Jirata Shiferaw Abosse

Background: Trematode infections in ruminants cause major economic losses through reduced productivity and liver condemnation, with their epidemiology closely linked to snail habitats, rainfall patterns, and poor grazing management. A cross‐sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to March 2023 to characterize pathological changes caused by trematode infections and identify associated risk factors in ruminants slaughtered at three selected abattoirs in central Ethiopia. Methods: A total of 256 ruminants, 137 bovine, 64 ovine and 55 caprine were included in the study. The sample size was determined based on the number of animals slaughtered per week and the frequency of slaughtering. Haematological analysis, coproscopic examination, and both ante‐mortem and post‐mortem inspections were performed to detect trematode infections. Results: The overall prevalence trematode was 49.22%, with the prevalence of 32.42% and 16.80% for fasciolosis and paramphistomosis, respectively. There was no statistically significant association between fasciolosis and animal species, but a significant association was found between paramphistomosis and fasciolosis. Fasciolosis prevalence was highest in caprine (41.82%), followed by ovine (31.25%) and bovine (29.50%). For both fasciolosis and paramphistomosis, prevalence was higher in animals with poor body condition (47.62% and 28.57%, respectively), moderate in those with medium body condition (32.81% and 28.97%), and lowest in animals with good body condition (28.97% and 15.89%). Based on geographic origin, the highest prevalence of fasciolosis was recorded in animals from Jimma (52.63%), while paramphistomosis was most common in animals from Dukem (22.50%). Histopathological findings in Fasciola ‐infected animals revealed haemorrhages, hepatocytic wall dilatation, necrosis, hypertrophy, and portal fibrosis. In Paramphistomum ‐infected animals, muscular degeneration and loss of villi and microvilli were observed. Haematological analysis showed reduced red and white blood cell counts and elevated liver enzyme levels. Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of fasciolosis and paramphistomosis in the study areas. Further research is recommended to explore the epidemiology of trematode infections, identify intermediate snail hosts, and develop effective strategic control measures.

This study examines the toxic effects of river pollution on cattle health in Akaki River Catchment, central Ethiopia. Water and blood samples were collected from ten sampling points and four clusters, kept the first sampling point and first clusters as control. Water samples were collected from the river and analyzed for physicochemical and heavy metal parameters, while blood samples were collected from cattle and tested for heavy metal accumulation and key hematological and biochemical health indicators. Based on these analyses, the Livestock Water Pollution Index (LWPI) and Livestock Health Index (LHI) were developed to assess water quality and cattle health, respectively. The study found that LWPI values ranged from 107.16 to 429.93, with a mean value of 299.26. The LWPI exceeded safe limit (LWPI = 100) at all ten sampling points, with pollution levels increasing progressively downstream. Among the measured parameters, turbidity, lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) were the most significant contributors to river pollution, in that order. Blood analysis results showed that the LHI ranged between 152.48 and 290.82, with a mean value of 232.81 across all clusters. Similarly, the LHI was above the normal threshold (LHI = 100) in all clusters studied, with elevated levels also observed downstream. Lead, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and Cd emerged as key contributors to declining livestock health, highlighting heavy metal contamination and physiological stress as major risk factors. The relationship between LWPI and LHI revealed a strong positive correlation, suggesting that river pollution significantly contributed to livestock health risks. The findings highlight risks to cattle health, with health implications for human consuming milk, meat, and its products. The study calls for the implementation of integrated one-health strategies, focusing on enforcement of regulations to reduce waste discharges to the river, provide safe water alternatives for livestock, assess human health risks from contaminated cattle products, and engage communities in sustainable practices through river stewardship programs.

The rapid growth of populations and urbanization has led to a significant increase in healthcare waste, posing serious health risks. A search on Google Scholar identified seven relevant articles from Ethiopia that examine the relationship between improper waste management in healthcare facilities (HCFs) and the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes. This review aims to highlight key concepts, evidence sources, and knowledge gaps specific to the Ethiopian context. The unsafe disposal of antibiotics through leaks and solid waste has contributed to what some are calling a ‘silent pandemic,’ raising concerns about emerging infectious diseases. Studies have revealed alarming rates of infectious agents and AMR in healthcare wastewater. Isolates of C. jejuni, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Enterococcus faecium from various healthcare waste sites in Ethiopia demonstrate high levels of AMR genes. Additionally, research indicates that HCFs produce significant amounts of waste, with high per-person daily waste production rates. Leachate from landfills containing this waste can negatively affect soil health, biological activity, water quality, agriculture, animal health, and human well-being. To mitigate these risks, effective waste management practices and the promotion of alternative antimicrobial use are essential strategies for reducing the emergence of pandemic diseases in developing countries.

Background: Lung is susceptible and vulnerable to many infectious and non-infectious agents. From this, a large number of specific and nonspecific diseases conditions can be diagnosed. A cross-sectional study design was conducted from December 2022 to May 2023 on major pulmonary lesion of sheep and goat slaughtered at Dessie municipal abattoir with the objective of characterizing the pulmonary pathological lesions, and isolating and identifying potential aerobic bacteria and parasite from pneumonic lung. Materials and Methods: A total of 420 (302 sheep and 118 goats) were examined for gross lung lesions and histopathological investigation using standard techniques. Additionally, detailed pathological investigation was conducted on purposively selected lung lesions. Besides, pneumonic lesions were subjected to routine bacteriological and parasitological analysis. Results: The overall abattoir prevalence of pulmonary abnormalities in sheep and goat was 81.2% (341/420). The common gross lesions encountered were Pneumonia (55.5%), emphysema (7.1%), atelectasis (3.3%), Hydatid cyst (4.3%), congestion (2.4%), haemorrhage (3.1%), Anthracosis (0.9%), adhesion (0.7%), and Bronchoectasis (0.7%) respectively. Pneumonia, hydatidosis, and pulmonary emphysema were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with animal age groups. Pneumonia was the most common disorder, accounting for 233 (55.5%). Dictyocaulus filaria (47.7%), Mullerius capillaries (23.2%) and Protostrongylus rufescens (17.16%) were isolated lung worm parasites; whereas E. coli (20.6%), Klebsiella Pneumoniae (12.7%), Mannheimia haemolytica (10.8%), Streptococcus species (4.9%), Staphylococcus aurous (7.8%) and Pasteurella multocida (2.9%), Pseudomonas (6.9%), Proteus (1.9%) and Cornybacterium (1%) were the isolated bacteria. Moreover, 18 (4.3%) Hydatid cysts were identified by cyst viability test. The pulmonary disorder of sheep and goats in the study are relatively high prevalent and posing great health and economic impacts. Conclusion: Pulmonary infection with different agents is very common in the study areas. Feasible and affordable control measures and using latest diagnostic techniques like molecular detections of bacteria, viruses, and fungi, is necessary.

Poultry diseases are considered to be one of the most leading factors which are responsible for reducing both the total number and productivity of chickens. Infectious bronchitis virus is internationally important disease of high concern due its adverse effects on poultry production in different aspects. The Cross-sectional study was conducted from November, 2021 to June 2022 in Bishoftu town, Ethiopia with the aim of confirming the presence of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in the samples collected from suspected chicken through the combined result molecular, gross and histopathology. Depression with different severity, respiratory related signs, diarrhea and retardation in growth were the clinical signs which frequently seen and recorded in majority of them. Tissue (lungs, trachea and kidneys) and tracheal swab samples were collected from 40 chickens clinically suspected of infectious bronchitis virus. Among these 25 were from farm A and 10 were from farm B commercial poultry farms and 5 were from farm C small scale farm. The texture, shape, size and color of the organs were properly examined for gross pathology characterization. Accordingly, mild to severe tracheal hemorrhage, unevenly distributed color on the kidney and lung were observed during gross examination of the organs. From all grossly examined organs, the most frequently affected organs were the trachea, 22(55%) and kidney, 15 (37.5%) followed by lung, 11 (27.5%). From 40 swab specimens collected for molecular characterization, 8 were found positive for IBV. From a total of 32 tissue samples, 20 were found positive by histopathological analysis and the microscopic lesions described were infiltration of inflammatory cells at different condensation state, mild to severe congestion and hemorrhages, tracheal mucosal epithelium damage, degenerative changes in the renal tubule. The overall results of the current study indicate the production and reproductive performance of chickens in the study area were highly influenced by the presence of infectious bronchitis virus. Thus, further scientific investigation should be conducted through using advanced diagnostic tools for explaining the disease in vast.

Background: Trichostrongylus colubriformis, also called hairworm, is a genus of parasitic roundworm affecting gastro-intestinal tracts of a ruminant. Gross and microscopic lesion characterizations and comparing its effect in the small intestine of sheep and goats experimentally infected with T. colubriformis were undertaken in the study. Methods: During the study period, 13 sheep and 14 goats were included in the experiment. The larvae of T. culibriformis were obtained from abattoirs and larvae were recovered by Bearmann techniques. The infective larvae of T. culibriformis (L3) as a single dose of 10,000 per-animal was administered orally to infected groups of sheep and goats. Blood was collected for hematological and serum biochemical analysis. Tissues for gross and histopathologic lesions characterization were collected from killed infected animals at 56 days. Results: From the infected group, the total recovered mean worm burden was recorded as higher in goats (P< 0.05) than sheep, with an establishment rate of 50.16% and 34.46%, respectively. The total mean PCV, Hb, and albumin values recorded in the infected groups of sheep and goats were significantly (P< 0.05) lower than non-infected control of both animal groups. In goats, the total serum protein was significantly (P< 0.05) lower in the infected group than the non-infected control group. Gross lesions found were enteritis with petechial hemorrhages, edema, hyperemia, and mucosal slough, which were marked in the duodenum (62.69%) and jejunum (33.33%) in sheep and 47.05% duodenum and 45.09% jejunum in goats. The microscopic lesions developed by T. colubriformis were subtotal villus atrophy, hemorrhage, straightened and elongated dilated crypts, loss of epithelium, mucosal erosion, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Conclusion: The present study showed that T. colubriformis infection caused physiological and pathological changes of the small-intestine in sheep and goats, with more severe infection in goats than sheep, although they were under the same management condition.

Background: The parasites causes localized and generalized infections to the host depends on the parasite attachment organs, depth of penetration, site of location and worm burdens.Methods: The experimental study was done between December, 2019 and April, 2020 in the fly-proof experimental animal facility located in the premise of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture at Bishoftu, Ethiopia. A total of 14 male goat (G1 and G2) and 14 male sheep (G3 and G4) were allotted in to four equal groups. Single dose of 10,000 of infective larvae ofHaemonchus contortus(L3) was orally administered to each animal in G1 and G3. Parameters such as body weight, PCV, haemoglobin, worm count, serum total protein, serum albumin, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase were measured. Moreover, histopathological sections were stained and examined for general changes as well as for changes in specific cells such as tissue eosinophilia and parietal cell population.Results: The findings show that 1) All infected sheep and goats developed the infection with higher mean worm burden in goats (5590) than sheep (2887) and the difference was significant (P < 0.05); 2) All infected sheep and goats exhibited a progressive anaemia; the level being more severe in goats than in sheep (P < 0.05) with mean PCVs of 13 and 18.6% respectively; 3) While body weight gain was minimal in sheep, goats have lost significant weight compared to pre-infection levels, to control animals or in relation to infected sheep (P < 0.05); 4) analysis of biochemical changes revealed marked reduction in serum total protein and albumin which was much more significant in goats than in sheep (P < 0.05); 5) the abomasum of infected sheep and goats have shown thickening, nodule development, eosinophilic infiltration and damage to parietal cells. Tissue eosinophilia was more prominent in sheep while parietal cell loss was severe in goats.Conclusion: In conclusion, goats under experimental infection and similar management condition with sheep develop much more severe infection and associated pathology compared to sheep and hence deserve special attention.

Background: Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) infection is an economically important respiratory disease in the poultry production system worldwide. It is characterized by rapid transmission and causing many obstacles to poultry industries in different parts of Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed from January to September 2021 to estimate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of MG in domestic layer chickens in large and small commercial poultry farms in Hawassa and Bishoftu area, Ethiopia. A total of 368 blood samples were collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS version-20, reported as percent prevalence, and Pearson's chisquare was used to assess the association between factors considered to have association with MG infection. The samples were processed by using an indirect ELISA (ProFLOKIBV, USA) test coated with antibody against MG. Results: The total seroprevalence of MG infection was found to be 70.65%. Significant variation in environmental risk factors with seroprevalence was assessed and the higher prevalence of MG was significantly (chi(2) = 14.42; p < 0.05) higher in layer chicken farms found in Bishoftu. Likewise, it was significantly observed in the adult chicken and commercial production system. There were significant difference between breeds and ages of birds with the occurrences of MG (chi(2) = 19.60 and chi(2) = 17.46, respectively). Management related risk factors found around the types of farms were significantly different with the occurrences of MG (OR = 52.5; p < 0.05). Conclusion: The evidence from seroprevalence of the MG infection in the current finding provides an indication of the eminence of infection in the study areas. Moreover, it provides an insight on the prevalence of MG infection and further molecular characterization of the organism needs to be conducted in the areas. Biosecurity measures combined with vaccination and sero-monitoring should also be implemented in the farms.