Samuel Mailafia
University of Abuja, Nigeria
Title: Situational overview on diagnosis and control of major emerging viral zoonoses recently reported in Nigeria
Biography
Biography: Samuel Mailafia
Abstract
Statement of the Problem: Nigeria and many parts of the world have experienced outbreaks of emerging viral zoonoses. These diseases resulted in serious economic losses such as condemnation of infected animals and carcasses, eventual death and debilitation. Public health concern in humans results in global panic and death. Africa presents conducive environment for the sustenance of the reservoir hosts and vectors of this diseases. The poor state of health facilities in developing countries poses serious threats to the diagnosis, control, prevention and total eradication of the disease. Emerging viral zoonoses recently reported within the past two years in Nigeria includes: Avian influenza, Ebola disease and Lassa fever and Zika viral disease. The factors that led to the emergence of these zoonoses included environment, demography, pathogen mutation and presence of host or vectors. Scientists have reported that environmental changes and mutation could disseminate progeny virions which could increase risk of infection. However, most of these perspectives have not been verified. The purpose of our study is to seek to address the experience Nigeria had from the control of these diseases with possibility of analyzing the serological and molecular diagnostic tools used to control the disease locally. It is further believed that the information gained will be useful in the device of new strategies for eradication of the disease globally.
Findings: Emerging viral zoonoses have created great fear in Nigeria. Unconventional traditional remedies were sought, the government through global assistance initiated and executed local diagnostic framework for the control of these diseases.
Conclusion & Significance: The study is significant as it uncovers the risks and diagnostic potentials of Nigeria in controlling emerging diseases.
Recommendations: Developing countries needs diagnostic aids. The experience gained in the control of viral zoonoses will be useful in developing new global control programs.