SEROPREVALENCE OF MYCOBACTERIUM BOVIS ANTIBODIES IN CATTLE AND WILDLIFE CAPTURED IN YANKARI GAME RESERVE, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA.
SEROPREVALENCE OF MYCOBACTERIUM BOVIS ANTIBODIES IN CATTLE AND WILDLIFE CAPTURED IN YANKARI GAME RESERVE, BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA.
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Date
2013-02
Authors
MAKERI, Aminu Joseph
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Abstract
The study was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence of M bovis infection in
cattle located in the periphery of the Yankari Game Reserve (YGR) and wildlife species in YGR,
Bauchi State, Nigeria. The YGR is located in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the State.
Twenty one cattle herds around the game reserve were identified and conveniently selected. The
ages, sexes and breeds of the studied cattle were recorded. Blood samples were collected from
each animal above six months of age in the selected herds. Such samples were also collected
from darted wild life species during routine examinations and also from wild animals captured
by hunters. Their species, sexes and estimated ages were determined at capture. Serum sample
was obtained by centrifugation. The serum was analyzed using Rapid bovine TB antibodies test
kits which is specific for M bovis. A total of 750 cattle and 250 wildlife were sampled. Of the
750 cattle sera tested 88 were positive for M. bovis antibodies representing 11.7%. Out of the
250 wildlife sera tested, 30 were positive for M bovis antibodies representing 12.0%. Of the 88
cattle that were positive for M bovis antibodies, 19 (11.5%) were males, while 69 (11.8%) were
females. According to breed of cattle, 80 (11.4%), 5 (18.8%), and 3 (15.8%) were White Fulani,
Sokoto Gudali and Red Bororo respectively were positive for M bovis antibodies. Amongst the
age groups, 14 (11.8%) were in the age group of 6 months to 2 years, 45 (12.5%) between 2 and
5 years, while 29 (10.7%) were over 5 years of age. Of the 250 wildlife species tested 6 (19.35%)
Zebras, 2 (10.0%) Elands, 3 (7.6%) Antelopes, 4 (10.0%) Baboons, 6 (15.0%) African Giant
Rats, 3 (12.0%) Hares, and 6 (30.0%) Grass cutters were positive for M bovis antibodies. Based
on the results obtained, no statistical differences (P>0.05) occurred in the rates of occurrence of
M bovis antibodies between different, breeds sex and age groups of cattle examined. There was
also no significant differences (P>0.05) in the overall rates of occurrence between the cattle
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living at the periphery of the YGR and the wildlife species. The study has established the
existence of M bovis antibodies in cattle living at the periphery of the Yankari Game Reserve and
in wildlife species within the YGR, suggesting a possible transmission between cattle and
wildlife species. Also the wildlife species could serve as reservoir of M bovis infection to cattle
living at the periphery of the Game Reserve, and even to humans. To minimize encroachment of
cattle into the Game Reserve watering points should be provided at the periphery of the Reserve.
Likewise public awareness should be stressed on the public health implications of this finding to
workers and other people including illegal hunters living at the periphery of the Game reserve.
Description
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, AHMADU
BELLO UNIVERSITY ZARIA NIGERIA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT FOR THE
AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE IN VETERINARY MEDICINE
Keywords
SEROPREVALENCE, MYCOBACTERIUM, BOVIS, ANTIBODIES, CATTLE, WILDLIFE, CAPTURED, YANKARI GAME, RESERVE, BAUCHI, STATE, NIGERIA.