Department of Veterinary Academic Hospital

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Prevalence of bovine cysticercosis and age relationship at post-mortem in Nyagatare slaughterhouse
(2015) Nzeyimana, Pie; Habarugira, Gervais; Udahemuka, Jean Claude; Mushonga, Borden; Tukei, Michael
Bovine cysticercosis caused by the larval stage of the human tapeworm Taenia saginata is a zoonotic disease of great public health significance especially in developing countries. The present study was conducted on 291 slaughtered cattle at Nyagatare slaughterhouse in Eastern Rwanda between December 2013 and April 2014 to determine prevalence of bovine cysticercosis and its associated risk factors. Nine out of the 291 meat carcasses examined at postmortem were found to be infected with the parasite (3%). The infestation rate was higher in adult cattle than young cattle, where the highest prevalence (66.7%) was detected in older cattle 5 years and above followed by the carcasses of middle aged cattle of 3-5 years. The infestation was lowest in carcasses of cattle of young age (2-3 years). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between breeds of slaughtered cattle, where out of 9 infected animals, 5 were from local breed and 4 were from crosses breed. On the other hand, the infestation rate was higher in female than male carcasses, but there is no significant variation was observed between sexes of cattle (p> 0.05). The infestation was mainly found in the heart muscles (35%, n=9), followed by masseter muscles (29.5%, n=9), tongue muscles (29.5%, n=9) and diaphragm muscles (6%, n=9). However, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the distribution rates of the cysticerci in the various organs of the cattle slaughtered at the abattoir.
Relevance of the formal red meat classification system to the South African informal livestock sector
(2015) Soji, Z.; Chikwanda, D.; Chikwanda, A.T.; Jaja, Ishmael F.; Mushonga, Borden; Muchenje, Voster
In 1992 the South African meat industry was deregulated and this led to the formation of the new Marketing of Agricultural Products Act, Act no. 47 of 1996. The Act made provisions for producers to sell animals to customers of their own choice at mutually agreed prices. Thus, producers in the informal sector took advantage of the free marketing system. The result was a substantial increase in the number of animals slaughtered in the informal sector. Unfortunately the requirements for animal identification are not always observed in this sector. Challenges faced by communal farmers which include the multipurpose roles of livestock, lack of slaughter facilities within reasonable distance and lack of access to market information make them less willing to sell their animals through the formal market. The formal market is characterised by meat inspection and carcass classification which scare away the communal farmers for fear of income loss through animal condemnation. The informal sector might not recognise the importance of formal carcass classification. There is need to direct research and development efforts to address marketing constraints faced by communal farmers, and to promote formal marketing of livestock for meat quality assurance and a fair return to the farmers. This review seeks to assess the relevance of formal classification of red meat carcasses to the informal sector, make recommendations on ways to ameliorate the undesirable effect of the classification system on the informal sector, and identify possible areas which need further research to develop the classification system in South Africa.
Bovine mastitis prevalence and associated risk factors in dairy cows in Nyagatare District, Rwanda
(2015) Iraguha, Blaise; Hamudikuwanda, Humphrey; Mushonga, Borden
In response to farmer requests after milk from their herds was rejected by processors due to poor quality, a study was carried out from April to October 2011 to determine the prevalence of subclinical mastitis, associated risk factors and causative micro-organisms. Samples were collected from 195 dairy cows on 23 randomly selected dairy farms delivering milk to Isangano, Kirebe and Nyagatare milk collection centres in Nyagatare District, Rwanda. The Draminski Mastitis Detector was used to detect subclinical mastitis in individual cows based on milk electrical conductivity changes. Risk factors for mastitis that were evaluated included teat-end condition, cow dirtiness, breed, parity, age and stage of lactation. Relationships of these factors with mastitis status were determined using Chi-square analysis, and relative importance as causes of mastitis was assessed using logistic regression. Samples from 16 subclinical mastitis positive dairy cows were analysed to identify causative micro-organisms using Dairy Quality Control Inspection analytical kits. Subclinical mastitis prevalence was 52% across the farms. It was higher with increases in, amongst other risk factors, teat-end damage severity, cow dirtiness, and level of pure dairy breed genetics. The risk factors considered accounted for 62% of mastitis prevalence; teat-end condition alone accounted for 30%. Most of the mastitis cases (87.5%) were caused by coliform bacteria. Considering that farmers are upgrading their local Ankole cows to cross-breed dairy cows that are more susceptible to mastitis, results from this study indicate the need to dip the teats of cows in sanitisers, improve cow hygiene, and introduce mastitis prevention and control programmes.
Pathological findings of condemned bovine liver specimens andassociated economic loss at Nyabugogo abattoir, Kigali, Rwanda
(2016) Habarugira, Gervais; Mbasinga, Gloria; Mushonga, Borden; Teedzai, Chitura; Kandiwa, Erick; Ojok, Lonzy
There are no published abattoir bovine hepatic lesion prevalence studies in cattle in Rwanda. This studyestimated that 12.3% of the livers (n = 4751) examined at Nyabugogo slaughterhouse in Kigali were con-demned. Condemnation prejudiced the nation of 3492.00 kg of meat with attendant economic losses ofUS$8932.40 during the study period. Risk factors for these lesions were also assessed. Male and femaleanimals from 11 districts were used in this study. Hepatic lesions were higher in females (14.6%; n = 1494)than in males (11.1%; n = 3257). About 78.7% of the condemnations were due to fascioliasis, followed byabscesses (5.7%), hepatitis (5.3%), cirrhosis (4%) and other lesions (6.3%). Female animal livers showedmore fascioliasis and abscesses (82.2% and 9.5%) than male animal livers (73.3% and 3.3%). The high-est rate of condemnation was observed from Kayonza (40.2%; n = 413) and the least was from Gakenkedistrict (0.9%; n = 1031). Cattle from the Eastern Province showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher preva-lence of condemnations (26.8%) than the rest of the provinces. Liver specimens of animals below 3 yearsand above 6 years of age had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) condemnation rate (14.4%) (n = 3000 andn = 769) than the 3–6 year age-group at 4.1% (n = 982). We conclude that fascioliasis was responsible fora significant proportion of the liver condemnations at Nyabugogo slaughterhouse. Being a zoonosis, werecommend an epidemio-surveillance, implementation of control measures and anthelmintic resistanceinvestigation for fascioliasis in Rwanda.
Seroprevalence of Rift Valley fever in cattle along the Akagera–Nyabarongo rivers, Rwanda
(2016) Umuhoza, Therese; Berkvens, Dirk; Gafarasi, Isidore; Rekelibuga, Joseph; Mushonga, Borden; Biryomumaisho, Savino
Rift Valley fever (RVF) virus is caused by a zoonotic arbovirus that is endemic to eastern and southern Africa. It has also been reported in West and North Africa, Madagascar and the Arabian Peninsula. The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, but people can also become infected while handling blood or other body fluids of animals and humans with RVF. In 2007, there was a large outbreak of RVF in Kenya, Tanzania, Sudan and Somalia. Outbreaks were also reported in South Africa in 2008–2011. The epidemiology of RVF and factors for disease occurrence in Rwanda are neither clear nor documented. Therefore, we conducted a crosssectional study from December 2012 to March 2013 to generate baseline information on RVF in cattle. Purposive sampling of cattle (n = 595) was done in six districts, and serum samples were screened with competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We performed a statistical analysis on the generated data, and risk factors associated with RVF seroprevalence were determined by a simple logistic regression. Overall, RVF seroprevalence was 16.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] [13.8% – 20.0%]). The highest seroprevalence was recorded in Kirehe district (36.9%) followed by Ngoma (22.3%), and the least was recorded in Nyagatare (7.9%). RVF was more likely to occur in adult cattle (19.9% [odds ratio {OR} = 1.88, 95% CI {0.98–3.61}]) compared to young cattle (10.5% [OR = 0.47, 95% CI {0.26–0.83}]). Pure exotic or cross-breeds were significantly exposed to RVF virus (seroprevalence 22.9% [OR = 4.26, 95% CI {1.82–9.99}]) in comparison to 14.1% (R = 0.55, 95% CI [0.35–0.86]) in local breeds. Sex differences were not statistically significant. These findings indicated that cattle have been exposed to RVF virus in six districts in Rwanda with a significant risk in adult, exotic or cross-breeds in Kirehe district.
Prevalence of lung lesions in slaughtered cattle in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
(2016) Jaja, Ishmael F.; Mushonga, Borden; Green, Ezekiel; Muchenje, Voster
Information obtained from abattoirs on the causes of lung condemnation is important in preventing the spread of zoonotic diseases and for promoting food security. In this study, we assessed the causes of lung condemnation in cattle at three abattoirs represented as ANA, QTA and EBA to evaluate the financial losses associated with lung condemnation. A retrospective study (n = 51 302) involving the use of abattoir slaughter records of 2010–2012 and an active abattoir survey (n = 1374) was conducted from July to December 2013. The retrospective study revealed the main causes of lung condemnation as pneumonia (1.09%, 2.21% and 0.77%), emphysema (1.12%, 1.14% and 1.1.6%) and abscessation (0.71%, 1.06% and 0.77%), from ANA,QTA and EBA, respectively. The combined monetary loss because of lung condemnation during the period 2010 to 2012 was estimated as ZAR 85 158 (USD 7939) for the abattoirs surveyed. Conversely, during the active abattoir survey, agonal emphysema (15%, 15% and 23%) and improper eviscerations with faecal contamination (10%, 38% and 42%) were the major factors that led to lung condemnation at ANA, QTA and EBA, respectively. Other causes of lung condemnations were haemorrhage (10%) for QTA and pleurisy (12%) for EBA. The weight loss of lungs during the active abattoir survey was 6450 kg, while the associated monetary loss was estimated as ZAR 29 025 (USD 2706). This study identified major causes of lung condemnation as pleuritis, improper evisceration, pneumonia, abscesses, haemorrhages and lung worms and their associated monetary losses. The results of this study may be useful as baseline data for future comparison in similar surveys, for tracking of some zoonotic diseases affecting lungs and for further research in the Eastern Cape Province or other provinces of South Africa.
Mesenteric tear (Rent), jejunal volvulus, torsion and entrapment in a Kalahari red nanny goat: Post mortem case report and literature review
(2016) Mushonga, Borden; Ntahonshikira, Charles; Habarugira, Gervais
The purpose of this report is to present a post-mortem case report of a fifth parity nanny goat which died from complications associated with a mesenteric rent (tear) of the small intestine. Such lesions have not been reported in the same animal. The cadaver was examined using the standard post-mortem procedure. Results showed that a defect of the mesentery was the initial lesion that was then followed by volvulus, torsion and then entrapment of the jejunum and part of the ileum. Anatomically and physiologically this sequence is plausible and expected more often in intestinal obstructive conditions at necropsy.
Assessment of Salmonela, escherichia coli, enterobacteriaceae and aerobic colony counts contamination levels during the beef slaughter process
(2016) Nyamakwere, F.; Muchenje, Voster; Mushonga, Borden; Makepe, Morris; Mutero, Gabriel
The study was conducted to determine the level of Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriaceae and aerobic colony counts (ACCs) contamination in beef carcass, equipment, slaughtermen hands and water at selected stages in abattoirs. Cattle carcasses were sampled at four sites (rump, neck, flank and brisket) from a low throughput (LTA) (n5240) and high throughput (HTA) (n5384) abattoirs. Using conventional biochemical tests, HTA yielded significantly higher ACC (5.2log CFU/cm2), E. coli (2.6 log CFU/cm2) and Enterobacteriaceae (2.9 log CFU/cm2) mean scores after skinning and evisceration. Washing and chilling did not cause any significant (P>0.05) changes in bacterial counts. This implies use of non-potable water and poor chilling methods. Salmonella was not detected on all sampled carcasses. Overall, slaughtermen hands and equipment in the dirty area yielded more bacterial counts compared to clean area from both abattoirs. Therefore, these findings show that the equipment, slaughtermen hands and water are sources of contamination during the slaughter process.
A 3-year prospective study of the incidence of gastric ulcers in pigs slaughtered at base abattoir in Rwanda
(2017) Mushonga, Borden; Yabaragiye, Bernard; Kandiwa, Erick; Habarugira, Gervais; Samkange, Alaster
Aim: Determination of the incidence of gastric ulcers in pigs slaughtered at Base Abattoir in Rwanda. Materials and Methods: Stomachs from all 5040 pigs that were slaughtered at Base Abattoir in Rwanda from August 2012 to August 2015 were examined for the presence and location of gastric ulcers. The results of the inspections were recorded and analyzed. Statistical analysis for Chi-square values was performed using the Software Package for Social Sciences version 16.0. The Z test for comparison of proportions was used and p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Overall as well as per district, significantly more male pigs than female pigs were slaughtered (p<0.05). The incidence of gastric ulcers in slaughter pigs was 12.86%. The incidence of gastric ulcers in males (13.36%) was not significantly different (p>0.05) from that in female pigs (12.84%) in all three districts. A significantly greater proportion of these ulcers (69.03%) was located in the esophageal region than in the glandular region of the stomach (30.97%) in slaughtered males (p<0.05). A significantly greater proportion of these ulcers (79.59%) was located in the esophageal region than in the glandular region of the stomach (20.41%) in slaughtered females (p<0.05). The overall incidence of esophageal ulcers (9.44%) in the slaughtered pigs was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of glandular region ulcers (3.41%). Pigs with carcass weight over 60 kg showed a significantly (p<0.05) higher (44.44%) incidence of ulcers than those between 40 and 60 kg (33.33%) and those below 40 kg (22.22%). Conclusion: It was concluded that the incidence of gastric ulceration in slaughter pigs at Base Abattoir was not associated with source (district) or sex of pigs but was associated with the carcass weight.
Artificial insemination in Nyagatare district: Level of adoption and the factors determining its adoption
(2017) Mushonga, Borden; Dusabe, Jean P.; Kandiwa, Erick; Bhebhe, Evison; Habarugira, Gervais; Samkange, Alaster
This study was undertaken to characterize and to estimate the level of adoption of artificial insemination (AI) as well as to identify factors determining its adoption by communal farmers of Nyagatare, Rwanda. This followed the launching of the official Government AI programme in the district several years earlier. A questionnaire was used to carry out a survey of the breeding methods used for small scale dairy cows by farmers from five selected sectors of Nyagatare district of the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Of the 360 respondents, 16.9% primarily used AI, 63.1% used natural service and 20.0% used both methods for breeding. A significant percentage of respondents residing within 5km of the AI centres (79.2%; P<0.05) adopted AI whilst a significant percentage of respondents residing more than 15km from AI centres (92.5%; P<0.05) preferred natural service. A significant percentage of respondents from big families with 6-7 members were using AI (54.1%; P<0.05), whilst all the respondents from small families with up to 3 members opted for natural service (100% P<0.05). A significant percentage of respondents with secondary education (76.9%; P<0.05) opted for AI whilst a significant percentage of respondents with no formal education (98.5%; P < 0.05) opted for natural service alone. A significant percentage of respondents working in both agriculture and animal husbandry (93.1%; P<0.05) opted for AI whilst a significant percentage of respondents working in crop production and other none animal husbandry related sectors (93.2%; P<0.05) opted for natural service alone. Land size in excess of 5 hectares did not significantly influence adoption of AI. The study showed that there were several underlying factors that had the potential to influence farmers' choice of breeding methods. Chief among these factors are level of education of farmer, family size, distance to AI station and occupation in agriculture or animal husbandry.
Persistent Corpus Luteum in a 9 year-old Afrikaner cow: A case report
(2017) Mushonga, Borden; Kaurivi, Boby; Chiwome, Bernard
An Afrikaner beef cow was presented for reproductive tract assessment. Records showed that the cow was last served by a bull during an oestrus two years earlier and appeared to be pregnant ever since. Failure to deliver this pregnancy led the farm management to request an investigation into why an animal with an impeccable calving history of five calves and was in good body condition was failing to deliver this particular ‘pregnancy’. Rectal examination revealed a soft rubbery structure on the right ovary, a doughy consistency in the uterus and a tight cervix whose lumen contained a structure which felt twig-like. Examination of the ovaries after slaughter confirmed small cysts on both ovaries, a large corpus luteum occupying almost 75% of the right ovary, pyometra and that the twig-like structure in the cervical lumen was an inspissated and crystalized mucous plug. These findings supported diagnosis of a persistent corpus luteum due to pyometra.
Determination of fertility, hatchability and stage of embryonic death in non-hatching eggs at Rubilizi national hatchery
(2017) Mushonga, Borden; Benimana, Theophile; Kandiwa, Erick; Chinyoka, Simbarashe; Samkange, Alaster; Bishi, Alec S.; Habarugira, Gervais
Background: This study was undertaken to evaluate the major causes of mortality at different stages of incubation and their economic impact in response to sustainability challenges at the Rwandan National Hatchery. Methods: The study evaluated the fertility, hatchability and embryonic deaths in broiler-producing flocks (B series) and layer-producing flocks (L series) at Rubilizi, a state-owned hatchery in Kigali, Rwanda. Results: Mean fertility in the B series (94.23%) was not significantly different (P >0.05) from that of the L series (93.24%). Mean hatchability in the B series (57.39%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of the L series (42.2%). Early embryonic deaths in the L series (8.6%) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those in the B series (3.9%). Middle embryonic deaths in the L series (6.2%) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in the B series (1.8%). Late embryonic deaths in the L series (21.6%) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those encountered in the B series (13.0%). The occurrence of hatch debris in the L series (34.14%) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that in the B series (24.42%). There was no significant difference in the proportions of pips, rots and malformations/malpositions between the B and the L series (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Low hatchability in the L series possibly resulted from the higher number of embryonic deaths and hatch debris and not from reduced fertility or cull chicks. Total chick losses during the study amounted to US$54 327.00. The hatchery was experiencing more losses in layers than in broilers as emanating from low hatchability of the layers. Further investigations are needed with aim to maximise the hatchery’s capacity.
A 13-year retrospective study of the beef and dairy cattle losses at Neudamm farm in the Khomas region of Namibia
(2017) Kandiwa, Erick; Madzingira, Oscar; Mushonga, Borden; Samkange, Alaster; Bishi, Alec S.; Nyoni, Nellia Felicity
This study was carried out to get an appraisal of the losses occasioned by apparently high levels of stock mortality at Neudamm farm, University of Namibia. Losses of beef cattle (Afrikaner, Simmental and Sanga/Nguni) and dairy cattle (Friesian) were studied from July 2003 to December 2015. A total of 106 animals worth US$55 263.12 and representing 3.5% (SD=0.8%) of the animals at risk were lost during this period. In the years 2004, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014 the cattle losses were more than 1.5% whereas in 2005, 2008, 2011 and 2015 the losses were 1.0-1.5%. The lowest losses (<1.0%) occurred in 2003 and 2009. Since 2005, overall cattle losses rapidly increased until 2010 followed by a gradual decrease till 2015. Though there was no significant difference in the overall losses between male {3.4% (SD=0.7%)} and female animals {3.8% (SD=0.9%)} during the study period (P>0.05), the female losses were significantly higher than the male losses (P<0.05) in all the years except 2011 during which there was no significant difference between male and female losses (P>0.05). There were significantly more mature animals lost from 2003 to 2009 and from 2013 to 2014 (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the mature and immature losses in 2012 (P>0.05). The losses in immature cattle were higher than those of mature cattle in 2010, 2011 and 2015 (P<0.05). The proportions of animals lost due to predation, unknown causes, dystocia, infections, trauma, old age, plant intoxication and traumatic reticulo-peritonitis were 29.2%, 29.2%, 14.2%, 11.3%, 9.4%, 4.7%, 0.9% and 0.9%, respectively. For the duration under study, the proportional losses in January, February, April, November and December were significantly higher than those of the rest of the months (P<0.05). Neudamm farm lost 3.5% of their beef and dairy stock, worth US$55 263.12, over a 13 year period as a result of infectious and non-infectious causes. The dynamics of the losses were such that the losses were higher in some years than others, more young than older animals were lost and, though not statistically significant, more females were lost than males.
Financial loss estimation of bovine fasciolosis in slaughtered cattle in South Africa
(2017) Jaja, Ishmael F.; Mushonga, Borden; Green, Ezekiel; Muchenje, Voster
South Africa's livestock population is rapidly evolving and consequently will require sustained epidemiological surveillance to detect and prevent diseases which contribute to a decrease in livestock productivity, public health risk and food wastage. Fasciola infection is one of the commonest diseases affecting livestock health and a significant portion of meat and offal's are declared unfit for human consumption. This study assessed the prevalence and monetary losses associated with Fasciola infection at three abattoirs in Eastern Cape Province. A retrospective data of all slaughtered cattle were obtained from Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) from 2010–2012. A prospective abattoir survey was conducted between July 2013 and June 2014 to determine the prevalence and financial loss due to fasciolosis. The highest prevalence was in December and January (23%) while the lowest prevalence was recorded in May and June (5%). Annual prevalence of Fasciola at abattoirs AB1, were (3.2%, 2.2% and 2.0%), AB2 (6.4%, 4.6% and 3.5%), AB3 (14.4%, 6.9% and 9.5%) for year 2010, 2011 and 2012 respectively. The total financial loss due to Fasciola infection during the active survey of the three abattoirs was ZAR 44, 930 (3456.2 USD). A breakdown of this figure shows that whole liver condemnation was ZAR 25, 230 (2, 357 USD), and partial liver condemnation was ZAR 19, 700 (1515.4 USD). The present study reveals the economic loss due to liver condemnation from Fasciola infection and provides
Rupture of the brachiocephalic trunk in A 10 month old Boston terrier bitch at Alberton veterinary clinic Johannesburg: A post-mortem case report
(2017) Mushonga, Borden; Chipako, Rungano B.; Marufu, Munyaradzi C.; Habarugira, Gervais; Mponda, Phanuel; Kandiwa, Erick; Sajeni, Shephered
Introduction: Brachiocephalic artery rupture is a very rare and fatal condition in dogs that is likely to be missed during clinical examination and would normally be diagnosed at post mortem. The aetiology is unknown but is most likely multifactorial and associated with arterial wall degeneration leading to rupture and sudden death due to massive haemorrhage resulting in death from hypovolemic shock. Case Presentation: An intact (unspayed) Boston terrier bitch was admitted into the clinic for sudden onset lethargy. Ante-mortem differential diagnoses which included shocked lung, lung bleeding, diaphragmatic hernia, babesiosis, verminosis and internal bleeding were considered based on history, physical examination, clinical pathology and plain radiography. Conclusions: A definitive diagnosis of fatal brachiocephalic artery rupture was reached at post-mortem examination, performed pro-bono, out of interest with the owner’s permission. Ante-mortem diagnosis of brachiocephalic artery rupture is still an unsolved challenge for the practising veterinarian, notwithstanding the recent advances in diagnostics. Fatal brachiocephalic rupture is a rare condition and only has been reported in dogs twice previously.
A 4-year study of the proportional distribution of male reproductive organ abnormalities in cattle slaughtered at Nyagatare abattoir, Eastern Rwanda
(2017) Kandiwa, Erick; Nyirakunzimana, Leoncie; Habarugira, Gervais; Mushonga, Borden; Samkange, Alaster
Male reproductive performance has more impact on overall herd productivity than in the female. In order to assess herd productivity in cattle in Nyagatare, Eastern Rwanda, the proportional distribution of male reproductive organ abnormalities was investigated in 3087 bulls slaughtered over a 4-year period. The aim of the study was to investigate the proportional distribution of male reproductive organ abnormalities in exotic and indigenous bulls slaughtered over a 4-year period at Nyagatare abattoir in Eastern Rwanda. Positioning of the testicles was observed and recorded as the animals were assembled before slaughter. After slaughter, the internal and external reproductive organs of all bulls were removed, labelled and analysed for pathology. Significantly more indigenous (79.01%) than exotic (20.99%) animals were slaughtered (P < 0.05; N = 3 087). Overall occurrence of abnormalities was significantly higher in exotic (20.83%) than in indigenous (10.33%) animals (P < 0.05). Overall, abnormal location of testicles was the most common abnormality (4.08%) followed by abnormal prepuce and penis (2.33%), orchitis (1.94%), enlarged vesicular gland (0.91%), scrotal hernia (0.87%), unilateral cryptorchidism (0.81%), testicular hypoplasia (0.81%) and hydrocoele (0.78%). Abnormal location of testicles, abnormal prepuce and penis, orchitis, testicular hypoplasia and enlarged vesicular glands had significantly higher prevalence in exotic animals than in indigenous animals (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of unilateral cryptorchidism, hydrocoele and scrotal hernia between the exotic and indigenous breeds. The encountered reproductive abnormalities result in poor herd fertility manifesting as low first-service conception rates, prolonged breeding seasons and reduced weaning weights accompanied by inevitable financial losses in beef production. The observed high proportion of male reproductive abnormalities in exotic breeds might offset the professed benefits from introduction of these exotic breeds with the aim of improving productivity.
Foreign body gastrotomy in an adult captive Cheetah, Acinonyx jubatus
(2017) Sajeni, Shephered; Reisinger, Walter; Mushonga, Borden; Kandiwa, Erick; Habarugira, Gervais
A five year-old, 45kg female captive cheetah presented with inappetence, dehydration and a guarded abdominal stance after suspected ingestion of a rubber sandal 24 hours previously. On examination, the animal had normal temperature, pulse and pressure. Abdominal palpation revealed a flatulent stomach with a compacted mass movable within. Upon admission, plain radiographs confirmed the presence of gaseous distention of the stomach around a radio-dense central mass. Exploratory laparotomy was performed to reveal normal intestines but a distended stomach. Gastrotomy was performed parallel to the greater curvature to expose pieces of a rubber sandal that were in a compacted mass within the stomach. Another rubber piece was removed from the pylorus where it was firmly lodged and impeding flow of gastric contents. Gastric and abdominal closure was successfully performed and two weeks later the animal had recovered and was in good health. Individuals owning/handling captive wild felids or other wild animals need to make sure their habitat is free of foreign objects that can possibly be ingested out of boredom or sheer curiosity. Adequate nutrition for these is also advocated to prevent pica which may also result in animals ingesting otherwise inedible or non-digestible materials.
Study of incidence of gross urogenital lesions and abnormalities on does slaughtered at Nyagatare slaughterhouse, Eastern Province, Rwanda
(2017) Mushonga, Borden; Twiyizeyimna, Sylvine; Habarugira, Gervais; Kandiwa, Erick; Chinyoka, Simbarashe; Samkange, Alaster; Bishi, Alec S.
Reproductive and urinary tract abnormalities are a cause of infertility, reproductive inefficiency, and economic losses in goats. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and nature of reproductive and urinary tract abnormalities encountered in female goats slaughtered at Nyagatare abattoir in the Eastern Province of Rwanda. Reproductive and urinary organs from 369 female goat carcasses were opened by incision and then given a thorough macroscopic examination by visually inspecting and palpating for evidence of abnormalities.The results showed that there was an overall occurrence of 7.8% reproductive organ/tract abnormalities and 10.6% urinary organ/tract abnormalities. Ovarian hypoplasia was the reproductive abnormality with the highest overall occurrence (32.3%) and renal calculi were the urinary organ abnormality with the highest occurrence (38.1%). 95.2% of the reproductive organ/tract abnormalities observed usually result in infertility and 91.3% of the urinary organ/tract abnormalities observed result in economic losses through condemnation of kidneys at slaughter. The high incidence of the observed urinary organ/tract abnormalities represents a potential public health challenge. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of reproductive organ/tract abnormalities according to breed (𝑝 > 0.05, 𝑛 = 31). There was also no significant difference in the occurrence of urinary organ abnormalities according to breed (𝑝 > 0.05, 𝑛 = 42).
Seasonal prevalence, body condition score and risk factors of bovine fasciolosis in South Africa
(2017) Jaja, Ishmael F.; Mushonga, Borden; Green, Ezekiel; Muchenje, Voster
Fasciolosis is an important zoonotic disease that is responsible for a significant loss in food resource and animal productivity. The objectives of this study were to determine the seasonal prevalence and risk factors associated with Fasciola infection in cattle. The results were obtained by coprology, antemortem and post-mortem survey of three abattoirs (HTPA1, n = 500, HTPA2, n = 400, and LTPA, n = 220). The seasonal prevalence of Fasciola infection was 10.4%, 12.8% and 10.9%, during summer, 11.2%, 10.8% and 8.6%, during autumn, 9.8%, 6.5% and 5.9% during winter and 8.2%, 7.8% and 5.9%, during spring in the three abattoirs HTPA1, HTPA and LTPA respectively. There was a significant association (p<0.05) between the intensity of infection and body condition score (BCS) of cattle at each abattoir. Factors such as age [HTPA1 (OR = 3.6, CI = 1.2, 10.2), and LTPA (OR = 3.8, CI= 2.4, 6.1)], sex [LTPA (OR = 4.2, CI= 2.5, 7.0)], breed [HTPA2 (OR = 2.3, CI = 1.3, 4.1) and LTPA (OR = 2.5, CI= 1.3, 5.0)] and BCS had significant (p<0.01–0.001) influence on the prevalence of fasciolosis. In conclusion, the infection with Fasciola spp was higher in the summer than in the winter; a positive association was established between the prevalence of fasciolosis and poor body condition in study animals. This study, therefore, suggests that fasciolosis could be causing substantial production losses, mainly due to cattle weight loss and liver condemnation.
Comparison of cow-side diagnostic tests for subclinical mastitis of dairy cows in Musanze district, Rwanda
(2017) Iraguha, Blaise; Hamudikuwanda, Humphrey; Mushonga, Borden; Kandiwa, Erick; Mpatswenumugabo, Jean P.
Four subclinical mastitis diagnostic tests (the UdderCheck® test [a lactate dehydrogenasebased test], the California Mastitis Test [CMT], the Draminski® test [a conductivity-based test] and the PortaSCC® test [a portable somatic cell count-based test]) were compared in a study comprising crossbreed dairy cows (n = 30) during September and October 2015. Sensitivity and specificity of the CMT, Draminski® and UdderCheck® tests were compared with the PortaSCC® as reference. The CMT, Draminski® and UdderCheck® test results were compared with the results of the PortaSCC® test using kappa statistics. Duplicate quarter milk samples (n = 120) were concurrently subjected to the four tests. Sensitivity and specificity were 88.46% and 86.17% (CMT), 78.5% and 81.4% (Draminski®) and 64.00% and 78.95% (UdderCheck®). The CMT showed substantial agreement (k = 0.66), the Draminski® test showed moderate agreement (k = 0.48) and the UdderCheck® test showed fair agreement (k = 0.37) with the PortaSCC® test and positive likelihood ratios were 6.40, 4.15 and 3.04, respectively. The cow-level subclinical mastitis prevalence was 70%, 60%, 60% and 56.7% for PortaSCC®, CMT, Draminski® and UdderCheck® tests, respectively. At udder quarter level, subclinical mastitis prevalence was 20%, 21.67% and 20.83% for PortaSCC®, CMT and UdderCheck®, respectively. A correlation (P < 0.05) and moderate strength of association were found between the four tests used. The study showed that compared to the PortaSCC® test, the CMT was the most preferable option, followed by the Draminski® test, while the UdderCheck® test was the least preferable option for subclinical mastitis screening.

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