RESUMEN
Background: The non-typhoidal salmonellosis (NTS) is a pathogenic bacterial zoonosis with substantial but often under-appreciated public health impacts. The NTS is prevalent in poultry and humans in Nigeria, yet its economic and social burden have not been determined through any empirical study. To bridge the gap, we evaluated the impact of NTS in social and economic terms. Methods: Relevant population, economic and epidemiological data were retrieved from peer-reviewed publications, open sources and relevant authorities. Additional data were obtained through experts' opinions and field surveys. Using a customized and validated Microsoft Excel® tool, economic analysis was conducted. Results: Using the year 2020 reference point, the burden of NTS was 325,731 cases and a total of 1043 human deaths, at a disability-adjusted life year (DALYs) of 37,321. The cost associated with infection in humans was US$ 473,982,068. A total loss of US$ 456,905,311 was estimated in poultry including the direct value of animal loss, US$ 224,236,769, loss from salvage slaughter and culling, US$ 220,386,556, and value of foregone production, US$ 12,281,987. Interpretation: The outcomes of this important work provide empirical evidence to support informed decisions and investments in the control and eradication of human and poultry salmonellosis (NTS) in Nigeria.
RESUMEN
Salmonellosis is a bacterial zoonosis causing an array of health conditions. Non-typhoidal salmonellosis (NTS) has a discrete adaptation to certain animals; in poultry, pullorum and fowl typhoid are its primary disease manifestations. The diseases are prevalent in Nigerian poultry and have been well-studied in Nigeria, but less so in North Central Nigeria (NCN). Using field sampling, laboratory methods and a semi-structured questionnaire for 1000 poultry farms in NCN, we explored the incidence and risk factors for the persistence of NTS infection in poultry. Approximately 41.6% of the farms had experienced NTS over the last 18 months. Farm experience of NTS moderately predicted awareness of salmonellosis. Increasing stock in smallholder farms, self-mixing of concentrate on the farm, usage of stream water, pen odour, non-adherence and partial adherence of farms to recommended poultry vaccination against pullorum and fowl typhoid and lack of and non-adherence to biosecurity were identified risk factors that increased the odds of NTS infection in poultry. Antibiotic use practice may have reduced the isolation rate of NTS, yet NTS continues to challenge poultry farms in Nigeria. Identified risk practices must be mitigated intentionally and biosecurity and hygiene must be improved to reduce the burden of NTS.
