Breaking news: Nigeria records first case of Anthrax

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development revealed on Monday, July 17, 2023, in a statement signed by Dr Columba T. Vakuru, Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, that animals showing signs of a possible case of anthrax on a farm in Suleja, Niger State, were reported to the Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria on July 14, 2023.

“The case was in a multi-specie animal farm comprising of cattle, sheep and goats located at Gajiri, along Abuja-Kaduna express way Suleja LGA Niger State, where some of the animals had symptoms including oozing of blood from their body openings – anus, nose, eyes and ears.

A Rapid Response team comprising of federal and states One Health Professional Team visited the farm to conduct preliminary investigations and collected samples from the sick animals. Subsequent laboratory tests by the National Veterinary Research Institute laboratory confirmed the diagnosis, marking the first recorded case of anthrax in Nigeria in recent years,” the statement reads in part.

The federal government issued a warning to Nigerians weeks ago after learning of an anthrax outbreak in Northern Ghana where all infected animals had died.

Anthrax is caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus, which mostly affects livestock like cattle, sheep, and goats. However, it can also infect people who come into contact with infected people or contaminated animal products like meat, wool, or skins. Anthrax that spreads via the skin might result through open wounds or contact with contaminated objects, while anthrax that spreads through the air can happen when spores are inhaled.

According to Daily Trust, the federal government appealed to Nigerians to “immediately report cases of animals bleeding from body openings to veterinary authorities, or agriculture extension workers.

The blood of an anthrax-infected animal does not clot. Do not process or move the dead or sick animal, quickly report to your veterinary doctor or veterinary authorities at the ministry of agriculture in your state,” the statement urged Nigerians.

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5 DIY Home Remedy For Ticks/Fleas In Dogs

Hello dog lovers/breeders, today we'll discuss on Natural Home Remedy For Killing Ticks/Fleas in dogs. Ticks are tiny parasites which attach themselves to the body of our dogs and suck blood from them. They are generally found to grow in warm weathers

and in furry animals.

So many dog lovers/breeders have been worried about ticks slowly killing their dogs and they can't afford getting any anti dog ticks/flea solution from the pet store because of how expensive they are or probably they didn't work for them, and have wondered if there are any home remedy for it.

YES! There are Natural Home Remedies for killing ticks/flea in dogs and they really work but before we talk about that let's get to know the symptoms of ticks/fleas in dogs.

SYMPTOMS:

But, how can you identify a tick when it is small? Well, we’re here to help you. Ticks on dogs symptoms include:

• Redness
• Intense itching
• Inflammation
• Swelling

In more advanced cases, symptoms of ticks on dogs may also include:

• Weakness
• Depression
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Pain
• Paralysis.

If you've observed all or some of these symptoms then know your dog really has those parasites on them and you need to fight back to give your dog a healthy life by doing any of these DIY anti dog ticks/fleas solution.

1. CHAMOMILE:

One of the most effective natural remedies to kill ticks on dogs is undoubtedly chamomile. Its a remedy which can also be used on puppies. However, it is important to remember when using any new plant or repellent on a dog’s skin, you first need to make sure that it is not toxic. 

To make use of this tick removal home remedy, follow these steps:

•  Prepare an infusion of natural chamomile, don't make it too hot to avoid burning.
•  Dip a clean cloth in the chamomile and squeeze well.
• Rub your dog's skin gently, with emphasis on the affected area.

Chamomile is a natural tick repellent and, therefore, the ticks will naturally flee your dogs skin.

2. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

This is another effective natural remedy that can help fight against ticks in your dog's body. 

What you will need:

• 200 milliliters of apple cider vinegar.
• Half a teaspoon of sea salt.
• Half a teaspoon of baking soda.
• Two to three spoons of warm water.
• Spray bottle or any available container. 

INSTRUCTIONS:

First, mix the vinegar, salt, and baking soda together and put them in a spray bottle or any container of your choice, add the warm water and shake the bottle. Spray the mixture on your pets' fur, back of their ears, legs, and neck. Please try not to spray it directly into the ears but instead spray it on a clean clothe then use just a finger with the clothe to clean. You can also comb through their fur to get rid of the bugs that the spray didn't take care of. Brushing your dog regularly is also good for preventing fleas and ticks.

3. NEEM OIL

Neem Oil is used as a natural remedy to repel and remove ticks in dogs too. 

To use, apply neem oil on your palm and rub on infected area. It can also be used with or without any other oil. It can be mixed with almond or other light carrier oil. To remove a tick, apply a drop or two of neem oil directly on the tick and it will extract itself quickly.

4. CITRIC ACID

Ticks hate citrus which is why they are a great preventative method when getting rid of ticks on dogs. Among all of the citrus fruits, the one that is more effective in these parasites is lemon, tho you can use orange, grapefruit or lime they are cool too. You will have to make a homemade tick repellent, so you will need to get a sprayer.

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Boil two cups of water, allow it to boil well, add two lemons (cut into two parts).
• Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for one hour, allowing it to infuse and enhance repellent effect.
• After about an hour, remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool.
• Remove the lemons and add the liquid into the sprayer bottle. When applying it, please avoid eyes anddirect into ears.
• Try and make sure your dog doesn’t lick itself. Citrus can cause gastrointestinal problems in dogs.
• In addition, this home remedy for ticks on dogs is a great disinfectant that will help prevent ticks on dogs in the future.

5. VASELINE

Vaseline is not only good for human skin, it has proven to be effective in removing ticks from the bodies of dogs too.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Just take some Vaseline in the palm of your hand and rub it on gently on the affected area. This will suffocate the ticks hiding in the fur coat of your dog and thus, eventually they will die.

Try any of these DIY home remedy for fighting ticks and share with us your experience. Please make the comment box useful. 😊

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Family dog tested Positive of Covid19

DURHAM, N.C. -- A pet dog tested positive for COVID-19 in North Carolina, in what researchers say is the first known novel coronavirus case in a canine.

The positive case comes from a research study being conducted at Duke University.

The Molecular and Epidemiological Study of Suspected Infection (MESSI) is testing how bodies respond to different types of infections. The goal of the study is to ultimately develop infection biomarkers to help treatment and prevention of illnesses.

During the MESSI research, a family who was participating in the study had its dog tested for the virus. The dog tested positive.

"To our knowledge, this is the first instance in which the virus has been detected in a dog. Little additional information is known at this time as we work to learn more about the exposure," MESSI principal investigator Dr. Chris Woods said in a statement.

Dr. Heather McLean is a Duke Health pediatrician. Her husband is an ER doctor. They, as well as their human son, all tested positive for the virus.

McLean said her family experienced very mild symptoms. She said the same was true of Winston, the family's pug. Winston lost his appetite for a day, but other than that, he appeared healthy.

The McLeans have two dogs and one cat. Winston is the only pet that tested positive for COVID-19.

As part of the study, the family will continue to be tested. McLean said her family thought it was important to do what they could to help researchers better understand this new virus.

"Just reading about it and hearing it in the news and going into the hospital it is a little creepy," McLean said. "Everyone is a little on edge and afraid, so this just gives us the ability to feel like we have something that we can contribute to society and help patients get better."

COVID-19 has been found in big cats and other felines.

There have been reports of COVID-19 in dogs in other parts of the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "CDC is aware of a small number of pets, including dogs and cats, reported to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19."

MESSI started before the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has since shifted its focus to help respond to the crisis.

The team is now working exclusively with people who tested positive for COVID-19 or were exposed to the virus.

The team hopes its research can help develop improved diagnostic tests for the earliest stages of the disease, track mutations of the virus over time, understand how the body responds to the virus' changes, evaluate using convalescent plasma for therapy, and create a vaccine.

Source: Abc7news.com

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4 Tips To Make Your Dog Grow Big/Muscles

Do you look at your dog and see the breed potential going to waste?

Every dog lover/owner love to see his/her dog grow big i mean very big not minding what breed it is. A friend asked me sometime ago bro, can my German shepherd grow as big as a Caucasian? Hell no! It can't German shepherds are actually medium breed dogs and can grow from 60–65 cm (24–26 in), Caucasians are Large breed dogs can grow from

72–90 cm (28–35 in) so the difference is clear. 

So many dog owners see some insanely muscular dogs on the internet and dream of making their own dogs look the same not knowing the Secrets behide those muscular bodies. I wish to say to many of you that want your dogs to become very big to consider many other factors that might hinder your expectations like the genetic makeup of your pets and their breeds. You need to know the standard size of the dog you own before you buy. So many buy mixed breeds with unpredictable growth pattern and start to expect massive growth.

Here are Four(4) tips I've listed out that could help make your dog grow big/muscles.

1. A GOOD DOG FOOD DIET.

The first potential culprit is a poor-quality dog food.

Inferior dog foods will hold your dog’s development back, so make sure the dog food you choose is loaded with protein, natural meats, and healthy ingredients.

Avoid ingredients like corn-based byproducts and unnamed meats, as they add little nutritional value. Whole meats are always better than “parts” or byproducts.

A nutritious, balanced diet is essential to keeping your dog healthy. Learn what you should be feeding your dog at every stage of its life.

    2. DOG SUPPLEMENTS

(Recommendation not an advert)

Most provided dog food doesn't have all the nutrients dogs need to grow/develop muscle.

If you feel or you're worried that your dog isn’t getting adequate nutrition, look for a product designed to supplement vitamins, proteins, amino acids, and minerals that your dog may lack.

These supplements should be based on real nutrient facts that are clearly stated on the label.

If you need your dog to be muscular Bully max is a go ahead, it has all the benefits of full label disclosure.

   3. REGULAR DALIY EXERCISE

Oh yeah! A regular daily exercise, without physical activity, your dog will become bored, frustrated, unhealthy, loss weight and may have destructive behavior.

But before you begin a dog exercise program, i would advice you visit your veterinarian for a health check. Your vet can recommend an exercise plan that is appropriate for your dog's age, breed and condition. Exercise needs are based on a dog’s age, breed, size and overall health. However, it is generally recommended dogs spend between 30 minutes to two hours being active every day—and not just on the weekends.

   4.   DEWORM YOUR PET

Worms cause many dog health problems can even delay a dogs growth if not treated. They steal much-needed nutrients and can lead to conditions including: intestinal problems like diarrhoea

anaemia, skin issues, and may lead to death. Deworming your dog is very important and you shouldn't joke about it.

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