vaccination status of the dog were primary education level of household head (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:4.8; 95% CI: 1.2- 19.8); university education level of household head (aOR: 5.9; 95% CI: 1.6-22); perceived rabies severity (aOR: 44. 4; 95% CI: 10.4-188), having more than one dog in the household (aOR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.6-4.3); age range 7-12 months (aOR: 0.2; 95% CI: 0.1-0.6) and confined dog breeding (aOR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.1-14.9). The low vaccination coverage in Beni requires mass vaccination campaigns against canine rabies targeting the dog owners with low education levels, those raising more than one dog, with stray dogs or dogs less than 12 months old.</p>","PeriodicalId":54685,"journal":{"name":"Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-08-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11369842/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142114849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rendani V Ndou, Simeon A Materechera, Mulunda Mwanza, Wilfred Otang-Mbeng
{"title":"Perceptions of ethnoveterinary medicine among animal healthcare practitioners in South Africa.","authors":"Rendani V Ndou, Simeon A Materechera, Mulunda Mwanza, Wilfred Otang-Mbeng","doi":"10.4102/ojvr.v91i1.2138","DOIUrl":"10.4102/ojvr.v91i1.2138","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The South African government recognises the value of traditional healing and supports an integrated healthcare system. In the veterinary field, successful integration depends on the perceptions of different animal healthcare practitioners (AHCPs). This study aimed to determine the perceptions of ethnoveterinary medicine among state-employed veterinarians and animal health technicians in the North West province. A mixed model questionnaire and non-probability sampling gathered quantitative and qualitative data from 53 participants. Statistical and thematic analysis processes were applied to quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Overall, 77.4% of participants were aware of ethnoveterinary medicine practices. Approval of the use of ethnoveterinary medicine by farmers was above-average at a mean of 3.57, standard deviation (s.d.) = 1.016 on a 5-point Likert scale. However, 65.9% doubted the effectiveness of ethnoveterinary medicine, which suggests tolerance but no appreciation of its value. The Chi-square test revealed a significant relationship between district municipality of employment and awareness at χ2 = 17.490, df = 3, p = 0.001. Thematic analysis of comments showed that some participants perceived ethnoveterinary medicine as unscientific and interfering with Western veterinary medicine, while some considered it a good complement to Western veterinary medicine. The study also found that 20.8% of AHCPs use ethnoveterinary medicine to treat certain diseases. In conclusion, the lack of appreciation for ethnoveterinary medicine among AHCPs may hinder government-proposed integration, emphasising the need for programmes to improve perceptions among these stakeholders.Contribution: This is first such study to report on perceptions of ethnoveterinary medicine among AHCPs, and assess their readiness for an integrated animal health system.</p>","PeriodicalId":54685,"journal":{"name":"Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11304132/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141890969","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wikus Wiedeman, Akorfa B. Glover, J. Steyl, JH O’dell, H. van Heerden
{"title":"Clinical Coxiella burnetii infection in sable and roan antelope in South Africa","authors":"Wikus Wiedeman, Akorfa B. Glover, J. Steyl, JH O’dell, H. van Heerden","doi":"10.4102/ojvr.v91i1.2151","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ojvr.v91i1.2151","url":null,"abstract":"Various zoonotic microorganisms cause reproductive problems such as abortions and stillbirths, leading to economic losses on farms, particularly within livestock. In South Africa, bovine brucellosis is endemic in cattle, and from 2013–2018, outbreaks of Brucella melitensis occurred in sable. Coxiella burnetii, the agent responsible for the zoonotic disease known as Q-fever and/or coxiellosis, also causes reproductive problems and infects multiple domestic animal species worldwide, including humans. However, little is known of this disease in wildlife. With the expansion of the wildlife industry in South Africa, diseases like brucellosis and coxiellosis can significantly impact herd breeding success because of challenges in identifying, managing and treating diseases in wildlife populations. This study investigated samples obtained from aborted sable and roan antelope, initially suspected to be brucellosis, from game farms in South Africa using serology tests and ruminant VetMAX™ polymerase chain reaction (PCR) abortion kit. The presence of C. burnetii was confirmed with PCR in a sable abortion case, while samples from both sable and roan were seropositive for C. burnetii indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA). This study represents the initial report of C. burnetii infection in sable and roan antelope in South Africa. Epidemiological investigations are crucial to assess the risk of C. burnetii in sable and roan populations, as well as wildlife and livestock in general, across South Africa. This is important in intensive farming practices, particularly as Q-fever, being a zoonotic disease, poses a particular threat to the health of veterinarians and farm workers as well as domestic animals.Contribution: A report of clinical C. burnetii infection in the wildlife industry contributes towards the limited knowledge of this zoonotic disease in South Africa.","PeriodicalId":54685,"journal":{"name":"Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141799169","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Vesna Milićević, Dimitrije Glišić, Ljubiša Veljović, Jovan Mirčeta, Branislav Kureljušić, Milutin Đorđević, Nikola Vasković
{"title":"Evaluation of commercial ELISA kits' diagnostic specificity for FAST diseases in wild animals.","authors":"Vesna Milićević, Dimitrije Glišić, Ljubiša Veljović, Jovan Mirčeta, Branislav Kureljušić, Milutin Đorđević, Nikola Vasković","doi":"10.4102/ojvr.v91i1.2164","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ojvr.v91i1.2164","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Wild animals, sharing pathogens with domestic animals, play a crucial role in the epidemiology of infectious diseases. Sampling from wild animals poses significant challenges, yet it is vital for inclusion in disease surveillance and monitoring programmes. Often, mass surveillance involves serological screenings using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests, typically validated only for domestic animals. This study assessed the diagnostic specificity of commercially available ELISA tests on 342 wild ruminant serum samples and 100 from wild boars. We evaluated three tests for foot-and-mouth disease: two for Peste des petits ruminants, two for Rift Valley fever and one for Capripox virus. Diagnostic specificity was calculated using the formula True Negative/(False Positive + True Negative). Cohen's kappa coefficient measured agreement between tests. Results showed high specificity and agreement across all tests. Specificity for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) ranged from 93.89% for Prionics to 100% for IDEXX, with IDvet showing 99.6%. The highest agreement was between FMD IDvet and IDEXX at 97.1%. Rift Valley fever (RVF) tests, Ingezim and IDvet, achieved specificities of 100% and 98.83%, respectively. The optimal specificity was attained by retesting single reactors and inactivating the complement.Contribution: Commercially available ELISA kits are specific for foot-and-mouth disease and similar transboundary animal diseases and can be used for highly specific wild animal testing.</p>","PeriodicalId":54685,"journal":{"name":"Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2024-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141472656","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
R. P. Bokaba, V. Dermauw, D. Morar-Leather, P. Dorny, Louis Van Schalkwyk, L. Neves
{"title":"An investigation into Toxoplasma gondii at the human-livestock-wildlife interface, South Africa","authors":"R. P. Bokaba, V. Dermauw, D. Morar-Leather, P. Dorny, Louis Van Schalkwyk, L. Neves","doi":"10.4102/ojvr.v91i1.2130","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ojvr.v91i1.2130","url":null,"abstract":"Interface areas shared by humans, domestic and wild animals may serve as high transmission contexts for Toxoplasma gondii. However, knowledge about the epidemiology of T. gondii in such areas is currently limited. The present study assessed the seroprevalence of T. gondii in different hosts from Mpumalanga, South Africa. Furthermore, we investigated the local knowledge and related practices about T. gondii by conducting a questionnaire study in the community. Blood samples were obtained and analysed for T. gondii antibodies using a commercial multispecies latex agglutination kit. The seroprevalence detected in humans (n = 160; patients showing signs of acute febrile illness), cats (n = 9), chickens (n = 336) and goats (n = 358) was 8.8%, 0.0%, 4.2% and 11.2%, respectively. Seroprevalence in impalas (n = 97), kudus (n = 55), wild dogs (n = 54), wildebeests (n = 43), warthogs (n = 97) and zebras (n = 68) was calculated at 5.2%, 7.3%, 100.0%, 20.9%, 13.4% and 9.1%, respectively. The questionnaire revealed that 63.0% of household owners were subsistence farmers, and 35.9% were pet owners. A high level of female participation was found (75.3%) when compared to male participation (24.7%). The results show a low circulation of T. gondii in the domestic cycle and suggest the presence of possible bridges between the wildlife cycle and the surrounding domestic cycle.Contribution: The study contributes to identifying transmission patterns and risk factors of T. gondii within human and animal populations. This topic fits within the scope of the journal presenting original research in veterinary science, with the focus on wild and domestic populations on the African continent on a topic of universal importance.","PeriodicalId":54685,"journal":{"name":"Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140688149","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
António Neto, A. M. Henriques, T. Fagulha, M. Fevereiro
{"title":"Thermostability study of virulent Newcastle disease viruses isolated in Southern Angola","authors":"António Neto, A. M. Henriques, T. Fagulha, M. Fevereiro","doi":"10.4102/ojvr.v91i1.2147","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4102/ojvr.v91i1.2147","url":null,"abstract":"Newcastle disease (ND) is endemic in Angola. Several outbreaks of ND occurred in small backyard flocks and village chickens with high mortality in the southern provinces of the country, Cunene, Namibe and Huíla, in 2016 and 2018. In those years, 15 virulent ND virus (NDV) strains were isolated and grouped within subgenotype 2 of genotype VII (subgenotype VII.2). We now present a study on the thermostability of the isolates, aiming at the selection of the most thermostable strains that, after being genetically modified to reduce their virulence, can be adapted to the production of vaccines less dependent on cold chain and more adequate to protect native chickens against ND. Heat-inactivation kinetics of haemagglutinin (Ha) activity and infectivity (I) of the isolates were determined by incubating aliquots of virus at 56 °C for different time intervals. The two isolates from Namibe province showed a decrease in infectivity of 2 log10 in ≤ 10 min, therefore belonging to the I-phenotype, but while the NB1 isolate from 2016 maintained the Ha activity up to 30 min and was classified as thermostable virus (I−Ha+), the Ha activity of the 2018 NB2 isolate decreased by 2 log2 in 30 min, being classified as a thermolabile virus (I−Ha−). Of the 13 NDV isolates from Huíla province, 10 isolates were classified as thermostable, eight with phenotype I+Ha+ and 2 with phenotype I−Ha+. The other three isolates from this province were classified as thermolabile viruses (I−Ha−).Contribution: This study will contribute to the control and/or eradication of Newcastle disease virus in Angola. The thermostable viral strains isolated from chickens in the country can be genetically manipulated by reverse genetic technology in order to reduce their virulence and use them as a vaccine in the remote areas of Angola.","PeriodicalId":54685,"journal":{"name":"Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.7,"publicationDate":"2024-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140699194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}