Hezron Emmanuel Nonga | Sokoine University of Agriculture (original) (raw)

Papers by Hezron Emmanuel Nonga

Zoonoses and Public Health, 2009

A 13-year (1990–2003) retrospective study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of cystic... more A 13-year (1990–2003) retrospective study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in patients at Wasso hospital in Ngorongoro district, Tanzania. Hospitalization records were reviewed and confirmed cases of CE were classified according to ward of residence, age, sex, cyst location and type. A total of 171 hydatidosis patients were diagnosed and operated giving an average of 13 cases per year, equivalent to approximately 10 cases per 100 000 people per year. Cystic echinococcosis affected more females (59.1%) than males (40.9%). A significantly higher number of CE cases were recorded in individuals <30 years of age (22.8–30.4%) than in those >30 years of age (2.3–9.4%) (P < 0.05). High proportion of CE (81.5%) occurred in the liver than in other sites, and more females had higher hepatic cysts (47.4%) than males (31.0%). Solitary cysts and single organ involvement were noted in 81.5% cases and multiple cysts in 18.5% cases. Higher multiple organ infections (14.1%) and cyst recurrences (5.3%) were also recorded in females. Orgosorok ward had the highest number (18.7%) of CE cases, while Nainokanoka had the lowest (1.2%). It was concluded that CE infection occurs frequently in humans in Ngorongoro district and female and youths are those most affected. These findings merit for more extensive epidemiological investigations of CE in human to better determine the prevalence, economic impact and risk factors for the disease in this district and other areas of Tanzania.

Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 2010

An abattoir survey was conducted on clinically healthy 115,186 cattle, 61,551 sheep and 37,850 go... more An abattoir survey was conducted on clinically healthy 115,186 cattle, 61,551 sheep and 37,850 goats slaughtered in Arusha municipality, Tanzania, between 2005 and 2007. The objective was to determine the prevalence of disease conditions affecting the lungs. Routine meat inspection procedures were used to detect the presence of the pathological lesions. A total of 15,245 (13.2%), 4668 (7.8%) and 3192 (8.4%) lungs of cattle, sheep and goat, respectively, were condemned due to nine diseases/conditions namely pneumonia, hydatidosis, emphysema, abscesses, anthracosis, pleurisy, calcified cysts, melanosis and bovine pulmonary tuberculosis. Pneumonia was the leading cause of condemnations as it was responsible for 4594 (30.1%), 1495 (31.4%) and 1072 (33.6%) of all the condemned lungs in cattle, sheep and goats, respectively. Anthracosis, pleurisy, melanosis and pulmonary tuberculosis were only recorded in cattle attributing to 7.3%, 6.4%, 2.9%, and 0.7% of lung condemnations, respectively. The percentages of lung conditions recorded in 2005, 2006 and 2007 were not statistically different (P > 0.05) among cattle, sheep and goats. The different lung lesion percentages recorded in cattle were significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared to sheep and goats. There were no significant (P > 0.05) variations between lung condemnation percentages due to various diseases during the rainy and dry seasons. Because of their zoonotic nature, occurrence of hydatidosis and tuberculosis may pose a public health risk. The study showed that different lung diseases/lesions in domestic ruminants are prevalent in Tanzania. Thus, there is a need to introduce appropriate control measures of diseases affecting lungs to minimize the rate of infection and reduce the ensuing economic losses. The data obtained from this survey cannot be wholly relied upon as accurate, but it can be used as a baseline for more extensive epidemiological investigations.

Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 2009

The prevalence study of bovine trypanosomosis was conducted in 43 smallholder farms which were ra... more The prevalence study of bovine trypanosomosis was conducted in 43 smallholder farms which were randomly selected from 350 cattle farms and seven medium scale farms purposively selected in Morogoro, Tanzania. A total of 509 and 102 cross breed and local cattle, respectively aged six months and above were used in the study. The selected animals were examined for clinical signs of trypanosomosis and thereafter screened for haemoparasites using direct blood smears and micro-centrifugation methods. The overall prevalence of trypanosomosis in cattle was 2.3% (95% CI: 1.4-3.8, n = 691). Infected animals (n = 16) had the mean rectal temperature of 39.1 C±1.03. The mean number of parasites and PCV was 8.6±13.6 and o 24.8%±7.9, respectively. Specific infection rates based on trypanosomas species were 0.4%, 0.6%, and 1.3% for T. congolense, T. brucei and T. vivax respectively. A highly significant (P < 0.05) infection rate was found in cattle on farms located in northeastern part of Morogoro town (4.0%, n = 303) than those in the southwest (1.0%, n = 388, RR = 3.84, 95% CI = 1.18 -16.98). Sex, breed, grazing system, farm size, acaricide application and chemoprophylaxis were not the risk factors for the trypanosomosis infection. It was concluded that, despite a continuous uses of chemoprophylaxis, synthetic pyrethroids, bush clearing and many other methods against tsetse flies, trypanosomosis is still prevalent in cattle in Morogoro. Animals in the livestock-wildlife interphase are at higher risk of infection. It was recommended that trypanosomosis losses due to cattle mortalities, reduced production and reproduction performance, continuous disease treatment and control costs need to be quantified. Knowing the associated losses may call for strengthening the disease surveillance, treatment and control strategies which are aimed at reduction or total elimination of the tsetse flies.

Zoonoses and Public Health, 2009

Occurrence of antimicrobial residues in commercial chicken eggs was determined in Morogoro munici... more Occurrence of antimicrobial residues in commercial chicken eggs was determined in Morogoro municipality between January and February 2007. Twenty smallholder farmers were interviewed on the types of antimicrobials, reasons of use and their awareness on antimicrobial withdrawal period. Seventy egg samples were collected for qualitative antimicrobial drug residues analysis by use of agar well diffusion and Delvotest SP® assays. It was found that farmers use antimicrobial drugs as prophylaxis and treatment of common chicken diseases namely fowl typhoid (85%), infectious bursa disease (Gumboro) (65%) infectious coryza (65%), collibacilosis (55%), coccidiosis (54%), Newcastle disease (50%), helminthosis (20%) and fowl pox (15%). Antimicrobials accounted for 85% of the drugs commonly used. It was also found that 65% of the farmers treat their chicken themselves. The common drugs were oxytetracycline (75%), egg booster (50%), amprolium (35%), sulphamethoxypyridazine (35%), sulphanilamide (25%), chlortetracyclines (10%), chloramphenicol (10%), sulphadiazine–trimethoprim (20%), duoxycycline (20%), sulphadiazine (25%) and flumequine (10%). Eighty per cent of the farmers had knowledge on antimicrobial withdrawal period sold eggs before withdrawal period and almost 85% were unaware of possible effects of antimicrobial residues in humans. All 70 eggs were positive to antimicrobial residues by Delvotest kit, but 21.4% positive with agar well diffusion test. It was concluded that the presence of antimicrobial residues in table eggs could be of public health significance to the egg consumers in Morogoro municipality.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2009

Small Ruminant Research, 2009

A survey of lameness in goats was carried out at Magadu farm, Morogoro, Tanzania during the rainy... more A survey of lameness in goats was carried out at Magadu farm, Morogoro, Tanzania during the rainy and dry season of 1996, 1997 and 1998 involving 383, 449 and 438 animals, respectively. Digital lesions as cause of lameness were diagnosed through clinical and radiological evaluations. For the 3 years of study, a significantly (P < 0.001) higher prevalence of lameness was recorded during rain seasons than dry season (7.3%). Under the management conditions employed at Magadu adult goats suffered more (69.5%) than the young ones (31.5%). Of the adults, male goats were more affected by lameness (85%) than females (67.3%). The hind limbs appeared to be most affected (P < 0.05; prevalence 62.4%) by lameness compared to the forelimbs (prevalence 37.6%). Radiography of the affected foot revealed periarticular soft tissue swelling, distension of the joint capsule, widening of the joint space and osteolysis of the articular joint surfaces. To conclude, the study found the occurrences of lameness due to digital diseases were largely related to the climatic conditions and management factors.

Veterinary Parasitology, 2009

A serolocigical survey was conducted for the detection of Theileria parva antibodies in 176 Afric... more A serolocigical survey was conducted for the detection of Theileria parva antibodies in 176 African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) sampled between 1996 and 2005 in livestock–wildlife interface areas of Zambia. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus species, and Amblyomma variegatum were the most abundant tick species identified on buffaloes. T. parva sero-positives were reported in buffaloes sampled from game management areas at Mlanga and Nanzhila bordering the Kafue National Parks and in the Lochnivar National Park while buffaloes sampled from Lower Zambezi National Park were sero-negative. Given that Game Management Areas serve as interface areas that permit the co-existence of livestock and wildlife in similar ecological habitats our findings suggest that buffaloes could play a significant role in the epidemiology of theileriosis in livestock–wildlife interface areas. Thus far, the disease has only been reported in livestock and is herein being reported in the African buffalo for the first time in Zambia.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2009

A study on the prevalence of hydatidosis in cattle, goats and sheep was carried out in Ngorongoro... more A study on the prevalence of hydatidosis in cattle, goats and sheep was carried out in Ngorongoro district of Arusha region, Tanzania. A 4-years data records from four slaughter slabs were retrieved and analysed. In addition, meat inspection was done in the same slaughter slabs for nine months and 64 households were interviewed to assess the community awareness on hydatidosis. Results showed the overall prevalence of hydatidosis to be 47.9%. Species prevalence of 48.7%, 34.7% and 63.8% in cattle, goats and sheep respectively was recorded. Of 174 cysts examined in cattle, 37 (21.3%) were fertile, 126 (72.4%) were sterile and 11 (6.3%) were calcified. Out of 215 goats and 67 sheep cysts examined, 52 (24.7%) and 26 (38.8%) were fertile, 138 (64.2%) and 38 (56.7%) were sterile, 24 (11.2%) and 3 (4.5%) were calcified respectively. The higher percentage of fertile hydatid cysts in sheep and goats coupled with the practice of backyard slaughter of sheep and goats suggests that, these animals could be important intermediate hosts for the maintenance of the domestic life cycle of E. granulosus in the locality. Questionnaire survey revealed that 17.2% of the respondents were aware of hydatidosis but non of them were knowledgeable on its transmission. Up to 84.4% of the respondents had domestic ruminants and donkeys, while 89.1% had dogs. Of the households with dogs, only 19.3% had their dogs dewormed at least once in life time. Most of the households (87.7%) had their dogs managed freely and 77.2% of the respondents reported school children to be the closest friends of dogs in the family. The prevalence of E. granulosus infection in wildlife and the possible relationship of the domestic cycle to the sylvatic cycle operating in the same area are unknown and need to be studied.

Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 2009

Presence of antimicrobial residues in broiler meat was determined in a cross-sectional study cond... more Presence of antimicrobial residues in broiler meat was determined in a cross-sectional study conducted in Morogoro, Tanzania between January and February, 2007. Twenty smallholder broiler chicken farmers were interviewed on the types of antimicrobials used and their awareness on withdrawal period. In addition, 70 broiler chicken liver samples were collected for qualitative antimicrobial residues analysis by use of two parallel tests; agar well diffusion and Delvotest SP assay. Ninety percent of the respondents ® frequently used tetracycline, amprolium, sulphonamides, trimethoprim, neomycine and flumequine to their chickens. Ninety percent of the respondents had knowledge on antimicrobial withdrawal period. However, 95% of farmers slaughtered their chicken before withdrawal period because were afraid of losses and were unaware of the effects of antimicrobial residues in humans. Laboratory results indicated that 70% (n = 14) of the farms were positive to antimicrobial residues. This shows a widespread misuse of antimicrobials by poultry farmers and reflecting lack of implementation of withdrawal times. It is stressed that stricter regulation for the use of antimicrobials in chicken and inspection of chicken for residues prior to marketing. However, poultry farmers need to be educated on the possible effects associated with use of food with antimicrobial residues.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2011

An investigation was conducted in Morogoro municipality to assess the likelihood of slaughter cat... more An investigation was conducted in Morogoro municipality to assess the likelihood of slaughter cattle posing public health risk of contaminating carcasses with thermophilic Campylobacter. Butchers and meat shopkeepers were interviewed on source of slaughter cattle, method of animal and carcass transportation, carcass dressing, meat storage facilities, access to clean water and availability of food hygiene practices. Faecal samples were collected from 107 slaughter cattle and after slaughter; four different parts of dressed carcasses (i.e. from ham, neck, pelvis and thigh muscles) were also sampled. In addition 107 cattle meat samples for Campylobacter culture were collected in different meat shops. The samples were subjected to standard bacteriological examination using Skirrows protocol. It was found that cattle slaughter, dressing and meat handling in meatshops was done under unhygienic condition. Thermophilic Campylobacter prevalence in slaughter cattle was 5.6% while contamination rate of dressed carcasses and cattle meat at shops was 9.3% and 1.9%, respectively. The majority of thermophilic Campylobacter isolated were C. jejuni (88.9%) while C. coli was isolated at 11.1%. Findings of this study suggest possibility of humans acquiring zoonotic Campylobacter infections from cattle meat particularly when meat preparation and processing is not done properly. More work is required to establish the magnitude of zoonotic enteric Campylobacteriosis in humans and epidemiological role of cattle and other animals in the study area.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2009

A 3-year (2005–2007) retrospective study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of cystic ... more A 3-year (2005–2007) retrospective study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in cattle and shoats (sheep and goats) slaughtered at Arusha municipal abattoir, Tanzania. A total of 115186 cattle and 99401 shoats were slaughtered. Cattle liver, lungs, spleen and heart condemnation rate was 16.35%, 13.04%, 2.09% and 3.06% respectively while 17.63%, 7.63%, 0.38% and 0.04% of shoats’ liver, lungs, spleen and heart respectively were condemned. A highly significant (p < 0.001) cystic echinococcosis (CE) infection rate was recorded in shoats (6.02%) than in cattle (4.2%) probably because of differences in grazing patterns. Cattle lungs were more affected by CE (22.5%) than liver (19.7%) while shoats liver were found to be more affacted (21%) than the lungs (19.3). A significant (p < 0.001) higher CE infection rate was observed in cattle spleen (15.5%) than shoats (9.7%). There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference between condemnation rates due to hydatidosis during rain and dry seasons probably because of chronicity of the disease. The study have established that CE is prevalent in animals slaughtered at Arusha abattoir and causes higher condemnation rates of edible offals. This merit for more extensive epidemiological investigations to better determine the prevalence, economic impact and public health importance of the disease in the region.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2011

The current study reviews a 3-year record of slaughtered animals in Arusha abattoir to determine ... more The current study reviews a 3-year record of slaughtered animals in Arusha abattoir to determine the causes of carcasses and organ/offal condemnations. A total of 115,186 cattle, 61,551 sheep, 37,850 goats and 13,310 pigs were slaughtered. Out of the slaughtered cattle, 8.6% were pregnant. Up to 125 (0.108%), 39 (0.063%), 40 (0.106%) and 132 (0.992%) of all cattle, sheep, goats and pig carcasses, respectively, were totally condemned. Cysticercosis was the leading cause of total carcass condemnations in cattle (0.051%) and in pig (1.397%), while emaciation accounted for 0.045% and 0.074% of carcass condemnations in sheep and goats, respectively. Livers and lungs were the most condemned organs in all four animal species. The main cause of condemnations of cattle livers was fasciolosis (8.6%), while stilesiosis in sheep and goats accounted for 8.1% and 7.3%, respectively. Ascariasis (4.03%) was the only cause of liver condemnation in pigs. Pneumonia was the leading cause of lung condemnations at the rates of 3.99%, 2.43% and 2.83% in cattle, sheep and goats, respectively. Because of their zoonotic nature, occurrences of hydatidosis, cysticercosis, fasciolosis and tuberculosis may pose a public health risk. Thus, there is a need to introduce appropriate control measures of livestock diseases to minimise the rate of infection and reduce economic losses.

geologicalsocietyofafrica.org

Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series B-infectious Diseases and Veterinary Public Health, 2006

Prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter infections in humans, chickens and crows was determined ... more Prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter infections in humans, chickens and crows was determined in a cross-sectional study that was carried out in urban and rural areas of Morogoro region, Tanzania during the period of January 2003 to December 2004. A total of 632 human stool samples, 536 cloacal swabs from local and broiler chickens and 22 intestinal contents from crows were screened for presence of thermophilic campylobacters using Skirrow's protocol. Representative Campylobacter jejuni isolates from human and chicken samples were also analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a definitive identification method. The overall prevalence of thermophilic campylobacters was 9.3% (95% CI: 7.2–11.9), 69.8% (95% CI: 65.7–73.6) and 72.7% (95% CI: 49.8–89.3) in humans, chickens and crows respectively. In humans, 59 thermophilic campylobacters were isolated of which 96.6% were C. jejuni and 3.4%Campylobacter coli. There was a significantly (P < 0.001) higher prevalence in young individuals (16%) than in adults (7%). Of 341 isolates from chickens, 91.2% were C. jejuni and 8.8% were C. coli. A significantly (P < 0.05) higher infection rate was observed in rural local chicken (76%) than in broilers (60%). In crows, of 16 isolates, 93.8% were C. jejuni and 6.2% were C. coli. Definitive identification of C. jejuni by PCR revealed positive results in 74.1% of 243 analysed isolates. Findings in this study indicate high prevalence of thermophilic campylobacters in humans, chickens and crows in Morogoro, and a higher infection rate of C. jejuni than that of C. coli in different animal species. Age of humans and location of chickens were identified as risk factors for thermophilic Campylobacter infections. Positive isolates to biochemical tests that indicated negative results on PCR indicates the additional value of PCR for definitive diagnosis of C. jejuni.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2011

A study was carried out to establish the prevalence of extra-intestinal porcine helminth infectio... more A study was carried out to establish the prevalence of extra-intestinal porcine helminth infections and to assess the pig slaughter slab sanitary conditions in Dar es Salaam city, Tanzania. A total of 24 privately owned pig slaughter slabs were assessed. All slaughter slabs were substandard; wrongly located, poorly designed and constructed and lacked most basic requirements for a slaughter house. Because of inadequate slaughtering, disposal and cleaning facilities, the slaughter slabs were under unhygienic condition with questionable safety, soundness and wholesomeness of the pork produced. Routine meat inspection procedures were used to detect extra-intestinal porcine helminth infections. Of the 731 examined pigs; 8.1%, 5.9% and 0.4% were infected with ascariosis, porcine cysticercosis and hydatidosis, respectively. It was noted that almost all slaughter pigs in Dar es Salaam originated from different regions. Based on the region of origin, the status of porcine cysticercosis was 8.2% for Dodoma (n=98), 8.2% for Manyara (n=260) and 6.9% for Mbeya (n=116). This study disclosed the unhygienic sanitary condition prevailing in Dar es Salaam pig slaughter slabs and recommends that strategies should be devised to improve the situation. Porcine ascariosis and cysticercosis were widely prevalent and caused economic losses due to condemnations. Because of their zoonotic nature, the observed extra-intestinal porcine helminth infections in pig pose a public health risk among consumers. Thus, there is a need to introduce appropriate control measures of parasitic infections in pigs.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2010

Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of thermophilic Campylobacter isolated from freeranging ... more Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of thermophilic Campylobacter isolated from freeranging ducks was determined in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. Ninety intestinal contents from ducks were screened for thermophilic Campylobacter using Skirrow's protocol. Of the Campylobacter jejuni isolates, 50 were tested for sensitivity to 12 antibiotics. Overall prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter was 80%. The prevalence of Campylobacter in adult ducks (91.3%) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than ducklings (68.2%). The isolation rate of C. jejuni (81.9%) was significantly (P<0.001) higher than C. coli (18.1%). All C. jejuni isolates were susceptible to streptomycin, nitrofurantoin and amikacin. Forty eight percent, 74% and 82% of isolates were resistant to cefuroxime sodium, tetracycline and ampicillin respectively. Between 20-50% of isolates were resistant to erythromycin, gentamicin, cloxacillin and amoxicillin. Norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin had lower C. jejuni resistance of 10% and 16% respectively. C. jejuni isolates from adult ducks showed significantly higher rates of resistance (p< 0.05) to most antibiotics than did duckling isolates.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2011

Comparison of Cape Town and Skirrow's protocols used in isolation of Campylobacter in humans and ... more Comparison of Cape Town and Skirrow's protocols used in isolation of Campylobacter in humans and broilers was carried out in a cross-sectional study in Morogoro, Tanzania. A total of 176 and 158 human stool and broiler intestinal samples were collected, respectively. While human stool samples were collected from selected health centers, broiler intestinal samples were obtained from selected farms and chicken markets. Samples were inoculated and cultured in duplicate using two protocols and prevalence of Campylobacter were established. In humans, the prevalence of Campylobacter isolates was significantly higher (P<0.001) (21.6%) with Cape Town protocol than Skirrow's method (9.1%). Similarly, a higher prevalence (P<0.05) in broilers was recorded in Cape Town protocol (77.8%) than Skirrow's method (66.5%). There was a moderate (0.53) Kappa test of agreement between Skirrow's and Cape Town protocols for human samples and substantial agreement (0.72) for broiler samples. This demonstrates that Cape Town protocol is superior over the Skirrow's protocol in Campylobacter isolation. Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter lari were the Campylobacter spp. isolated. In humans, C. jejuni accounted for 92.1% and 87.5% of all positive samples with Cape Town and Skirrow's protocols, respectively. In broilers, C. jejuni was isolated at 91.1% and 92.5% of all species obtained with Cape Town and Skirrow's protocols, respectively. This shows that C. jejuni is the common species that may be circulating from either broilers to humans or other animals and vice versa. The present study has introduced Cape Town protocol in Tanzania for Campylobacter isolation from human and animal samples, which is expected to improve the isolation of Campylobacter species. Cape Town protocol may also be a good alternative for use in routine isolation of Campylobacter.

Zoonoses and Public Health, 2009

A 13-year (1990–2003) retrospective study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of cystic... more A 13-year (1990–2003) retrospective study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in patients at Wasso hospital in Ngorongoro district, Tanzania. Hospitalization records were reviewed and confirmed cases of CE were classified according to ward of residence, age, sex, cyst location and type. A total of 171 hydatidosis patients were diagnosed and operated giving an average of 13 cases per year, equivalent to approximately 10 cases per 100 000 people per year. Cystic echinococcosis affected more females (59.1%) than males (40.9%). A significantly higher number of CE cases were recorded in individuals <30 years of age (22.8–30.4%) than in those >30 years of age (2.3–9.4%) (P < 0.05). High proportion of CE (81.5%) occurred in the liver than in other sites, and more females had higher hepatic cysts (47.4%) than males (31.0%). Solitary cysts and single organ involvement were noted in 81.5% cases and multiple cysts in 18.5% cases. Higher multiple organ infections (14.1%) and cyst recurrences (5.3%) were also recorded in females. Orgosorok ward had the highest number (18.7%) of CE cases, while Nainokanoka had the lowest (1.2%). It was concluded that CE infection occurs frequently in humans in Ngorongoro district and female and youths are those most affected. These findings merit for more extensive epidemiological investigations of CE in human to better determine the prevalence, economic impact and risk factors for the disease in this district and other areas of Tanzania.

Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 2010

An abattoir survey was conducted on clinically healthy 115,186 cattle, 61,551 sheep and 37,850 go... more An abattoir survey was conducted on clinically healthy 115,186 cattle, 61,551 sheep and 37,850 goats slaughtered in Arusha municipality, Tanzania, between 2005 and 2007. The objective was to determine the prevalence of disease conditions affecting the lungs. Routine meat inspection procedures were used to detect the presence of the pathological lesions. A total of 15,245 (13.2%), 4668 (7.8%) and 3192 (8.4%) lungs of cattle, sheep and goat, respectively, were condemned due to nine diseases/conditions namely pneumonia, hydatidosis, emphysema, abscesses, anthracosis, pleurisy, calcified cysts, melanosis and bovine pulmonary tuberculosis. Pneumonia was the leading cause of condemnations as it was responsible for 4594 (30.1%), 1495 (31.4%) and 1072 (33.6%) of all the condemned lungs in cattle, sheep and goats, respectively. Anthracosis, pleurisy, melanosis and pulmonary tuberculosis were only recorded in cattle attributing to 7.3%, 6.4%, 2.9%, and 0.7% of lung condemnations, respectively. The percentages of lung conditions recorded in 2005, 2006 and 2007 were not statistically different (P > 0.05) among cattle, sheep and goats. The different lung lesion percentages recorded in cattle were significantly higher (P < 0.05) compared to sheep and goats. There were no significant (P > 0.05) variations between lung condemnation percentages due to various diseases during the rainy and dry seasons. Because of their zoonotic nature, occurrence of hydatidosis and tuberculosis may pose a public health risk. The study showed that different lung diseases/lesions in domestic ruminants are prevalent in Tanzania. Thus, there is a need to introduce appropriate control measures of diseases affecting lungs to minimize the rate of infection and reduce the ensuing economic losses. The data obtained from this survey cannot be wholly relied upon as accurate, but it can be used as a baseline for more extensive epidemiological investigations.

Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 2009

The prevalence study of bovine trypanosomosis was conducted in 43 smallholder farms which were ra... more The prevalence study of bovine trypanosomosis was conducted in 43 smallholder farms which were randomly selected from 350 cattle farms and seven medium scale farms purposively selected in Morogoro, Tanzania. A total of 509 and 102 cross breed and local cattle, respectively aged six months and above were used in the study. The selected animals were examined for clinical signs of trypanosomosis and thereafter screened for haemoparasites using direct blood smears and micro-centrifugation methods. The overall prevalence of trypanosomosis in cattle was 2.3% (95% CI: 1.4-3.8, n = 691). Infected animals (n = 16) had the mean rectal temperature of 39.1 C±1.03. The mean number of parasites and PCV was 8.6±13.6 and o 24.8%±7.9, respectively. Specific infection rates based on trypanosomas species were 0.4%, 0.6%, and 1.3% for T. congolense, T. brucei and T. vivax respectively. A highly significant (P < 0.05) infection rate was found in cattle on farms located in northeastern part of Morogoro town (4.0%, n = 303) than those in the southwest (1.0%, n = 388, RR = 3.84, 95% CI = 1.18 -16.98). Sex, breed, grazing system, farm size, acaricide application and chemoprophylaxis were not the risk factors for the trypanosomosis infection. It was concluded that, despite a continuous uses of chemoprophylaxis, synthetic pyrethroids, bush clearing and many other methods against tsetse flies, trypanosomosis is still prevalent in cattle in Morogoro. Animals in the livestock-wildlife interphase are at higher risk of infection. It was recommended that trypanosomosis losses due to cattle mortalities, reduced production and reproduction performance, continuous disease treatment and control costs need to be quantified. Knowing the associated losses may call for strengthening the disease surveillance, treatment and control strategies which are aimed at reduction or total elimination of the tsetse flies.

Zoonoses and Public Health, 2009

Occurrence of antimicrobial residues in commercial chicken eggs was determined in Morogoro munici... more Occurrence of antimicrobial residues in commercial chicken eggs was determined in Morogoro municipality between January and February 2007. Twenty smallholder farmers were interviewed on the types of antimicrobials, reasons of use and their awareness on antimicrobial withdrawal period. Seventy egg samples were collected for qualitative antimicrobial drug residues analysis by use of agar well diffusion and Delvotest SP® assays. It was found that farmers use antimicrobial drugs as prophylaxis and treatment of common chicken diseases namely fowl typhoid (85%), infectious bursa disease (Gumboro) (65%) infectious coryza (65%), collibacilosis (55%), coccidiosis (54%), Newcastle disease (50%), helminthosis (20%) and fowl pox (15%). Antimicrobials accounted for 85% of the drugs commonly used. It was also found that 65% of the farmers treat their chicken themselves. The common drugs were oxytetracycline (75%), egg booster (50%), amprolium (35%), sulphamethoxypyridazine (35%), sulphanilamide (25%), chlortetracyclines (10%), chloramphenicol (10%), sulphadiazine–trimethoprim (20%), duoxycycline (20%), sulphadiazine (25%) and flumequine (10%). Eighty per cent of the farmers had knowledge on antimicrobial withdrawal period sold eggs before withdrawal period and almost 85% were unaware of possible effects of antimicrobial residues in humans. All 70 eggs were positive to antimicrobial residues by Delvotest kit, but 21.4% positive with agar well diffusion test. It was concluded that the presence of antimicrobial residues in table eggs could be of public health significance to the egg consumers in Morogoro municipality.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2009

Small Ruminant Research, 2009

A survey of lameness in goats was carried out at Magadu farm, Morogoro, Tanzania during the rainy... more A survey of lameness in goats was carried out at Magadu farm, Morogoro, Tanzania during the rainy and dry season of 1996, 1997 and 1998 involving 383, 449 and 438 animals, respectively. Digital lesions as cause of lameness were diagnosed through clinical and radiological evaluations. For the 3 years of study, a significantly (P < 0.001) higher prevalence of lameness was recorded during rain seasons than dry season (7.3%). Under the management conditions employed at Magadu adult goats suffered more (69.5%) than the young ones (31.5%). Of the adults, male goats were more affected by lameness (85%) than females (67.3%). The hind limbs appeared to be most affected (P < 0.05; prevalence 62.4%) by lameness compared to the forelimbs (prevalence 37.6%). Radiography of the affected foot revealed periarticular soft tissue swelling, distension of the joint capsule, widening of the joint space and osteolysis of the articular joint surfaces. To conclude, the study found the occurrences of lameness due to digital diseases were largely related to the climatic conditions and management factors.

Veterinary Parasitology, 2009

A serolocigical survey was conducted for the detection of Theileria parva antibodies in 176 Afric... more A serolocigical survey was conducted for the detection of Theileria parva antibodies in 176 African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) sampled between 1996 and 2005 in livestock–wildlife interface areas of Zambia. Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus species, and Amblyomma variegatum were the most abundant tick species identified on buffaloes. T. parva sero-positives were reported in buffaloes sampled from game management areas at Mlanga and Nanzhila bordering the Kafue National Parks and in the Lochnivar National Park while buffaloes sampled from Lower Zambezi National Park were sero-negative. Given that Game Management Areas serve as interface areas that permit the co-existence of livestock and wildlife in similar ecological habitats our findings suggest that buffaloes could play a significant role in the epidemiology of theileriosis in livestock–wildlife interface areas. Thus far, the disease has only been reported in livestock and is herein being reported in the African buffalo for the first time in Zambia.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2009

A study on the prevalence of hydatidosis in cattle, goats and sheep was carried out in Ngorongoro... more A study on the prevalence of hydatidosis in cattle, goats and sheep was carried out in Ngorongoro district of Arusha region, Tanzania. A 4-years data records from four slaughter slabs were retrieved and analysed. In addition, meat inspection was done in the same slaughter slabs for nine months and 64 households were interviewed to assess the community awareness on hydatidosis. Results showed the overall prevalence of hydatidosis to be 47.9%. Species prevalence of 48.7%, 34.7% and 63.8% in cattle, goats and sheep respectively was recorded. Of 174 cysts examined in cattle, 37 (21.3%) were fertile, 126 (72.4%) were sterile and 11 (6.3%) were calcified. Out of 215 goats and 67 sheep cysts examined, 52 (24.7%) and 26 (38.8%) were fertile, 138 (64.2%) and 38 (56.7%) were sterile, 24 (11.2%) and 3 (4.5%) were calcified respectively. The higher percentage of fertile hydatid cysts in sheep and goats coupled with the practice of backyard slaughter of sheep and goats suggests that, these animals could be important intermediate hosts for the maintenance of the domestic life cycle of E. granulosus in the locality. Questionnaire survey revealed that 17.2% of the respondents were aware of hydatidosis but non of them were knowledgeable on its transmission. Up to 84.4% of the respondents had domestic ruminants and donkeys, while 89.1% had dogs. Of the households with dogs, only 19.3% had their dogs dewormed at least once in life time. Most of the households (87.7%) had their dogs managed freely and 77.2% of the respondents reported school children to be the closest friends of dogs in the family. The prevalence of E. granulosus infection in wildlife and the possible relationship of the domestic cycle to the sylvatic cycle operating in the same area are unknown and need to be studied.

Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 2009

Presence of antimicrobial residues in broiler meat was determined in a cross-sectional study cond... more Presence of antimicrobial residues in broiler meat was determined in a cross-sectional study conducted in Morogoro, Tanzania between January and February, 2007. Twenty smallholder broiler chicken farmers were interviewed on the types of antimicrobials used and their awareness on withdrawal period. In addition, 70 broiler chicken liver samples were collected for qualitative antimicrobial residues analysis by use of two parallel tests; agar well diffusion and Delvotest SP assay. Ninety percent of the respondents ® frequently used tetracycline, amprolium, sulphonamides, trimethoprim, neomycine and flumequine to their chickens. Ninety percent of the respondents had knowledge on antimicrobial withdrawal period. However, 95% of farmers slaughtered their chicken before withdrawal period because were afraid of losses and were unaware of the effects of antimicrobial residues in humans. Laboratory results indicated that 70% (n = 14) of the farms were positive to antimicrobial residues. This shows a widespread misuse of antimicrobials by poultry farmers and reflecting lack of implementation of withdrawal times. It is stressed that stricter regulation for the use of antimicrobials in chicken and inspection of chicken for residues prior to marketing. However, poultry farmers need to be educated on the possible effects associated with use of food with antimicrobial residues.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2011

An investigation was conducted in Morogoro municipality to assess the likelihood of slaughter cat... more An investigation was conducted in Morogoro municipality to assess the likelihood of slaughter cattle posing public health risk of contaminating carcasses with thermophilic Campylobacter. Butchers and meat shopkeepers were interviewed on source of slaughter cattle, method of animal and carcass transportation, carcass dressing, meat storage facilities, access to clean water and availability of food hygiene practices. Faecal samples were collected from 107 slaughter cattle and after slaughter; four different parts of dressed carcasses (i.e. from ham, neck, pelvis and thigh muscles) were also sampled. In addition 107 cattle meat samples for Campylobacter culture were collected in different meat shops. The samples were subjected to standard bacteriological examination using Skirrows protocol. It was found that cattle slaughter, dressing and meat handling in meatshops was done under unhygienic condition. Thermophilic Campylobacter prevalence in slaughter cattle was 5.6% while contamination rate of dressed carcasses and cattle meat at shops was 9.3% and 1.9%, respectively. The majority of thermophilic Campylobacter isolated were C. jejuni (88.9%) while C. coli was isolated at 11.1%. Findings of this study suggest possibility of humans acquiring zoonotic Campylobacter infections from cattle meat particularly when meat preparation and processing is not done properly. More work is required to establish the magnitude of zoonotic enteric Campylobacteriosis in humans and epidemiological role of cattle and other animals in the study area.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2009

A 3-year (2005–2007) retrospective study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of cystic ... more A 3-year (2005–2007) retrospective study was carried out to investigate the occurrence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) in cattle and shoats (sheep and goats) slaughtered at Arusha municipal abattoir, Tanzania. A total of 115186 cattle and 99401 shoats were slaughtered. Cattle liver, lungs, spleen and heart condemnation rate was 16.35%, 13.04%, 2.09% and 3.06% respectively while 17.63%, 7.63%, 0.38% and 0.04% of shoats’ liver, lungs, spleen and heart respectively were condemned. A highly significant (p < 0.001) cystic echinococcosis (CE) infection rate was recorded in shoats (6.02%) than in cattle (4.2%) probably because of differences in grazing patterns. Cattle lungs were more affected by CE (22.5%) than liver (19.7%) while shoats liver were found to be more affacted (21%) than the lungs (19.3). A significant (p < 0.001) higher CE infection rate was observed in cattle spleen (15.5%) than shoats (9.7%). There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference between condemnation rates due to hydatidosis during rain and dry seasons probably because of chronicity of the disease. The study have established that CE is prevalent in animals slaughtered at Arusha abattoir and causes higher condemnation rates of edible offals. This merit for more extensive epidemiological investigations to better determine the prevalence, economic impact and public health importance of the disease in the region.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2011

The current study reviews a 3-year record of slaughtered animals in Arusha abattoir to determine ... more The current study reviews a 3-year record of slaughtered animals in Arusha abattoir to determine the causes of carcasses and organ/offal condemnations. A total of 115,186 cattle, 61,551 sheep, 37,850 goats and 13,310 pigs were slaughtered. Out of the slaughtered cattle, 8.6% were pregnant. Up to 125 (0.108%), 39 (0.063%), 40 (0.106%) and 132 (0.992%) of all cattle, sheep, goats and pig carcasses, respectively, were totally condemned. Cysticercosis was the leading cause of total carcass condemnations in cattle (0.051%) and in pig (1.397%), while emaciation accounted for 0.045% and 0.074% of carcass condemnations in sheep and goats, respectively. Livers and lungs were the most condemned organs in all four animal species. The main cause of condemnations of cattle livers was fasciolosis (8.6%), while stilesiosis in sheep and goats accounted for 8.1% and 7.3%, respectively. Ascariasis (4.03%) was the only cause of liver condemnation in pigs. Pneumonia was the leading cause of lung condemnations at the rates of 3.99%, 2.43% and 2.83% in cattle, sheep and goats, respectively. Because of their zoonotic nature, occurrences of hydatidosis, cysticercosis, fasciolosis and tuberculosis may pose a public health risk. Thus, there is a need to introduce appropriate control measures of livestock diseases to minimise the rate of infection and reduce economic losses.

geologicalsocietyofafrica.org

Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series B-infectious Diseases and Veterinary Public Health, 2006

Prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter infections in humans, chickens and crows was determined ... more Prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter infections in humans, chickens and crows was determined in a cross-sectional study that was carried out in urban and rural areas of Morogoro region, Tanzania during the period of January 2003 to December 2004. A total of 632 human stool samples, 536 cloacal swabs from local and broiler chickens and 22 intestinal contents from crows were screened for presence of thermophilic campylobacters using Skirrow's protocol. Representative Campylobacter jejuni isolates from human and chicken samples were also analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a definitive identification method. The overall prevalence of thermophilic campylobacters was 9.3% (95% CI: 7.2–11.9), 69.8% (95% CI: 65.7–73.6) and 72.7% (95% CI: 49.8–89.3) in humans, chickens and crows respectively. In humans, 59 thermophilic campylobacters were isolated of which 96.6% were C. jejuni and 3.4%Campylobacter coli. There was a significantly (P < 0.001) higher prevalence in young individuals (16%) than in adults (7%). Of 341 isolates from chickens, 91.2% were C. jejuni and 8.8% were C. coli. A significantly (P < 0.05) higher infection rate was observed in rural local chicken (76%) than in broilers (60%). In crows, of 16 isolates, 93.8% were C. jejuni and 6.2% were C. coli. Definitive identification of C. jejuni by PCR revealed positive results in 74.1% of 243 analysed isolates. Findings in this study indicate high prevalence of thermophilic campylobacters in humans, chickens and crows in Morogoro, and a higher infection rate of C. jejuni than that of C. coli in different animal species. Age of humans and location of chickens were identified as risk factors for thermophilic Campylobacter infections. Positive isolates to biochemical tests that indicated negative results on PCR indicates the additional value of PCR for definitive diagnosis of C. jejuni.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2011

A study was carried out to establish the prevalence of extra-intestinal porcine helminth infectio... more A study was carried out to establish the prevalence of extra-intestinal porcine helminth infections and to assess the pig slaughter slab sanitary conditions in Dar es Salaam city, Tanzania. A total of 24 privately owned pig slaughter slabs were assessed. All slaughter slabs were substandard; wrongly located, poorly designed and constructed and lacked most basic requirements for a slaughter house. Because of inadequate slaughtering, disposal and cleaning facilities, the slaughter slabs were under unhygienic condition with questionable safety, soundness and wholesomeness of the pork produced. Routine meat inspection procedures were used to detect extra-intestinal porcine helminth infections. Of the 731 examined pigs; 8.1%, 5.9% and 0.4% were infected with ascariosis, porcine cysticercosis and hydatidosis, respectively. It was noted that almost all slaughter pigs in Dar es Salaam originated from different regions. Based on the region of origin, the status of porcine cysticercosis was 8.2% for Dodoma (n=98), 8.2% for Manyara (n=260) and 6.9% for Mbeya (n=116). This study disclosed the unhygienic sanitary condition prevailing in Dar es Salaam pig slaughter slabs and recommends that strategies should be devised to improve the situation. Porcine ascariosis and cysticercosis were widely prevalent and caused economic losses due to condemnations. Because of their zoonotic nature, the observed extra-intestinal porcine helminth infections in pig pose a public health risk among consumers. Thus, there is a need to introduce appropriate control measures of parasitic infections in pigs.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2010

Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of thermophilic Campylobacter isolated from freeranging ... more Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of thermophilic Campylobacter isolated from freeranging ducks was determined in Morogoro Municipality, Tanzania. Ninety intestinal contents from ducks were screened for thermophilic Campylobacter using Skirrow's protocol. Of the Campylobacter jejuni isolates, 50 were tested for sensitivity to 12 antibiotics. Overall prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter was 80%. The prevalence of Campylobacter in adult ducks (91.3%) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than ducklings (68.2%). The isolation rate of C. jejuni (81.9%) was significantly (P<0.001) higher than C. coli (18.1%). All C. jejuni isolates were susceptible to streptomycin, nitrofurantoin and amikacin. Forty eight percent, 74% and 82% of isolates were resistant to cefuroxime sodium, tetracycline and ampicillin respectively. Between 20-50% of isolates were resistant to erythromycin, gentamicin, cloxacillin and amoxicillin. Norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin had lower C. jejuni resistance of 10% and 16% respectively. C. jejuni isolates from adult ducks showed significantly higher rates of resistance (p< 0.05) to most antibiotics than did duckling isolates.

Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2011

Comparison of Cape Town and Skirrow's protocols used in isolation of Campylobacter in humans and ... more Comparison of Cape Town and Skirrow's protocols used in isolation of Campylobacter in humans and broilers was carried out in a cross-sectional study in Morogoro, Tanzania. A total of 176 and 158 human stool and broiler intestinal samples were collected, respectively. While human stool samples were collected from selected health centers, broiler intestinal samples were obtained from selected farms and chicken markets. Samples were inoculated and cultured in duplicate using two protocols and prevalence of Campylobacter were established. In humans, the prevalence of Campylobacter isolates was significantly higher (P<0.001) (21.6%) with Cape Town protocol than Skirrow's method (9.1%). Similarly, a higher prevalence (P<0.05) in broilers was recorded in Cape Town protocol (77.8%) than Skirrow's method (66.5%). There was a moderate (0.53) Kappa test of agreement between Skirrow's and Cape Town protocols for human samples and substantial agreement (0.72) for broiler samples. This demonstrates that Cape Town protocol is superior over the Skirrow's protocol in Campylobacter isolation. Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter lari were the Campylobacter spp. isolated. In humans, C. jejuni accounted for 92.1% and 87.5% of all positive samples with Cape Town and Skirrow's protocols, respectively. In broilers, C. jejuni was isolated at 91.1% and 92.5% of all species obtained with Cape Town and Skirrow's protocols, respectively. This shows that C. jejuni is the common species that may be circulating from either broilers to humans or other animals and vice versa. The present study has introduced Cape Town protocol in Tanzania for Campylobacter isolation from human and animal samples, which is expected to improve the isolation of Campylobacter species. Cape Town protocol may also be a good alternative for use in routine isolation of Campylobacter.