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Despite modified stamping out eradication policy adopted in Nigeria, there was resurgence in 2015 of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 with greater infectivity. A survey of the risk of spread of HPAI in two HPAI‐infected and ‐uninfected Nigerian states were studied. A cross‐sectional study to detect avian influenza (AI) H5 antibodies was conducted using haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 950 birds’ sera were tested for AI H5 antibodies. Questionnaires were also administered to evaluate risks of AI spread in two states of Nigeria in 2013. AI H5 seroprevalence of 3% and 5% were obtained in Bauchi and Gombe states, respectively. Free flying and captive wild birds had 15% and 11% seroprevalence, respectively. Ninety‐two per cent AI awareness and 90% preparedness to report outbreaks of poultry diseases were recorded. Veterinary personnel, radio and television contributed 87% to HPAI awareness. Of the 10 risk categories evaluated, Gombe state had 3 moderate and 1 high risk of AI virus spread. Bauchi state recorded 5 moderate and 1 high risk of AI virus spread. Chi‐square analysis showed associations of altitude, temperature, rainfall and presence of live bird markets (LBMs) (P < 0.05) to AI seroprevalence. Odds ratio at 95% CI (1.313–6.333) indicated LBMs presence to be three times more likely to influence AI occurrence. HPAI H5N1 resurged in many states and occurred for the first time in Gombe state in 2015. Veterinary personnel, radio and television may be reliable in changing farmers’ attitudes to adopt good biosecurity practices.

This study was conducted with a view to collecting epidemiological data based on farmers' understanding of livestock diseases in the rural communities of Plateau State. In typical developing nations, animal diseases seem to pose the greatest challenge to human and animal health and welfare. Unfortunately, most of such nations rely so much on inefficient "top to bottom" disease surveillance and eradication policies, as such, negative impacts of diseases are common. Participatory disease surveillance recognizes farmer opinion for timely disease control. Using various tools of participatory epidemiology, the occurrence of important livestock diseases and indigenous traditional knowledge were investigated. In 2009/2010, livestock diseases profiles and ethno-veterinary practices were evaluated in 90 randomly selected villages in Jos-Plateau. Endemic livestock diseases continued to cause significant economic losses to farmers in the Plateau. Institutionalization of participatory disease surveillance would better inform strategic livestock policy reforms and improve national diseases surveillance and reporting system in Nigeria.

Most female birds produce at least an egg at some point in their life time with or without a mate. A fertile egg is however produced when a bird is mated. The process of egg formation is the result of anatomical, physiological and nutritional factors influenced largely by genetic, disease and extrinsic environmental stimulus. Oviposition involving repeated or larger clutch sizes may functionally exhaust the reproductive tract thereby posing risks of metabolic and physiological drain on the bird. The birds' reproductive anatomy is such that it does not prevent eggs from undergoing reverse peristalsis. A ten-year study (2001-2010) of obstetric problems of the chicken revealed prevalence of (9.8%) as reproductive abnormalities, and incidences of oophoritis (39%), egg-yolk peritonitis (22%), salphingitis (19%), egg bound/binding (3%), atrophied (7%), and ruptured (2.0%) oviduct, cystic ovary and oviduct (1.7%), neoplasms (3%), various forms of prolapses (2%), ectopic egg (1%) and ochitis (0.3%). Postmortem clinic records showed that most of the obstetrical cases involved ovary and oviduct and were seen in exotic breeds of chickens. This study highlights prevalence, possible causes and remedies to some obstetric problems of the domestic fowl. Required attention must be given to these problems for optimum egg productivity.

Background: Animal health surveillance is essential to protecting public health, controlling animal diseases and accessing international animal trade with a view to ensuring food security. The practice of subsistent agriculture makes laboratory disease surveillance and statistics difficult or impracticable to implement. Many times, the information generated through conventional approach may not reflect true field situations. Therefore, animal health project interventions from conventional data may be difficult to implement. Community engagement, however, empowers and ensures lasting solutions to developmental challenges.Methods : Field experiences and a review of the origin, concepts, methods and tools of Participatory epidemiology (PE) in disease surveillance suggest their appropriate uses.Results : Community participation in animal and public health investigation, program design, implementation and monitoring is credited with ownership, acceptability and sustainability.Conclusion : This research highlights how and why participation is an essential component of a successful disease surveillance design and implementation. However, the success of any participatory program depends on understanding the bases and applications of the right tools.