Em Njoroge

A study of cystic echinococcosis in slaughter animals in three selected areas of northern Turkana, Kenya.

In an attempt to establish the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis, a study was conducted in slaughter animals in three divisions of northern Turkana, Kenya. A total of 5752 goats, 588 sheep, 381 cattle and 70 camels were examined at slaughter. Echinococcus granulosus metacestodes were found in 19.4% of the cattle, 3.6% of sheep, 4.5% of goats and 61.4% of camels. The prevalence of cystic echinococcosis in cattle, sheep and goats was higher in Lokichogio than in either Kakuma or Central divisions. On the other hand, the prevalence of the disease in camels was higher in Central (84.6%) than either Lokichogio (70.6%) or Kakuma (50%). The differences in prevalence rates in different study areas are attributed to differences in environmental conditions, livestock stocking intensity and cross-border migration of livestock.

Evaluation of diagnostic ultrasound as a mass screening technique for the detection of hydatid cysts in the liver and lung of sheep and goats

Ultrasound examination of the liver and lung followed by post-mortem examination was performed in 16 sheep and 284 goats. Thirty-one (10.3%) were positive for hydatid cysts on ultrasound examination and 46 (15.3%) were positive on post-mortem examination. Twenty-one positive on post-mortem examination were falsely identified as negative on ultrasound examination. Of the 254 animals negative on post-mortem examination, six (2.4%) were falsely identified as positive on ultrasound examination. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound examination for detecting hydatid cysts in sheep and goats was 54.36% and 97.64%, respectively (positive predictive value: 80.64%; negative predictive value: 92.19%).

Streptococcal meningitis in a five-month-old male lamb : to the editor

Extracted from text ... To the editor - Aan die redakteur Streptococcal meningitis in a five-month-old male lamb Streptococcus species cause a wide variety of diseases in food animals, including septicaemia, mastitis, meningitis, encephalitis and pneumonia5. Meningitis due to Streptococcus spp. is commonly a complication of bacteraemia and septicaemia in neonates. In older animals, streptococcal meningitis is common only in pigs3. A case of streptococcal meningitis in a 5-month-old lamb is reported. To the best of our knowledge this is the 1st report of the disease in an older lamb. A 5-month-old male lamb was brought to the University of Nairobi Large Animal ..