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Infectious diseases and fetal wastage (FW) present major challenges in livestock management, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. This study assessed the season variations, incidence rate and economic impact of prevalent diseases and FW at the Kubwa (KB) abattoir in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja, Nigeria. Over a year-long period (January to December 2023), we analyzed 5,779 cattle through daily post-mortem inspections. Disease identification was based on morphological and gross lesions characteristic of the conditions studied. Economic losses from condemned organs and FW were calculated using the formula TEL = N × P × W. The results indicated statistically significant seasonal variations in the incidence of Fasciolosis (FS), Paramphistomosis (PP), and FW, with p-values of 2.52x10^-10, 3.33x10^-9, and 0.003, respectively. In contrast, Tuberculosis (TB), Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Dermatophilosis (DM), Abscess (AB), and Moneziasis (MZ) did not show significant seasonal variation. The total economic impact of condemned organs and FW was 104,348 USD (equivalent to 99,130,600 NGN at the time of the study), representing a considerable threat to food security and substantial economic losses for farmers. Considering the zoonotic potential of some diseases, which can be transmitted to those handling the carcasses, there is a critical need for enhanced inspection protocols, continuous disease surveillance, and timely reporting in slaughterhouses. The notable economic losses from condemned organs also underscore the necessity of implementing pregnancy tests for female animals before slaughter to protect food security and support the nation’s economy. These findings highlight the essential role of abattoirs in improving food security, detecting zoonotic diseases, and bolstering public health and economic stability in low-income countries.

This study investigates the effects of seasonal variations on the erythrocyte osmotic fragility and vital parameters of donkeys Equus africanus asinus at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) in Shika, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The research focused on two key periods: the hot-dry season (April) and the rainy season (July). Twelve donkeys were classified into three age groups: young (1–3 years), adult (4–6 years), and old (7–9 years). Blood samples were collected at six-hour intervals over a 24-hour period, while dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures were measured to compute the temperature-humidity index (THI). Vital parameters including rectal temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate were also recorded. Results showed higher dry-bulb temperatures (DBT) during the hot-dry season, with the lowest DBT of 12°C at 00:00 h and the highest of 25.5°C at 18:00 h. Young donkeys exhibited the highest erythrocyte osmotic fragility during the hot-dry season, while old donkeys showed elevated fragility during the rainy season. Results also demonstrated that erythrocyte osmotic fragility varied significantly with age and season, with young donkeys exhibiting the highest fragility during the hot-dry season at a 0.3% NaCl concentration. However, old donkeys showed increased fragility during the rainy season, which shows the influence of both age and environmental conditions on erythrocyte stability. Also, rectal temperatures were higher in young donkeys during the hot-dry season compared to adults, while heart rates showed significant elevation across all age groups during the rainy season. Overall, this study elucidates the physiological adaptations of donkeys to seasonal thermal stress, providing critical insights into their health management and welfare in varying climatic conditions. Understanding these dynamics is essential for optimizing donkey husbandry practices, especially in regions facing climate variability. These findings contribute valuable knowledge to the field of veterinary physiology and highlight the necessity of tailored management strategies to mitigate the impact of seasonal stressors on animal health.

Background Tsetse-transmitted trypanosomiasis severely hampers livestock productivity in Africa, imposing significant economic and health challenges. Traditional trypanocidal treatments are limited by toxicity and emerging drug resistance. Recent interest has focused on use of ethnoveterinary medicines like Aloe vera (AV) which are known for their medicinal and potential antitrypanosomal properties. This study was designed to evaluate the combined effects of diminazene aceturate (DA) and Aloe vera gel (AVG) on parasitemia, serum chemistry, physiological parameters, and hematological profiles in West African Dwarf Goats (WADG) infected with Trypanosoma congolense . Results Sixteen adult goats were randomly allocated into four groups (A–D) of four animals each. Groups B, C, and D were infected intraperitoneally with 3.0 × 10 6 /mL trypanosomes, while Group A served as the uninfected control. Two weeks post-infection, Group C received 3.5 mg/kg DA alone, and Group D received 3.5 mg/kg DA in combination with 1.2 ml/kg AVG; Group B remained untreated. Treatment was successful in both Groups C and D, but Group D demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in hematological parameters, with higher packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, and hemoglobin (Hb) levels compared to Group C. In contrast, untreated goats in Group B exhibited significantly elevated parasitemia, fever, tachypnea, tachycardia, and reductions in key haematological and serum chemistry values. Conclusion The combination of Aloe vera gel with diminazene aceturate not only enhances haematological recovery but also achieves earlier zero parasitemia compared to diminazene aceturate alone. These findings support the potential of integrating Aloe vera as an adjunct therapy in the management of trypanosomiasis in livestock.

Background Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) exposure has been linked to oxidative stress and neurochemical imbalances, potentially compromising cellular integrity. By increasing free radical production, EMR disrupts the antioxidant defense system, including glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT); which may contribute to neuronal damage and cognitive impairment. Method This study examines the impact of intrauterine mobile phone radiation (MPR) exposure on hippocampal neurotransmitters and oxidative stress markers in albino mice and their offspring. Thirty-five healthy mice, obtained from pregnant females aged 10–14 weeks (weighing 18–20 g), were randomly divided into seven groups (n = 5 per group), Group I (control, no MPR exposure); Groups II–IV (exposed to 2G 0.9 GHz, 3G 1.5 GHz, and 4G 1.95 GHz MPR until parturition, respectively); and Groups V–VII (exposed to the same frequencies until weaning). Results After eight weeks of exposure, hippocampal tissues were analyzed for neurochemical markers (acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutamate (GLU)) as well as oxidative stress biomarkers (malondialdehyde (MDA), SOD, and GSH) and their histological structure. MPR exposure resulted in a significant reduction ( p  < 0.05) in AChE levels in groups III–VII, except for group II ( p  > 0.05), while GLU levels significantly increased ( p  < 0.05) in group VII. Oxidative stress analysis revealed significantly elevated MDA and SOD levels ( p  < 0.05) and a marked reduction in GSH levels across all exposed groups ( p  < 0.05). Conclusion Intrauterine exposure to MPR induces oxidative stress and neurochemical imbalances in albino mice, which is characterized by decreased AChE and GSH levels and increased MDA, SOD, and GLU concentrations. These findings suggest that prolonged MPR exposure may disrupt hippocampal function, potentially affecting cognitive and neurodevelopmental processes.

Avian influenza (AI) is a severe respiratory disease affecting wild and domestic birds globally. There is currently no approved vaccine for AI control in Nigeria. Therefore, biosecurity measures remain the primary preventive strategy. However, there is limited information on the AI carrier status of captive wild birds and the implementation of biosecurity programs (BPs) in zoological gardens across the country. This study aimed to screen captive wild birds for AI and evaluate the BPs in selected zoological gardens in southwestern Nigeria. Using a cross‐sectional approach, cloacal swabs and freshly deposited faecal samples ( n = 149) were collected from captive wild birds in seven zoological gardens in southwestern Nigeria following an AI outbreak in 2022. The samples were screened for AI viruses using RT‐qPCR, and BPs in 13 consenting zoological gardens were assessed using a structured questionnaire. The responses were scored, and the BPs were categorised as ‘Poor’, ‘Fair’, or ‘Good’. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to analyse the data. All samples tested negative for AI viruses. Documented institutional biosecurity and disease outbreak contingency plans were available in 84.6% of the zoos. Most of the zoos demonstrated good BPs across key categories, including vehicle and animal movement control (100%), food and water supply management (92.3%), enclosure hygiene, ground maintenance and waste disposal (84.6%), pest control (76.9%), and quarantine and sick animal management (69.2%). These findings suggest that the captive wild birds in zoological gardens in southwestern Nigeria are unlikely to serve as AI reservoirs, and most of the zoos have robust BPs that contribute to preventing AI and other avian diseases.

La cicatrización de heridas es un proceso fisiológico complejo influenciado por el estrés oxidativo y la inflamación. Este estudio evaluó los efectos antioxidantes, antiinflamatorios y cicatrizantes de un extracto metanólico de semillas de soya utilizando un modelo de herida por escisión de espesor completo en ratas albinas machos. Catorce ratas fueron divididas aleatoriamente en dos grupos (n = 7). Bajo anestesia, se indujeron heridas cutáneas de espesor completo de forma aséptica en la región toracoabdominal. El Grupo A recibió agua estéril tópica, mientras que el Grupo B fue tratado diariamente con el extracto de semillas de soya durante 21 días. La cicatrización fue evaluada mediante examen macroscópico, medición de la contracción de la herida y análisis de marcadores inflamatorios y de estrés oxidativo.

Wound healing is a complex physiological process influenced by oxidative stress and inflammation. This study assessed the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing effects of a methanolic extract of soybean seeds using a full-thickness excision wound model in male albino rats. Fourteen rats were randomly divided into two groups (n = 7). Under anesthesia, full-thickness skin wounds were aseptically created in the thoraco-abdominal region. Group A received sterile water (placebo) topically, while Group B received the soybean seed extract daily for 21 days. Wound healing was evaluated by macroscopic examination, measurement of wound contraction, and analysis of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers.By day 7, wound contraction was significantly higher in the control group (60.42 ± 6.65%) compared to the extract-treated group (43.96 ± 11.58%) (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio between the two groups. However, biochemical analyses showed elevated levels of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the treated group (MDA: 4.26 ± 0.39 µmol/mg; SOD: 1.43 ± 0.16 mg/mL) versus the control (MDA: 3.18 ± 0.51 µmol/ mg; SOD: 1.01 ± 0.13 mg/mL) (p < 0.05).In conclusion, topical application of soybean seed methanolic extract did not enhance wound healing but improved antioxidant markers, indicating its potential role in mitigating oxidative stress rather than directly accelerating tissue repair. La cicatrización de heridas es un proceso fisiológico complejo influenciado por el estrés oxidativo y la inflamación. Este estudio evaluó los efectos antioxidantes, antiinflamatorios y cicatrizantes de un extracto metanólico de semillas de soya utilizando un modelo de herida por escisión de espesor completo en ratas albinas machos. El Grupo A recibió agua estéril tópica, mientras que el Grupo B fue tratado diariamente con el extracto de semillas de soya durante 21 días. La cicatrización fue evaluada mediante examen macroscópico, medición de la contracción de la herida y análisis de marcadores inflamatorios y de estrés oxidativo.Para el día 7, la contracción de la herida fue significativamente mayor en el grupo control (60.42 ± 6.65%) en comparación con el grupo tratado con el extracto (43.96 ± 11.58%) (p < 0.05). No se observaron diferencias significativas en la relación neutrófilo-linfocito entre los grupos. Sin embargo, los análisis bioquímicos mostraron niveles elevados de malondialdehído (MDA) en suero y actividad de superóxido dismutasa (SOD) en el grupo tratado (MDA: 4.26 ± 0.39 µmol/mg; SOD: 1.43 ± 0.16 mg/mL) frente al control (MDA: 3.18 ± 0.51 µmol/mg; SOD: 1.01 ± 0.13 mg/mL) (p < 0.05).En conclusión, la aplicación tópica del extracto metanólico de semillas de soya no mejoró la cicatrización de heridas, pero sí incrementó los marcadores antioxidantes, lo que sugiere un posible papel terapéutico en la mitigación del estrés oxidativo más que en la aceleración directa de la reparación tisular.

In an era where electronic advancements surge forward at an unprecedented pace, public apprehension surrounding the health ramifications of radio-frequency (RF) radiation intensifies. This study looked into the impact of chronic exposure to mobile phone radiation, coupled with glutathione supplementation, on serum lipid profiles and body weight in mice—a subject vital for understanding potential health risks in humans and animals respectively. Thirty-five male mice were divided into seven groups, each subjected to various mobile phone modes and glutathione treatments. Over five weeks, these mice were exposed to 300 missed calls daily, simulating real-world exposure scenarios. Different serum lipid parameters—triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)—were monitored and observed throughout the study period. Remarkably, triglycerides, cholesterol, and LDL levels exhibited no noteworthy statistical variances compared to the control group or among experimental cohorts exposed to diverse range of mobile phone radiation modes or glutathione supplements. However, we noted some little deviations in HDL levels, particularly in the silent and silent+glutathione groups. Moreover, we also noted an unexpected result in weight loss across all groups by week three, which was pronounced by week five, and notably pronounced in the glutathione-administered cohorts. This outcome hints at glutathione’s complex role in mitigating some complications of mobile phone radiation exposure. In conclusion, the study suggests a potential interplay between glutathione supplementation, mobile phone radiation exposure, and HDL levels in mice—an avenue ripe for further exploration into the understanding of cellular response to modern technological exposures.

The widespread presence of electromagnetic fields (EMF) produced by modern technologies may pose a significant threat to animal health. Ionizing radiation, a byproduct of EMF exposure, has the potential to contribute to serious diseases, including cancer. This study examines the impact of chronic exposure to 900-1800 MHz GSM-EMF-induced electromagnetic radiation on liver enzymes and serum electrolytes in mice, and the potential mitigating effects of exogenous glutathione (GSH) administration. Thirty-five adult male mice were randomly divided into seven groups and exposed to various modes of mobile phone radiation for five weeks, with or without GSH administration. Liver enzymes, Alkaline phosphates (ALP), Alanine transaminase (ALT) , Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and, serum electrolytes, sodium, potassium and bicarbonate were analyzed. Results showed significant increases in ALP levels in the Silent, Ringtone + GSH, and Silent + GSH groups compared to control group, while ALT and AST levels remained largely unchanged with the exception of some groups across the experimental cohorts. Serum electrolyte concentrations did not significantly differ across the control group. Our study found that chronic mobile phone radiation exposure in mice generally does not significantly affect liver enzyme levels or serum electrolyte concentrations. However, certain combinations with GSH administration notably increased some biochemical markers like ALP, ALT, and AST levels. Our study concluded that chronic mobile phone radiation had no significant impact on liver enzymes or serum electrolytes in mice. However, glutathione administration in combination with radiation increased liver enzyme levels, suggesting a potential role in oxidative stress mitigation. Further research is needed to explore these findings.Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.Footnotes* This version has been revised to capture more details on Methodology and discussion as well as Authors affiliations