ABSTRACT
Background: Detection of the virus or some of its specific components using WHO and OIE recommended standard laboratory tests is the only way to get a reliable diagnosis of rabies. Brain tissue is the preferred specimen for post-mortem diagnosis of rabies in both humans and animals. Higher biosecurity requirements, skill and transportation facilities required for collection and transport of brain or whole carcass to the laboratory is one of the reasons for the poor rabies surveillance in animals. Point of care testing with simple, reliable and easy to operate devices would be an ideal approach for providing rapid results. Methods: The study evaluated diagnostic performance of two reference tests, DFAT and RTPCR on skin specimen, to assess its suitability as an alternative of brain tissue for post mortem rabies diagnosis in animals. Brain tissue and skin sample belonging to different species of animals (n=90) collected at necropsy were compared using Fluorescent Antibody Test and RT PCR, internationally approved methods for rabies diagnosis. Results: Validation of RT-PCR on skin and DFAT on skin in comparison with DFAT on brain as gold standard gave a sensitivity of 98% (95% CI:94.1-100) and 80% (95%CI:71.8-88.2) respectively. Specificity was 100% in both tests. Conclusion: The findings highlight the potential of skin specimen for improving rabies surveillance in animals especially in resource poor countries.

ABSTRACT
Poultry meat is one of the fastest growing components of Uganda’s meat production, consumption, and trade. However, it is estimated that more than 80 % of the small holder dominated sub-sector use traditional family-based production systems which limit production efficiency. This research analyzed the farmers’ characteristics and productivity of commercial broiler production units in Mukono District. Using a cross-sectional survey, 302 broiler farmers were randomly selected from five sub-counties of Mukono District. Data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics to characterize broiler farmers, whereas, ordinary least square regression analysis was carried out to assess factors affecting productivity of commercial broiler production units. Results showed that majority were males (53.31%) and married (92.72%). Most (60.26%) had primary as their highest level of education attained. The average age was 45 years with average household size of 7 members. Similarly; majority (91.04%) had land under poultry farming ranging from 0.25 to 3 acres. Feeds cost (P≤0.05), veterinary cost (P≤0.001), farmer’s level of education (P≤0.05), extension services (P≤0.001), age of a household head (P≤0.001), land ownership (P≤0.05), and labour type (P≤0.05), showed a positive and significant influence on productivity, whereas, poultry farming experience (P≤0.001), land under poultry farming (P≤0.001), distance to the nearest market (P≤0.05), and record keeping (P≤0.05), negatively and significantly influenced productivity. In conclusion, education level, land under poultry farming, and membership to a group were distinct among farmers who were productive and those that were not. Productivity of commercial broiler farming was majorly influenced by several farmers’ socio-economic characteristics.

ABSTRACT
The study was designed to investigate prevalence and risk factors of Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) in Sonali chicken in Joypurhat District of Bangladesh. Twenty-five sonali chicken farms with sum of 33,735 birds of various age groups from five different upazila were observed for Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD). The disease was diagnosed on the basis of history, clinical findings and postmortem lesions. The overall prevalence of IBD was 19.48% and mortality 5.85%. The highest prevalence 43.61% was significantly found (P<0.05) in Khetlal upazila and lowest 10.54% in kalai upazila. Chicken of 3 to 4 weeks age showed higher prevalence 21.68% than other age group. The prevalence was significantly higher in female 20.03% chicken than male 18.66%. Prevalence of IBD in sonali chicken was higher 46.15% in winter season and lowest 12.89% in rainy season. Vaccinated with AviPro® IB Ark (Elanco) significantly (P<0.05) reduces the prevalence and mortality rate of IBD. Prevalence was low in fumigated concrete farm. Treatment with a) Levofloxacine(10%) b) Vitamin-C (Ascorbic Acid-98%) c) Ph (Formic acid, Lactic acid, Propionic acid & HMTBa) d) Mollasses 5% e) Andopan significantly recovered the IBD infected chicken within 4±0.75 days. The necropsy findings of infected chicks revealed haemorrhages on thigh and breast muscles; enlarged, edematous, hyperemic and haemorrhagic Bursa of Fabricious followed by atrophy. In some cases, kidneys were found swollen. Therefore, it was concluded that susceptibility of chicks to IBD is influenced by its age, sex, season, vaccination and treatment with appropriate medicine have significant impact on Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD).