Background: Arthropod-borne pathogens and their vectors are present throughout Africa. They have been well-studied in livestock of sub-Saharan Africa, but poorly in companion animals. Given the socio-economic importance of companion animals, the African Small Companion Animal Network (AFSCAN), as part of the WSAVA Foundation, initiated a standardized multi-country surveillance study. Methods: Macro-geographic variation in ectoparasite (ticks and fleas) and pathogen communities in dogs was assessed through molecular screening of approximately 100 infested dogs in each of six countries (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Namibia), both in rural and urban settings. The most important intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors within the subpopulation of infested dogs were evaluated. Results: Despite the large macro-geographic variation in the dogs screened, there was no consistent difference between East and West Africa in terms of the diversity and numbers of ticks. The highest and lowest numbers of ticks were found in Nigeria and Namibia, respectively. Most often, there was a higher diversity of ticks in rural habitats than in urban habitats, although the highest diversity was observed in an urban Uganda setting. With the exception of Namibia, more fleas were collected in rural areas. We identified tick species (including Haemaphysalis spinulosa) as well as zoonotic pathogens (Coxiella burnetti, Trypanosoma spp.) that are not classically associated with companion animals. Rhipicephalus sanguineus was the most abundant tick, with a preference for urban areas. Exophilic ticks, such as Haemaphysalis spp., were more often found in rural areas. Several multi-host ticks occurred in urban areas. For R. sanguineus, housing conditions and additional pets were relevant factors in terms of infestation, while for a rural tick species (Haemaphysalis elliptica), free-roaming dogs were more often infested. Tick occurrence was associated to the use of endoparasiticide, but not to the use of ectoparasiticide. The most prevalent tick-borne pathogen was Hepatozoon canis followed by Ehrlichia canis. High levels of co-parasitism were observed in all countries and habitats. Conclusions: As dogs share a common environment with people, they have the potential to extend the network of pathogen transmission to humans. Our study will help epidemiologists to provide recommendations for surveillance and prevention of pathogens in dogs and humans. Graphical

Background: Arthropod-borne pathogens and their vectors are present throughout Africa. They have been well studied in livestock of sub-Saharan Africa, but poorly studied in companion animals. Given their socioeconomic importance, the African Small Companion Animal Network (AFSCAN), as part of the WSAVA Foundation, initiated a standardized multi-country surveillance study. Methods: In six countries (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Namibia) in both rural and urban settings, 160 infested cats were sampled to assess their ectoparasite community (ticks and fleas), as well as the micro-parasite prevalence within those ectoparasites (60 and 118 pools of ticks and fleas, respectively) and blood (276 cats, including 116 non-infested). Results: Almost two thirds of all infested cats originated from Tanzania and Kenya. Despite the large macro-geographical variation, no consistent difference was found in ectoparasite diversity and numbers between East and West Africa. Far more flea-infested than tick-infested cats were found. The most dominant ectoparasite was Ctenocephalides felis. Among the ticks, the exophilic Haemaphysalis spp. were the commonest, including species that are not typically linked with companion animals (Haemaphysalis spinulosa and Haemaphysalis elliptica). The most prevalent pathogens found in the blood and fleas were Bartonella henselae and Mycoplasma haemofelis. In the ticks, the dog-associated Hepatozoon canis was most commonly found. A high degree of co-parasitism was found in all countries and habitats. Conclusions: Our continent-wide standardized field study highlights the cat’s potential to serve as a reservoir of pathogens that can be transmitted to humans or livestock, especially when cats are expected to become more commonly kept in African villages and towns. Graphical

Ticks are important to the Nigerian livestock industry because of their ability to cause huge economic loss directly or indirectly. Chemical acaricides have played important roles in control of tick infestation for many years but development of acaricide resistance as being reported worldwide is a huge problem facing the livestock industry and the veterinarians. Thus, this study evaluated the efficacy of available commercial acaricides on Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus. Using Adult Immersion Test (AIT): the LC50, inhibition of oviposition, control and resistance rates, gradation of tarsal reflexes were determined for ticks treated with different acaricides at five different concentrations the discriminating dose (DD) (the manufacturer’s recommended dose) and four other different concentrations of two below and two above the DD with the aid of prohibit regression. The association between weight and number of eggs laid was analyzed by linear correlation. Macrocyclic lactone(66.7%), Phenylpyrazole (62.5%), Cypermethrin (62.5%), Formamidine(33.3%) and Phenylpyrazole(13% egg production), Macrocyclic lactone (18% egg production), Cypermethrin(20% egg production), Formamidine(49% egg production) have the highest to lowest percentage control and oviposition inhibition values respectively. The LC50 of (Formamidine), (Phenylpyrazole), (Synthetic pyrethroids), (Macrocyclic lactone) against adult R. (B.) annulatus were 100, 8000, 2300 and 6000ppm respectively.The demonstration of acaricide resistancedevelopmentas demonstrated by the ticks in laying of eggs after dipping in acaricideis a call to the need for discovery and use of alternative tick control methods with good therapeutic dose and the need for continuous evaluation of available acaricide.

OBJECTIVES : Cattle are important livestock species in Nigeria. But disease agents, especially gastrointestinal (GI) parasites, hinder their productivity. Non availability of rapid and affordable tools for GI parasite diagnosis poses problem to practitioners thus, the use of rapid, highly sensitive diagnostic techniques is required. One hundred faecal samples from cattle were analyzed through Simple Faecal Flotation (SFF), Modified Centrifugal Faecal Flotation (MCFF) and Mini-FLOTAC ® techniques (MFT) using Sodium Chloride, Brine, Sugar, Salt/Sugar and Zinc Sulphate at specific gravity of 1.2, 1.23, 1.25, 1.3 and 1.3 respectively as Flotation Solutions (FS). RESULTS : 100% GI parasite prevalence of was recorded with the following distribution: Strongyle (99%), Strongyloides spp (97%), Neoascaris vitulorum (78%), Trichostrongylus (56%), Nematodirus (46%), Capillaria spp (14%) and Trichuris spp (6%), Moniezia benedini (24%), Moniezia expansa (16%) , Taenia-like egg (3%), Schistosoma eggs (3%) and Eimeria oocyst (100%). Using Salt/Sugar the sensitivity of the techniques was 61.99%, 58.49% and 54.24%. for MFT, SFF and MCFF respectively. Considering the sensitivity of Salt/Sugar FS with availability and affordability its use as a routine FS is advocated. The ease and rapid use of Mini-FLOTAC in low economy country in addition to safety of diagnostic staff and the possibility of re-usage.

Background: Health professionals play an important role in the management and control of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). However, variations in awareness, knowledge, and attitudes among healthcare workers in South-West Nigeria may limit the effectiveness of NTD control programmes. This study assessed the awareness, perception, and attitude of health professionals towards NTDs and related control activities in South-West Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between 18th October 2021 and 31st March 2022 using structured close-ended questionnaires administered to health professionals across South-West Nigeria. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics and “ Chi -Square” test at 95% level of significance with SPSS software (version 20.0). A 67% response rate was achieved. Results: Out of 1556 respondents surveyed, 765 (49.2%) were females. Significant associations were observed between respondents’ location, gender, age group and occupation (p < 0.05 for all). Accurate recognition of NTDs among participants was 86.4% for correct definition, 85% for identification of one or more NTDs, 68.5% for involvement in NTDs programmes, and 46.4% for academic sources of information. Readiness for future engagement in NTDs was high, with 90.7% indicating support for required intervention, and 83.7% expressing willingness to participate in NTDs-related activities. Knowledge based on definition of NTDs showed no statistical difference across the South-West zone (P-value > 0.05). Conclusion: Health professionals in South-West Nigeria demonstrated generally high awareness and positive attitudes toward NTDs. These findings provide an important framework for targeted capacity building, training and policy interventions to strengthen NTD management and control.

Background: Cryptosporidiosis is an important intestinal disease of poultry with zoonotic implications. However, routine molecular surveillance remains limited in Nigeria’s commercial poultry sector. This study aimed to detect and characterize Cryptosporidium species in commercial chickens and live bird markets (LBMs) in Ibadan, Oyo State, using microscopy and molecular methods. Materials and Methods: A total of 179 pooled dropping samples were collected from commercial farms and LBMs across eight sampling locations in seven local government areas. Samples were examined using modified Ziehl–Neelsen staining and processed by nested PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene. Results: Microscopy revealed an overall detection rate of 18.99% (34/179). Prevalence was higher in commercial farms (21.13%) than in LBMs (10.81%). Layers showed greater infection (23.17%) than broilers (15.46%), with birds aged 21–40 weeks most affected. Of the 34 microscopy‐positive samples, five (14.70%) were PCR‐confirmed: Cryptosporidium baileyi (4/34; 11.76%) and the zoonotic C. meleagridis (1/34; 2.94%). Conclusions: The detection of zoonotic C. meleagridis highlights a public health risk. These findings emphasize the need for enhanced biosecurity, targeted management practices, molecular surveillance, and farmer awareness to reduce cryptosporidiosis in poultry systems.