Lencho Megersa Marami

Background: Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a viral disease that affects domestic and wild small ruminants and camels in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Following the successful eradication of rinderpest, the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have undertaken to eradicate PPR by 2030. Regular surveillance and monitoring of the disease in various regions of Ethiopia are crucial to achieving this goal. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of PPR, assess community awareness of PPR infection, and examine the associated risk factors of the disease in selected districts of the Central Oromia Region, Ethiopia.Method: The study collected 384 serum samples from 73 flocks containing 217 sheep and 167 goats using a multi-stage sampling technique. A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) was used to detect antibodies against the PPR virus. Additionally, a pre-tested questionnaire was used to gather information on community awareness and potential risk factors for PPRV infection in the study area.Results: The study found that the overall prevalence of PPR in flocks was 71.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 59.4%−81.2%]. The prevalence of PPR at the animal level was 50% (95% CI: 44.9%−55.1%), with sheep having a prevalence of 54.4% (95% CI: 47.0%−60.6%) and goats having a prevalence of 44.3% (95% CI: 36.6%−52.2%). The study also found that districts, flock size, and agroecology were independent predictors of PPRV seropositivity in sheep, whereas districts, origin, and mixed species were independent predictors of PPRV seropositivity in goats.Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of PPR in sheep and goats in the study area. To prevent the spread of the disease, the study suggests quarantining animals before introducing them to districts, regular PPR vaccination, and isolation and molecular characterization of the PPR virus circulating in the study area.

Escherichia coliis a major foodborne pathogen worldwide. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility ofE. coliandE. coliO157 in milk and milk products and hygienic practices in West Shoa, Oromia, Ethiopia. Five hundred fifty-six milk samples comprising 421 udder milk, 57 bulk tank milk, and 78 milk products were investigated. Moreover, a questionnaire was administered to 145 participants to assess hygienic practices. A standard microbiological procedure was used to detectE. coliandE. coliO157. The Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates. Petri film plates were used to enumerate the coliform in raw bulk tank milk. Farm and animal-levelE coliprevalence were estimated and association with risk factors was assessed.Escherichia coliwas detected in 33.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 29.9–37.9%) of the samples, of which only one isolate (0.2%) wasE. coliO157.Escherichia colicontamination was higher in bulk tank samples (47.4%; 95% CI 34.0–61.0%) than in udder milk (34.7%; CI 30.1–39.4%), cottage cheese (27.0%; 95% CI 14.6–43.9%), and yoghurt 10.5% (95% CI 2.9–24.8%). For the animal-levelE. colicontamination, only the study area was identified as a risk factor. Risk factors such as types of milk containers, udder washing practices, hygiene, and management systems were associated with both farm-level and milk productsE. colicontamination. Most (59.0%) of the farmers practice udder washing only before milking and the remaining did not practice udder washing at all. The mean coliform count in raw bulk tank milk was higher than the international standard (4.09 log10 CFU/ml). All the 42E. coliisolates tested were multidrug resistant. The occurrence ofE. coliis high, while that ofE. coliO157 is too low. The milk-handling practices are poor in the study areas. The high prevalence ofE. coli, as well as the high coliform count and higher multi-drug resistance may pose risk to public health and food safety. Therefore, proper hygienic practices throughout the milk chain as well as rational drug use are advised.

Escherichia coli is a major foodborne illness pathogen worldwide. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli and E. coli O157 in milk and milk products and hygienic practices in West Shewa, Oromia, Ethiopia. Five hundred fifty-six milk samples comprising 421 udder milk, 57 bulk tank milk, and 78 milk products were investigated. Moreover, 145 questionnaires were administered to assess hygienic practices. A standard microbiological procedure was used to detect E. coli and E. coli O157:H7. The Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates. Petri film plates were used to enumerate the coliform in raw bulk tank milk. Farm and animal-level E coliprevalence were estimated and association with risk factors was assessed. Escherichia coli was detected in 33.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 29.9 - 37.9%) of the samples, of which only one isolate (0.2%) was E.coli O157. E. coli contamination was higher in bulk tank samples (47.4%; 95% CI: 34.0– 61.0%) than in udder milk (34.7%; CI: 30.1 – 39.4%) and in cottage cheese (27.0%; 95% CI: 14.6 – 43.9%) than in yoghurt 10.5% (95% CI: 2.9 – 24.8%). For the animal-level E. coli contamination, only the study area was identified as a risk factor. Risk factors such as types of milk containers, udder washing practices, hygiene, and management systems were associated with both farm-level and milk products E.coli contamination. Most (59.0%) of the farmers practice udder washing only before milking and the remaining did not practice udder washing at all. The mean coliform count in raw bulk tank milk was higher than the international standard (4.09 log10 CFU/ml). All of the 42 E.coli isolates tested were multidrug resistant. The occurrence of E. coli is high, while that of E. coli O157 is too low. The milk-handling practices are poor in the study areas. The high prevalence of E. coli, as well as the high coliform count, and higher multi-drug resistance may pose risk to public health and food safety. Therefore, proper hygienic practices throughout the milk chain as well as rational drug use are advised.

Background: Bovine brucellosis is a zoonotic disease that causes substantial economic losses and strongly impacts public health. Though it has been eradicated in many developed countries, it is still endemic in developing countries like Ethiopia. Methodology/principal findings: Lare and Jikawo were the two districts of the Gambella Region selected purposively. Kebeles, study animals and peasant associations were randomly chosen. A total of 384 serum samples from 70 herds were collected and screened using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and confirmed using Complement Fixation Test (CFT). A semi-structured questionnaire survey was used. The seroprevalence of brucellosis was summarized using descriptive statistics, and the association between risk factors, and seroprevalence of brucellosis was evaluated using logistic regression. The principal findings of the current study showed that individual and herd level seroprevalence of brucellosis using RBPT was 6.77% (26/384) and 24.29% (17/70), respectively, and the respective confirmation by CFT 3.13% (12/384) and 12.85% (9/70). Among the risk factors, herd size and the presence of other species had statistically significant associations (pBrucella abortus , which primarily affect cattle. Although bovine brucellosis has been eradicated in many developed countries, it is endemic in Ethiopia. It is one of the most serious zoonotic diseases widely distributed and resulted in serious economic losses and public health impacts. Particularly in pastoral parts of Ethiopia, like the current study areas, factor such as limited veterinary services and education services, frequent movement of farmers from one place to another in search of feed and water for their animals facilitates disease transmission between animals and to human. Thus, it is necessary to assess the prevalence of the disease and awareness of the farmers about the disease in order to reinforce the existing disease control attempts in the country and reduce public risk. Serum from blood samples of cattle were tested using Rose Bengal Plate Test and Complement Fixation Test to detect the presence of Brucella antibody, which indicates the presence of bovine brucellosis in the areas. Moreover, farmers’ knowledge and practice regarding the disease information was assessed. The current study showed the presence of brucellosis and farmers had low knowledge, attitude and practice risky activities that predispose them to the disease.

Background Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a foodborne bacterial pathogens that can cause staphylococcal food poisoning and contaminate food of animal origin worldwide. The current study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and assess risk factors, hygienic quality, and antibiogram of S. aureus in raw milk and milk products of cows in Ambo and Bako towns, Ethiopia. Results The overall prevalence of S. aureus in milk and milk products was 15.6% (94/601) with the highest prevalence in bulk tank raw milk (17.50%) and the lowest in “Ergo” (13.11%). High S. aureus contamination at farm level were associated with poor farm hygiene, extensive management system, medium farm size, loose housing, and less frequent removal of bedding. At the cow level, a high S. aureus isolation rate was observed in crossbred cows; cows with age equal to or greater than 5 years old, tick infestation, history of mastitis treatment, and udder washing were not practiced before milking. On the other hand, the type of container, hygiene of milk handler, and container were the major risk factors for bulk tank milk contamination with S. aureus. S. aureus counts ranging from 1.25 × 10⁴ to 1.92 × 10⁴ CFU/mL were detected in 28.33% of the bulk tank milk samples.. Antimicrobial susceptibility test showed higher resistance of S. aureus to amoxicillin (98.48%), oxacillin (98.48%), ampicillin (98.48%), cefoxitin (92.42%), and tetracycline (83.33%), with 43.94% of isolates showing multidrug resistance (MDR). The high prevalence of oxacillin and cefoxitin-resistant isolates, which is a possible indicator of the existence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), was also noted in the current study. Conclusion Higher prevalence of S. aureus and MDR isolates in milk and milk products was detected in study areas. Therefore, to make milk and milk products safe for human consumption, hygienic handling of milk and milk products, regular surveillance of antimicrobial resistance, and prudent use of drugs are recommended.

Background Staphylococcus aureus is one of the foodborne gram-positive bacterial pathogens that cause staphylococcal food poisoning worldwide and can contaminate foods of animal origin. The current study was conducted in Ambo and Bako towns, Ethiopia to estimate the prevalence, associated risk factors, hygienic quality, and antibiogram of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in cow’s raw milk and milk products. Results The overall prevalence of S. aureus from milk and milk products was 15.6% (94/601) with the highest prevalence detected in bulk tank raw milk at 17.50% (14/80) and the lowest in ‘Ergo’ at 13.11% (8/61). Age of cows, previous history of treatment, stage of lactation, udder washing, use of towel for individual cow, tick infestation, hygiene of the milker and utensils, and use of disinfectant were found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05) risk factors for S. aureus isolation at the individual cow level. Accordingly, a higher probability of getting infected with S. aureus was detected in cows aged 5 years old, crossbreeds, had a history of previous treatment, mid-lactation stage, no udder washing practiced, no individual towel used, tick infestation, and poor milking hygiene. Personnel hygiene, container hygiene, and use of disinfectants were the major risk factors that had a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) with bulk tank milk contamination with S. aureus. The maximum S. aureus counts at the farm and restaurant levels were 1.92x10⁴ CFU/mL and 1.86x10⁴ CFU/mL, respectively. The antimicrobial susceptibility test showed a higher resistance of S. aureus against amoxicillin (98.48%), oxacillin (98.48%), ampicillin (98.48%), cefoxitin (92.42%), and tetracycline (83.33%), of which 43.94% of isolates showed multidrug resistance. The high prevalence of oxacillin and cefoxitin-resistant isolates, which is indicative of the existence of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), was also detected in the current study. Conclusion Higher prevalence of S. aureus and the multidrug-resistant isolates in milk and milk products is detected in study areas. Therefore, to make milk and milk products safe for human consumption, hygienic handling of milk and milk products, regular surveillance of antimicrobial resistance, and prudent use of drugs are suggested.

Purpose: Staphylococcus species come from a variety of sources and can contaminate milk during milking, cause mastitis and other diseases in animals and humans. The enterotoxins they produce cause food poisoning. Our objectives were to isolate, biochemically characterize, and determine antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Staphylococcus species from dairy farms in central Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods: A total of 339 samples (n = 135 [raw milk], n = 135 [udders’ swabs], n = 25 [milkers’ hands swabs], n = 44 [pooled milking utensils’ swabs]) were collected from smallholders and dairy farms. Bacteriological culture and biochemical tests were performed to isolate and identify Staphylococcus species, and the Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Results: Across all sample types and dairy farms, 247 (72.9%) Staphylococcus isolates were obtained which comprised of 101 (74.8%) isolates from raw milk, 98 (72.6%) from udder swabs, 30 (68.2%) from pooled utensil swabs, and 18 (72%) from milkers’ hand swabs. Fifty coagulase-positive Staphylococcus isolates (20 S. aureus, 20 S. hyicus and 10 S. intermedius) subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests have shown various degrees of resistance. All S. aureus isolates were 100% resistant to ampicillin and penicillin. Out of 20 S. hyicus isolates, 90% were resistant to ampicillin and 85% to penicillin. S. intermedius isolates (n=10) were 70% resistant to nalidixic acid and penicillin whilst remaining 100% resistant to ampicillin. Five S. aureus, three S. intermedius and two S. hyicus isolates from raw milk, milk utensil swabs and milkers’ hand swabs were multidrug-resistant (resistance to at least three classes of antimicrobials). Conclusion: This study revealed a high prevalence of staphylococci in the dairy cattle, milkers and milking utensils with multidrug-resistant coagulase-positive Staphylococcus species suggesting the significance of pasteurization. Further research is encouraged on the factors leading to antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus species.

Antimicrobial resistance to commercially available medications has become a global issue, yet there is still the possibility of developing new drugs from medicinal plants. As a result, the aims of the present study were to screen secondary metabolites and to evaluate in vitro antifungal activities of Brucea antidysenterica, Aloe vera, and Justicia schimperiana. After the plants were identified, their leaves were collected, washed, dried under the shade, pulverized, and extracted with methanol (99.8) using the maceration technique. The presence of secondary metabolites in plant extracts was screened using various laboratory protocols. The antifungal activities of the plant extract against reference fungal strains of Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger at concentrations of 200, 100, and 50mg/mL were assessed using the agar-well diffusion method. Ketoconazole (15μg) was used as a positive control, while 5 dimethyl sulfoxide and/or 5 Tween 80 were used as negative controls. All tests were conducted in triplicate. Alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenols were secondary metabolites found in all plant extracts. The extract of leaves of B. antidysenterica and J. schimperiana formed a mean zone of inhibition of 15.5±0.5mm and 15.3±0.58mm, respectively, against Candida albicans at a concentration of 200mg/mL, whereas extracts of A. vera leaves formed a 12.3±0.58mm inhibition zone only against Aspergillus niger at 200mg/mL. In conclusion, the current study found that B. antidysenterica, A. vera, and J. schimperiana had antifungal activity. In addition, all these plants had a variety of secondary metabolites that possibly have antifungal activities. Studies on in vivo investigations and isolation of specific antifungal compounds from these medicinal plants are suggested.

Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogenic bacterium-contaminating milk and milk products causing food poisoning primarily due to its enterotoxins. The study aimed at estimating the prevalence of S. aureus in milk and milk products, assessing potential risk factors for contamination, and determining the load and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolates. A cross-sectional study design was employed to collect a total of 486 samples, comprising 383 raw milk, 47 bulk tank milk, 29 curd milk (Ergo), and 28 Ethiopian cottage cheese (Ayib) samples. Enumeration, isolation, and identification of S. aureus were carried out following standard microbiological techniques. Antibiogram was performed using 12 antimicrobials following the KirbyBauer disc diffusion method. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between the occurrence of S. aureus in milk and milk products and potential risk factors. The overall prevalence of S. aureus was 10.69 (52/486) [95 confidence interval (CI):8.0913.79]. The prevalence of S. aureus in raw milk, curd milk, bulk tanks at the farm, bulk tanks at milk collection facilities, and cottage cheese was 8.64, 24.14, 14.73, 23.08, and 14.29, respectively. The rate of isolation of S. aureus was significantly high in curd milk than in other types of samples (P=0.010). The study revealed that teat washing (OR: 4.93, 95 CI: 2.0611.81), use of towel (OR: 12.13, 95 CI: 3.7439.29), and tick infestations (OR: 4.31, 95 CI: 1.2814.44) were risk factors associated with the occurrence of S. aureus in milk. About 48.39 of the milk samples assessed had the S. aureus count higher than 10⁵CFU/ml. The highest rate of resistance was observed to ampicillin (95), amoxicillin (95), oxacillin (87.5), and cefotaxime (80). All isolates are resistant to at least two classes of antimicrobial drugs, while 65.0 of the isolates were found to be multidrug-resistant. The moderate prevalence, high load, and antimicrobial resistance of S. aureus indicate the higher public health risk due to the widespread consumption of raw milk in the area. Good hygienic practices, regular surveillance of antimicrobial resistance, and prudent use of drugs are suggested.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is one of the most important emerging foodborne pathogens and cause life-threatening disease condition in consumers worldwide. A cross-sectional study was carried out from February 2020 to August 2020 in Gojo and Shukute towns, Jeldu district, West Shewa Zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia to isolate and identify E. coli O157:H7 from raw cow’s milk samples and determine antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates. A total of 262 milk samples (127 from Gojo and 135 from Shukute towns) were collected from dairy cows (126 from udder, 115 from milking bucket) and 21 from collection tanks and examined bacteriologically. The isolates were tested with a series of biochemical tests followed by a latex agglutination test for identification and confirmation of E. coli O157:H7. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolated E. coli O157:H7 was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. The study revealed 1.5% (95% Confidence interval [CI]: 0.4–3.8%) of the collected raw milk was contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The isolates showed 100% susceptibility to azithromycin, norfloxacin, nitrofurantoin, amikacin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. In contrast, the isolates showed 75% and 100% resistance to ampicillin and cefotaxime, respectively. In conclusion, the consumption of raw milk may constitute a public health hazard due to contamination with E. coli O157:H7. Farmers and farmworkers should be trained on milk hygiene and proper milk handling practices.