Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans has been linked to non-judicious antimicrobial use (AMU) in food animals. To develop antimicrobial stewardship plans (AMSPs) for pig farmers, there is the need to understand the current status of AMU and the driving factors in the industry. Data on AMU, farmers’ perceptions of associated drivers, and biosecurity were collected through a mixed-method study design with focus group discussions (FGDs) and questionnaire-based interviews. Antimicrobials (AMs) were mainly used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. Common AMs used were tetracycline (78.8%), gentamycin (53.8%), and tylosin (52.5%). Perceived drivers of AMU were linked to economic benefits, farmers’ previous experiences, sick animals, expensive veterinary services, easy accessibility to over-the-counter drugs, poor farm practices, and poor disease prevention strategies. AMU was poor (average 40.2%), while knowledge on AMs and implications for animal and human health was considered averagely satisfactory (56.4%). The biosecurity level was also satisfactory (53.0%) and significantly associated with having a written farm health plan (p = 0.035). Good AMU was found to be strongly associated with farmers’ use of veterinary services (p = 0.001). Diverse factors drive antimicrobial use among pig farmers in Ogun State, and these could be addressed by providing continuing education on antimicrobial stewardship and best farm practices.

Live bird markets (LBM) remain a critical link from farm to fork in the poultry value chain, which oftentimes promotes indiscriminate antimicrobial use (AMU) and resistance (AMR). In this study, we assessed biosecurity practices, AMU, and associated these with multidrug resistant (MDR) E. coli in LBMs in Abeokuta, Ogun State. A cross-sectional survey among live bird sellers (LBS) in eight LBMs was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Also, cloacal samples (n = 200) were randomly collected and pooled for bacteriological detection of MDR E. coli in live chickens of consenting LBS. Susceptibility to 14 antimicrobials belonging to 6 different classes was determined using the disk diffusion method. Biosecurity level and AMU were generally low. LBS less than 46 years were 6.8- fold more likely to fall within the poor biosecurity level (Crudes odds ratio = 6.8; 95% CI; 1.20–38.56; p = 0.03) than others. An informal or primary school education increased the odds of having a poor practice of AMU by 15.1 folds (Crudes odds ratio = 15.1; 95% CI; 2.73–84.18; p = 0.002) than those with secondary or tertiary. The prevalence of E. coli and MDR E. coli at the LBM level were 80% and 56.3%, respectively. Extremely high resistance rates were observed for ceftazidime (96.9%) and imipenem (90.6%). The odds of MDR E. coli increased eight-fold in poultry kept by LBS who use AMs as prophylaxis. This current data could be useful for the development of targeted behavioral risk communication and mitigation strategies for AMR to impede the potential horizontal transfer of AMR genes to humans through animal-sourced food.

Objectives: Antibiotics are important for improving animal health and production. However, the deposition of its residues in food of animal origin intended for human consumption at non-permissible levels has generated global health concern and the need to tackle this using the “One Health Approach”. This study assessed the knowledge and practice of 286 cattle handlers in Kwara State, Nigeria. Methods: A web-based cross sectional online survey using a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted from November to December, 2019. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed at 95% confidence interval to determine predictors of good knowledge and practices towards Antibiotic Residues in Meat and Milk among cattle handlers. Results: This study revealed that majority (52.7% n = 165/286) of the cattle handlers were not aware of antibiotic residues. Knowledge and practices regarding antibiotic residues were generally poor among the study population; 36.7% and 35.5% had satisfactory knowledge and practice respectively. The age (p = 0.026), gender (p = 0.006) and business duration (p = 0.001) of participants were significantly associated with their knowledge of antimicrobial residues. The effect of education on knowledge was modified by age. The odds of having poor knowledge on antibiotic residues increased 4 times among participants who were ≤40 years old than those above 40 years (Stratum Specific OR = 3.65; CI = 1.2, 11.1; p = 0.026). Knowledge levels of participants were statistically associated with their practice levels p<0.05 (OR = 2.43; CI = 1.45. 4.06; p = 0.0006). Conclusion: This implies that poor knowledge is a risk factor to having poor practice among cattle handlers. Deliberate efforts towards educating cattle farmers on best farm practices in antibiotic use would prevent antibiotic residues in meat and milk. Also, an effective surveillance system for monitoring the use of veterinary drugs in Kwara State, Nigeria is crucial.

This study investigated various qualitative and quantitative indices of antimicrobial use (AMU) in companion animals (CAs) at a Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH-A) and its annex (VTH- B) from 2019 to 2021. For 694 documented animals, antimicrobial administrations (AADs) were 5, 278 times, of which 98.8% (5217) and 1.2% (61) were in dogs and cats respectively. At the VTH- A, oxytetracycline (1185 times, 22.5%) was mostly administered in dogs and metronidazole (26 times, 0.5%) in cats. Similarly, at VTH- B, oxytetracycline was administered 895 times (17.0%) in dogs while amoxicillin was given 7 times (0.1%) in cats. The prescription diversity (PD) was estimated at 0.73 and 0.82 in VTH-A and VTH-B respectively. The quantity of antimicrobials (AMs) used was 10.1 kg (A, 6.2 kg and B, 3.9 kg). Oxytetracycline administrations and quantity of metronidazole (P < 0.0001) were higher than other Active Ingredients (AIs). Furthermore, 16.5% of AIs were classified as Critically Important Antibiotics (CIA) with the highest priority, while enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and azithromycin fell under the World Health Organisation (WHO) Watch group. The In-Depth Interview (IDI) indicated that the high frequency of oxytetracycline administrations was linked with being the first choice for blood parasite treatment by the clinicians at the hospital. The quantity of metronidazole used was perceived to be higher due to the clinicians' preference for the treatment of acute gastroenteritis, its wider dose range, and the frequency of administration (bi-daily). The study provides baseline data on AMU indices in CAs, for the development of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and communication training, and policy modifications to enhance antimicrobial therapy optimization in tertiary veterinary hospital care in Nigeria.

Anemia is a decrease in red blood cells (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), and hemoglobin in the blood due to hemolysis, hemorrhage, or decreased production of RBC. This research determined the prevalence, characteristics, and role of anemia in association with babesiosis in dogs for one year. A total of 103 dogs positive for babesiosis presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, were screened for anemia. Among these, 80 dogs displaying anemia were selected. A thin blood smear was used to identify Babesia spp. The PCV and hemoglobin concentration (Hb) were determined using an automatic hemoglobinometer (Acon Laboratories, Inc., San Diego, USA). Temperature, pulse, PCV, Hb, and RBC assessed were correlated with mortalities. The findings indicated that 32 anemic babesiosis were male. The percentage of severe anemia was higher, compared to mild or moderate anemia. The age-specific prevalence of anemia was highest among dogs above 3 years but lowest in the age range of 1-3 years. Small breeds of dogs had a higher prevalence of anemia compared with larger breeds. The mortality rate was 18 (22.5%), with severe or microcytic hypochromic anemia being the highest. The temperature and pulse rates of the dogs that died were higher than those of survivors, while the PCV, Hb, and total RBC counts were significantly lower than those of survivors. In conclusion, the prevalence of anemia in dogs with babesiosis in this study was very high. Most of the mortalities recorded in the present study can be attributed to severe anemia and microcytic hypochromic anemia, with mortality rates of 61.% and 38.9%, respectively.

Anthrax, a zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, had not been reported in Nigeria since December 31, 2004. However, its re-emergence poses challenges due to the bacterium's persistence in soil and animal products. On July 13, 2023, a suspected bovine anthrax case was reported in Niger State. The laboratory confirmation followed on July 17, 2023, at the National Reference Laboratory, Plateau State. Among 29 animals, 10 were infected, with six deaths in a flock of sheep. A second outbreak occurred on July 17, 2023, at Marina and Central Abattoir Oko-oba Agege, affecting nine sheep and one camel. Six sheep died, yielding a mortality rate of 42.9%. The NVRI, Jos confirmed this outbreak on July 25, 2023. Despite containment efforts, another outbreak was reported on January 17, 2024, in Lagos State, involving 16 cattle, five confirmed cases, and four deaths (CFR: 80%). Between 2023 and 2024, Nigeria recorded 1,352 suspected anthrax cases, with 53 confirmed cases and 40 deaths. In 2023 alone, 1,336 suspected cases led to 48 confirmed cases and 36 deaths (CFR: 75%). In contrast, 2024 saw 16 suspected cases, five confirmed, and four deaths (CFR: 80%). The resurgence underscores the need for a One Health approach integrating human, animal, and environment. Stronger coordination among stakeholders is essential to prevent further outbreaks and protection of public health.