Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine and Epidemiology
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Item PREVALENCE, CYST VIABILITY AND FINANCIAL LOSS OF HYDATIDOSIS IN CATTLE SLAUGHTERED AT MAICHEW MUNICIPAL ABATTOIR, TIGRAY REGION, NORTHERN ETHIOPIA(Mekelle University, 2023-10-25) Yohannes TeameHydatidosis is one of the neglected parasitic diseases with both public health and economic importance worldwide. In Ethiopia it is one of the major parasitic diseases responsible for low productivity of livestock industry through imposing poor weight gains and condemnation of organs. Even though, the disease is well documented throughout the country, its current prevalence and economic impact was not known in cattle slaughtered at Maichew municipality abattoir. To fill the gap, a cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2021 to Oct 2023 to estimate the prevalence, cyst characterization and economic importance of bovine hydatid cyst in the Maichew municipal abattoir. To achieve these objectives, routine meat inspection, hydatid cyst count and characterization were performed. In the current study, out of 384 heads of cattle slaughtered and examined in the abattoir; 11.98% (46/384) were harboring hydatid cyst in the major vital organs of the host as follows: lungs, 46.2% (21/46) and liver, 41.8% (18/46). In the current study, these two organs were the most affected once. In addition, out of the total of 117 cysts examined for the fertility test, 46.2 % (54/117), 31.6% (37/117), and 22.2% (26/117) were found to be fertile, sterile, and calcified cysts, respectively. Furthermore, of the total 54 fertile cysts tested for viability, 63% (34/54) were viable and 37% (20/54) were non-viable cysts and the difference in prevalence among animals of different body condition score was statistically significant (P< 0.05). The prevalence was highest in poor body condition than medium and good body condition scores. This might be due to either the impact of the parasites in body condition losses or animal with poor body condition are less resistance to limit the development of the cyst in the vital organs. Lastly, this study revealed that the total annual economic loss due to bovine hydatidosis in Maichew municipal abattoir was estimated to be 461,164.96 ETB (13,974.7US$). The results of this study indicated that hydatidosis pose significant economic impact by causing condemnation of considerable numbers of organs, rendering them unfit for market. Therefore, initiation and implementation of control measures are very important in order to alleviate its economic impact as well as zoonotic risks to the humanItem ANTI DIABETIC ACTIVITY STUDY ON ROOT AND LEAF EXTRACTS OF MAERUA SUBCORDATA USING RAT MODEL(Mekelle University, 2023-11-21) Tilahun Arefe MenasiboDiabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that has become a significant global health care issue. The disease affects both humans and animal. The current anti-diabetic drugs' limited efficacy, serious side effects, and constrained availability problems still need to be overcome. As a result, many people prefer to use traditional treatments, and Maeruasubcordata is one of medicinal plants traditionally used to treat diabetes. To study the potential efficacy of M. subcordata as alternative therapies for the management of diabetes on rat model.25 Sprague Dawley (SD) Rats, weighing 140 g (20%) and aged 6 to 8 weeks, were used in this investigation. Five experimental groups were used. Group I (DTM): diabetic treatments with metformin (300 mg/kgbw); Group II (DTL): diabetic treatments with leaf extract (300 mg/kgbw); Group III (DLR): diabetic treatments with root extract (300 mg/kgbw); Group IV (DC): diabetic control (Diabetic, Vehicle control, DW, 10 mL/kg) (positive control); and Group V(NC): normal control (non-diabetic control). After the anti-diabetic study was performed for 28 days, fasting blood Glucose (FBG) and Body weight (BW) were measured in various groups at the specific days of (0, 7, 14, 21, and 28).Moreover, rats were ethically sacrificed, and the organs (liver, kidney, and spleen) were histopathological examined and compared to a normal control. In comparison with the control, treatment with M.subcordats leave and root extracts (300mg/kg) revealed significantly lowered fasting blood glucose (P<0.05) level. However, treatment of the extracts did not show statistically significant reduction in organ and total body weight of the rats (P>0.05). Histhopathological examination showed that M. subcordats leaf and root (300mg/kg b.w.) treated rats had mild microscopic lesions as compared to the untreated diabetic rats while these lesions were comparable to the lesions developed by the standard drug treated rats. This extract treatment revealed that there was an indication of healing processing. Metformin and the tested extracts showed no significant effect on body weight loss, but they do significantly lowered FBGL (P<0.05). Extracts may be employed as a medicinal agent in the management of DM of the hyperglycemic effect M. Subcordata may therefore be clinically helpful in the management of diabetics and in the defense of ß -cells against streptozotocin.Item ISOLATION AND MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF PASTEURELLA AND MANNHEMIA FROM PNEUMONIC PASTEURELLOSIS SUSPECTED SHEEP AND GOATS IN BISHOFTU TOWN AND THE SURROUNDING RURAL KEBELES OF ADA’A DISTRICT, OROMIA REGION, ETHIOPIA(Mekelle University, 2024-02-28) Tesfaye Bekele KassaRespiratory diseases are a major concern for sheep and goats in Ethiopia, particularly in the highland areas where they are reared widely. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to June 2021 to isolate and molecularly confirm Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida from pneumonic pasteurellosis suspected sheep and goats in Bishoftu Town and the surrounding Rural Kebeles of Ada’a Districts of Oromia Region, Ethiopia. A purposive sampling method was applied to select study animals from those brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture of Addis Ababa University for clinical treatments. Nasal swabs from shoat with suspected pneumonic pasteurellosis were collected and the target bacteria were isolated and identified through standard bacteriological methods using phenotypic features and biochemical tests. Molecular confirmation of isolates was performed through amplification of virulence-associated genes, PHSSA (Pasteurella haemolytica serotypespecific antigen) and Rpt2, of Mannheimia haemolytica and universal gene, KMT1 of Pasteurella multocida using conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (cPCR). Consequently, from 56 animals (43 sheep and 13 goats), 29 (51.7%), (25 sheep and 4 goats) presumptive isolates of M. hemolytica, and 11 (19.6%) P. multocida were recovered. Out of this, five isolates were positive for either of the two virulence genes of M. haemolytica (Rpt2=four; PHSSA=one) using PCR, but no isolate was confirmed for its universal gene from P. multocida presumptive isolates. From the PCR-positive animals (n=5), four were sheep and one was a goat. The study found that M. haemolytica is a significant bacteria associated with pneumonic pasteurellosis in sheep and goats in the area, highlighting the need for a vaccine targeting these bacteria or its antigens. However, other contributing factors like viral and parasitic agents should also be considered. Further research to identify and characterize these agents in diverse geographical areas and the development of polyvalent respiratory disease vaccines are recommended to address the issue at both the local and national levelsItem COCCIDIOSIS IN BROILER FARMS OF MEKELLE CITY, NORTHERN ETHIOPIA: ANALYSIS OF BIOSECURITY PRACTICES, PREVALENCE, AND POSTMORTEM LESIONS(Mekelle University, 2025-01-25) TESFAY GEBREWAHDCoccidiosis, a serious parasitic disease, poses a significant threat to commercial chicken farms, leading to substantial financial and job losses for producers. This study aimed to quantify the relationship between poultry coccidiosis prevalence and biosecurity practices on commercial broiler farms. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to November 2024 assessed biosecurity levels and coccidiosis prevalence in small and medium-sized broiler farms in Mekelle city. A total of 257 fresh chicken dropping samples from broiler farms were collected and examined for Eimeria oocysts using microscopy and McMaster Technique, and biosecurity practices of 23 small and 15 medium-scale farms were measured using UGBioCheck Tool. The overall prevalence of Eimeria oocyst infections among the fecal samples were 23.74% and farm-level prevalence was 68.42 %. The analysis revealed a significant association between age and coccidiosis prevalence (p < 0.05), indicating that younger chickens (< 8 weeks) had a higher infection rate compared to older ones. The study also categorized the oocyst counts, and 70.49% of positive samples had low levels of infection (less than 10,000 oocysts per gram), while only 9.84% exhibited high levels of infection. In postmortem examinations, 55.56% of the examined cases showed gross lesions indicative of coccidiosis, with the cecum being the most affected site (38.89%). The overall, external and internal biosecurity scores were measured to be 47.26%, 44.57% and 53%, respectively. This shows that the biosecurity scores were significantly lower than global averages. Furthermore, external biosecurity score was lower than internal biosecurity score, with visitors and farm workers and disease management rated highest in external and internal biosecurity. Over 73% of the farms housed other animals, and 42.11% reported nearby water sources that could risk disease transmission. All farms followed vaccination protocols and removed dead birds daily, with around 97.37% cleaning poultry houses after each production cycle. The study found a strong correlation between low biosecurity scores and higher occurrences of coccidiosis; specifically, 57.89% of farms with poor biosecurity scores tested positive for Eimeria oocysts. The findings underscore the need for improved biosecurity practices to enhance poultry health and reduce disease prevalence within broiler farmsItem KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE ASSESSMENT OF CATTLE OWNERS ON LUMPY SKIN DISEASE IN SELECTED DISTRICTS OF EASTERN AND SOUTHEASTERN ZONES, TIGRAY, ETHPIOPIA(Mekelle University, 2023-11-25) TEKLEHAIMANOT GEBREMICHAELA cross-sectional study design was conducted from April, 2021 to August, 2021, to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cattle owners about LSD and review its occurrence selected districts of Eastern and Southeastern zones, Tigray. Primary and secondary data were collected. For the primary data a questionnaire surveys and FGD and KII were undertaken. A total of 438 questionnaires, 9 FGD and 12 KII were undertaken. The collected data were analyzed using STATA, descriptive statistics (expressed in terms of frequency and percentage) and univariate logistic regression were employed (expressed in terms of OR and 95% CI). In the current study majority of the respondents were in the age group of 31-40year (49.3%), male (92.5%), illiterate (52.1%) and farmer (75.3%). Majority of them had unfavorable attitude (69.8%) and poor practice (66.7%) toward LSD. Majority of the respondents (68.5%) identify LSD from other illnesses by nodular lesions and 53.0% believe that treating external parasites will reduce LSD infection. Eighty four percent of the respondents did not handle good management, 60.3% didn’t clean pen of cattle regularly and 85.6% did not receive any training about sick animal handling. Knowledge of cattle owners on LSD from Enderta, Adigudem and Wukro districts were 2.16 (OR= 2.16, 95% CI: 1.008, 4.563), 2.15 (OR = 2.15; 95% CI: 0.977, 4.757) and 2.07 (OR=2.07; 95% CI: 0.881, 4.889) times higher as compare to cattle owners of Tsrae-wenberta, respectively. Respondents in the age group of > 50 years old were 1.84 times higher likely to have positive attitude towards the disease compared to owners in the age group of 31-40 years old and the difference was statistically significant (OR=1.84,95% CI :1.091,3.108). Respondents who uses individual grazing land and individual ground water had 1.91 (OR= 1.91; 95% CI: 1.262, 2.893) and 2.80 (OR=2.80,95%CI: 1.476, 5.327) times better LSD prevention and control practice compared to cattle owners uses communal grazing land and dump, respectively. In conclusion, poor sick animal handling practice, poor animal pen hygienic, and inadequate information and training was encountered among respondents of the present study. Therefore, proper handling of sick animals, cleaning and disinfecting of pens and awareness creation need to be implementedItem SERO-PREVALENCE, MOLECULAR DETECTION AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS OF PESTE DES PETITS RUMINANTS (PPR) IN SELECTED DISTRICTS OF EASTERN AND SOUTH EASTERN ZONES OF TIGRAY REGION(Mekelle University, 2025-01-28) Tadele GebereslassiePeste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), also known as "goat plague, is a contagious, transboundary viral disease of both domestic and wild small ruminants associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. Cross-Sectional Study was carried out From January 2024 to December 2024 in Enderta and Kiltawulaelo districts in the eastern and southeastern zones of the Tigray region to determine the seroprevalence, related risk factors, and molecular detection of PPR virus in sheep and goats using a combination of purposive and simple random sampling. 384 serum samples 43 swab samples and were gathered in total, PPR virus-specific antibodies and viral nucleic acid were found using the virus neutralization test and real-time RT PCR, respectively. The relationship between PPR seroprevalence and the possible risk factors was examined using Pearson's chi-square and logistic regression analysis. Of the total 384 sera samples tested, 41.9% (n = 161) were found positive for PPRV antibody, the seroprevalence in the districts of Enderta and Kiltawulaelo was found to be 47.6% (n = 98) and 35.% (n = 63), respectively, while the species level was found to be 36.8% (n = 49) in sheep and 44.6% (n = 112) in goats. Out of all the sera analyzed, 39 samples (43.8%) were positive from males and 122 samples (41.4%) were positive from females. and from 43 samples tested with the real-time PCR, 23.26% (n = 10) were detected positive. The results of the research showed that the PPR virus was active in the investigated areas. To minimize the threat of PPR, strategic vaccination of sheep and goats should be implemented.Item Non-Typhoidal Salmonella species and Escherichia coli as Proxy Indicators of Environmental Contamination: Coliform Count and Isolation in Kilteawlaelo Health and Demographic Survey Site of Tigray Region, Ethiopia(Mekelle University, 2023-11-28) Goitom EyasuFecal-oral pathogens are transmitted from feces to new hosts through environmentally mediated pathways. Poor management of animal faeces and limited understanding of zoonotic pathogens from manure are common problems in Ethiopia. Animal feces have been assumed as less hazardous to human health and are neglected in the ongoing global water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) program. This study aimed to determine counts of coliform and E. coli counts from faeces, hand plates, Boot socks, and drinking water; and isolate non-typhoidal salmonella species from the above sample types with the goal of providing biological for inclusion of animal faeces management in WaSH. A crosssectional study was carried out in 2020 and 2023 in randomly selected livestock owning 106 households living in the Kilteawlaelo Health and Demographic Survey Site (HDSS). From each household cattle feces, boot sock, hand plate, and drinking water samples were collected. The mean CFU/ml of E. coli in Boot socks (307005) was higher than that of water (47427), and feacal (18757) samples. The overall mean CFU/ml of coliforms in Boot socks (228137) was higher than in feces (14735) and water (11857). Many E. coli and coliforms were also counted from the hand plate of each household. The rate of isolation of Non typhoidal Salmonella species was 25.47% (27) from the boot sock samples, 19.8 % (21) of fecal samples, 12.3% (13) of the hand plates, and 9.4 % (10) of the water samples. This study gave evidence of fecal infectious bacteria circulating between the source and various vehicles in the study area. The recommendations forwarded were; public education and support on proper WaSH intervention, further study on virulence and genetic characteristics of the bacteria, and the existing WaSH program shall be reframed to include animals as WASH intervention (Water, Animals, Sanitation, and Hygiene)Item COPROLOGICAL STUDY OF TREMATODE INFECTIONS AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN CATTLE AND SHEEP AND SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF FRESHWATER SNAIL IN SOUTH AND SOUTHEASTERN ZONE OF TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA(Mekelle University, 2025-01-25) Girmay GebrezgiTrematode infections are a significant cause of disease and economic losses worldwide. However, limited research has been conducted in the South and Southeastern zones of Tigray, Ethiopia, regarding the local epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and management strategies. To address this gap, a cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2023 to December 2024 to investigate the prevalence of trematode infections in cattle and sheep and the spatial distribution of freshwater snails in these areas. Simple random sampling was used to select study animals, and descriptive statistics were computed using STATA version 16. In total, 1536 fecal samples (768 from cattle and 768 from sheep) were examined, alongside snail collection. Additionally, 13 laboratory-bred mice were exposed en masse to Schistosoma cercariae for confirmation of transmission. The study revealed that the majority (60.29%, 463/768) of cattle and 53.5% (411/768) of sheep had either single or multiple trematode infections. Among cattle, 19.01% were testing positive for fasciolosis, while 20.7% exhibited mixed infections of Fasciola and Paramphistomum species. In sheep, 21.74% were positive for fasciolosis and 18.23% for mixed infections. The South zone had the highest prevalence in both cattle and sheep. Furthermore, most of the positive rates were exhibited in adult cattle with poor body condition scores while in adult sheep with medium body condition scores. Logistic regression showed a significant association between zone and bovine fasciolosis (OR = 1.76; P = 0.000), but no significant association for ovine fasciolosis. A total of 1269 snails were collected, identified as Biomphalaria pfeifferi, Bulinus truncatus, and Lymnaea natalensis. Intermediate hosts for schistosomiasis collected during the survey were found to be shedding Schistosoma cercariae. Furthermore, en masse cercariae-exposed laboratory-bred mice confirm the active transmission of schistosomiasis in the study area. The study highlights the trematode infections and the heterogeneous distribution of snails in the study area are a significant health concern for cattle and sheep, underlining the need for targeted control measures to mitigate the public health and economic impacts in the regionItem Biosecurity Practices and Molecular Epidemiology of Salmonella Species in Small and Medium-Scale Commercial Layer Farms in Mekelle City, Northern Ethiopia(Mekelle University, 2025-01-25) Aregawi GerekidanSalmonellosis infections in chicken farms pose significant risks to public health and the poultry industry. In the Tigray region, there is a notable lack of molecular-based identification methods for Salmonella species in poultry and limited understanding of existing biosecurity practices. This study aimed to isolate and molecularly characterize Salmonella species while evaluating the biosecurity measures practiced on the farms. A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2023 and December 2024, involving the collection of 250 cloacal swabs from laying hens and identifying biosecurity practices across 28 purposively selected poultry farms. Salmonella species were isolated following the International Organization for Standardization's (ISO 6579- 1:2017/Amd.1:2020(E)). Out of 28 poultry farms tested using standard bacteriological culture methods, 16 (57.1%) were positive for Salmonella isolates. The overall isolation rate of Salmonella species was 34.8% (87/250). Among the analyzed risk factors, on farm waste disposal practice, sources of chicken, presence of other animals, age and flock size demonstrated a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) with bacteriological rate of isolation Salmonella species. The molecular detection rate of Salmonella genus was 82.4% (42 out of 51) successfully amplified with the INVA1/2 primers. Notably, 45% of these isolates were identified as Salmonella gallinarum using MS-GA-F/R primers, while 35% were identified as Salmonella typhimurium with TYPHF/R primers. The poultry farm biosecurity parameters and practices were evaluated by a scientific risk-based scoring system based on the Biocheck. UGent™ tool (Merelbeke, Ghent University, Belgium) (https://biocheck.ugent.be/en ). The overall biosecurity score for layer farms in Mekelle is 57.86%, with the scores of 48.54% for external biosecurity and 67.11% for internal biosecurity. Adapting to evolving biosecurity challenges requires the adoption of new toolkits and strategies. It showed the biosecurity measures of these farms, especially at the external levels need to be improved. The investigation revealed a higher isolation and identification rate of Salmonella species at both the farm and sample levels. Therefore, routine flock testing, farm surveillance, implementation of Salmonella prevention and control strategies, and improvements in biosecurity practices is neededItem ASSESSEMENT OF DAIRY COWS WELFARE IN SELECTED URBAN AND PERI-URBAN AREAS OF TIGRAY REGION, NORTHERN ETHIOPIA(Mekelle University, 2023-11-25) Alemu GebrekurstosThis study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of the community on dairy cattle welfare in 47 purposively selected dairy farms of urban and peri-urban areas of Tigray region from March-to May, 2021. In this study, a doorto-door survey was conducted using semi-structured interview to collect primary data on various dairy cow welfare practices like feeding, housing and milking welfare keeping in mind the “Five Freedoms”. As a result, a total of 47 study participants from the different socio-demographic backgrounds were purposively selected and voluntarily filled out the semi structured questionnaire which was distributed to gather the required information from the respondents. In this tradition of the dairy cattle care, good welfare is seen largely as the absence of illness or injury and malnutrition. More recent concerns about dairy cattle welfare have focused on the pain and distress that the cattle might experience as a result of widely accepted management practices, and the possibility that the animals suffer as a result of being kept under apparently inadequate conditions. The findings show that 57.45 % (n=27) of the respondents had knowledge about animal welfare, acquired through the vet. Profession whereas 61.7% (n=29) of the respondents prefer to have free movement of animals within their premises. None of the farmers had heard of the term dairy cow welfare. However, farmers of 76.5% (n=36) of the dairy farm agreed that cows should have free access to feed and water. 4.26% (n=2) of respondents in this study did not receive formal training on animal welfare issues. It is believed that more can and should be done to ensure that a dairy cow has a life worth living. An attitude of critical dairy cattle welfare issues relates to the supply of trained, skilled dairy farmers and stockmen. In conclusion, in the urban and pre-urban areas of Tigray region the farms are imperative immediate remedial measures in order to improve the degree of cow‘s welfare