Ismail Ayoade Odetokun

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen in many parts of the world. Although pigs are important reservoirs of HEV, there is a paucity of multi-state data on HEV among domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) and the associated slaughter‑slab risk factors in Nigeria. This study, therefore, determined the seroprevalence of HEV antibodies among slaughtered pigs and evaluated zoonosis awareness and risk perception among pig workers across six selected Nigerian states to assess animal welfare and slaughter hygiene conditions at the sampled facilities. A multi-state cross-sectional study was conducted across six of the 36 states in Nigeria (Benue, Enugu, Kaduna, Kwara, Oyo and Plateau). Porcine plasma (n = 1,723) collected from 25 slaughter slabs was screened for total HEV antibodies using IDVET indirect multispecies ELISA. Socio-demographic data, including slaughter hygiene and animal welfare, were obtained through on-site observations, and 84 pig butchers/farmers were surveyed on awareness and risk perception of pig-borne zoonoses. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of HEV seropositivity. Overall, HEV seroprevalence was 47.1% (n = 811), ranging from 26.0% in Kwara to 67.6% in Kaduna. In multivariable analysis, state, age, and gender were independently associated with HEV seropositivity: pigs in Kaduna (aOR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.46–3.02; p < 0.001) and Plateau (aOR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.10–2.27; p = 0.014) had higher odds of having anti-HEV antibodies. Older pigs aged 6–10 months (aOR = 3.40, 95% CI: 2.49–4.63) and > 10 months (aOR = 3.23, 95% CI: 2.35 − 4.44) had over three-fold higher likelihood of HEV seropositivity. Females had over three times the odds of having anti-HEV IgG compared with males (aOR = 3.23, 95% CI: 2.59–4.04). Slaughter slabs were rated average (20%, n = 5/25) or below average (36%, n = 9/25) for hygiene, with frequent faecal, blood and dirt contamination and limited use of personal protective equipment. Less than half (44%, n = 11/25) of the slaughtering facilities practised proper stunning and bleeding. Knowledge of pig-borne zoonoses among butchers/farmers was poor: 47.6% knew pigs could transmit diseases to humans, and specific disease recognition was limited. The high rates of HEV in slaughtered pigs in this study, combined with suboptimal slaughter hygiene and limited zoonoses awareness among pig workers, underscore a substantial potential for zoonotic transmission in Nigeria. Strengthening on-farm biosecurity, slaughter‑slab hygiene, and occupational health education within a One Health framework is essential to reducing HEV and other pig-associated zoonotic risks.

Background: As the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) escalates globally, the influence of indiscriminate antimicrobial use (AMU) in livestock cannot be overlooked. Antimicrobial use practices are continually explored in larger food-producing animals; however, small ruminants (sheep and goats) receive comparatively less research attention. Our study addresses this gap by investigating small ruminant production practices in Nigeria and exploring how they affect the use of antimicrobials and alternatives. Methods: We adopted a mixed-methods study design. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 785 farmers. Following this, a focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted with 23 small ruminant industry stakeholders, which included farmers, para-veterinarians, and butchers. Participants were split into three round tables, with 7–8 participants per table. Results: Of questionnaire respondents, 68% of farmers never vaccinated their flock against peste de petits ruminants (PPR) nor contagious caprine pleuropneumonia virus. Several health problems were regularly experienced by animals, including PPR, mastitis, and dermatophilosis. Diseases were mostly self-managed with antibiotics and herbs (> 70%) rather than through reliance on veterinary care (< 15%). More farmers (48%) used antibiotics than herbal remedies (14%) over the previous three months. Farmers’ use of herbs was affected by their having low awareness of available options and how to use them appropriately. Perceived effectiveness also influenced farmers’ choice between antibiotics and herbs, while economic considerations also led them to sell off sick animals before or during treatment. Among farmers who used animal health services, more farmers (59%) consulted unlicensed para-veterinarians and drugstore vendors rather than licensed government and private veterinarians (36%), a disparity attributed to the unavailability of qualified veterinary doctors. Most farmers had poor knowledge (62%), attitudes (47%), and practices (43%) towards AMU and AMR. Conclusions: We recommend conducting further studies to identify and investigate the efficacy of currently used herbs in treating common diseases. There is a crucial need to improve farmers’ access to vaccines, veterinary care, and laboratory diagnostics. Barriers that hinder better compliance with regulations that govern the use of non-prescribed antimicrobials should be explored. Awareness programmes could be conducted to improve farmers’ awareness of AMR and appropriate disease preventive practices.

Due to adverse effects and limited efficacy of conventional drugs for benign prostate hyperplasia, medicinal herbs are increasingly used. However, the efficacy of these medicinal plants in treating benign prostate hyperplasia is not well established. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy of herbal medicine for benign prostate hyperplasia in animal studies. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024459483). A search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The outcomes measured were prostatic index, prostate-specific antigen, dihydrotestosterone, and testosterone. A random effects model was used for the meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis was based on plant part used, type of preparation (crude extract vs. pure compound), and treatment form (single vs. multiple plants) for benign prostate hyperplasia. A total of 71 studies involving 97 plants from 49 families were included. Meta-analysis showed statistically significant improvements in all measured outcomes, including reductions in prostate-specific antigen (standardized mean difference = 1.871, p < .001), prostatic index (standardized mean difference = 3.664, p < .001), and dihydrotestosterone (standardized mean difference = 3.678, p < .001), as well as an increase in testosterone levels (standardized mean difference = 8.178, p < .001). Subgroup analyses revealed that efficacy varied by plant part, extract type (crude vs. pure), and whether single or multiple herbs were used. The evidence shows that plants are beneficial in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia. This is, however, determined by the part of the plant used, crude extract or pure compound, and whether it is a single or multiple plants. These findings underscore the widespread use of medicinal plants for benign prostate hyperplasia treatment. Cite this article as: Basiru, A., Bashiru, H. A., Akorede, G. J., Aremu, A., Azeez, A. O., Ishola, A. O., & Odetokun, I. A. (2026). Herbal medicine in the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies. Acta Veterinaria Eurasia, 52, 0249, doi: 10.5152/actavet.2026.25249.

The intensification of fish production via aquaculture in Nigeria has led to an increase in antimicrobial use for health management. Antimicrobial overuse and misuse are key drivers of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global health problem intersecting fish farming, human health, and the wider environment. In this study, we evaluated production characteristics predominant in the Nigerian fish farming sector and their influence on farmers’ health management practices. We also attempted to identify factors that shaped farmers’ choices between antimicrobials and antimicrobial alternatives (ATAs) such as herbs, vitamins, antioxidants, etc. A mixed-methods approach was employed, comprising questionnaire surveys (n = 330) and focus group discussions. 69.7% of farmers raised catfish alone. 89% of farmers stocked fish at densities exceeding those established as safe by existing research. Most farmers spent 100% of their health expenses on medication only, rather than biosecurity or water quality management. Tilapia farmers were more likely to spend on water management than catfish farmers (OR: 3.3, 95% CI: 1.4-7.4, p: 0.004). 27% of farmers experienced up to 50% mortality over the last production cycle. Perceived effectiveness promoted farmers’ antimicrobial use, while high cost and AMR awareness limited their use. Farmers used a variety of ATAs, including herbal plants, vitamins, and salt, for disease prevention and treatment. Adoption of ATAs was influenced by farmers’ awareness and cost-affordability. ATAs were considered less effective than antimicrobials. High levels of antimicrobial misuse were observed, and farmers engaged in AMR-risk practices to preserve profit gains. We recommend increasing awareness of AMR among farmers and improving the availability of veterinary and diagnostic services. Existing antimicrobial laws should be enforced, and pharmaceutical and translational studies should be embarked on to determine effective dosage formulations for ATAs.

This study assessed the associations between production practices and disease outbreaks on Nigerian fish farms while identifying factors that shaped farmers’ choices between antimicrobials and non‐antimicrobial health management interventions (NAHIs), including herbs and other commonly used interventions such as charcoal, formalin and salt. A mixed‐methods approach was employed, comprising questionnaire surveys ( n = 330) and focus group discussions. Results indicated that only 12% of farms stocked their fish at the recommended stocking density (7 fish/m ² ) or below. Most farms (66.1%) shared water sources with neighbouring farms. Regarding health management expenses, the majority of farms (62%) reported spending on medication during the last production cycle, while fewer farms reported spending on biosecurity (20%) and water quality testing (15.5%). Most farms (63.3%) had survival rates of > 75% during the last production cycle. Less than half (27%) reported experiencing a disease outbreak over the last year. Some associations between production practices and survival rates were identified in Fisher’s exact test and Pearson’s chi‐square analyses, but none remained independently associated in the multivariate logistic regression model ( p > 0.99). However, farmers who spent on biosecurity were less likely to have spent on medications than farmers who did not (OR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.14–0.56, p : 0.001). Findings from the focus groups indicated that antimicrobials, primarily antibiotics, were utilised in combating severe disease outbreaks. Antimicrobials were frequently misused, with self‐prescribed medications administered before veterinary consultation or laboratory confirmation of disease aetiology. Some farmers reported reducing their antimicrobial usage after learning about antimicrobial resistance. Farmers also reported using a variety of NAHIs, primarily herbs, in health management. Antibiotics were considered more effective than NAHIs, with some farmers reporting adopting them for severe outbreaks. Adoption of NAHIs was influenced by farmers’ awareness and cost‐affordability, while uncertainty about correct dosage formulations prevented greater adoption. We recommend increasing awareness about preventive management and safe, regulated NAHIs for Nigerian fish farmers. Studies can also be embarked on to explore the efficacy potential of commonly used NAHIs. In addition, subsidised veterinary care could improve farmers’ uptake of these services.

Small‐ruminant mastitis is a marginalized yet significant challenge with multifaceted impacts on dairy production, animal welfare, economic sustainability, and public health. Reliance on conventional antibiotics to tackle the disease raises concerns about antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and food safety, especially amid the globally rising demand for small‐ruminant dairy products. Nevertheless, existing research on nonantibiotic alternatives for mastitis in sheep and goats remains poorly synthesized. To consolidate the emerging alternatives and evidence gaps, this review systematically identified relevant peer‐reviewed publications from January 2015 to October 2025. Fifteen out of the 963 records yielded were eligible. Eligible studies originated from nine countries across three continents, with notable absences in regions where small‐ruminant production coexists with high mastitis burden. Mastitis was studied under either naturally occurring or experimentally induced conditions. Staphylococcus aureus dominated experimental challenge models, whereas non‐aureus staphylococci were more epidemiologically relevant but less represented. A total of 20 nonantibiotic alternatives were identified across the studies, comprising phytochemicals (70%), probiotics (15%), and immunostimulants (5%). Despite their demonstrated potential to reduce antibiotic use in mastitis management, their translational relevance is constrained by factors including predominance of in vitro studies, limited pathogen identification in vivo, infrequent safety assessments, and limited benchmarking against standard‐of‐care antibiotics. Overall, the current evidence base is fragmentary but nevertheless promising. We believe that integrating strategies including standardizing research design, extending research and funding into underrepresented regions, prioritizing high‐powered pathogen‐aligned in vivo studies, and incorporating antibiotic comparators and safety evaluations will advance research toward developing sustainable, context‐specific nonantibiotic alternatives to promote antimicrobial stewardship in the management of mastitis in small ruminants.

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are associated with high morbidity and mortality in humans due to very limited therapeutic options. This systematic review examines the prevalence and geographic distribution of CRE, as well as the associated genetic factors at the human-animal-environment interface in Africa. To extract information for this study, the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) technique was used to identify studies that employed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines, with a focus on original research articles. Additionally, this systematic review employed the CoCoPop (conditions, context, and population) framework to identify relevant articles. Search engines used to retrieve articles included Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scopus, ResearchGate, and PubMed. By August 2025, only eight articles from Africa met the search criteria and were included in the analysis. The observed prevalence of CRE across the heterogeneous studies was 18.58%. The animal domain exhibited the highest CRE prevalence (9.89%), followed by the human (6.06%) and environmental (2.63%) domains. Escherichia coli (58.35%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (28.28%) were the predominant spp. among the reported CRE isolates. The highest gene prevalence was observed for blaOXA-48 (42%), followed by blaKPC (33%) and blaOXA-66 (9.78%). Geographically, North Africa had the highest prevalence (55.78%), followed by Eastern Africa (29.82%), whereas Southern Africa had the lowest prevalence (3.08%). Our study emphasizes the significant burden of CRE infections and genes, as well as their spread across human, animal, and environmental sectors in Africa. The simultaneous presence of CRE in these areas indicates potential interfaces, but current evidence does not permit a definitive assignment of specific transmission routes. Surveillance programs, research, infection prevention, and control measures from a One Health perspective should be implemented to inform interventions.