Nigerian Journal of Animal Science and Technology Nig. J. Anim. Sci. Tech. Vol. 2 (2):101 - 108 Available @ www.unimaid.edu.ng NJAST © Department of Animal Science, University of Maiduguri Survey on Clinical Incidence of Dermatophilosis in Cattle in Southern

Gofwan P. G1. and Abdullahi U. S2 1Department of Animal Health and Production, Plateau State College of Agriculture, Garkawa, 2Department of Animal production, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi Abstract A study was conducted to determine the incidence of clinical dermatophilosis in cattle in Southern Plateau State, . Five (5) out of six (6) local government areas (LGA) were randomly selected and 5044 cattle were examined. Skin scrapping from suspected dermatophilosis lesions was collected from 215 cattle. The samples were processed and cultured on blood agar medium at 370 C for 48-72 hours under microaerophilic condition. Small golden yellow colonies that pitted on the media were considered dermatophilosis positive. The isolates were further examined biochemically to confirm those positive for dermatophilosis. The results showed that from the 215(4.26%) samples, 196 (3.89%) were positive with high percentage from LGA with 51 cattle (26.02%). In regard to sex 140 (71.43%) females of the 196 were positive and 56 27.57%) males were positive. The adults had more positive of 184 (93.88%) against 12 (6.12%) young. the cattle with white colours had more positive of 175 (89.29%) while other colours spotted, red and black had few that were positive 10, 7and 4 or5.10%, 3.57% and 2.04% respectively . Results from the lesion distribution indicated that chest had high number (35 or 17.88%) of the 196 with positive lesions while leg had the least number (27 or 13.78%) with positive lesions. In conclusion, dertmatophilosis exist in Southern Plateau State but the incidence was low. Therefore, preventive measures to eradicate the disease are suggested. Key words: Dermatophilosis, Cattle, Incidence, Southern Plateau.

Introduction Congo according to Shoorijeh et al. (2008) Cattle’s rearing is cardinal to most farmers, which affect wide range of animals including globally, it provides them with a source of human beings. Animal species commonly protein (meat and milk), income generation affected include cattle, sheep, goats, horses and employment, raw materials, as source of farm other cloven footed ruminants. It rarely affects power and manure. In some communities, dogs and cats (Dejene et al., 2012). The study cattle play key role in many social obligations was designed to survey on clinical incidence of such as payment of dowry or as gift to most dermatophilosis in cattle in Southern Plateau important persons, rituals and prestige. State, Nigeria. However, so many factors hindered effective cattle production particularly under rural Materials and Methods management and one of such factors is The study Area incidence of diseases such as dermatophylosis The Southern Plateau (Quan–Pan, , cause by Dermatophilus congolensis. It is one , Wase, Shendam and of the old age contagious zoonotic skin Langtang South) State is located on latitude diseases in West Africa (Dalis et al., 2010). 10oC N and longitude 8oC in the Northern According to Hirsh et al. (2004) D. congolensis Guinea Savanna zone of Nigeria. It has a is a member of aerobic actinomycetes gram minimum annual rainfall of 131.83 cm and a positive bacterium that produces motile maximum annual rainfall of 171.83 cm. The Zoospores. The disease was first reported by temperature varies from 11oC to 30oC with the Van Saceghem 1915 in cattle in the Belgian hottest month usually around April. The

*[email protected] Gofwan et al. 2019 highest relative humidity is usually around conditions. Small golden yellow colonies that August (66.5%) while the lowest is in February pits on the media were considered positive. (16.5%) (Badi et al., 2007). These colonies were then sub-cultured and the pure Isolates from the secondary culture were Sample Collection then incubated into peptone broth in duplicates 5 of the LGA (Wase, Langtang south, Mikang, and kept for further studies. Langtang north and Shendam) were randomly selected and served as collection centres. Ten Data Analysis Cattle herds with 50 and above cattle were Data collected were analysed using coefficient randomly selected in each Local Government of variation of the SPSS statistical package. It Area. In each of the selected herd all the cattle was reported using mean and standard were used. The total number of 5044 cattle deviation and percentages. were used and 215 (4.26%) were identified with scab lesions and samples were collected Results and Discussion from the scabs and carefully labeled and sent Table 1 shows the distributions of clinical to Dermatophilosis Research Laboratory Dermatophilus congolensis in the cattle. A Center N.V.R.I, Vom for bacteriological total of 5044 cattle (Mean: 1008.80±175.21) examination. were observed. A higher number of the cattle (1303) were found in Shendam LGA while Sample processing/ Inoculation lower number in Mikang LGA (843). Of the The samples collected were processed for 5044 cattle, 215 (4.26%) were observed with bacterial organism using the methods reported skin scabs suspected to be dermatophilosis and by Denthe (2013) with slight modification by majority of them were in Shendam LGA 56 incorporating polymixin B. Briefly, the sample (26.0%) while few were in Mikang LGA 35 were pulverized and suspended in distilled (16.3%). All the LGA has cattle with scab water in bijou bottles and incubated at 370C for suspected due to Dermatophilosis. This 45 minutes under 10% C02. A loop – full from observation agreed with the report of Dalis et each suspension was then inoculated on 10% al. (2010) and Radostits et al. (2007) that sheep blood after containing 1000 IU/ml Dermatophilosis occur in all areas of the world polymixin B. the plates were incubated at 370C and is epizootic in the tropics and subtropics, for 48 – 72 hours under micro aerophilic

Table 1: Percentage Distribution of Clinical Dermatophilus congolensis Location No cattle No with lesions & (%) observed Langtang North 921.00 38.00 (17.7) Langtang South 978.00 41.00 (19.1) Mikang 843.00 35.00 (16.3) Shendam 1303.00 56.00 (26.0) Wase 999.00 45.00 (20.9) Total 5044.00 215.00 (4.26) Mean 1008.80 43.00 - SD 175.21 8.15 - CV 17.37 18.96 -

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Table 2 indicates distribution of general, only 3.89% of the 5044 cattle were Dermatophilus congolensis isolates. Of the infected, which is similar to 4.4% reported by 215 skin lesions suspected to be Rodostits et al. (2007) in Kano state and 4.5% Dermatophilus congolensis, 196 (91.16%) reported by Zaria (1993) in Borno state were Dermatophilosis positive. Shendam LGA indicating that the incidence was low and most had highest number of positive (51 or 26.02%) lower as 0.2% reported by Denthe (2013) in followed by Wase LGA with (43 or 21.94%) Sokoto state. while Mikang had lowest (32 or 16.32%). In

Table 2: Percentage Distribution of Dermatophilus congolensis isolates Location Sample Positive sample & (%) Langtang North 38.00 34.00 (17.35) Langtang South 41.00 36.00 (18.37) Mikang 35.00 32.00 (16.32) Shendam 56.00 51.00 (26.02) Wase 45.00 43.00 (21.94) Total 215.00 196.00 (91.16) Mean 43.00 39.20 - SD 8.15 7.79 - CV 18.96 19.88 -

Table 3 indicates the distribution of Rodostits et al. (2000) who reported that stress Dermatophilus congolensis isolates by Sex. of pregnancy predisposes cows to More female showed positive (140 or 71.43%) Demertophilosis and also Zaria (1993) also than males (56 or 28.57%); Shendam LGA reported that the disease is commonly observed again had more positives of both males and in female animals and this is simply because females with less in Mikang LGA in the case more female animals are often kept for of males and Langtang south LGA for females. breeding purposes. This was contrary to the The higher numbers of females to males could findings of Aitken (2007) and Babul et al. probably be due to stress of either pregnancy or (2010) that males are more susceptible than the lactation which compromises their immune females with 27.27%, against 14.20% systems. This is in agreement with the report of respectively

Table 3: Distribution of Dermatophilus congolensis Isolates by Sex Male Female Location Sample +ve Sample +ve Langtang North 7.00 5.00 31.00 30.00 Langtang South 16.00 14.00 25.00 21.00 Mikang 4.00 4.00 31.00 29.00 Shendam 21.00 19.00 35.00 31.00 Wase 16.00 14.00 29.00 29.00 Total 64.00 56.00 151.00 140.00 Mean 12.80 11.20 30.20 28.00 SD 7.05 6.46 3.63 4.00 CV 55.08 57.66 12.03 14.29

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Table 4 shows the distribution of number of 12 (6.12%) that were infected Dermatophilus congolensis isolates by colour. (Mean: 2.40±1.14). More of the infected Four (4) coat colours were observed in the adults were in Shendam LGA (49) and less in cattle includes: White, Red, Black and Spotted. Langtang North (30) because shendam has The cattle with white colour formed the more cattle population than Langtang North. majority (175(92.11%) followed by those with Also, more young were infected in Shendam spotted colour (10 or 5.10%) red colour (7 or LGA (4) and less in Mikang LGA (1). In regard 3.57%) while those black colour were less (4 to age distribution, of the 215 cattle with skin or 2.04%). The coefficient of variation (CV) scabs, most, 184(94.36%) positive were adults showed similar number of cattle infected in and only 12 (60%) positive were young ones. each LGA as evidence low value of CV (18%), This does not agree with the report of but infected Red, Black and Spotted colours Siamudaala et al. (2005) that Dermatophilosis were less because of the low population of the can occur in all age groups. Also Babul et al. cattle by age. Table 5 showed that most of the (2010) reported high incidence of cattle with skin scabs were adults with a Dermatophilosis in young cattle where with corresponded higher number of infected (184 52.17% which they accounted low immune and or 93.88%) while 20 samples were collected insufficient feeds supplements. from the young cattle with a corresponded

Table 4: Distribution of Dermatophilus congolensis isolates by colour White Red Black Spotted Location Sample +ve Sample +ve Sample +ve Sample +ve Langtang North 36.00 32.00 1.00 1.00 - - 1.00 1.00 Langtang South 35.00 33.00 2.00 2.00 1.00 1.00 3.00 2.00 Mikang 31.00 29.00 1.00 - 1.00 1.00 2.00 2.00 Shendam 51.00 46.00 3.00 2.00 - - 2.00 2.00 Wase 37.00 35.00 2.00 2.00 3.00 2.00 3.00 3.00 Total 190.00 175.00 9.00 7.00 5.00 4.00 11.00 10.00 Mean 38.00 35.00 1.80 1.40 1.00 0.80 2.20 2.00 SD 7.62 6.52 0.84 0.89 1.22 0.84 0.84 0.71 CV 20.04 18.63 46.48 63.89 122.47 104.58 38.03 35.36

Table 5: Distribution of Dermatophilus congolensis isolates by age Adult Young Location Sample +ve Sample +ve Langtang North 33.00 30.00 5.00 3.00 Langtang South 37.00 35.00 4.00 2.00 Mikang 32.00 32.00 3.00 1.00 Shendam 52.00 49.00 4.00 2.00 Wase 41.00 38.00 4.00 4.00 Total 195.00 184.00 20.00 12.00 Mean 39.00 36.80 4.00 2.40 SD 8.09 7.46 0.71 1.14 CV 20.75 20.28 17.68 47.51

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Table 6 shows distribution of Dermatophilus higher serum levels of some minerals, such as congolensis isolates by breed. Majority of the zinc and iron, have been found in domesticated cattle (190 or 96.94%) observed were of White breeds resistant to Dermatophilosis as Fulani breed with corresponding number of compared to those in susceptible breeds. It is in 175 (89.29%) that were positive while other contrast to the report of Martines et al. (1993) that were termed crosses were only 21 who reported that exotic breeds of cattle were (10.71%) were confirmed infected. More of more susceptible to Dermatophilosis while those infected were in Shendam LGA (51.00) Dalis et al. (2007) and Kahn (2005) reported and less in Mikang LGA (31.00). Of the that N’dama and Muturu breed found in West crosses majority were in Wase and low in Africa are less affected with Dermatophilosis. Langtang North LGA (2.00). Most of the cattle Also Rodostits et al. (2007) reported that some were white Fulani type and 190 of them that breed of cattle such as N’dama and Muturu as have skin scabs, 175 were Dermatophilosis indigenous breed of cattle in Nigeria are positive, showing 92.10 % while of the 25 dermato tolerant. Radostits et al. (2007) crosses, 21 were positive showing 84.00%. reported that in Africa, N’dama and Muturu This implied that white Fulani cattle were more cattle breeds are less affected while Zebu, susceptible to Dermatophilosis than the White Fulani and European breeds are more crosses. This is in agreement with the reports susceptible. of Coetzer and Tustin (2004) who reported that

Table 6: Distribution of Dermatophilus congolensis isolates by breed White Fulani Crosses Location Sample +ve Sample +ve Langtang North 36.00 32.00 2.00 2.00 Langtang South 35.00 33.00 6.00 5.00 Mikang 31.00 29.00 4.00 3.00 Shendam 51.00 46.00 5.00 4.00 Wase 37.00 35.00 8.00 7.00 Total 190.00 175.00 25.00 21.00 Mean 38.00 35.00 5.00 4.20 SD 7.62 6.52 2.24 1.92 CV 20.04 18.63 44.72 45.80

Table 7 shows distribution of Dermatophilus disease on the chest may probably due to tick’s congolensis isolates by site. The parts of the infestation which agreed with the report of cattle studied were abdomen (Abd), back, Quinn et al. (2002) and Radostits et al. (2007). chest, legs, neck, scrotum and udder, of this, Quinn et al. (2002) and Radostits et al. (2007) majority of the cattle had the infection in their believe that tick is the principal means of chest (35.00 or 17.86%) while less had it on transmitting the disease and it preferred site on their legs (27.00 or 13.78%). Furthermore of the body is the chest. Also, the present study is those with the infection on their chest majority similar to the observation of Abdullahi (2001) were in Shendam (8.00) less was in Mikang reported that lesions recorded were localized or and Langtang North LGA with 6.00 each. generalized depending upon the areas that was While the others that had it on different parts exposed. Radostits et al. (2007) also reported of the body varied. The commoner of the that there are particular tendency for lesions to

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Gofwan et al. 2019 occur on the rump and back in female and Africa. Oxford University Press males probably due to the introduction of Southern Africa. 2nd Edition. infection through minor skin abrasions caused Dalis, S. J., Kazzeem H. M. Makinde A. A., by mounting, other penetrating lesions caused Fatihu M.Y.(2010). Bacteria associated by ear tags or biting flies can also result in with Bovine Dermatophilosis in Zaria. minor lesions. Nigeria. Africa Journal of Microbiology, 4: 1475-1476. Conclusion Dalis, J. S. Kazeem, H. M. Makinde, A. A. and The study revealed the existence of Fatihu, M. Y. (2007). Agalactia due to Dermatophilosis congolensis in southern served generalized dermatophilosis in Plateau state at the level of 3.89% which this white Fulani cow in Zaria, Nigeria. proportion might be attributed to good Vom Journal of Veterinary Science management procedures such as ticks control, 1(4):56-58. avoiding thorny bushes or other abrasive Dejene, B., Ayalew, B., Tewodros F., Mersha instrument within the environment. There is C. (2012). Occurrence of Bovine need to improve veterinary extension service to Dermatophilosis in Ambo Town, West educate farmers in the study area on the Shoa Administrative Zone, Ethiopia. zoonotic importance of the disease as well as American-Eurasian Journal of improve management system in terms of ticks Scientific Research 7:172-175 control. Denthe, D. H. (2013) Isolation and Antibiotic Sensitivity of dermatophilus References `congolensis `from cattle in Sokoto. Abdullahi, U. S. (2001). Chemotherapeutic and Msc thesis Pp 62-63. chemoprophylactic control of Bovine Ellis, T. M., Sutherland, S. S. and Davis, G. Dermatophilosis. Ph.D Thesis. (1993). Morphological, Biochemical Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and infectivity of Australian isolates Nigeria. Dermatophilus congolensis. Veterinary Aitken, I. D. (2007). Diseases of Sheep and Microbiology, 28: 337-383. Goats. 4th ed. United Kingdom: Black Hirsh D. C, Maclachlan N. J., Walker R. L. Well Science. Pp. 315-316. (2004). Veterinary Microbiology. 2nd Babul, D. N., Shamim A., Sidiqur Rahman and ed. USA: Black Well Publishing Fzlul Huque A.K.M. (2010). Company. Pp. 220-221 Prevalence and therapeutic Kahn C. M. (2005). The Merck Veterinary Management of Bovine Manual. 9th ed. USA: Merck and Co. Dermatophilosis, Bangladesh Research Inc. Pp. 690-691. publication Journal, ISSN; 1998-2003 Martinez, D., Aumount, G., Moutoussamy, M., 4 (3) 198-207. Gabried, D., Tatareau, A. H., Barre, N., Badi S. H, B. M. Auwalu and H. K. Magaji Vallee, F. and Mari, B. (1993). (2007). Preliminary Assessment of the Epidemiological studies of response of vegetable cowpea to dermatophilus in the Caribbean. Revne defoliation rate at Garkawa. Journal of d Elevage Medicine Veterinaire du environmental Sci., Vol. 11, No 2, Pp pays Tropicale. 46: (1-2) 323-327. 136. Masters, A. M., Ellis, T. M., Carson, J. M., Coetzer, J. A. W. and Tustin, R. C. Sutherland, S. S. and Gregory, A. R. (2004).Infectious Diseases of Livestock (1995). Dermatophiluschelonae spp with Special Reference to Southern isolated from chelonid in Australia.

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Table 7: Distribution of Dermatophilus congolensis isolates by site Location Abd +ve Back +ve Chest +ve Legs +ve Neck +ve Scrotum +ve Udder +ve Langtang 5.00 4.00 5.00 4.00 6.00 6.00 5.00 5.00 6.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 6.00 5.00 North Langtang 7.00 6.00 6.00 6.00 8.00 8.00 4.00 3.00 5.00 4.00 7.00 6.00 4.00 4.00 South Mikang 5.00 5.00 6.00 5.00 6.00 5.00 5.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00 5.00 4.00 Shendam 6.00 5.00 9.00 8.00 8.00 7.00 9.00 8.00 9.00 8.00 7.00 6.00 8.00 8.00 Wase 10.00 10.00 6.00 6.00 7.00 6.00 4.00 4.00 6.00 6.00 7.00 6.00 5.00 5.00 Total 33.00 30.00 32.00 29.00 35.00 32.00 27.00 24.00 30.00 27.00 30.00 27.00 28.00 26.00 Mean 6.60 6.00 6.40 5.80 7.00 6.40 5.40 4.80 6.00 5.40 6.00 5.40 5.60 5.20 SD 2.07 2.35 1.52 1.48 1.00 1.14 2.07 1.92 1.87 1.67 1.41 0.89 1.52 1.64 CV 31.42 39.09 23.70 25.57 14.29 17.82 38.40 40.07 31.18 30.99 23.57 16.56 27.08 31.60

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