Prevalence and distribution of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serogroups from the faecal samples of cattle and camels slaughter in Maiduguri abattoir and their antibiotic resistance profile of the isolates were determined. The highest prevalence (24%) was recorded in the month of September and more STEC isolates came from cattle than the camels. There was significant (P < 0.05) seasonal trend in the prevalence of STEC among cattle and camel with more cases recorded during the wet season. Although, the study did not demonstrate significant influence of sex from the various sources. The serogroups recorded in this study were O157, O26, O91, O103 and O111. There was no significant difference (P < 0.05) between the detection rates of serogroups. The serogroup O26 was significantly (P < 0.05) the most observed serogroup in both camels and cattle. None of the STEC isolates tested positive for the O45 serogroup. PCR assays shows that 50 (63.3%) of the 86 STEC isolates carried the stx2 gene, 34 (43%) possessed the stx1 gene, and 14 (16.3%) carried both stx1 and stx2 genes. Other genes detected include eae and ehlyA. The antimicrobial resistance among the STEC O157 and non-O157 isolates from cattle and camels in Maiduguri abattoir were very high and the STEC isolates were resistant to at least one or more of the antimicrobial agents tested. There was also multidrug resistance with the most frequent occurring patterns been ampicillin/nalidixic acid and tetracycline/trimethoprim. However, all the 79 isolates were sensitive to chloramphenicol, ceftazidime and ceftriaxone; therefore, these drugs could be drugs of choice in the treatment of STEC infections.

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The precarious supply of animal products to Nigerian populace may worsen if livestock production is still based on the use of multipurpose indigenous cattle breeds with genetically low productive potentials. The main objective of this study was to determine the reproductive performance of Zebu cattle in an AI program in The Federal Polytechnic Mubi, Livestock Farm, Adamawa State, NorthEastern Nigeria. Twenty (20) female Zebu cattle comprising heifers and cows were selected at random from the cattle herds, February to March, 2016. The insemination was performed via recto-vaginal technique following estrus synchronization, using prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α). The results of the study showed animal age ranging from three (3) to ten (10) years old with parity from 0 to 5. The body condition scores of the animals vary from 2.0 to 2.5 indicating poor nutrition and management practices at the period. There was 100% estrus detection rate since all animals displayed signs of heat and were turned in for insemination. The findings showed a low success rate of 25% with higher failure rate of 75%. It was concluded that, Ayrshire and Brahman crossed Zebu female cattle through AI, though gave low fertility rates at the first attempt, is still the rapid means of improving milk production and reproductive efficiency of the combined adaptability and hardiness of the Zebu cattle (Bos indicus) with the genetically high reproductive and milk yield potentials of the exotic breeds (Bos taurus). There is still room for an in-depth future study of the effects of upgrading indigenous Zebu cattle crossed with exotic bulls to maximize production. This is important in realizing the goal of increasing the production and reproductive efficiency of the indigenous crossbred cattle in the country. This would also ensure sustainable food security in the NorthEast and Nigeria as a whole.

Poor systematic surveillance for Yellow Fever virus (YFV) is primarily due to lack of affordable diagnostic facilities in resource‐constrained countries. This study aimed at providing evidence‐based information on immunity against Yellow Fever with a view to assessing the possibility of the recent epidemics persisting in Nigeria. Six hundred patients with febrile illness seeking malaria test in selected hospitals were tested for YFV antibody using three serological assays: ELISA IgM, microneutralization test (MNT) and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). The three assays commonly detected YFV antibody (Ab) in 1.7% patients, MNT: IgM in 8.3%, IgM: PRNT in 7.1%, and MNT: PRNT in 3.2%. Immunity against YF was significantly higher in Bauchi and Borno than Adamawa and children aged 0–9 years compared to 20–29 years. YFV neutralizing antibody (nAb) strongly correlated with the vaccination status of the patients. More unvaccinated patients had nAb compared with the vaccinated. Immunity against YF among treated patients with antibiotic and/or antimalaria before sample collection inversely correlated with the untreated. YVnAb among unvaccinated indicates natural infections. Acute YFV infections were mistaken for malaria and natural infections are ongoing. Individuals aged more than or equal to  20 years should be targeted during mass vaccination campaigns. With low population immunity, repetitive YF epidemics in Nigeria is not yet over. The current policy on Yellow Fever vaccination in Nigeria still leaves a large unimmunized population at the risk of epidemics. Sufficient mass vaccination in combination with National Programme on Immunization remains key to averting YF epidemics.

The study sought to examine roasted fish seller’s energy preferences in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council area of Borno State. The population for this study included all the roasted fish sellers in MMC. Thirty (30) roasted fish sellers were randomly selected for the study. Data were generated through the use of structured questionnaires. Information on age, sex, educational level, marital status etc. were collected and analyze using descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency, percentages. The study reveals that Charcoal energy is the most preferred energy by the respondents in the study area, thus, more consumption implies more deforestation. As such, other clean alternative fuels should be made affordable and available for the respondents to boost their businesses. Additionally, afforestation campaigns should be encouraged by the government and all institutions concerned. Charcoal which is the most preferred energy used by the respondents has no standard price. There should be a standard price for this commodity.