Poultry farming in Ethiopia is crucial for food security and income, but it faces significant challenges due to gaps in farmer awareness. A cross-sectional study was conducted using the Biocheck.UGent™ biosecurity scoring system and a questionnaire to evaluate poultry farmers’ basic and practical knowledge concerning salmonellosis and mycotoxins. The questionnaire revealed substantial gaps in basic and practical knowledge regarding Salmonella spp infections and mycotoxin among 38 poultry farmers in Jimma. About 68.4% of farmers were unaware of the impact of salmonellosis on both poultry and human health. Moreover, 78.9% had limited basic knowledge of how salmonellosis affects production and the economy. Farmers also showed limited practical knowledge of farm management and hygiene practices essential for preventing Salmonella spp. infections. Regarding mycotoxins, 63.2% of farmers lacked awareness of poultry feed management, 60.5% were unaware of the health risks mycotoxins pose, and 73.7% did not recognize signs of mycotoxin contamination. Although 55.3% of farmers demonstrated acceptable practical knowledge of strategies to reduce the impact of mycotoxin contaminations, there are still concerns, particularly since 65.8% and 55.3% only showed moderate practical knowledge of feed storage and mycotoxin prevention, respectively. The overall biosecurity scores of poultry farms were below the global average, with a score of 41.7 compared to the worldwide average of 64. The overall mean score for external biosecurity was 44.9, below the global average of 63. All 3 scoring platforms and biosecurity parameters indicated that internal biosecurity was the weakest aspect, with a score of 31.6, well below the global standard of 64. The results showed a weak correlation (rₛ = 0.06) between farmers’ basic and practical knowledge scores about Salmonella spp. infections and mycotoxins. Similarly, there was a weak correlation between the poor biosecurity score of poultry farms and the basic and practical knowledge of poultry farmers on Salmonella spp. infections (rₛ = 0.17) and mycotoxins (rₛ = 0.25). In conclusion, the study found that poultry farmers in Jimma had poor basic and practical knowledge scores on Salmonella, mycotoxins, and biosecurity measures. Thus, awareness creation is paramount to improve these gaps to reduce the impact of mycotoxin contamination and poultry diseases and consequently to improve food security and food safety.

Salmonellosis represents a significant economic and public health concern for the poultry industry in Africa, leading to substantial economic losses due to mortality, reduced productivity, and food safety problems. However, comprehensive information on the burden of poultry salmonellosis at the continental level is scarce. To address this gap, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to consolidate information on the prevalence and circulating serotypes of poultry salmonellosis in African countries. This involved the selection and review of 130 articles published between 1984 and 2021. A detailed systematic review protocol was structured according to Cochrane STROBE and PRISMA statement guideline. From the 130 selected articles from 23 different African countries, the overall pooled prevalence estimate (PPE) of poultry salmonellosis in Africa was found to be 14.4% (95% CI = 0.145-0.151). Cameroon reported the highest PPE at 71.9%. The PPE was notably high in meat and meat products at 23%. The number of research papers reporting poultry salmonellosis in Africa has shown a threefold increase from 1984 to 2021. Salmonella Enteritidis and Typhimurium were the two most prevalent serotypes reported in 18 African countries. Besides, Salmonella Kentucky, Virchow, Gallinarum, and Pullorum were also widely reported. Western Africa had the highest diversity of reported Salmonella serotypes (141), in contrast to southern Africa, which reported only 27 different serotypes. In conclusion, poultry salmonellosis is highly prevalent across Africa, with a variety of known serotypes circulating throughout the continent. Consequently, it is crucial to implement strategic plans for the prevention and control of Salmonella in Africa.

Introduction:It is a growing concern that pathogenic bacteria can be found in poultry meat, and an additional problem is the ongoing rise in food-derived bacteria's resistance to antibiotics.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2021 to March 2023. This study aimed to isolate, identify and analyze E. coli in poultry meat collected from slaughterhouses in Addis Ababa. A total of 499 samples were collected from fecal content, carcass, hand and knife swab samples by using purposive and systematic random sampling methods.Results:An overall 5.2% Escherichia coli (E. coli O157:H7) prevalence was found in this study. On average, antimicrobial susceptibility tests revealed that the sensitivities of (Escherichia coli) E. coli O157:H7 isolates from carcass swabs, fecal content, manuals, knife swabs and water samples were 62.3%, 52.5%, 53%, 60% and 60%, respectively.Discussion:However, few (Escherichia coli) E. coli O157:H7 isolates have developed multidrug resistance to some antibiotics, for an overall rate of 13.8%. Knowledge and attitude assessment of the slaughterhouse workers showed that 44.2% had no wash their hands at all and that 125.6% had washed their hands before slaughter commencement.Conclusion:The detection of (Escherichia coli) E. coli O157:H7 isolates from all sample types had a slight prevalence of serious public health concerns. It is important to monitor antibiotic use for both human and animal health in order to make sure that it is safe and effective.

Ethnoveterinary medicine is part of indigenous knowledge that has been used for many centuries in the world, particularly in developing countries. Owing to its history and wider utility in our society, a survey on ethnoveterinary practice was undertaken between October 2018 and December 2019, to assess and document this traditional practice in the treatment of livestock ailments in the Dawuro zone. Data on the type of herbs/shrubs and other non-plant consumables or materials were gathered from purposively selected 81 informants using a semi-structured questionnaire. Focus group discussions, participant observations, and field trips were also made. Data obtained from the questionnaire survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics and quantitative ethnobotanical methods. Samples of plants claimed to have medicinal value were collected and botanically identified. The study revealed that 92 plant species belonging to 44 families were in use. The family Asteraceae was the most frequently reported species (11.4%). Herbs (31.7%) were the main source of traditional prepared medicine followed by shrubs (31.5%). The leaves (40.5%) and roots (34.5%) were more commonly utilized parts of plants while pounding (78.8%) was the major formulation. Among the non-plant materials, bear faeces, sharp hot iron or wire/knife, and common salt showed the highest utility level (100%). Azadirachta indica was the most preferred species to treat blackleg and also with the highest use value (UVs=0.36). The study revealed that the local communities of the study areas were rich in indigenous knowledge of ethnoveterinary practices. Thus, a strong protective policy is needed to safeguard the plant species; and develop regulations in the applications of ethnoveterinary knowledge. Moreover, bioactive validation of plant chemical content, along with testing for efficacy and safety would be part of indispensable technicalities for rational utility in the future.

A longitudinal observational study was carried out from January 2020 to July 2021 to assess the impact of subclinical mastitis (SCM) on reproductive performance and its association with uterine health of crossbred dairy cows. The California Mastitis Test (CMT) and cytobrush technique were used to screen subclinical mastitis and subclinical endometritis, respectively. Milk samples positive for subclinical mastitis were subjected to bacteriological analysis. Data from 84 clinically healthy cows collected and analyzed. The present study revealed a prevalence of subclinical mastitis of 51.2% (43 of 84). The mean days from calving to first service interval were significantly longer in subclinical mastitis positive cows than negative (control) cows (120.51 ± 24.5 and 85.15 ± 28.3, respectively) (P < 0.05). The mean number of services per conception was significantly higher in positive cows (2.51 ± 0.83) than in negative cows (1.59 ± 0.81) (P < 0.05). Lower conception and pregnancy rates at first services were observed in subclinical mastitis cows. Risk factors analysis revealed that prevalence of subclinical mastitis significantly differed with the parity and body condition score (P < 0.05). The current study revealed that subclinical mastitis was significantly and directly associated with subclinical endometritis (P < 0.05). Subclinical mastitis significantly decreased (P = 0.000) progesterone concentrations and increased (P = 0.001) the cortisol concentrations. Staphylococcus aureus were the most predominant bacterial isolates from subclinical mastitic milk, followed by coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) and streptococci. This study concludes a high prevalence of subclinical mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus could inflict harmful effects on reproductive performance of dairy cows, emphasizing the relevance of mastitis control programs in dairy farms.

Introduction:Peste des petits ruminants is a transboundary disease of major economic importance and imposes significant constraints on small ruminant production. Methods:A cross-sectional study was employed in Dera and Gerar Jarso districts of the North Shewa zone, Oromia Region from February 2021 to March 2022, to estimate the antibody of PPRV and assess the associated risk factors. Blood samples (n = 662) were collected from sheep and goats. Cluster sampling strategy was employed to collect the data. Villages/Kebeles and individual small ruminants were randomly selected, while households were designated using a systematic random sampling method. Results:An overall individual animal and flock level sero-prevalence was 10.3% (95% CI = 8.2-12.8) and 100% (95% CI = 96.3-100), respectively, from the c-ELISA test result. A sero-prevalence of 11.2% (95% CI = 8.7-14.4) in Dera and 8% (95% CI = 5-12.7) in Gerar Jarso districts was recorded. Discussion:Flock size, age, sex, communal grazing, and watering system, new small ruminant introduction into a flock, and mixed rearing were significantly associated with PPR sero-positivity in sheep and goats. The chance of PPR occurrence in goats was 4 times (OR = 4; P = 0.000) more than sheep. Female sheep and goats were more likely to be sero-positive to PPR by 3 times (OR = 3.2; P = 0.003) than males. The newly introduced small ruminants had 4 times more odds (OR = 4.4; P = 0.000) of sero-positivity than animals being born at home. Small ruminants kept under communal grazing and watering system were nearly 12 times (OR = 11.5; P = 0.024) more likely sero-positive than privately managed small ruminants. Likewise, sheep and goats reared together were almost 9 times (OR = 9.4; P = 0.000) a higher chance of being sero-positive compared with separately reared small ruminants. Conclusion:The finding of PPR virus antibodies in small ruminants from all study areas indicates endemic circulation of the virus. The implementation of regular vaccination could minimize the occurrence of PPR.

Bovine mastitis is an economically important and highly prevalent infectious disease in dairy herds worldwide. Staphylococcus aureus is a common microorganism causing infectious mastitis. A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2018 and September 2019 in Shinshicho town, Kembata Tembaro Zone, Southern Ethiopia, to estimate the prevalence, and assess associated risk factors and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of S. aureus isolates from cow’s milk in dairy farms at Shinshicho town. Lactating dairy cows were screened for mastitis based on clinical examinations and the California mastitis test (CMT) followed by laboratory identification of S. aureus. All the S. aureus isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests using a disk diffusion test. Multivariable logistic regression analysis of the effect of different risk factors on the prevalence of mastitis was performed. From a total of 384 lactating cows examined and tested, 41.7 % ( n=160) were found positive for mastitis. Out of the occurrences of mastitis, 5% (n=19) and 36.7% (n=141) were clinical and subclinical respectively. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 36.84% (n=7) and 39.01% (n=55) of the clinical and subclinical mastitis respectively with a total isolation frequency of 38.75 % (n=62). According to the results of this study, greater herd sizes (OR=2.91, 95% CI: 1.62-5.21), higher parity cows (OR=3.91, 95% CI: 1.73-8.82), late lactation stage (OR=3.36, 95% CI: 1.27-8.91), and muddy floor (OR=2.37, 95% CL: 1.31-4.27) are risk variables linked to the occurrence of S. aureus mastitis. In addition, S. aureus has total resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin, penicillin-G, and Polymyxin. Similarly, 53.2% of the isolates proved resistant to three or more of the antibiotics used. Therefore, regular antimicrobial susceptibility testing should be performed to select potent modified antibiotics, and the effects and dynamics of genetic determinants of antibiotics should also be studied using molecular methods.

Background:For decades, Ethiopians have employed ethnoveterinary medicinal plants to cure both human and livestock ailments. Currently, few studies have been conducted on antimicrobial activity evaluation in Ethiopia. This study, therefore, is designed to evaluate the antibacterial activities of selected ethnoveterinary medicinal plants used in treating livestock ailments in the study area. Methods:Ethanol extracts of plants obtained by maceration of roots and leaves of four medicinal plant species were studied for potential antimicrobial activity using a disc diffusion method against S. aureus and E. coli. Data obtained from experiments were analyzed using ANOVA and the significant test was set to P < 0.05. Results:The antibacterial properties of four ethanol extracts of leaves of Withania somnifera L., Becium obovatum, Ageratum conyzoides L., and root of Pentas lanceolata (Forssk.) Defiers were evaluated in vitro and found to be effective against S. aureus but not E. coli. There was no significant difference between the studied plant species and concentrations (p > 0.05), according to the results. The four test extracts had minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 6.25 to 25 mg/mL, with inhibitory potential ranging from 12.5 to 100 mg/mL. Pentas lanceolata (Forssk.) Defiers's antibacterial activity at a concentration of 100 mg/mL (18.67 3.78 mm) was comparable to the standard antibiotic (Gentamicin 20g per disc), which had a measurement of 23.08 ±0.9 mm. Conclusion:This finding on the selected medicinal plants of Dawuro Zone supports the traditional claims of effective antimicrobial activity in the treatment of livestock health management. Hence, the study suggests further investigations need to be conducted to isolate and elucidate active ingredients in the plant materials tested.

Ethiopia is located in tropical region and livestock production represents a major national resource and forms an integral part of the Agricultural production system and livelihood of the society. Dairy farming being one of the agricultural production in Ethiopia, is practiced mainly as an extensive type of management system, which involves smallholder farmers in rural areas and semi-intensive and intensive managements in per urban and urban areas. Despite a large number of milking cows, there is low milk production because of many factors, including low genetic potential of indigenous breeds, extensive and poor husbandry practices, and widespread livestock diseases. Among the dairy cows’ diseases, mastitis is prevalent in the dairy production system incurring high economic losses and social burden. Several reports on mastitis in Ethiopia are present but are scattered. We focused on reviewing articles published in indexed journals reporting bovine mastitis to summarize its common etiologies, prevalence, and risk factors in Ethiopia. The common pathogens reported from different parts of Ethiopia are Staphylococcus aureus (Staph. aureus), non-aureus staphylococci, Streptococcus spp. (Strep. agalactiae, Strep. dysgalactiae, Strep. uberis), coliforms (E. coli, Klebsiella pneumonae), Trueperella pyogenes and Mannheimia haemolytica (M. haemolytica), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeroginosa), Enterobater aerogenes, Bacillus species, Micrococcus species. Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli are the most common isolates from clinical mastitis (CM). Staphylococcus aureus is also the most frequently isolated pathogen from sub-clinical mastitis (SCM). Sub-clinical mastitis which usually ranges from 25.4% to 73.3%, is highly prevalent than the clinical cases of mastitis which ranges from 3.2% to 26.5%. Several mastitis risk factors were reported. These were breed of animals, parity number, stage of lactation, presence of teat/udder lesion and hygiene measure of the farms. Thus, it is essential to plan and implement control measures including maintenance of good dairy farm environment, udder and milking hygiene at farm level; regular monitoring of udder health with special attention to exotic, crossbred and lactating cows and culling of older cows. Isolation, characterization and conducting antibacterial sensitivity test should be integral part of mastitis control strategy for effective control of the mastitis causing pathogens.

Thermophilic Campylobacter species are common cause of animal and human bacterial diseases with growing resistance to antimicrobials. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Campylobacter species from bovine, knives and personnel in Jimma Town, Ethiopia. Faecal samples and carcasses swabs were collected from cattle systematically selected from the annual plan of Jimma Municipal Abattoir. Personnel hand and knife swabs were collected after slaughtering each selected cattle. A cross-sectional study with systematic sampling method was conducted from October 2019 to September 2020 for the isolation, identification and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of thermophilic Campylobacter species. Isolation and identification of Campylobacter species were performed according to the techniques recommended by the International Organization for Standardization, and in vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing was screened using the standard agar disc diffusion method as recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institutions. A total of 684 samples (171 samples from faeces, carcasses, knives and personnel hands, were collected independently). The overall prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacterspecies was 5.6% (38/684). Majority of the isolates were from faecal samples (12.9%, n = 22) followed by carcass swabs(4.1% n = 7), knife swabs(3.5% n = 6) and personnel hand swabs(1.8% n = 3). Isolated and identified species of C.jejuni, C. coli and C. lari accounted for 63.2%, 23.7% and 13.2%, respectively. The isolated Campylobacter species were found to be resistant to Cephalothin (100%), Ampicillin (60.5%), Cefotaxime (60.5%), Chloramphenicol (47.4%) and Tetracycline (42.1%). On the other hand, the isolates were susceptible to Nalidixic acid (86.8%), Ciprofloxacin (86.8%), Sulphamethazole (84.2%), Ceftriaxone (78.9%), Clindamycin (68.4%) and Cefixime (65.8%). 84.2% of the isolates showed multi-drug resistance for three-to-six drug classes. All the C. lari isolates were multidrug resistant. All the three isolated species of Campylobacter were resistant to Cephalothin, and most were multidrug resistant. Isolation of Campylobacter species from faecal, carcass, knife and hand swabs revealed possible risk of contamination and exposure to Campylobacter infection of those who consume raw meat. Therefore, enactment of hygienic practices during the slaughtering process, proper handling and cooking of meat and awareness creation on jurisdictional antibiotic usage are required to avoid Campylobacter infection.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2020 to December 2020 to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Newcastle disease in selected districts of Illubabor Zone, South-western Ethiopia. Districts were selected by convenient sampling method and PAs were selected randomly. A total of 384 serum samples were collected from chicken of greater than 3 weeks of age and a serological test was conducted using Indirect ELISA. The Indirect ELISA test identified the overall seroprevalence of avian paramyxovirus serotype-1 (APMV-1) 16.93% (65) (95% CI: 13.2-20.7%). This study estimated 12% (95% CI: 5.6-18.4%), 16.8% (95% CI: 10.1-23.5%), and 20% (13.9- 26.1%) seroprevalence of Newcastle disease in Hurumu, BiloNopa, and Metu districts respectively. Among the individual chicken risk factors assessed; sex (OR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.35-6.38, P=0.007) and from flock level risk factors, flock size (OR=1.23, 95% CI=1.006-1.27, P=0.039) and disposal of dead chickens (OR: 11.67, 95% CI: 3.58-38.02, P<0.001) were significantly associated with seroprevalence of Newcastle disease. The results of the present study revealed higher seroprevalence of Newcastle disease in the study area and deserved the implementation of appropriate preventive and control measures and further studies should be undertaken to identify types of strains circulating in this area.

Background : Ethnoveterinary medicine is frequently used for treating various livestock diseases by many different ethnic groups in Ethiopia. To this end, the indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants and non-plant remedies has not been systematically documented and studied in the Dawuro zone. Therefore, a community based cross-sectional study design was conducted from November, 2017 to September, 2018 in order to identify and document medicinal plants and non-plant remedies used in animal health management. Methods : Relevant information on ethnoveterinary practice was collected from purposively selected 115 key informants using semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussions, observations and field guided walk methods. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, quantitative ethnobotanical methods and t-test and significantly test was set to p< 0.05. The plants claimed having medicinal value were collected and botanically identified. Results : The study revealed 103 plant species belong to 47 families and 11 non-plant remedies used to manage 36 different livestock ailments. Family Asteraceae accounted for 11.5% of the total species recorded. The majority of plants (56.2%) were harvested from wild habitat. Herbs (33.8%) were the main source of medicine followed by tree (30.6%). Leaves (43.6%) and roots (27.5%) were the main plant parts used while pounding was the major form in remedy preparation. The highest Informant Consensus Factor (0.83) value was scored for the disease of the reproductive system. Significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in average number of therapeutic plants reported by illiterate higher than literate groups. Cyphostemma flavicans (Baker) Desc. and Pentas schimperi were showed the highest Fidelity Level (100%) to treat disease of the reproductive system, and emaciation and bone fracture as plant materials whereas Bear faeces, sharp hot iron or wire/knife, and common salt were non-plant remedies used in the study area. Conclusion : The study revealed that the local community of in the study areas was used with a rich of indigenous knowledge of ethnoveterinary medicinal plants. The loss of valuable medicinal plant resources of the area calls for urgent and coordinated actions to develop conservation strategies.

A cross sectional study on infectious bursal disease was conducted in apparently healthy backyard chicken at Waliso district of Southwestern Shoa, central oromia, Ethiopia from from November, 2018 to October, 2019. A total of 282 chickens were randomly selected to estimate seroprevalence of IBD infection and to identify the likely potential risk factors for the disease. Serum samples collected and serological test conducted in laboratory at National Animal Health Diagnosis and Investigation Center Sebeta, Ethopia. Out of 282 serum samples tested 224 were positive for indirect ELISA technique and the overall seroprevalence of IBDV in the study area was found to be 79.43% at individual level. Educational level of owners, kebeles and flock size significantly affect seroprevalence of IBD in the study area. The effect of difference in managements like source of replacement, frequency of house cleaning, use of disinfectant and isolation practice has a significant effect on IBDV sero-prevalence. A lower seroprevalence of IBDV was reported in good hygienic level of house (26.7%) than poor level of chicken house hygiene (96.4%) with statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). The seroprevalence of IBDV in the present study associated with chicken management, flock size, owner education level and other animal related risk factors for occurrence of the disease. Therefore, awareness on chicken health management, and importance of immunization would help to minimize the prevalence of the disease and play crucial role in the control of the disease. Furthermore, characterizing virus strains circulating in the area in future study is recommended.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on selected dairy farms in and around Jimma town, Oromia, southwestern Ethiopia from November 2019 to May 2020 to determine the seroprevalence of Leptospira interrogans serogroup Sejroe serovar Hardjo (L. hardjo). Furthermore, information was gathered on individual animal and herd level by using pretested semistructured questionnaire to assess associated risk factors. A stratified and simple random sampling procedure was used for the selection of dairy farms and individual animal's, respectively. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA) was used in this study to detect antibody against L. hardjo. Out of 384 animal's sera, 94 animals were seropositive against L. hardjo antibodies. From 77 dairy farms selected for the study, 57 of them were distinguished as positive for L. hardjo. The overall seroprevalence of leptospirosis caused by L. hardjo was 24.48% (95% CI: 20.18%–28.78%) and 74.03% (95% CI: 64.23%–83.82%) at individual animal and farm level, respectively. The result of multilogistic regression analysis revealed that management system (p < 0.05; OR = 4.25 (95% CI: 2.31–7.82)), hygienic status of the farm (p < 0.05; OR = 0.35 (95% CI: 0.20–0.61)), age of animals (p < 0.05; OR = 8.30 (95% CI: 1.87–36.89)), history of abortion (p < 0.05; OR = 8.37 (95% CI: 1.73–40.42)), herd size (p < 0.05; OR = 2.32 (95% CI: 1.17–4.61)), and access of rodents to the farm (p < 0.05; OR = 0.17 (95% CI: 0.03–0.86)) were significantly associated with the occurrence of L. hardjo infection. However, breed, parity, and introduction of new animals to the farm were insignificantly associated (p > 0.05). Management system of the animal, hygienic status of the farm, herd size, age of animals, previous history of abortion, and access of rodents to the farm were identified as potential risk factors of L. hardjo disease occurrence. Thus, limiting rodents contact with cattle and their feed and water as well as good sanitary practices and husbandry management should be undertaken.

Background Although Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) and Campylobacter coli (C. coli) cause acute diarrheal diseases in people all over the world, they are most commonly seen in other mammalian species and are a seemingly healthy carrier condition. Humans in Ethiopia, on the other hand, are largely unaware of the existence of Campylobacter in food animals as potential sources of infection. Objective To determine the occurrence, risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of thermophilic Campylobacter species in bovine raw meat from the abattoir and butcher shops. Methods Swab samples were collected from 177 cattle carcasses (from abattoir 93 and butcher shops 84) and cultured using standard methods. An antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed using the disk diffusion method towards eleven antimicrobial agents. Results The overall prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter species was 14 (7.9%). From these, 11 (78.6%) were identified to be C. jejuni and 3 (21.4%) were C. coli. Lack of handwashing before meat processing and after visiting the toilet, meat contact with floors, walls, or soiling during preparation, and lack of training were the most important factors independently associated with (p<0.05) the prevalence of Campylobacter species contamination. The highest level of antimicrobial resistance of the Campylobacter isolates was recorded to ampicillin (10μg) (100%), followed by amoxicillin (30μg) (78.6%) and sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim (57.1%) while the least resisted antimicrobials were streptomycin (25μg), erythromycin (15μg), oxytetracycline (30μg) (each 28.6%), kanamycin (30μg) 14.3%, chloramphenicol (30μg) and gentamycin (10μg) (each 7.1%). Conclusion Despite the low prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter in the current investigation, it may pose a significant public health threat. As a result, it is vital to give retailers and customers extensive education, training, and knowledge about the correct handling and cooking of animal-derived goods. Furthermore, antimicrobials should be used with caution in both veterinary and human treatment regimens as well as a wider examination of antimicrobial resistance patterns for the use of well-targeted antimicrobials.

Background Effective risk communication is one of the critical strategies in the response to COVID-19. This study examined risk perceptions and attitudinal responses to COVID-19 among the educated section of the society in Ethiopia. Methods An internet-based survey was conducted from April 22 to May 04, 2020, in Ethiopia. A questionnaire addressing the perception of health threat-combination of perceived vulnerability (PV) and perceived seriousness (PS), and perceived efficacy-combinations of perceived response efficacy (PRE), perceived self-efficacy (PSE), and perceived collective efficacy (PCE). The data were analyzed using SPSS 21.0. Descriptive statistics were computed after the standardization of the scores. The scores for overall efficacy and threat were split by median value and response classifications were generated through threat by efficacy interactions. For statistical significance, 95% CI and p-value < 0.05 were used. Results A total of 929 respondents submitted their responses. Eight hundred and twenty-eight (89.1%) of the respondents were male and 753 (81.1%) were Christian. The perceived threat to COVID-19 was generally low (median = 58.3). The median score for overall efficacy, PRE, and PSE were 79.8, 87.5, and 80.0, respectively. However, the median value (66.7) for PCE was relatively low. Perceived threat significantly varied by age, education, occupation, and place of residence (p < 0.05). Perceived efficacy significantly differed by gender, residence, and use of some sources of information (p < 0.05). In terms of response to COVID-19, 290 (31.2%), 239 (25.7%), 175 (18.8%) and 225 (24.2%) of the respondents were in the responsive, pro-active, avoidant, and indifferent attitudinal categories, respectively. The avoidant and indifferent groups constituted a fear control response (mal-adaptive motivation towards COVID-19 protective behavior) whereas responsive and pro-active categories formed a danger control response (self-protective motivation). These responses varied significantly by residence, region, religion, and sources of information (p < 0.05). Conclusions Understanding people's perceived health threat and efficacy is a critical step toward creating risk communication campaigns. Hence, this study provided an insight that has the potential to inform the COVID-19 risk communication campaigns targeting the educated section of the society, by ensuring a balanced combination of threat appeals and efficacy messages for improved self-protective responses.

A cross-sectional study was carried out from May 2014 to February 2015 to identify potential sources of raw cows' milk contamination and assess its bacteriological quality, and investigate the bacteriological quality of fresh cows' milk at different sampling points, in Jimma town.A total of 348 milk samples from udder, milking bucket, storage containers and vendors were randomly collected.To determine the bacterial load in raw milk samples, standard plate count test (SPC), coliform counts (CC), somatic cell counts (SCC), and california mastitis test (CMT) were conducted.The overall mean value of total bacterial counts (TBC) and coliform counts (CC) were 6.76log10 CFU/ml and 4.57 log10 CFU/ml respectively.The mean TBC were 5.87 ± 0.09 log10 CFU/ml, 6.14 ± 0.07 log10 CFU/ml, 7.39 ± 0.13 log10 CFU/ml, and 7.63 ± 0.06 log10 CFU/ml at udder, milking bucket, storage container and milk vendor levels respectively.The mean CC from udder, milking bucket, storage container and vendor were 3.14 ±0.09 log10 CFU/ml, 4.08 ± 0.07 log10 CFU/ml, 5.07 ± 0.23 log10 CFU/ml and 6.00 ± 0.21 log10 CFU/ml respectively.The difference in the mean TBC and CC at each sampling points were statistically significant (P=0.001).Among the investigated sampling points, the highest level of contamination in terms of TBC and CC was at vendor level.Factors that contributed to poor quality of milk were unhygienic milking procedures, lack of potable water, dirty milking environment and use of unclean milking and storage containers.According to international standards, TBC, CC and SCC have values above the upper limits set.The results of the current study indicated that the cow milk produced and distributed in the study area can generally be considered as substandard in quality.Therefore, it is important to put in place an improved hygienic practice at all levels in the dairy to improve the quality of cows' milk.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is considered the most prevalent food borne pathogen that has gained increasing attention worldwide in recent years. A cross sectional study was undertaken from January 2018 to September 2018 on carcass swab and utensil at slaughter house as well as meat and utensil obtained from butcher shop at Jimma town to isolate identify and assess association risk factor of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and its antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. From total of 288 samples 51 of them were biochemically positive for Escherichia coli. From those isolated by biochemical tests four of them were found to be positive for Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain as confirmed by Biolog incubation manual. Among the samples (144) from slaughter house examined 3 of the E. coli O157:H7 isolates were found to be positive for E. coli O157:H7. Two of the isolates were identified from carcass and one from hanging up wire at slaughter house while the rest one was from meat at butcher shop. The antimicrobial susceptibility investigation of 4 E. coli O157:H7 isolates using 12 commonly marketable antimicrobial discs revealed that the isolates were susceptible to eight antimicrobials from 75% to 100%. Results of the present study indicated that an overall resistance of 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% was observed to Ampicillin, Neomycin, Cefoxitin and Oxytetracycline respectively. Multi drug resistance to three drugs was detected in 1 (25%) of the isolates. This study indicates the possible risk of E. coli O157:H7 particularly for the consumers who have the habit of eating raw or undercooked meat. These findings stress the need for implementation of E. coli O157:H7 prevention and control strategies from slaughter house to butcher shop and consumption of meat.

Background Cholera remains a significant public health problem in more than one-third of the countries of the world. Cholera outbreak has become more common in Addis Ababa particularly in the rainy seasons; however, there is a paucity of data on risk factors associated with cholera outbreaks rendering interventions difficult. We investigated the outbreak to identify its etiology, source, risk factors and in order to control the outbreak. Methods We compared cases with health center-based unmatched controls (1:2). Cases were patients aged ≥5 years with acute watery diarrhea, with or without vomiting while controls were persons aged ≥5 years without history of acute watery diarrhea. We interviewed our study participants using structured questionnaire to collect demographic and cholera risk factors data. We described the outbreak over time, and then tested our hypotheses using unconditional logistic regression. Results The outbreak began on 7 September, 2017 reaching its peak on 23 September, 2017 and ended on 01 October, 2017. We identified a total of 25 cases (Median age: 38 years; IQR: 20 years) and recruited 50 controls (Median age: 35 years; IQR: 29 years). All case-patients had acute watery diarrhea and dehydration requiring intravenous fluids. All cases were admitted to cholera treatment center but there were no deaths. Stool and water samples yielded isolates of Vibrio cholerae O1 of serological subtype Ogawa. Consumption of contaminated holy water (AOR: 20.5, 95%CI: 3.50, 119.61) and raw vegetables (AOR: 15.3, 95%CI: 3, 81.51) were independent risk factors whereas washing hands with soap after visiting latrine (AOR: 0.04, 95%CI: 0.01, 0.25) was independent protective factor. Conclusion Our findings demonstrated cholera foodborne transmission via consumption of raw vegetables, and its waterborne transmission via consumption of contaminated holy water. Washing hands with soap after visiting latrine was protective. We recommended cooking of vegetables and promoting hand washing.

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) remains a huge threat to cattle production in sub Saharan African countries in general and in Ethiopia in particular. A cross sectional study was conducted between November, 2017 and June, 2018 to estimate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of CBPP in the Gudeya Bila and Boneya Boshe districts of East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State. The study was conducted on 384 cattle with no history of vaccination against CBPP, using systematic random sampling technique. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of each animal and tested by competitive ELISA. Information on risk factors influencing the occurrence of CBPP was collected using questionnaire survey. Data obtained from both serological and questionnaire surveys were analyzed by using SPSS software version 20. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association of exposure variables with anti-mycoplasma mycoides subspecies small colony antibodies. The results indicated that, the overall seroprevalence of CBPP at individual animal-level and herd-level was 8.6% and 26.3%, respectively. There was a statistically significant association in the sero-prevalence of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides SC (MMmsSC) antibody (P< 0.05) with the poor body condition score, origin of animals (purchasing from outside of herd) and previous history of CBPP disease at individual animal and large herd size at herd level. This study showed that the overall prevalence of CBPP in study area was high. This warrants the implementation of appropriate preventive and control practice. Keywords: Boneya Boshe, Bovine, CBPP, c-ELISA, Ethiopia, Gudeya Bila, Sero-prevalence