Regular Deworming Research Articles

Phenotypic characterization of captive ponies in delft island, Sri Lanka

he objective of the study was to phenotypically characterize the captive ponies that are present in Delft Island, Sri Lanka. Four qualitative traits and sixteen quantitative traits were measured in 10 ponies (9 males and 1 female). Collected data were statistically analyzed. The body weight of each pony was estimated, and information was collected regarding their management. Mean and Standard Deviation for each quantitative trait in centimeters were: face length 39.70 ± 4.22, face width 16.00 ± 1.67, ear length (left) 14.90 ± 0.92, ear length (right) 14.95 ± 0.79, muzzle circumference 39.55 ± 3.26, neck length 43.90 ± 2.39, neck circumference (at throat latch) 58.70 ± 5.46, neck circumference (at base) 78.85 ± 7.93, neck circumference (at midpoint) 65.75 ± 13.92, withers height 112.40 ± 5.44, rump height 109.60 ± 5.39, body length 67.45 ± 8.63, heart girth 119.30 ± 11.41, barrel girth 138.90 ± 12.27, cannon bone circumference (front) 18.90 ± 1.70, and cannon bone circumference (rear) 23.65 ± 1.55. Average weight was 85.66 ± 17.41 kg. Nine out of the 10 ponies were more than 7 years old. All the ponies had brown color coats with no markings on their bodies. The feral ponies present in the island are captured at a young age using ropes for taming. The expected lifespan is 20 years. The captive ponies are allowed free grazing and are not fed with concentrates or supplements. No regular deworming, vaccination or grooming is done. The captured ponies are not allowed to breed. Starvation and death during dry seasons are the most common issues.

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis among school-aged children in Myanmar: the result of 14 years after the implementation of deworming

Background: Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections were the most common infections among school-aged children (SAC) in Myanmar. The routine school-based mass drug administration (MDA) with twice a year frequency has started in 2005.Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence and intensity of STH infection among SAC as the follow-up study after 14 years of MDA. In August 2019, 1000 school-aged children attending Grades 4 and 5 from four geographical regions across the country were enrolled using a multi-stage sample random sampling. The anthropometry and hemoglobin concentration was measured, and stool specimens were detected parasite eggs using the Kato Katz technique.Results: The intensity of infection was classified according to WHO criteria. Infection prevalence was 17% for any STH infections, 10.4% for A. lumbricoides, 17% for T. trichiura, and 2% for the hookworm. All STH infections were virtually not detected in the hilly region. The highest prevalence of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura infection were seen in the coastal region. The hookworm was seen only in the plain region. The underweight prevalence was 9% and anemia prevalence was 38% while there were huge differences across regions. The finding showed that STH infections continued to be endemic among SAC throughout the country except for the hilly region after 14 years of MDA.Conclusions: The regular deworming program should be reduced to once a year frequency in Myanmar. Triple-dose regimens should be considered to eliminate the whipworms. The burden of anemia among SAC should also be addressed in cooperation with MDA.

Dipylidium caninum Infection in Dogs and Humans in Bishoftu Town, Ethiopia.

Dogs are reservoirs of many zoonotic diseases. In Ethiopia, the majority of owned dogs are semi-stray, freely roaming in the community. Studies reporting dog borne zoonotic diseases are scarce in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to assess Dipylidium caninum infection in dogs and in children with gastrointestinal complaints in Bishoftu Town, Oromia. We collected 384 fecal samples from dogs presented to veterinary teaching hospital and 259 stool samples from children presented to Bishoftu Hospital for clinical examination. Samples were first macroscopically examined for the presence of proglotids, followed by microscopic examination for the presence of eggs with the direct smear following flotation technique. The prevalence of D. caninum was 21% (95% CI: 16.6–24.9) in dogs. Although not statistically significant (p > 0.05), higher prevalence was detected in adult (11.9%), local breed (17.7%), and male (12.6%) dogs compared to young (8.59%), exotic breed (2.86%), and females (7.81%), respectively. Dipylidium caninum was detected in a stool sample obtained from a three year-old child (0.4%, 1/259). This study showed that the prevalence of D. caninum in the dogs is high while it is rare in children. Although the prevalence in children is negligible in this study, the high proportion of infected dogs can pose a significant risk of infection in the general human population. Public health risk can be reduced by eliminating the semi-roaming of owned dogs and proper management of dogs with regular deworming and prevention of environmental contamination with dog feces. Similarly, raising public awareness about dog borne zoonoses and avoiding contact with dog feces are important.

Assessment of a 10-year dog deworming programme on the transmission of Echinococcus multilocularis in Tibetan communities in Sichuan Province, China

Human alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is considered a neglected zoonotic disease by the World Health Organization (WHO). The causative pathogen, Echinococcus multilocularis, lives as an adult tapeworm in the intestinal tract of canines. AE was identified as an emerging public health issue in Tibetan communities of Shiqu County 20 years ago. On St. Lawrence Island, Alaska (USA), in the 1980s peri-domestic transmission of E. multilocularis was controlled by regular deworming of owned dogs over a 10-year period. In Tibetan communities, on the Tibetan Plateau, control of E. multilocularis transmission is challenging due to the continental setting, complex epidemiology, disease ecology, geography, and socio-cultural factors. However, a control programme based on deworming owned dogs using praziquental (PZQ) has been carried out since 2006. Assessment was conducted in townships where baseline data were available 10 years prior. Purging of dogs by oral administration of arecoline was used to measure E. multilocularis prevalence, trapping small mammals around communities was employed to assess the change in infection of pikas and voles, and analysis of human AE abdominal ultrasound-based data was used to understand the change in prevalence in the past decade. In all three evaluated townships, the E. multilocularis prevalence in owned dogs was significantly (P < 0.01) reduced from 7.23% (25/346) during 2000–2003 to 0.55% (1/181) in 2016. Human AE ultrasound-based prevalence (adjusted for age and sex) in five evaluated townships decreased significantly (P < 0.01) from 6.25% (200/3,198) during 2000–2002 to 3.67% (706/19,247) during 2015–2017. The 2016 prevalence of E. multilocularis metacestodes in small mammal intermediate hosts was not significantly different from the prevalence in 2008. The control programme was effective in reducing E. multilocularis infection in owned dogs and human AE prevalence, but did not significantly impact infection in wildlife intermediate hosts.

Prevalence of soil-transmitted helminthes and its association with water, sanitation, hygiene among schoolchildren and barriers for schools level prevention in technology villages of Hawassa University: Mixed design.

BackgroundSoil-transmitted helminths (STH) remain one of the most common causes of morbidity among children in Ethiopia. Assessment of the magnitude of STH and its association with water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and identify barriers for school-level prevention assist public health planners to prioritize promotion strategies and is a basic step for intervention. However, there is a lack of evidence on the prevalence of STH and its association with WASH and barriers for school-level prevention among schoolchildren.ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of STH and its association with WASH and identify barriers for school level prevention in technology village of Hawassa University; 2019.MethodsAn institution-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 1080 schoolchildren from September 5 to October 15, 2019. A two-stage cluster and purposive sampling technique were used to draw the study participants. A pretested, structured questionnaire, observation checklist, and in-depth interview were used to collect the data. Two grams of stool samples were collected from each study participant and examined using direct wet mount and Kato-Katz technique. Data were entered into Epi Info version 7 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. Both bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis method by Atlas-Ti software and presented in narratives.ResultsThe overall prevalence of STHs was 23.1% (95% CI = 21.4, 27.6). The identified predictors of STHs were large family size (AOR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.53–3.99), absence of separate toilet room for male and female (AOR = 3.33; 95% CI = 1.91–5.79), toilet not easy to clean (AOR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.44–3.33), inadequate knowledge about STHs (AOR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.07–3.44) and children who had travelled greater than 100 meters to access toilet (AOR = 3.45; 95% CI = 2.24–8.92). These results were supported by the individual, institutional, socio-economic and cultural qualitative results.ConclusionThe STHs was moderate public health concerns. Reinforcing the existing fragile water, sanitation and hygiene programs and regular deworming of schoolchildren may support to reduce the burden of STHs. Also, increasing modern family planning methods utilization to decrease family size is recommended.

Health and Disease among Primary School Children: A Snapshot from Rural Bangladesh

Aims: There is scarcity of research on the health and disease status of primary school children in Bangladesh. This study aimed at assessing prevalence of medical diseases and surgical conditions among rural primary school children.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted in 2018 on 2 public and 2 private primary school children in Bakila and Gogra village of Chandpur district. History of immunization, deworming, major current or previous illness, allergy, trauma, surgery and drug history were recorded. Anthropometric measurements, milestones of development, body build and nutritional status; and other general and systemic examinations were carried out. Comparison was made between the public and private primary school students.&#x0D; Results: 227 primary school children (99 public school students and 128 private school students), were evaluated. Median age was 7 years and male to female ratio was 1.39:1. At least one medical disease or surgical condition was present in 146 (64.3%) students. Medical disease was present in 114 (50.2%) and surgical condition was present in 40 (17.6%) children. About 96.48% children completed immunization and 76.65% children were having regular deworming. Overall, 19.38% children were underweighted and 24.23% children were stunted. Bronchial asthma was the most common medical disease (11.89%), followed by rhinitis (8.37%) and food allergy (5.73%). Dental caries was the most common surgical condition, followed by tonsillitis (4.41%) and chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM), 2.64%.&#x0D; Conclusion: A diverse medical diseases and surgical conditions were prevalent among primary school children and most of these are preventable. These did not vary significantly between public and private schools.

Prevalence and Determinants of Soil-Transmitted Helminthic Infections among School Children at Goro Primary School, South West Shewa, Ethiopia.

Background Soil-transmitted helminths (STH)/geohelminths are human parasitic nematodes which need soil contact for their egg development and become infectious. It is widely prevalent in developing countries. In Ethiopia, too, the same problem exists although the prevalence varies from place to place depending on the presence of risk factors and hygienic status of the community. Therefore, the current study is designed to assess the prevalence and determinants of STH among school children at Goro Primary School of Southwest Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study design was employed from April to June 2019. The stool samples were collected in prelabeled, clean, and leak-proof stool cups and examined immediately. Direct wet mount and formalin ether concentration techniques were utilized to detect the STHs in a stool sample collected from all study subjects. A total of 387 stool samples were analyzed. Moreover, community- and individual-level risk factors associated with STH infection were assessed using semistructured questionnaire. Results The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections observed at the study area was 15.8% (n = 61/387). Among these, the most abundant STH parasite was hookworms (n = 39/61, 63.93%) followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (n = 22/61, 36.06%). Factors independently associated with soil-transmitted helminth infections were children from illiterate mother (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1-4.8, P = 0.021), lack of habit of wearing shoes (AOR = 4.1, 95% CI: 2.0-8.5, P < 0.001), lack of frequent handwashing practice before meal (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2-4.5, P = 0.019), use of unprotected drinking water (AOR = 39, CI:3.9-393, P = 0.002), and presence of dirt in their fingernails (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.8-6.9, P < 0.001). Conclusions STH infection observed in the study area could be classified into the low-risk area group (according to the World Health Organization classification) calling for none or case-by-case treatment. Thus, enhancing awareness of the community in the study area on how to keep personal hygiene and environmental sanitation is quite important to keep the burden to a controllable level, besides implementation of regular deworming program in the locality.

Zoonotic helminth parasites of dog in Bishoftu Town, central Ethiopia: prevalence, dog owners’ knowledge and control practice

Many dog helminth parasites are endemic in many countries of the world posing public health threat. However, they were neglected and less studied in the developing countries such as Ethiopia. This cross-sectional study carried out from November 2016 to April 2017 in Bishoftu town aims at estimating the prevalence of major gastrointestinal tract (GIT) zoonotic helminth parasites of dogs and assessing dog owner’s knowledge and control practice against zoonotic dog parasites. Accordingly, the whole area of Bishoftu town was divided into 60 blocks, of which 10 were randomly selected for the study. A structured questionnaire was prepared in English, pretested and administered face to face to 140 dog-owning respondents using two local languages: Amharic and Affan Oromo. Fecal samples collected from 238 dogs after administration of ivermectin and praziquantel at recommended doses to increase sensitivity of detection and to get favorable cooperation of owners. For case detection flotation technique is used for parasite egg identification and parasite morphology for parasites observed in the feces. Pearson’s Chi-square (χ2), p-values and 95% confidence intervals calculated to measure association. Four zoonotic helminthic parasites detected with combined infection prevalence of 59.24% (95% CI: 52.84-65.35). The prevalence of each was 33.61% (95% CI: 27.86 – 39.90) Ancylostoma (A.) caninum, 29.41% (95% CI: 23.93 – 35.56) Toxocara (T.) canis, 19.75% (95% CI: 15.14 – 25.34) Dipylidium (D.) caninum, and 2.10% (95% CI: 0.87 – 4.98) Echinococcus (E.) granulosus. The prevalence of A. caninum and T. canis was significantly higher than the prevalence of D. caninum and E. granulosus. Mixed infection with two parasites recorded in 13.87% whereas concurrent infection with three parasites registered in 5.88% of the dogs. Statistically significant association (p&lt;0.05) was observed between overall infection prevalence and the sex of dogs, where infection prevalence of A. caninum (p&lt;0.001) and T. canis (p&lt;0.001) were significantly higher in male than in female dogs. The questionnaire survey revealed that only 40% of the respondents were aware of the transmission of zoonotic helminthes to humans while none know the route of transmission. Of all the respondents, 58.57% reported regular deworming of their dogs, at least twice per annum, whereas 47.86% of respondents clean and dispose dogs’ excrement with household garbage and 88.57% of dog owners remove dogs’ excrement without using glove, facemasks, boots and/or coverall/gown for personal protection In relative terms high prevalence of zoonotic helminth parasites infestation was observed in owned dog population with poor awareness about route of transmission. Thus, it is advisable to create awareness of dog owners in waste management and use of Personal Protective Equipment’s (PPE).&#x0D; Keywords: Ancylostoma; Bishoftu; Dipylidium; Echinococcus; Ethiopia; Toxocara

Association of nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene practices with children\u2019s nutritional status, intestinal parasitic infections and diarrhoea in rural Nepal: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundProviding universal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in remote Nepal remains challenging. We investigated WASH conditions and their association with children’s nutritional status, intestinal parasitic infections and diarrhoea.MethodsData was collected through a cross-sectional survey of 1427 households, including questionnaires, observations, stool analysis, anthropometry, water quality measurements, and assessment of clinical signs of nutritional deficiencies.ResultsWe found 55.5% of children were undernourished, 63.9% had clinical signs of nutritional deficiencies, 51.1% had intestinal parasitic infections and 52.2% had diarrhoea. Multivariate mixed logistic regression analysis revealed a statistically significant negative association between undernutrition and socio-economic level, with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of 0.70 (95%-CI = 0.43–1.11) and 0.43 (95%-CI = 0.25–0.75) for high and intermediate levels compared to the lowest level. Undernutrition was negatively associated with regular deworming of children (AOR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.20–0.94), food supplements (AOR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.38–0.84), household’s own food production (AOR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.46–0.97) and personal hygiene (AOR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.51–1.35). Nutritional deficiency was negatively associated with handwashing after cleaning a baby’s bottom (AOR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.40–0.92) and cleanliness of caregiver’s hands (AOR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.41–0.89) and positively associated with keeping animals inside the house overnight (AOR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.17–2.51) and the presence of total coliforms in the drinking water source (AOR = 10.44, 95% CI = 1.61–67.4). Diarrhoea was positively associated with intermittent water supply (AOR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.18–6.31) and the presence of a mud floor (AOR = 2.29, 95% CI = 1.20–4.37) and negatively associated with cleanliness of the toilet (AOR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.47–0.98), and the cleanliness of children’s hands (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.40–0.96).ConclusionsOur study found, more than half of the survey children were in a critical health condition. Results suggest that child health improvements are dependent on multiple public health improvements, including providing better nutrition, promoting adequate hygiene behaviour, such as handwashing, keeping the latrines clean, keeping the household environment free from animal faeces and assuring a reliable supply of safe water.

Review on parasites of wild and captive giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca): Diversity, disease and conservation impact.

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is a rare species with a small global population size, and lives in the wild in only a few fragmented mountain ranges of Southwest China. Parasitic infections are among the important causes of death of giant pandas that hamper their group development. We reviewed the parasitic infections prevailing in giant pandas, and the parasitic diversity, diseases and their impact on conservation of this animal. A total of 35 parasitic species were documented in giant pandas, belonging to nematode (n = 6), trematode (n = 1), cestode (n = 2), protozoa (n = 9), and ectozoa (n = 17 (tick = 13, mite = 2, and flea = 2)). Among them, Baylisascaris schroederi had the highest prevalence and was the leading cause of death for giant pandas. Some parasites caused asymptomatic infections in giant pandas, and their health implications for the pandas remain unknown. As a whole, parasites are reported to be an important threat to the conservation of the giant pandas. Regular deworming and environmental disinfection appear to be effective ways to prevent captive giant pandas from parasitoses. In wild panda populations, parasitic control measures are suggested to include detailed examination of the ecology of the host-parasite assembly, with particular attention to density-dependent transmission. The parasitic pathogenesis and detection methods together with their biology, epidemiology, treatment, prevention and control need to be further studied for better protection of giant pandas from parasitoses.

Prevalence and risk factors of helminths' infection of dogs in three towns of west Shoa zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia

Dogs are the most common companion animals worldwide. They are among the main reservoirs, carriers, and transmitters of many infectious and parasitic diseases. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ambo, Bako and Gojo towns of West Shoa Zone, from January 2015 to June 2017 with the objectives of estimating the prevalence and associated risk factors of gastrointestinal helminths of dogs. Chi-square and logistic regression analyses were used for data analysis. P-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Out of 310 dogs sampled and subjected to faecal examination using flotation and sedimentation methods, 158 (50.97%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 45.26-56.66%) of the dogs were positive for helminths infection. The study identified Ancylostoma caninum (36.8%), Toxocara canis (9.7%), Uncinaria spp. (4.5%), Physaloptera canis (4.5%), Salminicola canis (3.22%), Oncicola canis (1.9%), Spirocerca lupi (0.3%), T. leonina (1.0%), Trichuris vulpis (0.97%), Diphyllobothrium (1.29%), Taenid spp. (0.3%), and Mesocestoides spp. (0.3%). Out of the 243 male and 67 female dogs examined, 123 males (50.6%) and 35 females (52.2%) were positive for one or more gastrointestinal helminths. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the overall prevalence of helminth infections between sexes, age, breed, district and management of dogs. From the total positive dogs, 123 (39.7%) had a single infection while 36 (11.6%) of dogs had mixed infection. The odds of acquiring T. canis was 4.88 times higher in dogs of Gojo (p=0.004) as compared to Bako town. The probability of acquiring T. canis infection was 4.49 times higher in juvenile dogs (p=0.012) as compared to adult dogs. The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths of dogs in Ambo, Bako, and Gojo towns was high. The diversity of the helminth parasites detected together with their zoonotic importance calls for the need of regular deworming and training of dog owners to create awareness about transmission, clinical signs, prevention, and control of helminth parasites.

Soil-Transmitted Helminths: Prevalence and Intensity of Some Soil Transmitted Nematodes among Pupils in Selected Primary Schools in Penka-Michel Sub-division, West-Cameroon

Background: Soil transmitted helminth infections are Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) affecting mostly pupils in developing countries. They seem to lose more and more interest due to the fact that resources and research are being justifiably diverted to more recent priorities such as HIV/AIDS, cancers, tuberculosis and malaria. As a result, specific data on STH infections is often lacking.&#x0D; Aims: To evaluate the prevalence and intensities of STH parasites among pupils in Penka-Michel Sub-division, West-Cameroon in order to refresh information for a better management of these parasitic diseases.&#x0D; Settings and Design: A cross-sectional analytic study was conducted from October to December 2018 in Penka-Michel Sub-division.&#x0D; Methods and Materials: To evaluate the prevalence and intensities of STH parasites among pupils, seven hundred and twenty nine (729) stool samples were collected from pupils aged 4 to 14 years old in 23 randomly selected primary schools. The samples were analysed using the concentration method of Willis and the Mc Master technic.&#x0D; Results: Out of 729 pupils enrolled, 107 (14.7%) were infected with one or more STH parasite species. The nematodes species identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (9.9%), Trichuris trichiura (5.3%) and hookworms (2.2%). Pupils aged from 8 to 11 years were the most infected (17.3%). Statistically females were more infected with hookworms (2.2%). These parasites occurred as monospecific (84.11%), bi-specific (13.0%) and tri-specific (2.80%) infections. The mean fecal eggs count was 3652.78±8715.93, 266.67±273.81 and 118.75±72.74 for A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura and hookworm respectively. According to faecal concentration of eggs, 88.18% of infections were light.&#x0D; Conclusion: These results show the necessity of sustainable application of regular deworming, health education and improvements in sanitation among pupils in Penka-Michel Sub-division.

Prevalence of Soil-Transmitted Helminth and Schistosoma mansoni Infection and Their Associated Factors among Hiruy Abaregawi Primary School Children, Rural Debre Tabor, North West Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background In Ethiopia, 25.3 and 12.3 million school-age children are living in soil-transmitted helminth and schistosomiasis endemic areas, respectively. The school children are at risk for both soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni due to juvenile activities like walking barefoot, playing with dirty objects that might be contaminated with feces, and fetching of unclean water for drinking. There are no data that indicate the status of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni among children at Hiruy Abaregawi primary school. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth and Schistosoma mansoni infection among Hiruy Abaregawi primary school children. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April, 2019, at Hiruy Abaregawi primary school, Rural Debre Tabor, North West Ethiopia. A total of 340 students were included in the study. Informed written consent was obtained from the children's parent. Systematic sampling technique was used to select the children. About 2 grams of stool samples was collected and transported to Debre Tabor University Microbiology and Parasitology Teaching Laboratory to conduct the Kato-Katz technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Variables with a p value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni was 51/340 (15%). Among the identified parasites, Ascaris lumbricoides accounts for 28 (8.2%), hookworm 13 (3.8%), Trichuris trichiura 4 (1.2%), and Schistosoma mansoni 6 (1.8%). In this study, 24 (7%) of Ascaris lumbricoides-, 11 (3.2%) of hookworm-, 4 (1.2%) of Trichuris trichiura-, and 5 (1.5%) of Schistosoma mansoni-infected children showed light infections and no heavy infection in both soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni was observed. Finger nail trimming status, hand washing before eating, availability of toilet at home, educational level of students, and sex of students were factors associated with soil-transmitted helminth infection. Conclusion and Recommendations. In this study, the low prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths and Schistosoma mansoni was observed. The combination of regular mass deworming program and health information on risk factors should be strengthened for the prevention and control of soil-transmitted helminth infection.

Major Causes of Organs and Carcass Condemnation and Financial Losses in Cattle Slaughtered at Adama Municipal Abattoir, Adama, Ethiopia

Abattoirs play an important role in examining signs, lesions or specific diseases of surveillance of various diseases that have human and animal health importance. Surveillance at the abattoir allows for all animals passing into the human food chain to be inspected. Monitoring and other conditions at slaughter have been recognized as one way of assessing the disease status of the herd. Abattoir data can be a source of valuable information on the incidence and epidemiology of animal disease conditions, to estimate the financial losses incurred through the condemnation of affected organs. The study was conducted from November 2016 to April 2017 in Adama municipal abattoir, at Adama. The aim of this study was to identify the significant causes of organ condemnation and to estimate the magnitude of the direct financial losses attributed to the condemned organs from cattle slaughtered in the abattoir. Standard antemortem and postmortem inspection procedures were followed throughout the study. The antemortem inspection was carried out on arrival and in the lairage and abnormalities encountered was recorded, followed by postmortem examination through their identification number to detect gross abnormalities and aesthetic reasons that rendered each organ to be rejected from the domestic market. The estimation of financial losses is based on the annual slaughter capacity of the abattoir and considering the market average price of each organ. The study revealed that from a total of 384 slaughtered animals 63 (16.40%) were found to have signs of detectable abnormalities in the antemortem inspection. The clinical signs observed during an antemortem inspection from 63 animals were depression (5.46%), nasal discharge (4.68%), coughing (2.46%), lameness (1.56%) and local swelling ().18%). However, during postmortem inspection offal organs of slaughtered animals shown lesions and subjected to condemnation were liver (62.76%), lung (59.37%), and heart (9.37%). The identified microorganisms responsible for the condemnation of these organs in the study were fasciolosis (30.46%), hydatidosis (32.29%) and pericarditis (5.73%). The condemnation of this much organs resulted in a financial loss estimated to be 3,533,428.50 (ETB) or 152,763.862 USD annually. This study implies that high prevalence organ condemnation, particularly by parasitic infections. This warranties that awareness creation to animal owners on its animal husbandry management and animal health control measures like regular deworming.

A description of biosecurity practices among selected dairy farmers across Australia

Aims The study investigated critical biosecurity control points and dairy farmers’ motivations towards biosecurity practices among selected dairy farmers across Australia. Methods A questionnaire template was administered via an online survey. A three-stage process was used to develop the questionnaire by pooling of potential questions, selection and reduction of the questions to fit an 8–10 min survey. Key results A total of 55 responses were obtained. Mixed species rearing was practiced on 69% of the farms, with a majority keeping either sheep or beef cattle within the same property as dairy cattle. Approximately half of the farms (49%) did not provide formal training to new staff on aspects of animal health, as well as not conducting bull breeding soundness. Most of the farms (98%) required staff to use personal protective equipment, such as overalls and gumboots, but only a few of the farms (34%) had designated areas to clean footwear and a system for recording visitors (17%). Record keeping pertaining to animal health, maintenance of good fences and use of vendor declaration forms was practiced in a majority of the farms. The practice of quarantining new stock before mixing with other stock was practiced in only 45% of the farms. Monthly herd health visits by a veterinarian were utilised by 55% of the farms. Multivariable analysis showed positive significant associations between mixed species rearing with the practice of regular pest control (P = 0.004) and use of footbaths (P = 0.024) and no biosecurity plan (P = 0.025). Furthermore, a positive significant association was also recorded on the presence of a biosecurity plan and the presence of a designated area to clean footwear (P = 0.002) and no regular deworming (P = 0.024). Animal and human health reasons were the main motivators for implementing and maintaining ‘best practice’ biosecurity practices, whereas government regulation was the lowest motivator. Conclusions It is concluded that the biosecurity practices were variable, and animal and human health reasons were the primary motivators for instituting biosecurity practices. Implications There is a need to continue educating farmers on the importance of biosecurity practices.

Electrolytes, Serum biochemical and Acid-Base Disturbances in Dogs with Foul-Smelling Bloody Diarrhoea

Metabolic alkalosis is an electrolyte abnormality accompanied by an elevation in bicarbonate ion concentration in blood and a rise in blood pH. This study aims to determine the serum concentration of electrolytes and levels of some biochemical parameters in dogs presented with profuse foul-smelling bloody watery diarrhoea. From October 2018 to February 2019, 60 client-owned dogs were presented at the University of Nigeria Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UNVTH) for vaccination, treatment and regular deworming. Five (5) out of 60 dogs had profuse foul-smelling watery diarrhoea and were sampled. A full history and physical examinations were undertaken for the sampled dogs. Clinical signs such as profuse foul-smelling bloody diarrhoea, vomiting, anorexia, weakness, dehydration, lethargy was observed in the affected dogs. Three dogs were 4 months old while two dogs are adults. Blood samples (2 ml) were collected from the cephalic vein of dogs with the above presentation, and sera were harvested for serum biochemical analysis. Standard procedures were followed in all the serum biochemistry determinations. The most common electrolyte and serum biochemical abnormalities in 5 dogs with profuse foul-smelling bloody watery diarrhoea were hypokalemia (100%), increased serum bicarbonate level (100%), hyponatremia (75%), and hypoglobulinemia (100%). Hypochloremia occurred in 20% of the cases, while hypoproteinemia, hypoglobulinemia, and low serum creatinine levels were recorded in 100% of the cases. Increased urea level was observed in 40% of the affected dogs. Our study demonstrated that all affected dogs developed hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis following loss of potassium through the gastrointestinal tract consequent upon severe watery diarrhoea.

Review on Socio-Economic Significance of Hydatidosis in Humans and Animals in Ethiopia

Hydatidosis/Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is one of the most important neglected tropical parasitic diseases of livestock that has both financial and public health significance caused by larval (metacestode) stage of Cestodes belonging to the genus Echinococcus, family Taenidae. CE caused by the larval stage of E. granulosus is recognized as being one of the major zoonosis and associated with severe economic losses and great public health significance worldwide. The distribution of hydatidosis is normally associated with underdeveloped countries, especially in rural communities where humans maintain close contact with dogs and various domestic animals. Carnivores are definite hosts for the parasite with livestock acting as intermediate hosts and human as accidental intermediate or aberrant host. Globally, economic losses estimated to cause human and livestock associated annual economic losses of at least US$ 193,529,740 and US$ 141,605,195, respectively and estimated to causes 2-3 million human cases are thought to occur worldwide. Abattoir based studies conducted in various parts of Ethiopia, showed that prevalence of CE ranges from 6.51% to 54.5%, 0% to 24.8%, 11.69% to 65.47% and 7.03% to 60.2% in cattle, goats, camel and sheep respectively and 8561.61 ETB to 19,847,704.5 ETB annual economic losses in animals. In human prevalence of 1.6% and 0.5% have been reported from southern part of Ethiopia. On the human side economic losses arise through diagnostic cost, treatment cost and cost of hospitalization. In animals’ economic losses are observed in decreased carcass weight, milk production and fertility rates, and from increased rate of condemnation of affected organs. Breaking the life cycle is one of the main control measures. Strengthening of veterinary facilities and extension systems, expansion of abattoir facilities to avoid backyard slaughter practices, creation of community awareness, regular deworming of dogs and appropriate disposal of infected organs are recommendations forwarded in order to help zoonosis control.

Impact of regular deworming and long term multiple micro-nutrient supplementation on nutritional status of extremely poor women and children

Introduction: Growth failure among children and micronutrient deficiency among children and women is one of the major nutritional problems in Bangladesh. According to a 2011 estimate, half of the children and 40% women were anaemic, and the prevalence of stunting and underweight was 40% and 36% among children, while a quarter of non-pregnant adult women were chronically energy deficient. The problem was magnified among the extreme poor population. Previously, standalone initiatives have attempted to tackle undernutrition and micronutrient deficiency separately, but there have been few attempts to integrate these two approaches; and credible evidence from experimental studies was sought from the government and development partners to guide future policy and investment decisions.&#x0D; Aims &amp; Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of an intervention package, containing deworming at six-monthly intervals, daily multiple-micronutrient powder (MNP containing 15 ingredients) supplementation for twelve months, and flip flop (thong) shoes in reducing anaemia among extremely poor women and children under-five, as well as to assess the effect on growth failure.&#x0D; Methods: The study employed a two-arm cluster randomised trial design involving 537 women and 168 under-five children in 21 clusters within the intervention arm, while the comparison clusters contained a total of 503 women and 139 under-five children in another 21 clusters. The implementation took place between December 2010 and December 2011. Anaemia prevalence was the primary outcome; growth failure (measured by anthropometry), the prevalence of diarrhoea, and passed worms were assessed as secondary outcomes. The analysis was conducted based on cluster-level summaries of mean and prevalence, and the differences between groups were compared using independent sample t-tests.&#x0D; Results: The study detected a significant effect on anaemia. At endline, the prevalence of anaemia among the women in the intervention clusters was 52% less than the comparison clusters (mean difference 18.1%, 95% CI: 11.1% to 25.1%, P&lt;0.001). Among the under-fives in the intervention clusters, anaemia prevalence was 58% lower (mean difference 18.4%, 95% CI: 7.2% to 29.6%, P=0.002). Mean haemoglobin concentration was also significantly higher among the children (mean difference 7.8 g/l, 95% CI: 5.0 to 10.7, P&lt;0.001) and women (mean difference 4.8 g/l, 95% CI: 3.3 to 6.3, P&lt;0.001) in the intervention clusters. However, there was no detectable effect on child growth failure (stunting, underweight, wasting and thinness), chronic energy deficiency among women, the prevalence of diarrhoea, or passed worms.&#x0D; Conclusion: The study results suggest that the intervention package is effective in reducing anaemia among women and children under-five. However, the current evidence is insufficient to make a public health recommendation for using the intervention package, containing 15 component MNP, to replace the existing government and WHO recommendation for using 5 component MNP. Further investigation would be necessary to answer this important public health question.

Опыт применения препаратов «Празицид®-суспензия Плюс» и «Дирофен® таблетки» при геморрагической диарее у кошек на фоне гиардиоза

The results of a pilot study of anthelmintics drugs ― «Prazicide®-suspension Plus» and «Dirofen® tablets» in the treatment of diarrhea in cats with giardiosis are given. The studied drugs contain febantel, which has an anti-Giardia effect, it makes possible to recommend them to animals in cases of suspected protozoa invasion. The drugs are developed and introduced into clinical practice as anthelmintics of a wide spectrum of action for the regular deworming of small pets.&#x0D; &#x0D; Data of clinical and laboratory allow us to expand the range of application of these drugs in cats, in particular, to recommend them to animals with gastrointestinal disorders, manifesting symptoms of classical acute diarrhea. The clinical efficacy criteria were: repeated parasitological study of feces, as well as negative samples of laboratory express-tests (IHA, ELISA or PCR) taking into account the dynamics of elimination of diarrhea symptoms and flatulence in cats. A coproscopic analysis was performed by classical parasitological methods ― by microscopy of native of feces and / or supernatant after preparation of the sample according to the Fulleborn method (1920).&#x0D; &#x0D; The results of our studies showed the clinical efficacy in the treatment of feline giardiosis of «Prazicide®-suspension Plus» and «Dirofen® tablets» (developed by API-SAN LLC) with a triple use in a therapeutic dose, according to the instructions.

Prevalence and the factors influencing soil transmitted helminths among school age children of 5 to 14 years in a rural area of Coimbatore district

Background: Highest intensity of soil transmitted helminthiasis (STH) is seen among school age children. The objective of this study is to find out the prevalence and factors associated with STH infection among school age children of 5-14 years in a rural area of Coimbatore district.Methods: After getting ethical clearance, five of the fourteen villages of Vedapatti were selected by cluster sampling method. Totally 819 participated in the survey conducted between November 2015-July 2016 in the field practice area. Consent from parents and assent from child were obtained. Structured questionnaire was used to collect information. Totally 610 gave one adequate stool sample. Early morning samples were collected and transported to the laboratory within four hours. Formal ether concentration method was performed and examination was done. Data analysis was done with SPSS-19 software. Prevalence is expressed in percentage with 95% confidence interval (CI). Univariate and Multivariate analysis were performed. Strength of association was expressed in terms of odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. P value &lt;0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results: The prevalence of STH was 7.70% (95% CI: 5.58- 9.82). Ascaris lumbricoides was highly prevalent 6.9% (4.89% to 8.91%) followed by hook worm 0.2(0.15% to 0.55%) and Trichuris trichura 0.7%(0.04% to 1.36%). Uni variate and Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that pucca houses offered protection against STH.Conclusions: STH is still a public health problem in Coimbatore. When regular deworming is accompanied by appropriate sanitation and hygiene activities designed to prevent re infection of STH, a long-term impact can be achieved.