Journal of Agricultural and Biomedical Sciences

Systematic Communal Impacts of COVID-19 On Fisheries and Fish Marketing in Nigeria

Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In 2020, Coronavirus swiftly spread to the world, relentlessly crashing lives and economies. Impacts of the pandemic on fisheries and fish marketing of Ogun State, Nigeria were assessed. One thousand and two (1,002) fish farmers and nine hundred and sixty-two (962) fish marketers were randomly examined and descriptively analysed. Results showed that majority of the respondents did not believe in the existence of COVID-19 in Nigeria, but worrisome of the pandemic as fish farmers can contact it. No significant relationship (p > 0.05) between COVID-19 pandemic and parameters of positive and negative situations of fish farmers/marketers. There were no significant relationship recorded between the pandemic and high profits gained by the fish farmers/marketers as well as increased fish marketing; between COVID-19 pandemic and decrease in fish and fingerlings production and supply; between COVID-19 pandemic and increased cost of fish feed as well as availability of feed ingredients. Significant relationship (p < 0.05) exists between COVID-19 pandemic and the fish demand. Conclusively, COVID-19 lockdown has empirical negative impacts on fisheries and fish marketing with probable consequences on fishermen and fisheries managements. Farmers should be enlightened on the virus existence (being a zoonotic disease), while the safety of fisheries workers, along the supply chain need to be preferenced.

Bacterial Contamination Levels in Fresh Fish Fillets Sold in Lusaka District of Zambia

Malifa Mwendelema, Bernard Mudenda Hang'ombe — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 16:12:13 +0000

Zambia’s aquaculture sector has expanded rapidly, increasing the risk of bacterial zoonotic diseases from fish. This cross-sectional study assessed bacterial contamination in 132 fresh fish fillets—69 hake and 63 tilapias — sold in Lusaka District, Zambia, addressing gaps in local fish contamination and antimicrobial resistance. Bacterial isolates were identified through morphological characteristics and biochemical tests, while antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method. Total viable count (TVC) and faecal coliform analysis showed that 31% of samples exceeded TVC limits, and 45% contained faecal coliforms. Notably, 93% of tilapia fillets were contaminated, while hake fillets showed no faecal contamination. Escherichia coli (53.8%) was the predominant bacterium, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (46.2%), Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Enterobacter. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed broad-spectrum efficacy of chloramphenicol, while Staphylococcus and Serratia species exhibited resistance to penicillin. Ciprofloxacin and doxycycline were largely effective, though one E. coli strain showed resistance. The high contamination levels, particularly in tilapia fillets, pose serious health risks to vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Consumption of contaminated fish could lead to gastrointestinal illness or severe infections. These findings highlight the need for improved aquaculture practices, stricter food safety regulations, and enhanced public awareness on proper fish handling and cooking to mitigate health risks.

A Comparative Study of Pharmaceutical and Bio-Equivalence Characteristics of Different Brands of Extended-Release Diclofenac Sodium Marketed in Zambia Using the Mongoloid Dog Model

Safe Maricky Musonda, Tyson Longwani Muungo — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Diclofenac sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound (NSAID) that is used to treat inflammation and manage pain caused by various conditions. In Zambia, numerous generic brands of diclofenac are available on the market, providing prescribers and patients with a wide range of options. This Study compared pharmaceutical and bioequivalence characteristics of three (3) different brands of extended-release diclofenac sodium 100mg tablets marketed in Zambia. An analytical technique was employed to examine physicochemical parameters. The dissolution analysis was conducted using the paddle technique. A randomised, single-dose, two-way crossover design was performed on six Mongoloid female dogs that were fasted. After receiving 100 mg diclofenac sodium tablets orally, the levels of diclofenac in the plasma were determined using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters, including the time taken for maximum drug concentration (T-max), maximum drug concentration in plasma after dosing (C-max), area under the curve from 0 to 10 (AUC 0-10), and area under the curve infinity (AUC ∞), were determined through a non-compartmental procedure. The physicochemical characteristics were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), while Bioequivalence was assessed using the linear-log trapezoidal rule method. The non-aqueous titration showed that the purity of diclofenac ranged from 95.41% to 102.8% w/w. All brands were well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, and the parameters were within the acceptable range set by the FDA for Bioequivalence. The 100 mg diclofenac sodium extended-release tablets from three brands had good physical and chemical properties and met the criteria for drug release. However, there were noticeable differences in the AUC0-10hrs between brand A and brands B and C, suggesting that while the brands are chemically similar, they are not equal in terms of biological equivalence.

A Case Report of Argulosis at a Recreational Fishing Dam in Lusaka, Zambia

Tue, 27 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study reports the first confirmed outbreak of argulosis in Zambia, involving multiple fish species at a recreational fishing dam in Lusaka. Argulus spp. (fish lice), ectoparasitic crustaceans known for their broad host range and pathogenicity, were identified as the causative agents. Six fish species, both indigenous and introduced, exhibited clinical signs such as erratic swimming and surface rubbing, with post-mortem examinations revealing characteristic lesions including skin ulcers and parasite-laden gills. Morphological analysis confirmed the presence of Argulus spp. Environmental stressors, high fish stocking densities, and unregulated fish transfers were identified as potential drivers of the outbreak. The findings highlight the growing risk of parasite emergence in managed aquatic systems across sub-Saharan Africa. Recommendations include enhancing biosecurity, routine surveillance, rapid response protocols, public awareness, and targeted research to mitigate future outbreaks and safeguard fish health and biodiversity.

Sweet but Toxic: Organophosphate Pesticide Residues in Nigerian Honey as an Emerging Threat to Food Safety and Agriculture

Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Honey, despite its nutritional and therapeutic properties, can pose significant risks to environmental health and food safety due to the presence of contaminants. This study investigated the occurrence of organophosphate pesticide residues in honey samples collected from hard-to-reach apiaries in Nigeria and examined the relationship between these residues, honey purity, and nutritional composition. Multiple organophosphate residues were detected using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry, with dimethoate and merphor being the most prevalent. Although all detected concentrations were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), some values, particularly dimethoate from Imosan, approached the regulatory thresholds. Nutritional analysis revealed that the protein, moisture, ash, and sugar contents of the honey samples generally fell within international quality standards. Statistical correlations indicated strong associations between honey purity and pesticide residues, as well as with moisture and dry matter content. This study underscores the need for continuous monitoring of pesticide residues in apicultural products and highlights potential implications for food safety and public health.