Veterinary Medicine

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Prevalence of Fasciolosis in Zambian Cattle Observed at Selected Abattoirs with Emphasis on Age, Sex and Origin
(Blackwell, 2005) Phiri, A. M.; Phiri, I. K.; Sikasunge, C. S.; Monrad, J.
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and some factors influencing occurrence of fasciolosis in cattle, carried out at selected major abattoirs in Zambia. Of 841 cattle livers inspected and 677 faecal samples analysed, prevalence rates of 53.9% and 48.9%, respectively, were found. Cumulative prevalence of 60.9% (n ¼ 677) was recorded. According to age, no significant difference of infection was found. Female cattle on liver inspection (59.3%) and coprological examination (65.2%) had significantly higher (P < 0.001) rates than males (44.5% and 36.3% respectively). Origin of cattle had a significant influence (P < 0.001) on the prevalence rate. According to fluke egg count classification, 68.5% of cattle had light infection, 20.9% moderate, 4.4% heavy and 6.2% severe. These results indicate that Fasciola gigantica infection is an important condition that leads to high liver condemnations and/or trimmings in cattle tendered for slaughter.
Detection of Salmonella invA by isothermal and chimeric primer-initiated amplification of nucleic acids (ICAN) in Zambia
(Elsevier, 2005-09-13) Yabe, John; Isogai, Emiko; Makungu, Chitwambi; Sinkala, Patson; Nambota, Andrew; Isogai, Hiroshi; Fukushi, Hideto; Silungwe, Manda; Mubita, Charles; Syakalima, Michelo; Hang’ombe, Bernard Mudenda; Kozaki, Shunji; Yasuda, Jun
The isothermal and chimeric primer-initiated amplification of nucleic acids (ICAN) is a new isothermal DNA amplification method composed of exo Bca DNA polymerase, RNaseH and DNA–RNA chimeric primers. We detected invA of Salmonella from chicken carcasses, egg yolk and cattle fecal samples. Fifty-three of 59 isolates were invA-positive in ICAN-chromatostrip detection. The result was consistent with those obtained by standard PCR. Salmonella invA was detected in 12 of 14 carcass rinses by ICAN, while in 7 of 14 rinses by standard PCR. These results indicate that ICAN is an efficient, sensitive and simple system to detect invA of Salmonella species in developing countries such as Zambia.
Protection by Nigella sativa against carbon tetrachloride-induced downregulation of hepatic cytochrome P450 isozymes in rats
(Japanese Journal of Veterinary Research, 2008) Muzandu, Kaampwe; Ibrahim, Zein S.; Ishizuka, Mayumi; Soliman, Mohamed; ElBohi, Khlood; Wageh, Sobhy; Elkattawy, Azza M.; Sakamoto, Kentaro Q.; Fujita, Shoichi
Nigella sativa (family Ranunculaceae) is an annual plant that has been traditionally used on the Indian subcontinent and in Middle Eastern countries. In this study, we investigated the effect of N. sativa oil on the drug-metabolizing cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and whether it has a protective effect against the acute hepatotoxicity of CCl4. Intraperitoneal injection of rats with CCl4 drastically decreased CYP2E1, CYP2B, CYP3A2, CYP2C11, and CYP1A2 mRNA and protein expressions. Oral administration of 1 ml/kg N. sativa oil every day for one week prior to CCl4 injection alleviated CCl4-induced suppression of CYP2B, CYP3A2, CYP2C11, and CYP1A2. Moreover, CCl4 increased iNOS and TNFα mRNA, while N. sativa oil administration for one week prior to CCl4 injection down regulated the CCl4-induced iNOS mRNA and upregulated IL-10 mRNA. These results indicate that N. sativa oil administration has a protective effect against the CCl4-mediated suppression of hepatic CYPs and that this protective effect is partly due to the down regulation of NO production and up-regulation of the anti-inflammatory IL-10.
Prevalence of Taenia solium porcine cysticercosis in the Eastern, Southern and Western provinces of Zambia
(Elsevier, 2008-02-01) Phiri, Isaac K.; Sikasunge, Chummy S.; Phiri, Andrew M.; Siziya, Seter; Dorny, Pierre; Arve, L; Willingham
Tongue examination and detection of circulating antigen (Ag-ELISA) were used to establish the prevalence of Taenia solium porcine cysticercosis in free-range pigs in selected districts of Eastern, Southern and Western provinces of Zambia, and to determine if prevalence of porcine cysticercosis was associated with age, breed and sex. Households with pigs were identified using the snowballing technique. A total of 1691 pigs were examined out of which 183 (10.8%) were positive on tongue examination. Ag-ELISA gave a sero-prevalence of 23.3%. When considering the factors in a logistic regression analysis, only breed type was significantly associated with porcine cysticercosis (OR = 0.72; 95%CI = 0.63–0.81). The crossbred pigs were 72% more likely to have had cysticercosis than the Nsenga (dwarf local) breed as determined by Ag-ELISA. The result that crossbred pigs had a higher prevalence of T. solium cysticercosis suggests that pig breeds may display different susceptibility to cysticercosis. The limited use of latrines in these areas implies that people use the nearby bush for defecation, resulting in pigs having access to human faeces. Therefore, investigation of taeniosis and cysticercosis in humans is warranted to better comprehend the local epidemiology and transmission risks. This should then be followed by extension programs to communities so that the control plans that could be instituted are more sustainable.
A comparative study of the efficacy of piperazine and Carica papaya for the control of helminth parasites in village chickens in Zambia
(Springer, 2009-08-12) Chota, Amos; Sikasunge, Chummy Sikalizyo; Phiri, Andrew M.; Musukwa, Martha N; Haazele, Felix; Phiri, Isaac K
Village chickens play vital roles in the livelihoods of those people keeping them. Backyard poultry provide a critical source of food and income for people in developing countries (Lans et al. 2007) and so is the case in Zambia. However, their productivity has been hampered by many constraints resulting in low flock sizes (Kusina and Kusina 1999). Among the constraints is the problem of external and internal parasites (Abebe et al. 1997). In Africa, the control of these parasites is limited by the high cost of anthelmintics, their uncertain availability and the increasing frequency of drug resistance (Naidoo et al. 2008). Therefore, possible alternatives such as the use of plant products that function by mechanisms other than those of chemotherapeutics, with the additional advantage of a natural origin have been recommended (Naidoo et al. 2008). Besides, the cost of treatment with alternative traditional methods (herbs) is negligible when compared with the cost of conventional medicines. In addition to being very inexpensive, herbal preparations have good medicinal value (Mbaria et al. 1998). Therefore, in a quest for provision of safe animal products, a number of studies on use of herbal therapy especially in poultry, have been conducted many of which have reported a number of herbal products that are of potential use as therapeutic or prophylactic agents against bacteria (Arshad et al. 2008), protozoa (Nweze and Obiwulu 2009; Naidoo et al. 2008; Arshad et al. 2008) and viruses (Kong et al. 2006). However, only a few herbal products (Lans et al. 2007; Purwati and He 1991) have been reported to be potential antihelmintic agents in poultry. The objective of the current study was to compare the efficacy of Carica papaya latex with that of piperazine in the control of nematode parasites in village chickens as well as assess the effect of treatment on productivity (weight gain).
A comparative study of the efficacy of piperazine and Carica papaya for the control of helminth parasites in village chickens in Zambia
(Springer Science, 2009-08-12) Phiri, Andrew M; Chota, Amos; Sikasunge, Chummy Sikalizyo; Musukwa, Martha N.; Haazele, Felix; Phiri, Isaac K.
Village chickens play vital roles in the livelihoods of those people keeping them. Backyard poultry provide a critical source of food and income for people in developing countries (Lans et al. 2007) and so is the case in Zambia. However, their productivity has been hampered by many constraints resulting in low flock sizes (Kusina and Kusina 1999). Among the constraints is the problem of external and internal parasites (Abebe et al. 1997). In Africa, the control of these parasites is limited by the high cost of anthelmintics, their uncertain availability and the increasing frequency of drug resistance (Naidoo et al. 2008). Therefore, possible alternatives such as the use of plant products that function by mechanisms other than those of chemotherapeutics, with the additional advantage of a natural origin have been recommended (Naidoo et al. 2008). Besides, the cost of treatment with alternative traditional methods (herbs) is negligible when compared with the cost of conventional medicines. In addition to being very inexpensive, herbal preparations have good medicinal value (Mbaria et al. 1998). Therefore, in a quest for provision of safe animal products, a number of studies on use of herbal therapy especially in poultry, have been conducted many of which have reported a number of herbal products that are of potential use as therapeutic or prophylactic agents against bacteria (Arshad et al. 2008), protozoa (Nweze and Obiwulu 2009; Naidoo et al. 2008; Arshad et al. 2008) and viruses (Kong et al. 2006). However, only a few herbal products (Lans et al. 2007; Purwati and He 1991) have been reported to be potential antihelmintic agents in poultry. The objective of the current study was to compare the efficacy of Carica papaya latex with that of piperazine in the control of nematode parasites in village chickens as well as assess the effect of treatment on productivity (weight gain).
Helminth parasites of the Kafue lechwe antelope (Kobus leche kafuensis): a potential source of infection to domestic animals in the Kafue wetlands of Zambia
(2010) Muma, J.B.; Phiri, A.M.; Chota, A; Munyeme, M; Sikasunge, C.S.
The Kafue lechwe antelope (Kobus leche kafuensis), a medium-sized, semiaquatic antelope, grazes extensively on pastures accessed by livestock in and around Lochinvar and Blue Lagoon national parks in the Kafue wetlands of Zambia. This interaction has a potential for bi-modal transmission of a wide range of parasitic helminths between lechwe and domestic ruminants. A survey was conducted to investigate the status of helminths in the Kafue lechwe during the 2008 ( July–December) hunting season, involving 65 animals hunted under special research licences. Worm identification was based on morphological features using standard identification keys. Eleven different types of helminths were identified in the animals studied; namely, Oesophagostomum, Bunostomum, Cooperia, Dictyocaulus, Marshallagia, Stilesia, Setaria, Trichuris, Fasciola, amphistomes and Schistosoma. Amphistomes (100%) and Oesophagostomum (60.9%) were the most common while Fasciola (7.8%) and Stilesia (1.6%) were the least of the identified helminths. There was no evidence that helminths, at intensities observed, adversely affected the health of the lechwe. The degree of worm infection was observed to vary between the two study areas, with Blue Lagoon recording higher infection levels compared to Lochinvar. The host range of many of the helminths found in the Kafue lechwe is broad and could serve as a potentially stable source of infection to domestic animals such as goats and cattle. Therefore, issues concerning livestock management and conservation may arise.
Indices of health;clinical haematology and body weights of free-range Guinea Fowl (Numida Meleagris) from Southern Province Zambia
(Asian network for scientific information, 2010) Mudenda, Ntombi B; Nalubamba, King Shimumbo; Masuku, Maxwell
EFFECT OF LYCOPENE AND BETA-CAROTENE ON PEROXYNITRITE-MEDIATED CELLULAR MODIFICATIONS
(Hokkaido University, 2010) Muzandu, Kaampwe; Ishizuka, Mayumi; Sakamoto, Kentaro Q.; Shaban, Zein; Bohi, Khloodel; Kazusaka, Akio; Fujita, Shoichi
Peroxynitrite formed by the reaction of superoxide and nitric oxide is a highly reactive species with a role in various pathological processes such as cancer, chronic inflammation, and cardiovascular and neurological diseases. In the present study, the effect of the carotenoids, lycopene and β-carotene, on peroxynitrite-mediated modifications in plasmid DNA as well as cellular DNA and proteins were investigated. In pUC18 plasmid DNA, these carotenoids strongly inhibited DNA strand breaks caused by peroxynitrite generated from 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1). SIN-1 was also used to determine effects on DNA damage and protein tyrosine nitration in Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts. SIN-1 dose-dependently increased nitration of proteins in cells above basal levels as determined by western blotting. This nitration was inhibited in the presence of the uric acid as well as lycopene. Physiological concentrations (0.31-10 μM) of lycopene and β-carotene also had protective effects on DNA damage, as measured by the comet assay. Lycopene significantly reduced DNA damage particularly, in the median range of concentrations (2.5 μM). The protective effects of lycopene and β-carotene could be due to their scavenging of reactive oxygen (ROS) and/or nitrogen species (RNS) as they reduce the amount of intracellular ROS/RNS produced following treatment with SIN-1 by as much as 47.5 and 42.4 %, respectively. The results obtained in this study suggest that carotenoids may alleviate some of the deleterious effects of peroxynitrite and possibly other reactive nitrogen species as well in vivo.
Current Levels of Heavy Metal Pollution in Africa
(Journal of veterinary medicine, 2010-05-18) Yabe, John; Ishizuka, Mayuni; Umemura, Takashi
ABSTRACT. Studies of environmental pollution in Africa indicate that toxic metal pollution has reached unprecedented levels over the past decade. Human exposure to toxic metals has become a major health risk on the continent and is the subject of increasing attention from national and international environmentalists. This paper reviews data from the past decade on environmental pollution in Africa and highlights countries where most heavy metal pollutions have been reported. Characteristics of heavy metal pollution in North, West, East and Southern regions of Africa have been described, as have major sources of pollution in the different regions. This review summarizes the sites where most of the heavy metal pollution has been reported in Africa and, where applicable, presents reported levels of pollution in different environmental compartments in the context of internationally acceptable limits. Contaminations in fish and food animals as well as impacts of heavy metal pollution on humans are also described.
The epidemiology of canine Babesia infections in Zambia
(Elsevier, 2010-12-10) . Mudenda, Ntombi Basimbi; Nalubamba, King S.; Hankanga, Careen; Masuku, Maxwell
This study of 1196 dogs over a period of 18 months determined the seasonal infection patterns of canine babesiosis in Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. The work also describes a retrospective study of the prevalence of canine babesiosis in laboratory clinical blood samples submitted to the University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine for routine haematological examination from the year 1994 to 2009. A cross-sectional study was also performed to determine the levels of Babesia in a low-income society (during the dry season and the wet season of the year), where 361 samples were collected from dogs presented for mass rabies vaccination campaigns. Morphology of the Babesia indicated that all were of the large-sized Babesia canis infection. Babesia-positive dogs had significantly higher rectal temperatures than negative ones, and dogs younger than 1 year were more likely to be Babesia positive followed by those between 2 and 5 years old. Seasonal trends indicate two peaks, one in the rainy season (November–March) and another in the cold dry season (June/July). Monthly prevalence rates of Babesia ranged from 0% to 2.4% in natural populations and from 0% to 28.6% in laboratory specimens. This study shows that Zambia has lower Babesia prevalence than reported in other African countries.
Helminth parasites of the Kafue lechwe antelope (Kobus leche kafuensis): a potential source of infection to domestic animals in the Kafue wetlands of Zambia
(Cambridge University Press, 2011) Muma, J.B.; Phiri, A.M.; Chota, A.; Munyeme, M.; Sikasunge, C.S.
The Kafue lechwe antelope (Kobus leche kafuensis), a medium-sized, semiaquatic antelope, grazes extensively on pastures accessed by livestock in and around Lochinvar and Blue Lagoon national parks in the Kafue wetlands of Zambia. This interaction has a potential for bi-modal transmission of a wide range of parasitic helminths between lechwe and domestic ruminants. A survey was conducted to investigate the status of helminths in the Kafue lechwe during the 2008 ( July–December) hunting season, involving 65 animals hunted under special research licences. Worm identification was based on morphological features using standard identification keys. Eleven different types of helminths were identified in the animals studied; namely, Oesophagostomum, Bunostomum, Cooperia, Dictyocaulus, Marshallagia, Stilesia, Setaria, Trichuris, Fasciola, amphistomes and Schistosoma. Amphistomes (100%) and Oesophagostomum (60.9%) were the most common while Fasciola (7.8%) and Stilesia (1.6%) were the least of the identified helminths. There was no evidence that helminths, at intensities observed, adversely affected the health of the lechwe. The degree of worm infection was observed to vary between the two study areas, with Blue Lagoon recording higher infection levels compared to Lochinvar. The host range of many of the helminths found in the Kafue lechwe is broad and could serve as a potentially stable source of infection to domestic animals such as goats and cattle. Therefore, issues concerning livestock management and conservation may arise.
Anthelmintic efficacy in captive wild impala antelope (Aepyceros melampus) in Lusaka, Zambia
(Elsevier, 2011) Mudenda, Ntombi B.; . Nalubamba, King Shimumbo
There has been an increase in the number of wild ungulates kept in captivity for ecotourism and conservation in Zambia and these animals are susceptible to a number of diseases including gastrointestinal helminth infections. Surveys to determine anthelmintic efficacy to gastrointestinal nematodes in captive-wildlife are not common and there have been no reports of anthelmintic resistance in captive-wildlife in Zambia. This study was carried out to determine the efficacy of the benzimidazole anthelmintic fenbendazole in captive wild impala (Aepyceros melampus) in Zambia. During the month of April 2011, at the end of the rainy season, the faecal egg count reduction test was performed at a private game facility for assessing anthelmintic efficacy of oral fenbendazole and the anthelmintic treatment showed an efficacy of 90%. Haemonchus spp. and Trichostrongylus spp. were the predominant genera present before treatment, but Haemonchus spp. larvae were the only genus recovered from the faecal cultures after anthelmintic treatment. This represents the first documentation of anthelmintic treatment failure in captive wild-antelopes in Zambia. It also demonstrated the ineffectiveness of the common traditional practice of deworming captive-wild antelopes at the end of the rainy season due to the rapid re-infection of impala that occurs due to high pasture infectivity. Suggestions on changes to current anthelmintic use/practices that will make them more efficacious and reduce the possibility of development of anthelmintic resistance in captive wild game in Zambia are also made
Modelling the ecological niche of hookworm in Brazil based on climate
(Geospatial Health, 2012) Mudenda, Ntombi B.; Malone, John B.; Kearney, Michael T.; Mischler, Paula D.; Nieto, Prixia del Mar; McCarroll, Jennifer C.; Vounatsou, Penelope
. The distribution of hookworm in schistosomiasis-endemic areas in Brazil was mapped based on climate suitability. Known biological requirements of hookworm were fitted to data in a monthly long-term normal climate grid (18 x 18 km) using geographical information systems. Hookworm risk models were produced using the growing degree day (GDD) water budget (WB) concept. A moisture-adjusted model (MA-GDD) was developed based on accumulation of monthly temperatures above a base temperature of 15 °C (below which there is no lifecycle progression of Necator americanus) conditional on concurrent monthly values (rain/potential, evapotranspiration) of over 0.4. A second model, designated the gradient index, was calculated based on the monthly accumulation of the product of GDD and monthly WB values (GDD x WB). Both parameters had a significant positive correlation to hookworm prevalence. In the northeastern part of Brazil (the Caatinga), low hookworm prevalence was due to low soil moisture content, while the low prevalence in southern Brazil was related to low mean monthly temperatures. Both environmental temperature and soil moisture content were found to be important parameters for predicting the prevalence of N. americanus.
EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL LEAD CONTAMINATION ON CATTLE IN A LEAD/ZINC MINING AREA: CHANGES IN CATTLE IMMUNE SYSTEMS ON EXPOSURE TO LEAD IN VIVO AND IN VITRO
(Sectac Press, 2012-01-31) Yabe, John; Ikenaka, Yoshinori; Nakayama, Shouta M. M.; Muroya, Taro; Konnai, Satoru; Darwish, Wageh Sobhy; Muzandu, Kaampwe; Choongo, Kennedy; Mainda, Geoffrey; Teraoka, Hiroki; Umemura, Takashi; Ishizuka, Mayumi
Abstract—The Republic of Zambia is rich in mineral resources, such as zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb), and mining is a key industry in Zambia. A previous study of Pb pollution in Kabwe, one of the main mining areas, found that soil was contaminated with high levels of toxic metals over a substantial area. In the present study, the authors focus on toxic metal pollution in cattle, one of the most important domestic animals in Zambia. Blood samples from cattle in Kabwe and a control area (Lusaka) were tested for toxic metal content. They also measured mRNA expression of metal-responsive proteins and cytokines in white blood cells using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. In the present in vitro study, The authors cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from cattle, exposing them to Pb acetate for 24 h and analyzing mRNA expression of metal-responsive proteins and selected cytokines. Lead concentrations in cattle blood from Kabwe were significantly greater than those from Lusaka, as were the mRNA expressions of metallothionein-2 (MT-2), tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), interferon-g (IFN-g), interleukin-1b (IL-1b), IL-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The present in vitro study demonstrated that Pb exposure led to an increase in the expressions of MT-2, TNF-a, IL-1b, and iNOS, similar to those found in vivo. These results indicate the possibility of immune system modulations in cattle from the Kabwe area.
Accumulation of Metals in the Liver and Kidneys of Cattle from Agricultural Areas in Lusaka, Zambia
(Journal of veterinary medicine, 2012-05-11) Yabe, John; Nakayama, Shouta M. M.; Ikenaka, Yoshinori; Muzandu, Kaampwe; Ishizuka, Mayumi; Umemura, Takashi
ABSTRACT. Intensive agricultural practices are recognized as significant sources of metal pollution in soils and pasture. This study investigated metal contamination in cattle offal from an agricultural area in Zambia, where inorganic fertilizers, agricultural lime, and pesticides are routinely applied. The highest median values (mg/kg, wet weight) of Cu (40.9), Zn (35.2), Cr (1.35) and Ni (0.594) were recorded in the liver, whereas the highest median values of Pb (0.061) and Cd (0.049) were found in kidneys. Maximum levels of Hg, As and Co were under 0.2 mg/kg in both organs. Pb and Cd did not exceed the benchmark values in cattle offal for human consumption and did not pose immediate health risks. Concentrations of Ni and Cr could present a public health concern. Monitoring of metal accumulations in offal of cattle, not only from well-known polluted environments but also agricultural areas, should be done regularly for the health of human consumers.
The Nexus between Bovine Tuberculosis and Fasciolosis Infections in Cattle of the Kafue Basin Ecosystem in Zambia: Implications on Abattoir Surveillance
(Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2012-10-10) Phiri, Andrew Malata; Munyeme, Musso; MweembaMunang’andu, Hetron; Nambota, Andrew; Muma, John Bwalya; Nalubamba, King Shimumbo
Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) and fasciolosis are important but neglected diseases that result in chronic infections in cattle. However, in Zambia, these diseases are mainly diagnosed at abattoirs during routine meat inspection. Albeit the coinfection status, these diseases have been reported as nothing more than normal separate findings without an explanatory phenomena. Forthwith, we formulated this study to assess the possible association of the two diseases in a known high prevalence area on the Kafue basin ecosystem. Of the 1,680 animals screened, 600 (35.7%; 95% CI 33.4%–38%) and 124 (7.4%; 95% CI 6.1%–8.6%) had fasciolosis and tuberculous lesions; respectively, whilst 72 had both fasciola and tuberculous lesions representing 12% (95% CI 9.4%–14.6%) and 58.1% (95% CI; 49.3%–66.7%) of the total positives for fasciola and tuberculosis, respectively. Jaundice was seen in 304 animals, 18.1% (95% CI; 16.3%–19.9%) and was significantly correlated to fasciolosis (r = 0.59, P < 0.0001). A significant association (χ2 = 76.2, df = 1, and P < 0.0001) was found between fasciolosis and tuberculous lesions. Simple logistic regression intimated fasciolosis as a strong predictor for tuberculous lesions with animals that had fasciola being five times more likely to have tuberculous lesions (odds ratio = 4.8, 95% CI: 3.3–7.0). This study indicates that transmission and spatial risk factors of communicable and noncommunicable diseases such as bTB and fasciolosis can be correlated in an ecosystem such as the Kafue flats.
Calcinosis circumscripta in a captive African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)
(Elsevier, 2014) Mumba, Chisoni; Squarre, David; Mwase, Maxwel; Yabe, John; Shibahara, Tomoyuki
Calcinosis circumscripta is an uncommon syndrome of ectopic mineralization characterized by deposition of calcium salts in soft tissues. It has been thought to be associated with cystic apocrine glands of the skin, and some researchers called this lesion ‘‘cystic apocrine calcinosis’’[1]. However, calcinosis circumscripta has been found in the tongue, which lacks apocrine glands[1]. The focal mineralized lesions are most frequently located in the region of extremity joints as well as cervical and thoracic spine segments[2]. The other sites predisposed to develop such pathological changes, with very few references in the literature, may include the mouth, gingiva, frenulum of the tongue, salivary glands, pinna, mandible, chest region and jejunum[2]. Dystrophic calcinosis circumscripta occurs when the serum calcium and phosphate levels are normal and the calcification is localized to a specific area of tissue damage. The primary lesion can be due to injury, necrosis, inflammation or neoplasia. Tissue damage may be due to mechanical, chemical, infectious or other factors[3]. Calcinosis circumscripta has not previously been reported in a cheetah, hence necessitating the publication of this article l
Prevalence and burden of gastrointestinal helminths in wild and domestic guineafowls (Numida meleagris) in the Southern Province of Zambia
(Elsevier, 2015) Mudenda, Ntombi Basimbi; Nalubamba, King Shimumbo; Bwalya, Eugene Chisela; Munangandu, Hetron Mweemba; Munyeme, Musso; Squarre, David
Objective: To determine the gastrointestinal tract helminthic fauna in domestic and wild guineafowl in Zambia. Methods: Post-mortem and laboratory parasitological examinations for helminth identification and enumeration were conducted on 198 guineafowls (148 domestic and 50 wild) from November 2010 to October 2011. Results: All guineafowls were infested with one or more helminths. Eleven helminth species, namely, Raillietina echinobothrida, Raillietina tetragona, Raillietina cesticillus, Ascaridia galli, Allodapa suctoria, Gongylonema ingluvicola, Tetrameres spp., Heterakis spp., Acuaria spiralis, Syngamus trachea, and Streptocara pectinifera were identified with no trematodes recorded. Mean nematode burden between domestic and wild fowl showed no differences having 113.7 [confidence interval (CI) 98.9–128.6] and 108 (CI 76.6–139.5) nematodes respectively. In contrast, female guineafowls had a mean of 151.9 (CI 128.4–177.8) nematodes per host which was significantly more than the males that had a mean of 79.6 (CI 66.8–94.4). However, there were differences in helminth species richness between domestic and wild guineafowls with domestic guineafowls having more species present at a mean of 4.2 (CI 3.91–4.44) than the wild ones at a mean of 3.4 (CI 2.92–3.88) but there were no sex differences. Eight of the eleven helminth species cooccurred in domestic and wild fowl and five of the helminth species had higher prevalence in domestic guineafowls. Conclusions: Syngamus trachea, Streptocara pectinifera and Acuaria spiralis are reported for the first time in domestic poultry in Zambia. This study represents the first comparative study of helminths in domestic and wild guineafowls at an interface area and adds to the knowledge base in a discipline where a dearth currently exists.
Assessing and Managing Intensification in Smallholder Dairy Systems for Food and Nutrition Security in Sub-Saharan Africa
(Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, 2015) Chagunda, Mizeck.G.G; Anjos, Filomenados; Richard, Hopkins; Chiwona-Kartun, Kartun; Mumba, Chisoni
Smallholder farmers play an important part in the dairy value chain in most countries in Sub- Saharan Africa. Over the past two decades, three technological approaches have been used. First, applying agricultural ecological processes (ecological intensification), the other, utilising modern livestock breeding (genetic intensification), and socio-economic intensification. In terms of ecological intensification, some of strategies that have been applied are, continuous housing of cows applying a cut-and-carry feeding system, introduction of purpose-bred forages and pastures, and the introduction of agro-forestry within the dairy systems. Genetic intensification strategies have included; importation of the world-renown dairy breeds such as Holstein Friesian (HF) and Jerseys, crossbreeding of the indigenous breeds with HF with the aim of upgrading towards HF. Training and capacity building activities to create sustainable livelihoods have been initiated to not only impart farming and technological practices of animal husbandry but also to enhance appropriate leadership and corporative-building skills that would create and support an enabling environment for sustainability. These improvements and initiatives in the service delivery have been championed by either the national governments, or development partner 15 institutions and non-governmental organisations through different programmes and projects. Challenges of intensification include matching management to genetic potential of imported and crossbred improved dairy breeds, ensuring low post-harvest losses, proper utilization, and environmental impact challenges. Using examples from Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Zambia, this paper examines the management and assessment approaches used in fostering smallholder dairy development strategies and dairy’s contribution to sustainable livelihoods in the face of intensification.

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