Articles, Conference and Workshop Papers Collection

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Anatomical variation of habitat related changes in scapular morphology
(Tanzania Veterinary Journal, 2018-12-07) Luziga, C.; Wada, N.
The mammalian forelimb is adapted to different functions including postural, locomotor, feeding, exploratory, grooming and defense. Comparative studies on morphology of the mammalian scapula have been performed in an attempt to establish the functional differences in the use of the forelimb. In this study, a total of 102 scapulae collected from 66 species of animals, representatives of all major taxa from rodents, sirenians, marsupials, pilosa, cetaceans, carnivores, ungulates, primates and apes were analyzed. Parameters measured included scapular length, width, position, thickness, area, angles and index. Structures included supraspinous and infraspinous fossae, scapular spine, glenoid cavity, acromium and coracoid processes. Images were taken using computed tomographic (CT) scanning technology (CT-Aquarium, Toshiba and micro CT- LaTheta, Hotachi, Japan) and measurement values acquired and processed using Avizo computer software and CanvasTM 11 ACD systems. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2013. Results obtained showed that there were similar morphological characteristics of scapula in mammals with arboreal locomotion and living in forest and mountainous areas but differed from those with leaping and terrestrial locomotion living in open habitat or savannah. The cause for the statistical grouping of the animals signifies presence of the close relationship between habitat and scapular morphology and in a way that corresponds to type of locomotion and speed. The morphological characteristics of the scapula and functional interpretation of the parameters in relation to habitat of each taxon is discussed in detail.
Antibiotic Residues in Foods of Animal Origin: Review
(Macrothink Institute, 2023) Mgonja, Frida Richard; Kaswija, John Paul
Antibiotic residue in food is a serious public health issue that demands much attention and has a harmful impact on consumer health. The presence of antibiotic residue in food of animal origin creates challenges in global trade in animals and animal products. Public health implications of antibiotic residue in food include the development and propagation of antimicrobial drug resistance, hypersensitivity reactions, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, teratogenicity, bone marrow suppression, and disruption of normal intestinal flora. Improper use of antibiotics in animals results in the existence of residues beyond maximum limit levels and is associated with harmful health effects in humans. Supervision of antibiotics is required to ensure the safety of animal products. In this review, the use of antibiotics in food animals, antibiotic residues in foods of animal origin, and the effect of different cooking techniques on antibiotic residue levels are discussed.
Antibody response, viral load, viral clearance and growth rate in Tanzanian free-range local chickens infected with lentogenic Newcastle disease virus
(Academic Journals, 2021-04-15) Gallardo, Rodrigo; Kelly, Terra; Lamont, Susan; Dekkers, Jack; Zhou, Huaijun; Muhairwa, Amandus; Mushi, James Richard; Chiwanga, Gaspar Honorati; Mollel, Esther Lemburis; Walugembe, Muhammed; Max, Robert Arsen; Msoffe, Peter Makenga; Rodrigo Gallardo
This study is aimed at evaluating antibody responses, viral loads, viral clearance and growth rate of Tanzanian free-range local chicken (FRLC) challenged with LaSota strain of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) as indicator traits for selection of chickens for breeding with enhanced resistance to the disease and economic value. Three popular free-range local chicken ecotypes: Kuchi, Ching’wekwe and Morogoro-medium from three ecological zones of Tanzania were used for the experiments. Progenies from the breeder chickens were challenged with 10 7 titer of 50% egg infectious dose (EID 50 ) of the virus at 28 days of age. The viral loads and viral clearance rates evaluated by qRT-PCR from tear samples collected at 2- and 6-days post infection (dpi) showed that Kuchi could clear NDV better than Morogoro- medium and Ching’wekwe. Anti-NDV antibody levels determined from blood samples collected at 10 dpi using ELISA showed that Kuchi ecotype expressed higher mean anti-NDV antibodies compared to Morogoro-medium and Ching’wekwe. Growth rates determined from body weights collected for 38 days from day of hatch (D0) to 10 dpi showed higher growth rate for Kuchi than Morogoro-medium and Ching’wekwe chickens. Kuchi chickens were potentially more resistant to ND compared to Morogoro- medium and Ching’wekwe.
Antifertility effects of crude extracts from Acacia nilotica pods and Albizia lebbeck stem bark in female multimammate rats, Mastomys natalensis
(Academic Journals, 2021-07) Mwangengwa, Lusekelo M; Bakari, Gaymary G; Kanuya, Noel L; Max, Robert A
The study's main objective was to assess any pathophysiological significance of Acacia nilotica pods aqueous extract and Albizia lebbeck stem bark methanolic extract on the reproductive system of female multimammate rats (Mastomys natalensis). A total of 60 sexually mature female rats were randomized into a 2 × 3 factorial experimental design for treatments (Control, A. nilotica, and A. lebbeck) and treatment duration (7 or 14 days). Control rats consumed basal feed only, whereas extract-treated rats consumed the basal feed containing 2% w/w of either of the two plant extracts. At the end of treatment duration, treated female rats were cohabited with males for 16 days and sacrificed 20 days after the first day of cohabitation. Parameters including pregnancy rates, number of fetal implantations, possible resorption sites and fetal litter size were assessed at necropsy. Further post-necropsy parameters were evaluated in ovaries including the ovarian weights, follicular and corpora lutea numbers and general histopathology. Results showed that pregnancy percentages, the number of fetal implantations and fetal litter size were significantly reduced (P < 0.01) in rats under the A. nilotica and A. lebbeck extract treatments relative to the control rats. The ovarian weights of rats receiving the extracts did not differ significantly from their control counterparts (P > 0.05). However, the number of corpora lutea of pregnancy was significantly reduced (P < 0.001) in ovaries of rats under extract treatments than in their control counterparts. Instead, ovaries of rats receiving the two extracts contained a larger number of degenerating follicles, signifying halted ovulatory and conception activities. The current study has demonstrated that dietary inclusion of crude extracts from A. nilotica pods and A. lebbeck stem bark can lead to decreased fertility success rates in M. natalensis female rats through suppression of ovulatory activities and induction of follicular atresia.
Antimicrobial susceptibility of flavobacteriaceae isolates from nile tilapia (oreochromis niloticus) in Tanzania
(African Journal of Microbiology Research, 2020) Mwega, Elisa; Chengula, Augustino; Colquhoun, Duncan; Mutoloki, Stephen; Mdegela, Robinson; Evensen, Øystein; Wasteson, Yngvild
This study aimed to assess antimicrobial susceptibility of members of the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Antimicrobial susceptibility of 67 Flavobacteriaceae isolates originating mainly from ponds and Lake Victoria against 19 antimicrobial agents was determined by the broth micro dilution method. Overall, most isolates were susceptible to enrofloxacin (97%; MIC 90 2 μg/ml) followed by novobiocin (85%, MIC 90, 4 μg/ml) and the aminoglycoside streptomycin (85%; MIC 90 , 128 μg/ml). Some isolates were also susceptible towards trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (77.6%), neomycin and florfenicol both at 62.7%. Susceptibility levels were low for tylosin tartrate (32.8%), clindamycin and sulphathiazole both at (23.9%), ceftiofur (6%), spectinomycin (6%) and tetracyclines/oxtetracyclines (4.5%). In contrast, β-Lactams (amoxicillin, penicillin), gentamycin and erythromycin exhibited very poor activity against Flavobacteriaceae isolates. The extent of antimicrobial susceptibility did not vary significantly among isolates from farmed and wild fish isolates (P > 0.01). The highest Multiple Antimicrobial Resistance (MAR) index was observed in Chryseobacterium indologenes (0.89) and the lowest in Chaetoderma indicum isolates (0.32). Our results indicate that most of Flavobacteriaceae isolates are multidrug resistance, and this may be associated with intrinsic resistance mechanisms to a broad range of antimicrobial agents. However, the need remains to carryout in-depth study to understand better the underlying genetic mechanisms given that the magnitude and trend for susceptibility was comparable between isolates from aquaculture and fisheries. The findings from this study give us insight into appropriate choice of antimicrobial agents for effective treatment of infections caused by these isolates.
Assessing the awareness, knowledge, attitude and practice of the community towards solid waste disposal and identifying the threats and extent of bacteria in the solid waste disposal sites in Morogoro municipality in Tanzania
(IISTE, 2015) Chengula, Augustino; Lucas, Bahati K; Mzula, Alexanda
Solid wastes comprise all the wastes arising from human and animal activities that are normally solid, discarded as useless or unwanted materials. Health hazards associated with improper disposal of solid wastes to the community were investigated in Morogoro municipality. The aim of the project was to investigate the solid waste disposal practices and their health hazard implications to the community in Morogoro municipality. The study was conducted by considering several solid waste disposal sites based on three methods; observation, questionnaire survey and microbiological analysis. Based on observation method, several solid waste practices were detected including collection of wastes using trucks, wheel barrow, carriers made from elephant grasses and cement bags. Questionnaire survey pinpointed several diseases caused by solid wastes such as malaria, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, typhoid and worm diseases from the respondents. From microbiological analysis, several pathogenic bacteria were identified from the solid disposal sites. The bacteria with their frequency of isolation identified were: Salmonella typhimurium (16.7%), Shigella dysenteriae (16.7%), Citrobacter freundii (8.3%), Citrobacter amalonaticus (8.3%), Aerobacter aerogenes (8.3%), Proteus vulgaris (16.7%), Klebsiella oxyotoca (8.3%), Klebsiella (8.3%), E.coli (8.3%). Solid waste generated by the daily activities of the people needs to be properly managed in such a way that it minimizes the risk to the environment and human health. Inadequate collection and disposal of solid waste is a major factor in the spread of disease and environmental degradation.
Assessment of knowledge and practices on home management of malaria among selected families in Morogoro Municipality
(Academic Journals, 2022) Angelina, Julius; Mgonja, Frida Richard
Knowledge and practices in preventing malaria infection were assessed in a cross-sectional study in Morogoro Municipal. Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted caused by plasmodial species which are plasmodium falciparum, plasmodium vivax, plasmodium ovale, and plasmodium malariae. With most of the cases of malaria being due to Plasmodium falciparum accounting for more than 95% of infections. A total of sixty families were randomly selected from five study areas (Chamwino, Mafiga, Kichangani, Misufini and Manzese) to participate in the study. The questionnaire consisting of closed and open-ended questions was administered. The results indicated that knowledge on malaria transmission and prevention was reasonable as the respondents declared to have a significant knowledge (85%) on malaria transmission and prevention, though there was a knowledge gap among respondents. Breeding sites were also assessed and the results showed that 26.7% reported dark places as breeding sites, 40% mentioned the edges of ponds and stagnant water, 26.7% tagged dirty areas as breeding sites, 1.7% mentioned cattle sheds, and 5% were not aware at all. Methods used for management of malaria in their homes indicate that most of the respondents (73.3%) agreed with indoor residual spraying (IRS) while (26.7%) did not agree with IRS. Most respondents commented on the effectiveness of Home Management of Malaria (HMM) to be somehow helpful in reducing malaria infection cases, while 31.7% strongly agreed that HMM has been effective in reducing malaria infection cases. Therefore, there is a need to improve the emphasis of HMM to ensure that the effectiveness of HMM is being achieved at a great level.
Assessment of knowledge and practices on home management of malaria among selected families in Morogoro municipality
(Academic Journals, 2022-03-30) Mgonja, Frida Richard; Julius, Angelina
Knowledge and practices in preventing malaria infection were assessed in a cross-sectional study in Morogoro Municipal. Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted caused by plasmodial species which are plasmodium falciparum, plasmodium vivax, plasmodium ovale, and plasmodium malariae. With most of the cases of malaria being due to Plasmodium falciparum accounting for more than 95% of infections. A total of sixty families were randomly selected from five study areas (Chamwino, Mafiga, Kichangani, Misufini and Manzese) to participate in the study. The questionnaire consisting of closed and open-ended questions was administered. The results indicated that knowledge on malaria transmission and prevention was reasonable as the respondents declared to have a significant knowledge (85%) on malaria transmission and prevention, though there was a knowledge gap among respondents. Breeding sites were also assessed and the results showed that 26.7% reported dark places as breeding sites, 40% mentioned the edges of ponds and stagnant water, 26.7% tagged dirty areas as breeding sites, 1.7% mentioned cattle sheds, and 5% were not aware at all. Methods used for management of malaria in their homes indicate that most of the respondents (73.3%) agreed with indoor residual spraying (IRS) while (26.7%) did not agree with IRS. Most respondents commented on the effectiveness of Home Management of Malaria (HMM) to be somehow helpful in reducing malaria infection cases, while 31.7% strongly agreed that HMM has been effective in reducing malaria infection cases. Therefore, there is a need to improve the emphasis of HMM to ensure that the effectiveness of HMM is being achieved at a great level.
Assessment of knowledge, awareness, and use of family planning methods among residents in Iringa Municipality
(Macrothink Institute, 2023) Mgaya, Catherine M.; Mgonja, Frida R
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the Iringa Municipality with 100 women of childbearing age aged 18 to 45 years. Levels of knowledge and awareness of family planning methods were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire. As a result, it was found that the majority of 94(94%) of the surveyed population said they were well-informed about family planning methods and had good attitudes and awareness of contraceptives. Of the methods presented, male condoms, injections, and implants were familiar and used by the majority of participants. Of the 100 participants, 85(85%) used modern family planning techniques and 71(83.5%) of them reported having used services at a health facility. However, the remaining 15(15%) of respondents indicated that they did not use family planning for religious and cultural reasons. Modern contraceptive technology is available, accessible, and proven to be used. Therefore, more education is needed for communities on the importance of using permanent modern strategies, including sterilization. Getting men involved is also important.
Association between occupational risks of exposure to pesticides and respiratory symptoms among organic and non organic farmworkers
(2022) Owisso, Rose D.; Bukalasa, Joseph S.; Mwezi, Raphael J.; Maleto, Julius S.; Mgonja, Frida R.
Respiratory problem is one of the main occupational health challenges faced by farmworkers, it can occur while preparing and applying pesticides and during tasks in recently sprayed fields. Symptoms associated with different respiratory problems include coughing, wheezing and airway inflammation are commonly observed among farmworkers who are occupationally exposed to pesticides. In low and middle-income countries, epidemiological evidence for the association between occupational exposure to pesticides and respiratory diseases in adults is limited. The study employed a cross-sectional survey that ran from January to February 2021 using face to face semi- structured questionnaire administered to farmworkers who were working on flower and coffee farms in Arusha and Kilimanjaro. Approximately 384 farmworkers were randomly selected to participate in this study. The study included organic and non-organic farmworkers who were directly engaged in agricultural activities and exclude supporting staff such as human resource managers who were not engaged directly in agricultural activities. The results indicate that non-organic farmers were at high risk of developing respiratory symptoms than organic farmworkers. Non-organic farmers were significantly associated with cough, rhinitis, and shortness of breath among farmworkers [adj. OR (95% CI) 31.94 (12.04, 84.70), 4.44 (2.61, 7.56) and 6.44 (1.98, 20.95)] respectively. However, there should be a systematic collection of data about poisoning cases occurring in the farm areas with a large number of employees so that effective measures can be taken to protect the farmers from chronic illnesses associated with pesticide exposure, particularly respiratory problems in this case.
Awareness on mycotoxins among commercial poultry feed handlers in Morogoro
(TANZANIA VETERINARY ASSOCIATION, 2017) Temba, B. A.
Successful control of the mycotoxins contamination in animal feeds needs to integrate variety of techniques which involve different stakeholders along the livestock management and feed handling chain. A study was conducted in three districts in Morogoro region, Tanzania, to assess the degree of awareness among poultry feed handlers including feed processors and retailers. A structured questionnaire was delivered to 186 respondents including 36 feed miller owners or managers, 54 feed miller workers and 96 feed retailers. The respondents were randomly sampled in Morogoro municipality, Morogoro rural, and Kilosa districts. It was found that 85% of the respondents in the three districts had basic knowledge on mycotoxins. Among the respondents with the basic knowledge on mycotoxins 52% had very unsatisfactory knowledge, 44% had unsatisfactory knowledge and 4% had satisfactory knowledge. The respondents from Morogoro municipality (urban area) had significantly higher awareness on mycotoxins as compared to the ones from Morogoro rural and Kilosa (p< 0.05). Managers and/or owners of feed millers were more aware on mycotoxins as compared to other miller workers. Feed miller workers and retailers conducted 82% and 72% respectively of activities potential for mycotoxins control during feed handling processes while managers conducted 56% of the activities. The findings of this study display the potential roles of commercial poultry feed handlers on occurrence and control of mycotoxin accumulation in feeds and subsequent exposure to poultry. Utilization of the obtained information on implementation of mycotoxin control programs will facilitate better allocation of the limited resources, by understanding what inputs are required by different groups of role players.
Awareness, knowledge and practice of pastoralists and agro- pastoralists towards livestock diseases affecting domestic animals in Arusha, Manyara and Morogoro Regions, Tanzania
(2013) Chengula, A; Mdegela, R.H; Kasanga, C.J
The study was carried out to assess pastoralists and agro-pastoralists awareness, knowledge and practice in various livestock diseases affecting domestic animals in Arusha Manyara and Morogoro regions in Tanzania. Closed- and open-ended questionnaires, focus group discussions and in-depth interview techniques were employed. Diseases, drought, lack of dipping tanks, insufficient of livestock experts and drugs are the main constraints in the livestock keeping community in the study area. Nineteen diseases have been reported to affect their animals at one time or the other. East Coast fever (ECF, 79.7%), Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP, 60.8%) and Trypanosomosis (50%) have been reported by more than 50% of pastoralists that they affect their animals. ECF and CCPP seem to be the leading diseases with great impact to the pastoralists by causing high mortality rates. Rift valley fever (RVF) and anthrax have been reported by majority to be diseases which appear in form of outbreak in their area. Diseases reported here are said to be controlled primarily by treating with various drugs and Oxytetracycline being a common drug of choice for most unknown diseases. Other control methods include vaccination and deworming, dipping and spray of animals using acariceides. Livestock experts have been reported to play little role in controlling common livestock diseases as majority of livestock keepers tends to treat their animals. Veterinary experts seem to be important during outbreak of diseases or for unknown diseases killing many animals. Eating of dead and improperly cooked meat together with un-boiled milk was found to be common in the pastoral community. This could lead to the spread (if any) of zoonotic diseases easily. Livestock keeping community is aware of most of common diseases circulating in their area but the way they practice to control leads to failure of control of those diseases at individual and national level. Devising a mechanism to educate them so that they know how to handle some common and reporting outbreak diseases such as use of trained community animal health workers (CAHWs) will help control livestock diseases in Tanzania.
Comparative gross and histological morphology of goat (caprine) and sheep (ovine) placentomes
(Tanzania Veterinary Journal, 2019-02-01) Luziga, C.; Kashoma, I. P.
This study aimed to investigate the gross and micro-anatomy of the placentome of Tanzanian goats and sheep and their relationship with some foetal parameters. Forty pregnant uteri (20 from goats and 20 from sheep) were collected from slaughtered pregnant animals. Foetal age was estimated using Crown-Rump Length formula. Other parameters such as head length (HL), neck length (NL), fore and hind limb length, foetal weight, total number of placentomes and placentome size and location in the uteri were taken. All placentae exhibited the typical characteristics of a cotyledonary with discrete areas of attachment between maternal and foetal tissues. Placentome counts ranged from 70 to 92 and 74 to 104 in sheep and goats, respectively. The average length of placentomes was 20.0±4.2 and 30.7±9.0 in sheep and goats, respectively. Placentomes from does in the present study were concave in shape and the majority were of type A. Regression analysis showed a statistically significant relationship between foetal age and placental size (r2=0.3245; p<0.001); between foetal age and foetal weight (r2=0.7364; p<0.001); and between foetal age and placental weight (r2=0.6458; p<0.01); but the number of placentomes insignificantly (P>0.01) varied with foetal age. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that the Tanzanian sheep and goat placentae are cotyledonary – synepitheliochorial type having placentomes that tend to increase in size with gestation age in response to greater nutrient and or metabolic requirement of the growing foetus.
Correlation between aspergillus flavus fungal biomass and aflatoxin contamination in harvested maize: insights from Kenya and Tanzania
(Tehran university of medical sciences., 2023) Temba, Benigni Alfred; Bakari, Gaymary George; Mgonja, Frida Richard; Mushi, James Richard
Controlling the occurrence of aflatoxins in foods must be accompanied by managing the fungi responsible for their production. The abundance and diversity of aflatoxin-producing Aspergillus flavus are responsible for the accumulation of these toxins in crops, posing a persistent threat to public health and the economy in tropical developing countries. A study was conducted to investigate the occurrence and level of A. flavus and relate them to aflatoxin levels in maize in Kenya and Tanzania. A total of 786 maize samples were collected during harvesting in selected areas of the two countries for analysis. The fungal abundance in the samples was measured as the amount of fungal DNA relative to maize DNA. This was accomplished by quantifying the fungal DNA using qPCR, targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene, while the maize DNA was quantified through the alpha-tubulin gene, the two genes known to be conserved. Aflatoxins were quantified using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography, coupled with ultra-high sensitivity, ultra-fast triple quadrupole tandem-mass spectrophotometer. A. flavus was detected in 88.5% of the 786 tested samples, and the average fungal load for these samples (expressed as the log host/pathogen ratio) was 5.53. Aflatoxin occurrence was positive in 31.9% of the samples, with an average level of 2.3 ± 0.643 ppb. The study established a positive relationship between the occurrence and level of aflatoxin B 1 and the presence and biomass of A. flavus, which was statistically proven. These findings emphasize the need to place substantial attention on preharvest control of A. flavus in cereal fields as an effort to control the accumulation of aflatoxin B1 in foods.
Cyanide in cassava varieties and people’s perception on cyanide poisoning in selected regions of Tanzania
(Macrothink Institute, 2020) Mushumbusi, Cornelius B; Max, Robert A; Bakari, Gaymary G; Mushi, James R; Balthazary, Sakurani T
Cassava, an important food crop in the tropical regions of the world, is known to carry varying levels of cyanogenic glucosides that are potential poison to humans. In Tanzania, cases of cyanide poisoning have been reported in many cassava producing areas. This study was launched to quantify cyanide in fresh tubers of so called “sweet” cassava varieties and to gauge peoples’ perception on cyanide poisoning in Kagera and Morogoro regions. The study employed a questionnaire survey and a cross-sectional research design to identify different cassava varieties and their cyanide content using alkaline titration method. Findings showed that cyanide content in all of the analyzed tubers were above the internationally accepted levels in human consumables. Some sweet varieties were found to be wrongly classified as sweet because their cyanide content was above acceptable limits. For the same variety tubers sampled from a lowland area had significantly higher (P < 0.01) cyanide content than those from a highland point. It was also found that the upper (slippery) parenchymal tissue had more cyanide content (P < 0.05) than the inner tissue. Nearly 80% of the studied population was unaware of cyanide poisoning, its health effects and how to reduce cyanide content prior to consumption. It is concluded that consumption of raw cassava tubers can lead to undesirable health effects despite of some of them being categorized as sweet. The public should be sensitized on the issues of cyanide in cassava and should avoid consuming raw cassava tubers as preventive measures against cyanide poisoning.
Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen-2 alpha participates in axial skeletogenesis during mouse embryo development
(Tanzania Veterinary Journal, 2015-05-25) Aligawesa, E.; Luziga, C. D.; Bui, T. N.; Kashoma, I. P.; Yamamoto, Y.
Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-2 alpha (CTLA-2α) has been discovered and expressed in mouse activated T-cells and mast cells. Structurally, it is homologous to the proregion of mouse cathepsin L, a lysosomal cystein proteinase. Expressed recombinant CTLA-2α is shown to exhibit selective inhibition to cathepsin L and is localized in the uterus during pregnancy where it is implicated in embryo plantation and development. CTLA-2α has also been demonstrated in the maternal side of the placenta in the deciduas basalis, metrial gland and myometrium layers in mouse but its vivo targets in the embryo are yet to be identified. We carried out studies to investigate the specific cell types synthesizing CTLA-2α protein in mouse embryo and examine its cellular localization. Immunofluorescence labeling showed intense localization of CTLA-2α in the cranium, vertebrae of cervical and thoracic region and the sternabrae. In the visceral organs, staining level was strong in the pancreas. Moderate staining was visible within the brain and remnants of the notochord. The rest of the organs including the spleen, small intestine and lungs were delineated by CTLA-2α. These findings suggest that CTLA-2α participates in an important role from the potential commitment of mesenchymal cells lineages to the ossification of axial skeleton early in embryogenesis.
Determination of the presence of babesia DNA in blood samples of cattle, camel and sheep in Iran by PCR
(Belgrade, 2014-10-13) Khamesipour, Faham; Doosti, Abbas; Koohi, Arman; Chehelgerdi, Mohammad; Mokhtari-Farsani, Abbas; Chengula, Augustino Alfred
Babesia species are protozoan parasites that parasitize the erythrocytes of domestic animals and humans, caus- ing anemia in the host affected. These parasites cause a zoonotic disease known as babesiosis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has proven to be very sensitive for detecting Babesia in blood samples of affected animals, particular in ruminants. The purpose of the current study was to determine the presence of Babesia DNA in the blood samples obtained from cattle, camel and sheep in Iran. In addition, the study aimed at establishing a rapid, reliable, specific and sensitive molecular tool, the PCR, for the detection of Babesia DNA in ruminants and dromedaries. Blood samples were collected from 372 rumi- nants and dromedaries (155 cattle, 95 sheep and 122 camel) kept at the Livestock Experimental Station. The animals came from randomly selected herds located in the important livestock-production regions of Iran of Isfahan and Chaharmahal va Bakhtiary during December 2012 to March 2013. PCR was used to detect Babesia DNA in the blood samples whereby an amplified band size of 428 bp was considered positive for Babesia spp. The results indicated that 7.10% (n= 155), 6.56% (n= 122) and 0.00% (n= 95) of the blood samples from cattle, camel and sheep were positive for Babesia DNA, respectively. The findings from this study revealed that there were Babesia DNA in blood taken from cattle and camel. To our knowl- edge, this is the first report to show the presence of Babesia DNA in blood samples of Iranian ruminants and dromedaries in Chaharmahal Va Bakhtiari and Isfahan provinces by PCR method. Though, diagnosis of low-level infections by the pa- rasite is important for the epidemiological studies. Our findings support the power of PCR test for Babesia DNA detection in blood samples and could be easily used for routine diagnosis.
Diagnosis and genotyping of African swine fever viruses from 2015 outbreaks in Zambia
(AOSIS Publishing, 2016-04-29) Thoromo, Jonas; Simulundu, Edgar; Chambaro, Herman M; Mataa, Liywalii; Lubaba, Caesar H; Pandey, Girja S; Takada, Ayato; Misinzo, Gerald; Mweene, Aaron S
In early 2015, a highly fatal haemorrhagic disease of domestic pigs resembling African swine fever (ASF) occurred in North Western, Copperbelt, and Lusaka provinces of Zambia. Molecular diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction targeting specific amplification of p72 (B646L) gene of ASF virus (ASFV) was conducted. Fourteen out of 16 domestic pigs from the affected provinces were found to be positive for ASFV. Phylogenetic analyses based on part of the p72 and the complete p54 (E183L) genes revealed that all the ASFVs detected belonged to genotypes I and Id, respectively. Additionally, epidemiological data suggest that the same ASFV spread from Lusaka to other provinces possibly through uncontrolled and/or illegal pig movements. Although the origin of the ASFV that caused outbreaks in domestic pigs in Zambia could not be ascertained, it appears likely that the virus may have emerged from within the country or region, probably from a sylvatic cycle. It is recommended that surveillance of ASF, strict biosecurity, and quarantine measures be imposed in order to prevent further spread and emergence of new ASF outbreaks in Zambia.
Dynamics and driving forces of hides, skins, leather and leather goods production and trade in Tanzania
(Tanzania Veterinary Journal, 2015-06-02) Mbassa, G.; Luziga, C.; Kilongozi, N.; Muyinga, E.
Hides, skins, leather and leather products are most traded commodities in the world and demand is increasing. Countries with large livestock populations have great opportunity to generate revenue from this resource. Studies were conducted in slaughterhouses, tanneries and leather good factories in Tanzania, aimed at determining quantities, qualities, processing and trade of hides and skins. Productions from slaughters are more than 3 million cattle hides, 3 million goatskins and 1 million sheepskins. Collected and exported quantities were 1,174,585 cattle hides, 1,591,990 and 304,167 goat and sheep skins. Companies from these destinations pre-pay livestock traders in advance and collect hides and skins at slaughter. Hides and skins are chrome or vegetable tanned at several industries including Afro Leather Industries Dar es Salaam while Himo Tanners and Planters and Afro Leather Industries produce finished leather. Qualities of hides were low because of flay cuts and brand markings. There is one leather footwear factory at Moshi and small scale leather goods factories in Arusha, Moshi, Mwanza, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Singida, Morogoro and in other places by individuals, youth groups, Vocational Education Training Authority (VETA) and Small Industries Organization (SIDO). Hides and skins processing is constrained by high international demand for raw hides and skins, inadequate investment in abattoirs, hides and skins collection and storage facilities and lack of trained personnel. Footwear and leather goods are constrained by lack of factories, competition from used goods, synthetic plastics and uninformed market. Investment in hides, skins and leather industry supported by training programmes has potential to generate great monetary revenue.
Effect of A. nilotica pods and A. lebbeck stem bark extracts on the reproductive system of male mastomys natalensis: an anti-fertility studies
(African journal of biological sciences, 2022) Mwangengwa, Lusekelo Msomba; Bakari, Gaymary George; Kanuya, Noel Lemree; Max, Robert Arsen
The contraceptive potential of Acacia nilotica pods and Albizzia lebbeck stem bark methanolic extracts were evaluated in male rodent pests. Ninety (90) multimammate rats (M. natalensis) were randomized into a 3 × 3 factorial design for treatment groups (control, A. lebbeck and A. nilotica) (n = 10) and treatment durations (15, 30, or 60 days). Control rats consumed plain feed. Treated rats consumed feed with 2% w/w of either of the plant extract. Following treatment, male rats were mated to untreated females before they were sedated in ether and humanely sacrificed. Assessments were done on fertility success rates (number of impregnated females), weight of testes and reproductive glands, sperm cell parameters, and testes histopathology. Fertility success rate was reduced to 0% in the A. nilotica treated rats at all the treatment durations and in the A. lebbeck treated rats after 60 days of treatment. Also, the extract-treated rats revealed a significant reduction in the testes, seminal vesicles, and epididymides weights compared to the control group. Moreover, sperm cell density and the proportions of live and progressively motile spermatozoa were significantly reduced and there were numerous damaged seminiferous tubules reflected by sloughed off germ cells, thinned germinal epithelium and widened empty lumen in the extract- treated rats. Thus, treatment with A. nilotica or A. lebbeck extract in male M. natalensis reduced their fertility success rates through distortion of testicular structure and disruption of spermatogenesis.

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