National Veterinary Research Institute Vom Research Articles

An Inventory of Medicinal and Poisonous Plants of the National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria

Traditional medicinal plants are still commonly used for primary healthcare in developing countries, and this study seeks to identify the types of medicinal plants present in our community and document the knowledge of poisonous plants. The study area was divided into four blocks, and the plants within each block were identified through a field survey using Android phones equipped with Google lens and GPS. Local and scientific names of the medicinal plants were identified using photographs, herbaria, and references. The study found a total of 98 medicinal plant species belonging to 41 plant families, with Fabaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Lamiaceae families having the highest number of species. This study is significant for conserving traditional medicinal plants and adding to the inventory of medicinal plants in the area for conservation purposes. Furthermore, it is essential for public health and safety, as proper identification of medicinal plants is crucial to avoid poisoning

Evaluation of Fungal Contamination on Livestock Feed Ingredients of Plants origin Stored for Five Years

The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the extent of Fungal contamination of livestock feed stuffs of plants origin stored for five years at Plateau State College of Agriculture, Garkawa. The feed ingredients were: wheat offals, cowpea husks, cotton seeds, kidney beans seeds, baobab seeds, bambara nut husks, palm kernel cake, baobab seed meal, rice offals, yam peels, ground nut cake and sweet orange peels. Microbiological quality of these feedstuffs were conducted using standard microbiological technique for food and animal feeding stuffs at Microbiology Unit of Central Diagnostic Laboratory at National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria. The study revealed a total of eight fungi spp: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillum spp, Rhizopus spp, Mucor spp, Trichophyton rubrum, Aspergillus spp and Aspergillus flavus. From the findings, cowpea husks, cotton seed, kidney beans seed, baobab seed and bambara nut husks were contaminated by Aspergillus niger (28.57%) as the dominant species of fungi followed by: Aspergillus fumigatus (19.05%) (baobab seed, bambara nut husks, blood meal, and baobab seed meal) and baobab seed (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillium spp). Wheat offals and palm kernel cake had the highest total fungi counts of 4.0 x 102 cfu/g followed by yam peels, sweet orange peel and bone meal with 3.0 x 102 cfu/g and baobab seed meal had 2.2 x 102 cfu/g. To reduce the growth of mould on livestock feed ingredients stored over long periods of time, regular monitoring of moisture levels of these ingredients should be checked before embarking on storage.

Effect of graded levels of guava (Psidium guajava L.) leaf meal on productive performance and meat organoleptic properties of chicken

A study was carried out to determine the productive performance and meat organoleptic properties of finisher broiler fed diets supplemented with graded levels of dried guava leaf meal (DGLM) as a phytogenic feed additive. The study was conducted at the livestock experimental unit of National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Nigeria. Two hundred and forty unsexed 5-weeks-old broilers of similar mean live weight were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary groups with 3 replicates (0, 150g, 300g and 450g of DGLM per 100kg basal diets) over a four weeks finisher period, in completely randomized design. All the diets of iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric and water were served to the birds ad libitum. The results of the finisher phase of the experiment showed that, though the average daily feed intakes of all the treatments were the same, the final body weights of birds fed T4 diets were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those fed other diets. Feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and feed cost/weight gain followed similar trend as in body weight gain. The organoleptic properties (colour, appearance, texture, taste and aroma) of all the treatment groups revealed that DGLM had no adverse effect on broiler meat. The study concluded that the supplementation of DGLM at 300g and 450g/ 100kg enhanced utilization of nutrients in the diets resulting in impressive growth performance, reduced feed cost/weight gain, and high survivability without influencing the organoleptic properties of finisher broiler chickens.

Anti-Diabetic Effect of Methanolic Extract of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth Leaf on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Albino Rats

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is a debilitating metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia due to insufficient insulin or inability of insulin receptors to respond positively to circulating insulin. Prevalence of the disease is on the global increase annually with tendency to rise from 380 to over 592 million by 2035 in developing countries. Toxicity of some Orthodox drugs in use has led to searches for alternative sources for treatment and management of the disease.
 Aim: This work was aimed at investigating the effect of methanolic extract of Albizia lebbeck leaf on Alloxan monohydrate induced diabetic albino rats.
 Materials and Methods: Qualitative Phytochemical analysis of the plant extract was carried out in Biochemistry Division of National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria. Forty female Wistar albino rats were used for the study, divided into five groups (A-E) in two replicates. Group A- negative control (non-induced, not treated) and group B- positive control (induced with Alloxan - 120mg/kg body weight (b.w), administered intra-peritoneally but not treated). Groups C- and D- induced and treated with 100 and 200mg/kg b.w extract respectively. Group E- non-induced but treated with 100mg/kg b.w of extract. Diabetes was established on day 3 after induction. Blood samples were collected through retro-orbital plexus into Fluoride oxalate bottles on days 0, 3, 5 and 9. Glucose was estimated by Glucose Oxidase method.
 Results/Conclusion: Phytochemical analysis of the extract showed the presence of saponins, tannins, steroids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenes. Glucose analysis results showed dose dependence and statistically significant reduction (p<0.05) in blood glucose from 3rd, 5th and 9th days post induction following treatment with Albizia lebbeck in group C- 14.5±3.5, 10.4±4.6 and 8.4±3.7; in group D- 14.0±4.7, 10.2±3.3 and 6.5±2.5; and in group E- 5.0±0.6, 3.7±0.5 and 3.5±0.5 respectively. We conclude that methanolic leaf extract of the plant Albezia lebbeck (L.) Benth, possesses anti-diabetic properties effective on both normal and Alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Retrospective study of dog bites and cases of rabies virus infected dogs in slaughter houses in Makurdi, Nigeria

This study was carried out to obtain a 16-year retrospective data on dog bites/suspected dog rabies cases and to determine the prevalence of rabies antigen in the brains of dogs slaughtered for human consumption in Makurdi, Benue State. Data for retrospective studies (2003 - 2018) of dog bite/suspected rabies cases was collected from both government and private veterinary clinics in Makurdi while dog brain samples were collected from the dog slaughter slab at the mammy market in Makurdi. A total of 139 dog bite/suspected rabies cases were reported between January, 2003 and December, 2018 in the veterinary clinics with majority (55.3%) of the victims being children less than 16-years old. Only 18 (12.2%) of the offending dogs were quarantined at the time of bite, 11 of which died in quarantine. Five samples from the dogs that died in quarantine were later confirmed positive for rabies at the National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Nigeria. Of the 464 brain samples collected from the slaughter slab, 52 (11.2%) tested positive for rabies antigen through the direct fluorescent antibody technique. The presence of rabies antigen in apparently healthy dogs may serve as a source of spread of the virus to the public as most people do not regard bites from healthy dogs as possible exposures. There is need for public health awareness on the health challenges posed by dog bites especially on the possibility of developing rabies from such bites, and the need to promptly report every bite so that proper medical attention can be given. With the world looking at eliminating canine mediated rabies by the year 2030, mass enlightenment programmes regarding rabies and its prevention in Makurdi is strongly recommended to help achieve this goal.
 Keywords: Bites, Dogs, Rabies, Makurdi, Nigeria, Retrospective

Levamisole Efficacy on the Helminths of Dog in National Veterinary Research Institute Vom (NVRI) Environment

Levamisole Efficacy on the Helminths of Dog in National Veterinary Research Institute Vom (NVRI) Environment

Overdose Administration of Thermostable Newcastle Disease Vaccines to Naïve Unvaccinated 6 Weeks Old Cockerels at NVRI, Vom Plateau state, Nigeria

One hundred and fifty (150) unvaccinated 6 weeks old cockerel were divided into six groups of 25 birds each. Pre-vaccination haemagglutination inhibition (HI) mean titers values of 21.4, <21, 21 <21 21 and 21.6 were observed for groups A, B, C, D E and F respectively. Two batches of Newcastle Disease vaccine (NDVI-2) of 50 and 200 doses produced at National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, with EID50 value of 7.7 and 7.6 per dose were administered to groups B and D at 10x (10 times the normal dose) of NDVI-2 via the intra-ocular and intranasal routes. The rest of the groups were administered normal doses of NDVI-2 through the intra-ocular route. Consequently, 40% of the vaccinated birds were randomly selected and sero-monitored twice at 2 and 4 weeks intervals. No observable ND clinical signs were seen in both groups B and D irrespective of the vaccine over dosage. Post-vaccination (HI) immune profiling of the vaccinated flock revealed steady increase in the HI mean titer value per group, while groups B and D which had 10x the normal dose showed high response in comparison to groups that had NDVI-2 standard dose. HI immune profile results 2 weeks post-vaccination revealed HI mean titer values of 23.0, 24.0, 23.2 24.2 23.6 and 24.4 for groups A, B, C, D, E and F respectively; week 4 post-vaccination haemagglutination inhibition mean titer values of 23.6, 25.4, 23.0 25.7 25.2 and 24.0 for the respective groups. Week 8 HI mean titer values of 22.2, 21.8, 22.4 22.5 23.2 and 21.8 were equally observed. While week 12 HI mean titer values of 22.0, 21.8, 22.0 22.0 21.8 and 21.8 were recorded. Post-vaccination HI mean titer values showed that groups B and D with 10x the normal dose had no observable adverse clinical signs but rather high ND antibody response was observed in groups where overdose of standard NDVI-2 vaccine were administered and evidence of ND antibody depletion was equally observed in all the vaccinated groups irrespective of the dose administrated.

Phytochemical and Antibacterial Activities of Combined Leaves and Flower Extracts of English Camphor Basil (Ocimum canum) on Some Selected Bacteria Associated with Skin Infections

Phytochemical and antibacterial activities of combined leaves and flower extracts of English camphor basil (Ocimum canum) on some selected bacteria associated with skin infections was investigated. Plant samples were collected at Mista Ali, Bassa LGA of Plateau State. Phytochemical analysis was carried out in the Biochemistry Laboratory of National Veterinary Research Institute Vom (NVRI), located in Jos South LGA. The test organisms, S. aureus, S. pyogenes, P. aeruginosa, S. marcescens, E. faecalis were obtained from the microbial banks of bacteriology and dermatophilosis sections of NVRI, Vom and were standardized with a Nephelometer. Quantitatively, the leaves and flower ethanolic extracts were tested individually and in combination against bacteria associated with skin infections both extracts showed the presence of steroids, cardiac glycosides and flavonoids while tannins were detected in the leaves extract only. There was significant (p<0.05) variation in the quantity of inherent phytochemical components of the extracts. Cardiac glycoside had the highest concentrations (0.64±0.02 and 0.54±0.02) in the leaves and flower extracts respectively. Leaves extract showed activity against test bacteria except E. faecalis. Strains of S. pyogenes and S. aureus were only susceptible to flower extract. The MBC ranged from 50-100mg/ml for the sensitive bacterial isolates. Fractional Inhibitory Concentration Index (FICI) from the combined extracts varied from 1.89 to 3.97 on the test bacteria that showed lack of interaction (FICI<4). Thus, combination of leaves and flower of O. canum may not exhibit any advantage. However, the plant contain bioactive constituents of pharmacological significance and should be explore for more potentials.

Spatial clustering of pathology submissions during the initial introduction and spread of avian influenza H5N1 in poultry in Nigeria in 2006-2007.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus H5N1 spread throughout Nigeria between 2006 and 2007. Bird samples collected across the country were submitted through the free-of-charge (FOC) program to the National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom (NVRI-Vom) laboratory. The present article describes the spatial distributions and evaluated clustering of the FOC submissions from poultry farms at the global, local, and focal levels between 2006 and 2007 epidemic in Nigeria. Spatial statistics evaluating clustering of the FOC submissions were implemented using the Moran's I test, the purely spatial cluster analysis with the SaTScan Poisson model, and the Bithell's linear score test. A significant global clustering of the FOC submissions was observed. Significant local clusters of submissions were observed in the North-East, North-Central, and South-West zones. There was significant decline in FOC submissions with increasing distance from NVRI-Vom. These results indicated that the geographic area of influence of the FOC submission program in Nigeria was limited to regions closer to the diagnostic laboratory. This work provides a detailed insight into the surveillance activities during the HPAI outbreaks in Nigeria, and should assist policy-makers and field veterinarians to improve the effectiveness of national eradication plans in the face of any outbreak of animal diseases.

Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Salmonella Isolates from Commercial Poultry and Poultry Farm-handlers in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

Aim: This study was designed to investigate the prevalence and antibiotic resistance profile of Salmonella serovars from poultry and poultry farm-handlers. Study Design: Investigative Place and Duration of Study: Samples were analyzed at the Central Diagnostic Laboratory, National Veterinary Research Institute Vom and Department of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. This work was carried out between August 2012 and April 2013. Methodology: Samples were pre-enriched in buffered peptone water followed by selective enrichment using Selenite Faeces Broth and Rappaport-Vassilidis Broth. Isolation and identification was made by inoculating the selectively enriched sample on to SalmonellaOriginal Research Article British Microbiology Research Journal, 4(4): 462-479, 2014 463 Shigella agar, Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate agar and Brilliant Green agar followed by confirmation of presumptive colonies using different biochemical tests and analytical profile index 20 E. Polyvalent (O) and (H) Salmonella antisera were used for serotyping the Salmonella isolates. The CLSI, 2010 method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing Results: A prevalence rate of 10.9% was observed from the 450 samples. Serovars of Salmonella detected were S. Gallinarum 57.2%, S. Typhimurium 8.2%, S. Typhi 20.4%, S. Pullorum 6.1%, S. Enteritidis 6.1% and S. Paratyphi A 2.0%. Statistically, significant difference (p<0.05) was observed between isolates and occurrence at different sample sites. The isolates were 100% resistant to oxacillin, 96.0% to ampicillin, 93.9% tylosin, 83.7 5 ceftazidime and 63.3% oxytetracycline. Five of the isolates were 100% resistant to more than five different antibiotics. There was statistical significant difference (p<0.01) in antimicrobial resistance patterns exhibited by the serovars. However, the isolates showed sensitivity to gentamycin 100%, gendox 83.7%, ciprofloxacin 81.6% and amoxicillinclavulanic acid 57.1%. Conclusion: The study revealed emergence of multiple-drug resistant Salmonella serovars from poultry and poultry farm handlers. We therefore suggest further epidemiological studies.

Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex in Lung Specimen of Slaughtered Cattle and Goats by a DNA Based multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction and Ziehl-Neelsen Methods In Jos, Nigeria

Aims: Determine percentage positive by the Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stain; detect 245 base pair fragment of the IS6110 gene for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex using INS1 and INS2 primers and 500 base pair fragment of the RvD1Rv2031c gene for M. bovis using the Research Article British Microbiology Research Journal, 3(4): 550-556, 2013 551 JB21 and JB22 primers by a multiplex PCR (M-PCR);compare number of positive samples detected by ZN stain and M–PCR; determine prevalence rates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex between the two animal species studied and estimate the rates of detecting agents of tuberculosis using Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) technique and a MultiplexPolymerase Chain Reaction (M-PCR) in lung samples of slaughtered cattle and goats in the study area. Place and Duration of Study: Samples were analyzed at the Central Diagnostic Laboratory and Molecular Biology Departments of the National Veterinary Research Institute Vom. This work was carried out between July-October 2010. Study Design: Experimental. Methodology: Our PCR amplified the 245 base pair (bp) fragment which is specific for this group of Mycobacterium while ZN exploited the acid-fast nature of the organisms. We examined one hundred lung samples, of cattle and goats, fifty for each. Results: Out of the lung samples from cattle, 15 (30%) were positive by ZN while 9 (18%) were positive by PCR. Among the ZN negative samples from cattle, one was positive by M-PCR. All the 50 samples from goats were negative by the two diagnostic tools used in this study. Results obtained in this study showed 0% TB infection in goats and 18% in cattle. Conclusion: The study showed a high infection rate of tuberculosis among cattle sampled in the area of study, as such, preventive and curative measures have to be stepped up in controlling the zoonosis.

Spatio-temporal epidemiology of highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N1) outbreaks in Nigeria, 2006–2008

From 2006 to 2008, outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) virus of the H5N1 subtype occurred among poultry in Nigeria. We described the spatio-temporal patterns of the HPAI H5N1 outbreaks in Nigeria. Data of suspected and laboratory confirmed outbreaks maintained at the National Veterinary Research Institute Vom was analyzed using descriptive and exploratory analyses, GIS mapping, global and local spatial statistical analyses using the Cuzick–Edwards’ (C–E) test and SaTScan Space-Time Scan Statistic. A total of 1654 suspected outbreaks were reported from 32 of the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), 299 were confirmed HPAI H5N1 positive from 27 states and FCT. The outbreaks occurred as three distinct epidemic waves with peak periods of January–March mainly in the North-West, North-Central and North-East regions during 2006 and 2007 and July–September in the South-West and South-South regions in 2007. Three spatio-temporal clusters were identified extending across States and international borders, consistent with disease transmission occurring through local and long-distance spread. This calls for enhanced strategies by the states and regional authorities to improve surveillance, prevention and control measures at the states, national and international levels.

Risk Factors Associated With Canine Parvovirus Enteritis In Vom And Environs

A study was carried out to assess the effects of age, sex, breed, location of cases and tick infestation on the prevalence of canine parvovirus (CPV) enteritis in dogs treated in the Veterinary Clinic of the National Veterinary Research Institute Vom between July 1999 and July 2002. A case control study design was used to assess the association between the risk factors and the disease. Out of 3075 dogs examined during the period, 87 had CPV enteritis (2.8%). Dogs between 0 to 5 months of age had elevated risk (OR = 25.14; 95% CI = 9.74, 67.26%). Other factors did not significantly affect the occurrence of the disease. The disease was most prevalent in May and June with a lesser peak in January. Age and seasonal variation should be considered in planning a control programme .

Analyses of swine tissue samples for evidence of African swine fever in pig producing states of Nigeria

This paper reports the current situation of African swine fever (ASF) that devastated the pig production enterprise of Nigeria. The disease was confirmed through laboratory tests in 18 States of Nigeria covering of the southeast, southwest, southsouth and central states of the country. The samples were derived from the various submissions made by state veterinary authorities to the National Veterinary Research Institute Vom. The staff of the National Veterinary Research Institute Vom also collected a few others, during field investigations. Tests performed for antibody detection of ASFV were indirect ELISA and Immunoblotting assays according to standard protocols of the Office of International Epizootics. The suspect tissues were also tested for ASFV genomic DNA by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, while DNA extraction was performed using guanidinum thiocyanate method as well as immunoflourescence technique. A total of 530 serum samples were collected and tested from cross section of pigs from 23 states of the Federation, covering a large segment of the swine producing states of the country. Overall prevalence rate as determined by indirect ELISA test and immunoblotting assay is 34.3%. Prevalence was higher in Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Ogun, Enugu, Gombe and Kebbi states. Most of the tissue samples tested were positive for ASF virus using a combination of direct immunoflourescence and polymerase chain reaction. Emphasis is dwelt on the epidemiology and the practical problems associated with control of the disease. Our capacity to control ASF in the coming years depends largely on careful consideration of this report with proper partnership between government, pig farmers and veterinarians. Animal Production Research Advances Vol. 2(2) 2006: 70-75