The Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research (OJVR), is the official publication of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute. It publishes scientific papers reporting original research on diseases and disease vectors of livestock and wildlife with a focus on Africa, but with results of more than local interest.

Background: COVID-19 is an emerging public health emergency of international concern. The trajectory of the global spread is worrisome, particularly in heavily populated countries such as Nigeria. The study objective was to assess and compare the pattern of COVID-19 spread in Nigeria and seven other countries during the first 120 days of the outbreak. Methods: Data was extracted from the World Bank’s website. A descriptive analysis was conducted as well as modelling of COVID-19 spread from day one through day 120 in Nigeria and seven other countries. Model fitting was conducted using linear, quadratic, cubic and exponential regression methods (α=0.05). Results: The COVID-19 spread pattern in Nigeria was similar to the patterns in Egypt, Ghana and Cameroun. The daily death distribution in Nigeria was similar to those of six out of the seven countries considered. There was an increasing trend in the daily COVID-19 confirmed cases in Nigeria. During the lockdown, the growth rate in Nigeria was 5.85 (R²=0.728, p< 0.001); however, it was 8.42 (R²=0.625, p< 0.001) after the lockdown was relaxed. The cubic polynomial model (CPM) provided the best fit for predicting COVID-19 cumulative cases across all the countries investigated and there was a clear deviation from the exponential growth model. Using the CPM, the predicted number of cases in Nigeria at 3-month (30 September 2020) was 155,467 (95% CI:151,111-159,824, p< 0.001), all things being equal. Conclusions: Improvement in COVID-19 control measures and strict compliance with the COVID-19 recommended protocols are essential. A contingency plan is needed to provide care for the active cases in case the predicted target is attained.

Introduction: Glyphosate is a non-targeted organophosphate insecticide whose solubility and mobility in hydrophilic solvents enable its rapid leaching into the soil and subsequent contamination of ground and surface water and possible build-up in the aquatic food chain. Based on the public health importance of glyphosate in fish through consumption, it is crucial to determine the current residue concentration in culture Clarias gariepinus species. The aim of the present study is to evaluate glyphosate’s residue concentrations and its metabolites in cultured African Catfish offered for sale in selected markets in Ibadan.Methods: A total of twenty-five (25) adult Clarias gariepinus (300 ± 50 g) were sourced from five (5) selected active fish markets (Ojoo, Iwo road, Eleyele, Challenge, and Apata) within the Ibadan metropolis. The collected fish tissue samples (liver, kidney, and spleen) were prepared for glyphosate residue concentration analysis using Liquid Chromatography (LC).Results: The results showed that glyphosate residues were recorded in all the seventy-five (75) fish tissue samples obtained from the selected fish markets in the Ibadan metropolis and all residue concentrations were above both the recommended Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 1.0 mg/kg (1 × 10⁻³ mg/L) and Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) of 0.01 mg/kg (1 × 10⁻⁵ mg/L). Isopropylamine has the highest residue concentration followed by N-Phosphonomethyl and Aminomethylphosphonic Acid (AMPA), while N-Acetyl Glyphosate has the least residue concentration across the sampled markets.Discussion: The presence of residues of glyphosate and its metabolites in ready-to-eat fish calls for holistic, systematic, and effective risk management strategies towards monitoring pesticide/herbicide usage in aquaculture production and ensuring the provision of wholesome fish and fish products for the consumers.

Impact of industrial effluents on Alaro river in Oluyole industrial estate, Ibadan and its suitability for aquatic life