African Journals OnLine
Zimbabwe Veterinary Journal

ABSTRACTS (Vol 31, No 1)

Zimbabwe Veterinary Journal, Vol. 31, no 1, 2000 pp1-10.

F. Dziva and K. Mohan: Pasteurellosis and Pasteurellae in Zimbabwe: An update

ABSTRACT

Pasteurellosis broadly refers to any of the disease conditions caused by species of the genus Pasteurella. These conditions appear to be prevalent in Zimbabwe, and they range from slow latent infections to rapid fatal septicaemias. Apart from known classical disease syndromes like bovine haemorrhagic septicaemia (HS), snuffles in rabbits and fowl cholera, other conditions which range from polyarthritis, surface wound infections, pneumonia, sinusitis, rhinitis and genito-urinary tract infections have been reported. A wide spectra of hosts affected by species of the genus Pasteurella include cattle, rabbits, chickens, sheep, pigs, goats, crocodiles, dogs and cats. In cattle, the condition has predominantly been the pneumonic form. In pigs, pneumonia has commonly been encountered. Classical progressive atrophic rhinitis was recorded in two farms. Sporadic cases of pneumonia have also been observed in sheep and goats. Besides fowl cholera, keratoconjunctivitis due to Pasteurella haemolytica, sinusitis and arthritis due to P. gallinarum have been reported in chickens. In dogs and cats, Pasteurella species were isolated from bite wounds, rhinitis, pyothorax, bronchitis, uterine and vaginal infections. Pasteurella stomatis, P. dagmatis and P. multocida were isolated from a single dog with chronic bronchitis. We also reported the first isolation of Communicable Diseases Centre (CDC) group EF-4 bacteria from dogs in Southern Africa. Of all identified species, P. multocida was found to be predominant, and serological typing revealed that serogroup A was most prevalent, with serogroups E and F absent. A single outbreak of bovine HS was found to be associated with serogroup B as opposed to an earlier belief that serogroup E was the causative agent in Southern Africa. The significance and implications of observations made on selected disease syndromes are discusssed in detail.

Zimbabwe Veterinary Journal, Vol. 31, no 1, 2000 pp 11- 20.

N. T. Kusina, S. Chikura and S. Sibanda: Mortality and diseases of goats in Wedza communal area of Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted to evaluate the extent and causes of mortality and diseases affecting goats in Wedza Communal Area. Mortality ranged from 16% in adult stock to 40% in pre-weaned kids. Kid mortality was higher during the rainy season than the dry season, but this pattern was not evident in adult animals. Mortality was from unknown causes (47.4%), infectious diseases (17.1%), predation (17.1%), diarrhoea (5.2%), starvation (3.4%), and other causes (9.8%). Diseases identified included pneumonia, orf, pulpy kidney, heartwater and foot rot. Infection by helminths showed a distinct seasonal pattern. It was high during the rainy season and low during the dry season. The main ectoparasites found were Rhipicephalus evertsi, Amblyomma hebraeum, Demodex caprae, Sarcoptes scabiei and Ctenocephalides felis. It is inferred that poor health management of goats in Wedza Communal Area negatively affects productivity because of high kid mortality. It is concluded that pre-weaned kids need more veterinary attention during the rainy season than the dry season.

Zimbabwe Veterinary Journal, Vol. 31, no 1, 2000 pp 21 - 8.

M-C. Madekurozwa, M. Purton, I. MacMillan and J. S. Boyd: Horn innervation in the calf: An immunohistochemical study

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted to evaluate the extent and causes of mortality and diseases affecting goats in Wedza Communal Area. Mortality ranged from 16% in adult stock to 40% in pre-weaned kids. Kid mortality was higher during the rainy season than the dry season, but this pattern was not evident in adult animals. Mortality was from unknown causes (47.4%), infectious diseases (17.1%), predation (17.1%), diarrhoea (5.2%), starvation (3.4%), and other causes (9.8%). Diseases identified included pneumonia, orf, pulpy kidney, heartwater and foot rot. Infection by helminths showed a distinct seasonal pattern. It was high during the rainy season and low during the dry season. The main ectoparasites found were Rhipicephalus evertsi, Amblyomma hebraeum, Demodex caprae, Sarcoptes scabiei and Ctenocephalides felis. It is inferred that poor health management of goats in Wedza Communal Area negatively affects productivity because of high kid mortality. It is concluded that pre-weaned kids need more veterinary attention during the rainy season than the dry season.

Zimbabwe Veterinary Journal, Vol. 31, no 1, 2000 pp29 - 40.

Angeline Magaya, S. Mukaratirwa, C. Mutisi, N. Kyvsgaard and S. Thamsborg: Effects of Fenbendazole Slow-Release (sr) bolus on productivity of indigenous cattle on communal pasture in Sanyati area, Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted to determine the effects of treatment with Fenbendazole Slow-Release (SR) bolus on productivity of indigenous cattle on communal pasture in Sanyati area, Zimbabwe. Animals were divided into two groups: 1) Fenbendazole group (animals received the Panacur SR bolus) and 2) Control group (animals did not receive the Panacur SR bolus). Worm eggs per gram of faeces (EPG), packed cell volume (PCV), albumin and live-weight gain were monitored. Faecal worm egg counts were significantly lower in the bolus treated group than in the control group (p<0.01). Live-weight gains, PCV and albumin did not differ significantly between the two groups. Haemonchus sp. and Cooperia sp. were the dominant genera identified on faecal culture.