Dr. Aminu Shittu

Brief Biography

Aminu Shittu developed his early interest in biology through observing birds, insects, and helping with cows on the family dairy farm, which is now defunct. He obtained a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUSokoto), Nigeria, and later worked in both private and government sectors as a veterinary officer post-graduation before joining the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at UDUSokoto as a lecturer. He received a Postgraduate Certificate in International Animal Health at the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, under the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP). He also obtained a Master of Science in Control of Infectious Diseases in Animals (now MSc in One Health: ecosystems, humans, and animals), Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, jointly offered by the Royal Veterinary College and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, under the CSFP. His thesis investigated factors associated with bovine tuberculosis (bTB) confirmation rates in suspect lesions found in cattle at routine slaughter and the efficiency of slaughterhouse surveillance for bTB in Great Britain. This study was published in Preventive Veterinary Medicine. He also studied the epidemiology of Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) on dairy cattle and sheep farms and slaughtered sheep in Great Britain using spatial, time-series, and survival models, under the LUCINDA (Liverpool University Climate and Infectious Diseases of Animals) Research Group. Additionally, he worked on the dynamics of intramammary infections in suckler ewes during early lactation in the Department of Farm Animal Health, Utrecht University, The Netherlands, with funding from the Islamic Development Bank in Saudi Arabia. This study was published in the Journal of Dairy Science.

Aminu has a strong research interest in Quantitative Epidemiology, Farm Animal Health, and Global Health. His works in these areas are published in top-rated journals including Eurosurveillance, The Lancet, Lancet Global Health, Journal of the American College of Cardiology, and BMC Veterinary Research. He also has manuscripts currently under review in Eurosurveillance, Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Infectious Disease Modelling, Veterinary Medicine and Science, Zoonoses and Public Health, Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, One Health Bulletin, The Lancet, Lancet Neurology, Lancet Infectious Diseases, Ophthalmic Epidemiology, and Nature – Eye. He has ongoing research collaborations with the Department of Farm Animal Health, Utrecht University, The Netherlands; Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands; and Department of Animal Science, Papua New Guinea University of Natural Resources and Environment, Papua New Guinea. His current research focuses on Assessing Cow Welfare and Morphometry using Multivariate Methods, and conducting Epidemiological Studies on Udder Health in Lactating Cows using Structured Hierarchical Modeling with Nested Random Intercepts. He is a reviewer to: Discover Agriculture (Springer), Microscopy and Microanalysis (Oxford Academic), Parasitology Research (Springer), Preventive Veterinary Medicine (ELSEVIER), Public Health (ELSEVIER), and Zoonoses and Public Health (Wiley).

Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, exploring perfumes, traveling, visiting history and culture museums, and watching movies of various genres. He also has a passion for science and faith, philanthropy, social media platforms and discussion groups, medical journalism, and science communications.

Dr. Aminu Shittu has a range of experiences and accomplishments in the fields of veterinary medicine, public health, and epidemiology. His work highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing complex challenges, and his personal interests reflect his curiosity and dedication to learning and making a positive impact.

Area of specialization:	Quantitative Epidemiology, Farm Animal Health, Global Health
Email:	aminu.shittu@udusok.edu.ng
Phone:	08065489917

List of Selected Publications

⦁ Antimicrobial Resistance Collaborators (2023). The burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in the WHO African region in 2019: a cross-country systematic analysis, The Lancet Global Health, 2023, ISSN 2214-109X, https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(23)00539-9
. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214109X23005399).
⦁ George A. Mensah, Valentin Fuster, Christopher J.L. Murray, Gregory A. Roth, and on behalf of Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risks Collaborators. Global Burden of Cardiovascular Diseases and Risks, 1990-2022. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2023 Dec, 82 (25) 2350–2473. https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.11.007.
⦁ GBD Collaborator Group. Global, regional, and national burden of diabetes from 1990 to 2021, with projections of prevalence to 2050: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. June 2023, The Lancet, DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01301-6.

⦁ Saleh Mohammed Jajere, Jallailudeen Rabana Lawal, Aminu Shittu, Ibrahim Waziri, Mohammed Dauda Goni, Folorunso Oludayo Fasina (2022). Ectoparasites of dogs (Canis familiaris) from northeastern Nigeria: an epidemiological study. Parasitol Res. 2022 Dec 12. doi: 10.1007/s00436-022-07748-5
⦁ Jajere, S.M., Lawal, J.R., Shittu, A., Waziri, I., Goni. D.M., & Fasina, F.O. (2022). Epidemiological study of gastrointestinal helminths among dogs from Northeastern Nigeria: a potential public health concern. Parasitol Res (2022). Vol. 121(5), https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-022-07538-z

⦁ Lydie W.J.H. van den Crommenacker-Konings, Petra van Dam, Reinard Everts, Aminu Shittu, Mirjam Nielen, Theo J.G.M. Lam, Gerrit Koop (2021). Dynamics of intramammary infections in suckler ewes during early lactation. Journal of Dairy Science Vol. 104 No. 5, DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2020-19865/

⦁ Olubunmi Gabriel Fasanmi, Olumide John Okuneye, Syed Sayeem Uddin Ahmed, Aminu Shittu, Folorunso Oludayo Fasina (2020). Preventing zoonotic influenza H5N1 in human: Pictorial versus literal health communication methods. Veterinaria Italiana 56(2). DOI: 10.12834/VetIt.1156.6369.2.
⦁ Folorunso Oludayo Fasina, Lerica Le Roux-Pullen, Peter Smith, Legesse Kassa Debusho, Aminu Shittu, Saleh M Jajere, Oluwawemimo Oluseun Adebowale, Ismail Odetokun, Michael Agbaje, Modupe M Fasina, Olubunmi G Fasanmi, Deborah Van Dyk, Mohammed S Abubakar, Onakpa M Monday, Masaad G Ali, Hozaifa S Yousuf, Waliedin E Elmgboul and Mohammed M Sirdar (2020). Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions associated with antimicrobial stewardship among veterinary students: A multi-country survey from Nigeria, South Africa and Sudan. Frontiers in Public Health. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.517964

⦁ Peter W. Smith, Michael Agbaje, Lerica LeRoux-Pullen, Deborah van Dyk, Legesse K. Debusho, Aminu Shittu, Mohamed M. Sirdar, Olubunmi G. Fasanmi, Oluwawemimo Adebowale, Folorunso O. Fasina (2019). Implication of the knowledge and perceptions of veterinary students of antimicrobial resistance for future prescription of antimicrobials in animal health, South Africa. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association. 90(1) DOI: 10.4102/jsava.v90i0.1765.
⦁ Ibrahim Ahmad, Caleb Ayuba Kudi, Mohammed Babashani, Umar Mohammed Chafe, Yusuf Yakubu, Aminu Shittu (2019). Tuberculosis in dromedary camels slaughtered in Nigeria: a documentation of lesions at postmortem. Tropical Animal Health and Production; 51:73–78.

⦁ Folorunso Oludayo Fasina, Olubukola T. Adenubi, Samuel T. Ogundare, Aminu Shittu, Dauda G. Bwala, Modupe M. Fasina (2015). Descriptive analyses and risk of death due to Ebola Virus Disease, West Africa, 2014. Journal of Infection in Developing Countries; 9(12):1298-1307. doi:10.3855/jidc.6484.
⦁ Nma B. Alhaji, Ismail A. Odetokun, Aminu Shittu, Joshua Onyango, Umar M. Chafe, Muhammed S. Abubakar, Issa A. Muraina, Folorunso O. Fasina, Hu Suk Lee (2015). Time-series analysis of ruminant foetal wastage at a slaughterhouse in North Central Nigeria between 2001 and 2012. Onderstepoort J Vet Res; Vol 82, No 1 (2015), 13 pages. doi: 10.4102/ojvr.v82i1.1010.
⦁ Jesse T. Jedial, Aminu Shittu, Faruk M. Tambuwal, Mikail B. Abubakar, Muhammed K. Garba, Jacob P. Kwaga, Folorunso O. Fasina (2015). Predictors and risk factors for the intestinal shedding of Escherichia coli O157 among working donkeys (Equus asinus) in Nigeria. Vet Rec Open 2015;2:e000070. doi:10.1136/vetreco-2014-000070.

⦁ Fasina FO, Shittu A, Lazarus D, Tomori O, Simonsen L, Viboud C, Chowell G (2014). Transmission dynamics and control of Ebola virus disease outbreak in Nigeria, July to September 2014. Euro Surveill. 2014;19(40).
⦁ T. Kabuuka, P.D. Kasaija, H. Mulindwa, A. Shittu, A.D.S. Bastos, and F.O. Fasina (2014). Drivers and risk factors for circulating African swine fever virus in Uganda, 2012-2013. Research in Veterinary Science, Volume 97, Issue 2, Pages 218-225.
⦁ Aminu Shittu, Abdullahi A. Raji, Shuaibu A. Madugu, Akinola W. Hassan, and Folorunso O. Fasina (2014). Predictors of death and production performance of layer chickens in opened and sealed pens in a tropical savannah environment. BMC Veterinary Research, 10:214 doi:10.1186/s12917-014-0214-7 (Highly Accessed).
⦁ A Shittu, MM Zaharadeen, FO Fasina, MA Umaru & A Abdullahi (2014). Classification of slaughtered animals and estimation of body condition scores during rainy season in Sokoto abattoir. Sokoto Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 12(2): 31-40.

⦁ A. Shittu, R.S. Clifton-Hadley, E.R. Ely, P.U. Upton, S.H. Downs (2013). Factors associated with bovine tuberculosis confirmation rates in suspect lesions found in cattle at routine slaughter in Great Britain, 2003–2008. Preventive Veterinary Medicine. 110 (2013) 395– 404.
⦁ Shittu, A. (2013). Nigeria - Milk Production Fact Sheet. In: Hemme et al. (2013). IFCN Dairy Report 2013. International Farm Comparison Network, IFCN Dairy Research Center, Kiel, Germany, p. 134.

⦁ Aminu Shittu, Jamilu Abdullahi, Aliyu Jibril, Aminu A Mohammed, Folorunso O Fasina (2012). Sub-clinical mastitis and associated risk factors on lactating cows in the Savannah Region of Nigeria. BMC Veterinary Research, 8(1): 134 doi:10.1186/1746-6148-8-134 (Highly Accessed).

⦁ Abdullahi Alhaji Magaji, Oboegbulem, S.I., Daneji, A.I., Garba, H.S., Salihu, M.D., Junaidu, A.U., Mohammed, A.A., Lawal, M., Aminu S., Yakubu, Y. and Mamuda, A. (2011). Incidence of Hydatid cyst disease in food animals slaughtered at Sokoto Central Abattoir, Sokoto State, Nigeria. Veterinary World, 2011, 4(5): 197-200.
⦁ Tambuwal, F.M., Egwu, G.O., Shittu, A., Sharubutu, G.H., Umaru, M.A., Umar, H.U., Mshelia, P.C. and Garba, S. (2011). Vaccination Coverage and Prevalence of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (1999 - 2008) in Two Transboundary States of North-Western Nigeria. Nigerian Veterinary Journal, 32(3): 169 – 173.

⦁ M.D. Salihu, A.U. Junaidu, A.A. Magaji, R.M. Aliyu, Y. Yakubu, A. Shittu and M.A. Ibrahim (2010). Bacteriological Quality of Traditionally Prepared Fried Ground Beef (Dambun nama) in Sokoto, Nigeria. Advance Journal of Food Science and Technology, 2(3): 145 – 147.

⦁ Shittu, A., Junaidu, A.U., Magaji, A.A., Daneji, A.I., Salihu, M.D., Sharubutu, G.H. and Yusuf, Y. (2009). Surveillance Activities and Preventive Measures for Bovine Brucellosis: A Comparison Between Nigeria and United Kingdom. A paper presented at the 33rd Annual Conference of the Parasitology and Public Health Society of Nigeria, held at the main auditorium, Sokoto Energy Research Centre, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria. 17th to 21st November, 2009.
⦁ Shittu, A. and Annatte, I. (2009). Nigeria – Milk Production Fact Sheet. In: Hemme et al. (2009), IFCN Dairy Report 2009, International Farm Comparison Network, IFCN Dairy Research Center, Kiel, Germany, p. 126.
⦁ Faruk M. Tambuwal, Aminu Shittu, Mika’il B. Abubakar, Mohammed D. Salihu, Abdulkadir U. Junaidu, Abdullahi A. Magaji, Mohammed Lawal and Mahmud Danyaro (2009). A survey of veterinary hospitals in Nigeria for the presence of some bacterial organisms of nosocomial and zoonotic potential. Veterinaria Italiana, 45(2), 235‐241.

⦁ Salihu, M.D., Junaidu, A.U, Magaji, A.A., Gulumbe, M.L., Suleiman, A., Ahmed, A, and Shittu, A (2008). Bacterial Evaluation of Local Hard Cheese (Chuku) in Katsina, Nigeria. Continental Journal of Environmental Sciences 2: 8-11.
⦁ M.D. Lawal, H.S. Yahya, A. Shittu, and A. Jibril. (2008). Survey of Tick Species Responsible for Lameness on Goats in Sokoto, Northwestern Nigeria. Proceeding 33rd Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production, College of Agricultural Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University Yewa Campus, Ayetoro, Ogun State.
⦁ Lawal, M.D., Alayande, M.O., Abubakar, M.B., Yahaya, H.S., Shittu, A., and Ibafidon, M.S (2008). Ectoparasites of sheep in Sokoto, North-western Nigeria. Animal Production Research Advances; Vol. 4(1): pp. 51-53.
⦁ H.S. Yahya, M.D. Lawal, and A. Shittu. (2008). Camel Trypanosomosis from Gwandu, Northwestern Nigeria; A Case Report. Proceeding 33rd Annual Conference of the Nigerian Society for Animal Production, College of Agricultural Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University Yewa Campus, Ayetoro, Ogun State, Nigeria.
⦁ Iyayi, E.A. and Shittu, A. (2008). Nigeria – Dairy Sector Profile. In: Hemme et al. (2008), IFCN Dairy Report 2008, International Farm Comparison Network, IFCN Dairy Research Center, Kiel, Germany, p. 123.
⦁ Shittu, A., Junaidu, A.U., Chafe U.M., Magaji, A.A., Faleke, O.O., Salihu M.D., Jibril, A. and Mahmud, M.A.(2008). A Survey on Current Milk Production and Pricing in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Sokoto Journal of Veterinary Sciences. 7(1): 53-58.
⦁ Shittu, A., Chafe, U.M., Buhari, S., Junaidu, A.U., Magaji, A.A., Salihu, M.D., Lawal, M.D. and Jibril, A. (2008). An Overview of Mastitis in Sokoto Red Goat, Nigeria. Sokoto Journal of Veterinary Sciences. 7(1):65-70.
⦁ Magaji, A.A., Saulawa, M.A., Salihu, M.D., Junaidu, A.U., Shittu, A., Gulumbe, M.L., Chafe, U.M., Buhari, S. and Raji, A.A. (2008). Oral Microflora of Stray Domestic Cats (Felis catus) Found in the Premises of Two Human Hospitals in Sokoto, Nigeria. Sokoto Journal of Veterinary Sciences. 7(1):9-12.
⦁ Salihu, M.D., Junaidu, A.U., Manga, S.B., Gulumbe, M.L., Magaji, A.A., Ahmed, A., Adamu, A.Y., Shittu, A. and Balarabe, I. (2008). Occurrence of Listeria Monocytogens in Smoked Fish in Sokoto, Nigeria. African Journal of Biotechnology, Vol. 7(14).

⦁ Junaidu, A.U., Salihu, M.D., Magaji, A.A., Gulumbe, L.M., Olodo, S.T. and Shittu, A (2007). Detection of Soil Transmitted Helminths (STH) in Vegetables Sold in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria. Continental Journal of Veterinary Sciences; 1(3):1-4.
⦁ Shittu, A., Magaji, A.A., Salihu, M.D. and Jibril, A. (2007). Guidelines on Control and Prevention of Major Occupational Zoonoses in Nigeria. Animal Production Research Advances 3(2): 161-170.
⦁ Magaji A.A, Shittu A, Salihu M.D, Umar M.A, and Yakubu Y. (2007). Prevalence of Echinococcosis in Dogs Slaughtered at Mammy Market in Sokoto, Nigeria. Animal Production Research Advances, 3(2): 148-150.
⦁ Junaidu, A.U., Salihu, M.D., Magaji, A.A., Shittu, A., Gulumbe, M.L. and Innocentia, E. (2007). Bacteriological Contamination of Fried and Roasted Poultry Meat Sold and Hawked in Sokoto, Nigeria. Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 3, Number 2.
⦁ Iyayi, E.A. and Shittu, A. (2007). Nigeria – Milk Production Fact Sheet. In: Hemme et al. (2007), IFCN Dairy Report 2007, International Farm Comparison Network, IFCN Dairy Research Center, Kiel, Germany, p. 117.

⦁ Shittu, A. (2006). Nigeria – Dairy Sector and Chain Profile. In: Hemme et al. (2006), IFCN Dairy Report 2006, International Farm Comparison Network, IFCN Dairy Research Center, Kiel, Germany, p. 103.

⦁ Shittu, A.(2004). AVA International Veterinary Aid. Australian Veterinary Journal, Volume 82, No. 8. P472.

ACADEMIC METRICS

https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=YUTMa_wAAAAJ

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Aminu-Shittu-2

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0118-9517

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aminu-shittu-9838b54b/