Pneumonia has been identified as one of the limiting factors to pig production. Some of the pneumonia-inducing agents include Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (MHYO), the primary cause of enzootic pneumonia and Metastrongylus species. which are widely distributed lungworms commonly found in indigenous free-range pigs. This paper describes the pathological findings of 6 cases out of 204 lungs randomly collected from slaughtered pigs in Southwest Nigeria. Samples of the lungs were collected from the cases for bacterial culture, histopathology and detection of MHYO antigens using immunohistochemisty. Gross lesions were severe acute lobular bronchopneumonia (104/204, 50.98%) and greyish discrete nodules in the lungs. Microscopically, there were varying degrees of lymphoid hyperplasia of bronchial-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) (82.2%), suppurative bronchiolitis with widespread bronchiolar epithelial cells necrosis (57.4%) and granulomatous bronchopneumonia with presence of Metastrongylus spp. and bronchiolar intraluminal cellular exudate consisting predominantly of eosinophils (2.9%). Pasteurella multocida was the most isolated bacterial pathogen (49.0%) either as a single pathogen or in combination with other pathogens from the infected lung samples. Immunohistochemical labelling showed strong MHYO antigens on the surface of bronchial epithelial cells in infected lungs (86/204). This is the first report of granulomatous bronchopneumonia due to Metastrongylus spp. associated with a co-infection of MHYO and Pasteurella multocida in Nigerian indigenous pigs. It is suggested that metastrongylosis may be more common than reported in this study. The detection of respiratory pathogens such as Mycoplasma. hyopneumoniae, Metasrongylusspp. and Pasteurella multocida suggest that they are potential contributors to bronchopneumonia observed in this study.

Hematological and serum biochemical profiles of animals are reflections of physiological disposition to their health status and production potentials. Findings in experimental studies on trypanosomosis may not translate directly to the expected findings in natural infections because of the effect of some variables like species and infecting dose of the parasite, nutritional status of the animal, concurrent infections, and stage of the trypanosomosis at the time of presentation to the clinic. Trypanosoma brucei and T. congolense infections in dogs have grave prognosis especially if the cases are not detected at their early stages. Clinical presentation, survivability of dogs treated with Diminazene aceturate as well as haematological and serum biochemical aberrations caused by natural infections with different Trypanosoma species were investigated with the view to identifying a variable or factor that could be used for prognostic evaluation in the treated dogs. Telephone numbers of the clients for dogs diagnosed with and treated against natural trypanosomes infections were collected and used to monitor the therapeutic outcomes. The clinical signs observed suggestive of late stage trypanosomosis were matched with the revelations from the case history. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) reductions in PCV, HB, absolute neutrophil, and significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase in monocytes count, serum urea, and creatinine were recorded in trypanosome infected dogs. Inability of clients to note the early clinical signs of infections with trypanosomes could have contributed to the low survival rate of the trypanosome-infected dogs even when treated.

Trypanosomosis is becoming a major health challenge to dogs in the sub-Sahara Africa including Nigeria, but minimal reports are available on the molecular characteristic of trypanosomes infecting dogs in Nigeria. We characterized trypanosomes detected in naturally infected dogs by PCR and sequences analysis of the partial region of the trypanosomes internal transcribed spacer-1of ribosomal RNA (ITS1 rRNA). Animals presented to the University of Nigeria Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UNVTH) in Nsukka, Nigeria for examination and treatment were sampled for laboratory tests. DNA was extracted from 21 blood samples obtained from dogs that were confirmed positive for trypanosome infection by microscopy. ITS-1 was PCR amplified and sequenced bi-directionally. Sixteen samples have good bands, though one of them had unreadable sequence. Analyses of the sequence data by BLAST search on NCBI identified T. congolense, T. brucei gambiense, and T. evansi in 4.8, 4.8, and 91.4%, respectively, from the analysed samples from the infected dogs. Although the top BLAST hits for T. brucei group were due to T. evansi and T. b. gambiense, there is not enough discriminatory power in ITS-1 to distinguish subspecies. The aligned sequences of the trypanozoon were less polymorphic. Phylogenetic trees inferred by unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) algorithms separated trypanozoon group from the T. congolense into two distinct clades. In conclusion, this study suggests that the trypanozoon group of trypanosomes cause more canine trypanosomosis in the study area and suggests inclusion of dogs in strategic planning for control and eradication of trypanosomosis in sub-Sahara African countries.

Presumptive and inaccurate diagnosis of cattle trypanosomosis among field veterinarians has led to misuse of trypanocides, development of drug resistance, toxicities and huge economic losses. This study assessed the reliability, specificity and sensitivity of some identified trypanosomosis associated signalments (anaemia using FAMACHA® guide, body condition score (BCS), superficial lymph nodes enlargement and jugular pulsation) as field diagnostic parameters. Blood and faecal samples were collected from 273 subjectively selected cattle for the determination of packed cell volume (PCV) and screening for trypanosome, and for helminth egg using McMaster technique, respectively. Data obtained from assessment of packed cell volume based on BCS, FAMANCHA score, superficial lymph nodes enlargement and jugular pulsation were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi square, while comparison of data using independent student ttest and one-way ANOVA was similarly conducted. Of the screened cattle, 16.5% (45/273) were positive for trypanosome. Single infection due to Trypanosoma spp. was found in 13.5% (37/273) cattle, while 2.9% (8/273) had trypanosome concurrently with Babesia spp. or helminth infections. The prevalence of Trypanosoma infection was higher in animals with mild or moderately pale mucous membrane, slight emaciation, palpable superficial lymph nodes and pulsating jugular vein. The mean PCV of Trypanosoma infected cattle (27.65±0.056) was lower than in non-infected cattle (31.30±0.36) (p<0.05). Based on the jugular pulsation status, enlargement of the superficial lymph nodes, trypanosomosis state and Famancha category, there was no significant (p<0.05) variation in the PCV of the examined cattle. A negative and low correlation (r = -0.054) existed between BCS and FAMACHA® anaemia score. Each of the clinical diagnostic parameters showed poor sensitivity when employed separately, but the sensitivity improved when applied together and showed 80% specificity to Trypanosoma infection. The results of the present study showed that Trypanosoma infected cattle were associated with anaemia, emaciation, weight loss, jugular pulsation and lymphadenophathy. Key Words: Trypanosomosis, Diagnosis, Cattle, Anaemia, Treatment

Haemoparasite constitute a major challenge in native chicken production in Africa. This study determines the genetic diversity and the effect of TLR2B gene polymorphism on haemoparasite and haematology of the chickens based on genotype and sex. 600 chickens of 25 weeks old consisting of Naked neck (NN), Normal feather (NF), and the Frizzle feather (FF) reared in battery cage-system were sampled for blood and analyzed for haematology, parasite occurrence and load, polymerase chain reaction, and gene sequencing. Polymorphisms were detected and their effect on haematology was determined. Results showed the occurrence of Plasmodium gallinacieum, Trypanosoma brucei, and Leucocytozoon schoutedeni with NF having the highest occurrence followed by NN and FF chicken genotype. There was a significant (P <0.05) effect of genotype and sex on haematology. Seven of the eight polymorphism detected were singleton and found only in NF while parsimonious 656GA was detected in all the chicken genotypes with no relationship with haematology and haemoparasite. NF had the highest nucleotide (0.00114) and haplotype diversity (0.584). The study revealed the occurrence of genetic variation in TLR2B gene, haematology, and haemoparasite in FUNAAB Alpha chickens which could provide baseline information in future breeding programmes of the chicken for the tropical environment.

Babesiosis is a significant tick-borne disease that causes varying degrees of losses to animals and humans, as well as a severe economic impact. In Nigeria, there have been several reports on the prevalence of Babesia infection in sheep; however, to date, there is no documented report on the molecular characterization of Babesia ovis in sheep. Here, we determined the prevalence of Babesia infection in sheep using microscopy and PCR and further characterized Babesia ovis in sheep in Nigeria. In this study, 198 blood samples were collected from Abuja and Abeokuta, Nigeria. Microscopic and polymerase chain reactions were used to detect the presence of B. ovis in sheep. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples, and generic RLB forward and reverse primers were used to amplify the 18S rRNA segment of B. ovis. Sequence analysis of the generic molecular marker was used to determine the genetic characteristics of B. ovis in sheep in Nigeria. The prevalence of B. ovis infection using microscopy and PCR was 61.1% and 36.9%, respectively. There was a higher prevalence of Babesia infection in Abeokuta (38.4%) than in Abuja. Study animals of one and half years to three years had the highest percentage (45.8%) of Babesia infection, and higher infection of B. ovis was recorded in male animals (37.5%), balami breeds (40.0%), white coat colors (44.4%), emaciated animals (75.0%), and polycythaemic animals (57.1%). Sequencing analysis indicated that B. ovis 18S rRNA from southwestern Abeokuta and north-central Abuja, Nigeria, showed 90–95% identity of documented isolates from other countries. BioEdit and MEGAX software was used to clean sequences and construct a phylogenetic tree to show evolutionary relationships. In conclusion, the findings from this study offer significant information on the molecular characteristics of B. ovis infection for the first time in Nigeria, as well as its present prevalence status. Furthermore, sheep have been identified as a potential reservoir for this tick-borne pathogen; thus, the information from this study can serve as a basis to formulate effective control strategies for tick-borne pathogens circulating amongst the ruminant population in Nigeria and Africa by extension.

An epidemiological survey of haemoparasitic infection in trade cattle was carried out at Lafenwa abattoir, Abeokuta, from August to November 2008. Thin Blood film and Haematocrit Centrifugation Techniques were used to detect haemoparasites. A total of 452 cattle that comprised 174 cows and 278 bulls were examined. The breeds included 78 'Red Bororo', 14 'Sokoto Gudali' and 360 'White Fulani'. Packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin concentration (Hb), total white blood cell (WBC) count and differential counts of WBC, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) were measured. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using Genstat statistical software, with sex and breed and blood parasite species detected as factors. Results showed that 22% of the cattle were infected with haemoparasites while 78% were parasite-free. The parasites were Trypanosoma congolence (4%), Anaplasma central (2%), Babesia bovis (14%), A. centrale + B. bovis (1%) and Babesia divergens (1%). Parasite species identified significantly influenced (P < 0.001) the PCV, RBC, and Hb concentration. The prevalence rates observed is considered to be of epidemiological and economic importance because infected animals might be sources of infection to other healthy herds in the area.

African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) is one of the major constraints to the development of effective livestock production systems. Dogs are human companion and are believed to be sentinels for infection with the human species. This study was to detect subclinical and clinical infection of trypanosomes among hunting dogs in Abeokuta and its environs using molecular technique. A total of 87 dogs comprising of 49 males and 38 females were ramdomly screened for trypanosomes by polymerase chain reaction technique. Among 87 dogs screened, 17.2% were positive for Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma brucei. Prevalence of trypanosomosis in males was 14.3% while the females accounted for 21.1%.Hematological examination revealed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in mean white blood cells (20.9 ± 2.11) and monocyte counts (5.9 ± 0.62) of the infected dogs compared to uninfected dogs. Packed Cell Volume (36.0 ± 3.73) and haemoglobin concentration (13.9 ± 2.10) decreased insignificantly, while, red blood cells (7.1 ± 0.87), lymphocyte (60.9 ± 9.63), neutrophil (33.3 ± 9.16) and eosinophil (1.4 ± 0.42) counts increased insignificantly (p > 0.05) in infected dogs compared to uninfected dogs. In conclusion, trypanosomosis is prevalent in hunting dogs, in Abeokuta.

An outbreak of coccidiosis was reported in a pig farm housing four boars, six sows, twenty one growers and eleven piglets. Eleven neonatal piglets in two litters of three and five days old were suspected to be involved. Three (27%) out of eleven piglets presented signs of profuse foul smelling diarrhoea and pyrexia, while there was haemorrhagic diarrhoea in one and mortality was 9%. A diagnosis of coccidiosis was made based on the clinical signs, post mortem findings of ulceration and fibrinonecrotic enteritis and laboratory identification of 4,600 coccidial oocysts per gramme of faeces by Mc Master counting technique which were identified as Isospora suis. The two herds were treated with Tripple sulfa-Trim® in drinking water for three days. This medication was effective as the diarrhoea resolved within four days of its onset

Adequate knowledge of the occurrence and seasonal variation in the distribution of parasitic and rickettsial diseases affecting dogs is required for formulation of effective disease control measures. Hence, this study assessed the prevalence of vector borne haemoparasites and rickettsial of dogs between 2009 and 2019. Clinical records of dogs presented for clinical examination and confirmed by microscopic screening of their blood were assessed and analysed statistically. Overall, 1483 dogs were presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH). This included 641 (43.2%) male, 842 (56.8%) female, 967 (65.2%) young and 516 (34.8%) adult dogs. 33 (2.2%) and 1450 (97.8%) were mongrel and exotic breeds, respectively. 511 (34.5%) were infected with either haemoparasites or rickettsial. This comprised 34.0% (218/641) and 34.8% (293/842) male and female, 317 (32.8%) and 194 (37.6%) young and adult dogs, respectively. There was no significant (p =0.05) difference in the prevalence among sexes and age groups. Seasonal prevalence was 35.88% (315/878) and 32.40% (196/605) in wet and dry seasons, respectively. Six haemoparasites/rickettsials were reported from 511 dogs, these included single infections of Babesia species 477 (93.5%), Ehrlichia species 8 (1.6%), Hepatozoon canis 2(0.39%), Mycoplasma haemocanis 7 (1.4%), Trypanosoma species 16 (3.1%) and mixed infection of Babesia and Hepatozoon canis 1 (0.2%). The mean PCV values were significantly (t = 2.45; P = 0.014) different between infected and non-infected dogs. This study suggests that Babesia spp. isthe most prevalentin the dogs presented to the VTH in the study area and the detection of Trypanosoma spp. in some dogssuggeststhat dogs could be reservoir of trypanosomesfor both animals and human. Keywords: Dogs, haemoparasites, prevalence, retrospective-study

This study evaluated The association of breed, sex, age and location of herd/flock (Village. peri-urban and sales point) with prevalence and distribution of ticks in sheep and goats in Abeokuta and its environs, A total of 300 sheep and 300 goats were randomly selected from the three locations. The estimated age, sex, and breeds of each animal were determined. Thereafter, they were examined for presence of ticks, Ticks were collected into universal bottles containing 1% formaldehyde The type, location and load on each animal were also recorded. The ticks were identified up to species level. Data on the animals, management factors and the prevalence of tick were processed into contingency tables to establish the association between the prevalence of tick and the age, sex, breed, and location using Chi-square (X) test statistics. Rhipicephalus evertsi and Boophilus spp were the tick species observed in the sheep. There were significant associations (P< 0.05) of prevalence of ticks, with age and location of goats, and breeds and location of sheep, respectively. It was thus concluded that animal factors of age, breed and location were significantly associated with tick infestation in sheep and goats. West African Dwarf (WAD) and O'uda breeds of sheep exhibited various levels of tick infestation while most of the Yankassa were tick-free. Tick infestation was more common with sheep of the sales point and village locations. It was therefore recommended that effective tick control measures should be instituted to prevent adverse effects of these parasites on the health and production of these animals.

Salmonella infection is a major cause of death in chickens and this disease can be transferred through meat and egg to humans. The use of antibiotics and vaccines in the prevention and control of this infection are not totally efficient and also have their side effects. Therefore, genetic control is a better approach in finding a lasting solution. One hundred and ten chickens (4th generation) comprising the three genotypes of Nigerian indigenous chickens(NIC) that had shown divergent response (high vs low) to sheep red blood cells antigens were used in this study to investigate the immune response kinetics in NIC after challenged with attenuated Salmonella. There were six classes namely, high titre normal, low titre normal, high titre frizzle, low titre frizzle, high titre naked neck and low titre naked neck. Haematological parameters: packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (Hb),red blood cells count (RBC), white blood cells count (WBC), heterophils (H), lymphocytes (L), eosinophils (E), basophils (B), monocytes (M) and heterophils-lymphocytes ratio (HLR) were used to assess the immune responses of the chickens and data collected were subjected to General Linear Model procedure of SAS 9.2 version. The results showed that genotypeantibody titre had significant effect (p<0.05) on the immune response parameters but sex had no significant effect (p>0.05), while sex by genotype-antibody titre interaction had significant effect (p<0.05). The immune response kinetics of the chickens after challenge with attenuated Salmonella was shown by the significance of the effect of days of blood collection after challenge. High titre naked neck chickens recorded the highest PCV, Hb and RBC values while genotype-antibody titre had no significant effect (p>0.05) on the rest of the parameters. Low titre naked neck males recorded the highest PCV, HB and RBC values while the rest of the parameters were not significant (p>0.05). Generally, days had significant effect (p<0.05) on all the immune response parameters except on H, L and HLR. The study showed that the high titre naked neck males were least affected by the Salmonella vaccine in terms of decrease in packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count while the low titre normal females were most affected.

Abstract Equine theileriosis, an apicomplexan debilitating tick-borne parasitic disease of horses has caused considerable havoc to equine production all over the world. There is a dearth of information on the molecular characteristic of the parasites, Theileria equi Laveran, 1901, in Nigeria. Thus, in this study microscopy techniques and PCR were used to detect the T. equi of horses in Ogun, Oyo and Lagos States of Nigeria. We also characterized the partial region of 18S ribosomal RNA gene by sequencing and sequences analysis. One hundred and two horses consisting of Argentine 34 (33.3 %), Sudanese 21 (20.6 %) and local breeds 47 (46.1 %) including 2 females and 100 males were randomly sampled from the Polo Clubs in Ibadan, Lagos and from privately owned horse stables in Abeokuta. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein, thin smears were prepared and stained with a field stain. The DNA was extracted from the blood and a partial region of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene was amplified. The amplified products were sequenced unidirectionally and subjected to phylogenetic analysis with those sequences obtained from the Gen-Bank. Of the 102 horses tested, 12 (11.7 %) were positive for T. equi by microscopy which included 9 (19.1 %) local breeds, 2 (5.8 %) Argentine breed and 1 (4.8 %) Sudanese breed. In contrast, 7 (6.8 %) were positive by the PCR method; out of which 5 (10.6 %) of these samples were from the local breed of horses while the remaining 2 (5.8 %) were from the Argentine breed. The Packed Cell Volume (PCV) of the infected and non-infected horses did not show any significant (P < 0.05) difference. The sequences lengths obtained were 311 bp and they had 97.43—98.07 % homologies with available sequences in the GenBank. The phylogenetic analysis of the sequences suggested that the strain of T. equi detected in the study area formed a new genotype different from the established genotypes around the world. In conclusion, the prevalence of T. equi was very low in the study area and one strain of the parasite may be in circulation among the studied horses.

Livestock production has been continually challenged with trypanosomes of which Trypanosoma vivax is the most pathogenic cause and the least studied in sub-Saharan Africa. Five sheep of each of the three Nigerian breeds, viz: West African Dwarf (WAD), Yankassa and Ouda were intravenously infected with 2.5 × 106 Trypanosoma vivax per milliliter and monitored until the Packed Cell Volume (PCV) declined to 15% when they were treated with diminazene aceturate. Three animals of each breed served as the uninfected control. The parameters monitored were parasitemia, clinical signs, bodyweight, and PCV. Levels of parasitemia were not significantly different across the breeds. Thirteen out of fifteen infected sheep had fever three days pi, followed by signs of pale mucous membranes, enlarged lymph nodes, serous nasal discharge, loss of weight, and dullness at various days pi in all the infected sheep. There were no significant (p>0.05) differences between the weight of all infected animals in the three breeds. The mean PCV of infected sheep was significantly (P

The tomato fruit worm Helicoverpa armigera is a key polyphagous agricultural pest with a worldwide distribution. Apart from tomatoes, H. armigera also infests cotton, maize, chickpea and pigeon-pea. Its larvae affect almost all the aerial parts of tomato plants from the vegetative stage to the fruit maturation stage. Due to its high mobility, it causes a huge damage on crops and, as such, early detection of H. armigera from different agro-ecosystems is crucial for implementing control measures. Herein, we used a molecular marker approach to identify Helicoverpa spp. collected from twelve different locations in Ogun State. The H. armigera larvae used for the molecular identification were collected on tomato fruits from the 12 different locations from three agro-ecological zones in Ogun State. Genomic DNA of Helicoverpa was extracted and its purity was checked using Nanodrop spectrophotometer. Cytochrome Oxidase-I (CO-I) region of the DNA was subjected to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification. The PCR amplification of the CO-I gene after gel electrophoresis of PCR products of H. armigera showed a similar banding pattern at 700 base pairs which confirmed the insect as H. armigera. Keywords: Helicoverpa armigera, Deoxyribonucleic acid, Cytochrome Oxidase-I, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Electrophoresis.

The efficacy of diminazene aceturate in three Nigerian breeds of sheep [West African Dwarf (WAD), Yankassa and Ouda] experimentally infected with Trypanosoma vivax was studied. Five rams of each breed were administered 0.5 ml of goat blood containing 2.5 × 106T. vivax per millilitre intravenously, while three rams of each breed served as uninfected controls. The treatment with diminazene aceturate was intramuscularly administered to the infected sheep, when their packed cell volume (PCV) fell to 15 %, at a dosage of 7 mg.kg−1 b. w. The parameters measured were parasitaemia, live weight gain and PCV. By 24 hours post treatment (pt.), no trypanosomes were detected by either the Haematocrit Concentration Technique (HCT) or the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in the blood of any of the treated sheep. However, a relapse of parasitaemia occurred 17 to 32 days pt. in 46.7 % of the treated rams and these were retreated with 14 mg.kg−1 b. w. diminazene aceturate. There were gradual increments in the live weight gain and the PCV of the treated rams until the resurgence of parasitaemia. Ouda had the highest cases of relapse (80 %), the least mean live weight gain and was the only breed in which mortality was recorded despite the treatment. In conclusion, diminazene aceturate administered at 7 mg.kg−1 b. w. cleared the trypanosomes in the blood of all the treated sheep within 24 hours and this was accompanied by the restoration of lost weight and the reversal of anaemia. However, the subsequent resurgence of parasitaemia indicated that a dosage of 7 mg.kg−1 b. w. was no longer reliable for complete elimination of trypanosomes from all the tissues of the host.

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) associated diseases are a group of emerging devastating pig diseases worldwide. Due to a dearth of information on the virus in Nigeria, this study was carried out on 12 farms in Abeokuta Ogun State, Nigeria. Key production problems were identified through a questionnaire survey and direct field observations. The prevalence of the PCV2 was determined by the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR); 207 sera of pigs were obtained from the farms, DNAs extracted and amplified by the PCR. Based on gel results, the prevalence of PCV2 types were recorded and the effects of age, sex and geographic area determined. The observed production problems (and the percentage of farms suffering from such problems) were: runting (91.7 %), high piglet mortality (83.3 %), late term abortion (50 %), stillbirth (50 %) and anoestrous (41.7 %). The overall prevalence of 8.7 % of the PCV2 viral DNA was obtained. A single infection of PCV2b and PCV2a accounted for a prevalence of 5.3 % and 2.4 %, respectively, while a concurrent infection of both was found in only 1 % of the pigs. The prevalence of PCV2 was not significantly (P > 0.05) influenced by age or sex; with the rates in adults, growers and piglets being 9.9 %, 8.1 % and 8.1 %, respectively, while in males and females, the rates were 9.4 % and 9.0 %, respectively. The prevalence of PCV2 in high-density areas (13.2 %) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in low-density areas (4.0 %). It was concluded that PCV2a and PCV2b were present in pigs in Abeokuta, Nigeria and PCV2b was more prevalent. It was recommended that large-scale epidemiological studies covering all geographical regions be carried out with sequencing and phylogenetic analysis to characterize the PCV2 genotypes present in Nigeria.

Piroplasmosis is a tick-borne haemolytic disease caused by different species of the Babesia and Theileria genera. Data on the prevalence of bovine piroplasms and their genetic diversity are scanty in Nigeria. Hence, this study reported the detection of some piroplasms in the blood of cattle in Abeokuta, Nigeria by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Blood samples were collected from 252 cattle and subjected to DNA extraction followed by PCR amplification of the partial region of 18S rRNA of the haemoprotozoans. Selected positive amplicons were unidirectionally sequenced and compared to the reference sequences from the Genbank. A total of 220 (87.3 %) cattle were positive for Theileria velifera and/or Babesia bigemina. The T. velifera was detected only in 163 (64.7 %) cattle, while 7 (2.8 %) cattle had a single infection with B. bigemina. Fifty cattle (19.8 %) had mixed infections with both parasites. There were no significant differences in piroplasm infections between the ages of cattle for both parasites. There were no significant differences in infection rates between the sexes for T. velifera, while the males had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) rate of infection for B. bigemina than the female cattle. The molecular detection of Babesia and Theileria species of cattle are reported for the first time in cattle in Abeokuta, Nigeria. This study, which confirmed the endemic nature of the parasites in cattle in the study area, stresses their importance in livestock health and production in Nigeria.

Early diagnosis of Ehrlichia ruminantium in cattle is a recipe for effective control of heartwater in ruminants. Hence, we assessed the presence of E. ruminantium in the blood of cattle and the engorged Amblyomma variegatum by nested PCR. The electrophoresed PCR products obtained after primary and secondary amplifications revealed amplicon sizes of about350 bp and 280 bp respectively, which corresponded with the partial region of pSC20 gene amplified. Sequences obtained had 95–99% homology with those sequences available in GenBank. The prevalence of the E. ruminantium in ticks (50%; 126/252) was significantly ( p < 0.05) higher than that in cattle blood 23.55% (61/259). The prevalence was significantly ( p < 0.05) higher in ticks from adult cattle 51.47% (133/259) than those from the young cattle 44.86% (116/259) and in tick from females 54.55% (141/259) than in ticks from the males 41.38% (107/259). Alignment of autochthonous sequences revealed that the three sequences were polymorphic with two sequences showing similar nucleotides deletion at points 87–91 and 107–108. The phylogenetic trees inferred by ML showed topologies with two autochthonous sequences, one each from cattle blood and tick, clustering together in one clade and the other clustering within those sequences from South Africa and Zimbabwe in another clade. In conclusion, this study revealed a higher prevalence of E. ruminantium in engorged A. variegatum than in the blood of infected cattle. Hence, it is suggested that the amplification that targets the pCS20 gene in engorged ticks may be more suitable to determine the E. ruminantium carrier status of cattle.

Haemagglutination assay and haematological analysis of 143 poults generated as F1 individuals by artificial insemination from randomly selected turkeys of White, Black and Lavender genotypes which are classified by antibody titre was carried out so as to confirm their antibody titre levels in response to sheep red blood cells (SRBC). Results showed that mean values obtained for high and low antibody titres were 7.31 and 2.67 respectively, resulting in the classification of the turkeys into Black high and low, Lavender high and black, and White high and low antibody titres. The genotype’s titre had significant (P <0.05) effect on the packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC) and basophil (BAS) of the basal haematological parameters. Genotype’s titre had no significant (P >0.05) effect on the primary response haematological parameters. Meanwhile, the primary response haematological parameters to SRBC antigen varied along the genotypes with the WBC increasing drastically in all the genotypes, signifying the presence of an antigen. The study concluded that the F1 turkey poult population studied diverged along the high and low antibody titre in response to SRBC. Thus, the F1 generation of the high antibody titre genotypes (Black high, White high and Lavender high) can be used as foundation stock for selection of local turkeys for high antibody titre.