Occurrence and characterization of Proteus mirabilis from infected farmed African catfish in Ogun State, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial pathogens are the causative agents of some of the most serious disease problems in cultured fish causing mortalities and severe economic losses. This study was conducted to determine the occurrence and characterization of Proteus mirabilis from infected farmed African catfish in Ogun State, Nigeria. METHODOLOGY: The bacteria were isolated from diseased farmed African catfish (Clarias gariepinus, n=128) with clinical signs of skin haemorrhages, ulceration, and ascites purposively sampled from farms within three senatorial districts namely Ogun East (OE; n=76), Ogun Central (OC; n=30) and Ogun West (OW; n=22) in Ogun State. The isolates were identified based on morphological characteristics, biochemical tests, and 16S rRNA gene characterisation. The 16S rRNA gene sequences were analysed using BLAST, submitted to the NCBI database, and an accession number was generated. RESULTS: The occurrence of Proteus mirabilis in infected Clarias gariepinus was 13.16%, 25%, and 31.25% in OE, OC, and OW, respectively. A significantly higher incidence was recorded in OW compared to other areas. All the Proteus mirabilis isolates were motile, gram-negative, short rod, non-lactose fermenter bacteria that showed positive catalase reactions, negative oxidase, and positive for methyl-red. The Proteus mirabilis isolates (OP 594726.1) were closely related to isolates from Pakistan, Italy, and India CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that Proteus mirabilis colonises farmed Clarias gariepinus in Ogun State, Nigeria and the identified strain showed an evolutionary relationship with known pathogenic NCBI reference strains from other countries.

PIG SLAUGHTERING IN SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA: PECULIARITIES, ANIMAL WELFARE CONCERNS AND PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS.

BACKGROUND: Pig slaughtering methods influence the quality of pig products and also serves as a critical point for the control of zoonosis and other food-borne infections. This study aimed at assessing the peculiarities, the animal welfare concerns and the public health implications of pig slaughtering activities was conducted on three major abattoirs in Southwestern Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information on pre-slaughter handling, slaughtering and carcass processing were obtained by observation over a continuous 2-week period of normal abattoir activities in each abattoir by the authors. Structured questionnaires were administered and focus group interviews were conducted to obtain information from the abattoir workers and health officials. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: The pig slaughtering methods in the three locations vary considerably with some identified areas of animal welfare concerns which include inhumane transportation, restraining, lairaging, and stunning practices.s. These amount to excessive stress and poor animal welfare. The abattoir findings with public health implications include floor slaughtering, inadequate water supply, excessive biological intrusions, poor environmental hygiene, poor waste disposal and failure of abattoir workers to use protective clothing. The implications of the findings are discussed.