Dynamics of influenza A (avian influenza) virus in poultry in the Greater Accra region of Ghana amongst the production levels.

This research explores, through active surveillance, influenza A prevalence at different production levels in the Greater Accra region of Ghana, a study area with previous outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus. The prevalence of influenza A was determined by rtRTPCR. This was achieved by screening 2040 samples comprising tracheal and cloacal swabs from chicken, ducks, pigeons, guinea fowls, and turkeys. Influenza A prevalence by production levels and species was computed at 95% confidence interval (CI) using the exact binomial interval. Structured questionnaires were also administered to 50 randomly selected poultry traders in the live bird markets. The overall influenza A prevalence was 7.7% (95% CI, 6.6, 8.9). Live bird market recorded 13.5% (n = 139, 95% CI, 11.5, 15.7), backyard poultry was 1.4% (95% CI, 0.6, 2.7), and commercial poultry 2.4% (95% CI, 1.2, 4.3). There was evidence of influenza A in all the poultry species sampled except for turkey. Subtyping of the M-gene has revealed the circulation of H9 in the three production levels. Live bird market has demonstrated high prevalence coupled with low level of biosecurity consciousness among the poultry operators. This is suggestive of live bird market serving as a potential basket for genetic reassortment with unpredictable future consequences.

Application of biochar and inorganic phosphorus fertilizer influenced rhizosphere soil characteristics, nodule formation and phytoconstituents of cowpea grown on tropical soil.

The effect of biochar alone or co-applied with triple superphosphate on rhizosphere soil characteristics, nodule formation, phytoconstituents and antioxidant property of cowpea (Vigna uguiculata) is yet to be adequately examined in sub Saharan Africa. A field experiment was conducted where cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) was grown in a tropical sandy loam soil amended with biochar at 1.5 t ha-1 and 2.5 t ha-1 solely or together with inorganic phosphate fertilizer (Triple superphosphate), applied at a rate of 60 kg P ha -1. At 50% flowering, changes in selected rhizosphere soil properties (pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, soil organic carbon, cation exchange capacity), nodule count, phytochemicals (phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins) and antioxidant property of cowpea roots and leaves were determined by standard laboratory procedures. Differences between means of the measured parameters were established using ANOVA, and relationships among the parameters were explored using Pearson correlation (p < 0.05). Addition of biochar solely or in combination with TSP significantly (p < 0.05) increased soil pH, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, soil organic carbon, cation exchange capacity and root nodule count. Flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, saponin, tannin contents and antioxidant activity in the roots and leaves were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the amended soils compared with the unamended soil. Similarly, soil flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids and antioxidant activity were significantly higher in amended soils compared with control. Significant, positive inter and intra correlation with varying strength was found between soil properties, nodule number and phytoconstituents. This is an indication that biochar can be co-applied with triple superphosphate to sustain soil fertility, improve nodulation and enhance concentrations of phytoconstituents in soil, cowpea roots and leaves.

Antibiotics utilization and farmers' knowledge of its effects on soil ecosystem in the coastal drylands of Ghana.

BACKGROUND: There is paucity of information on antibiotics utilization amongst farmers, factors associated with administration of antibiotics and farmers' knowledge of the effects of antibiotics on the soil ecosystem in Ghana. METHODS: A cross sectional quantitative survey across three coastal regions of Ghana was undertaken amongst poultry and livestock farmers. Six hundred respondents were selected from five districts each across the three regions. Pretested and structured questionnaire were used to collect data through face to face interview. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. Factors associated with antibiotic administration were determined using binary multiple logistic regression at p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Out of the 600 farmers, 95% administered antibiotics and 84% bought antibiotics over-the-counter without prescription. Approximately 9% of antibiotic administration was carried out by veterinary officers, and the remaining, 91% based on farmer's experience. Approximately 93% had access to antibiotics without any difficulty. Withdrawal period was always observed by only 16% of farmers. Majority (74%) of farmers never had education on antibiotics and none of the farmers screened manure for the antibiotic residuals. Years of farming, income status, level of education of farmers, type of animal kept, access to extension services, registration with farmers' association, employing veterinary services, location of farm, system of production, education on antibiotics and access to antibiotics positively and significantly predicted the administration of antibiotics by farmers. Majority of farmers had inadequate knowledge of the effects of antibiotics on soil ecosystem with mean score ranging between 2.87±0.60 and 2.98 ± 0.7 on a scale of 5.0. CONCLUSION: The study exposed the poor practices regarding antibiotic use and also inadequate knowledge on its effect on the soil ecosystem amongst farmers in Ghana. This calls for development of strategies to increase awareness on antibiotics because its misuse can negatively impact human, animals, environment and impact food security.