Genetic Characterization of Lumpy Skin Disease Viruses Circulating in Lesotho Cattle.

Lumpy skin disease is one of the fast-spreading viral diseases of cattle and buffalo that can potentially cause severe economic impact. Lesotho experienced LSD for the first time in 1947 and episodes of outbreaks occurred throughout the decades. In this study, eighteen specimens were collected from LSD-clinically diseased cattle between 2020 and 2022 from Mafeteng, Leribe, Maseru, Berea, and Mohales' Hoek districts of Lesotho. A total of 11 DNA samples were analyzed by PCR and sequencing of the extracellular enveloped virus (EEV) glycoprotein, G-protein-coupled chemokine receptor (GPCR), 30 kDa RNA polymerase subunit (RPO30), and B22R genes. All nucleotide sequences of the above-mentioned genes confirmed that the PCR amplicons of clinical samples are truly LSDV, as they were identical to respective LSDV isolates on the NCBI GenBank. Two of the elevem samples were further characterized by whole-genome sequencing. The analysis, based on both CaPV marker genes and complete genome sequences, revealed that the LSDV isolates from Lesotho cluster with the NW-like LSDVs, which includes the commonly circulating LSDV field isolates from Africa, the Middle East, the Balkans, Turkey, and Eastern Europe.

Characterization and population genetics of Haemonchus contortus in Merino sheep in Lesotho.

Haemonchus contortus is the most pathogenic and economically restrictive gastrointestinal nematode in the small ruminant industry globally. Morbidity, poor cross-bodily state, and mortality of sheep in Lesotho suggest the presence of H. contortus. The present study investigated the morphological, molecular, and population genetics of H. contortus third-stage larvae infecting sheep in four ecological zones (EZ) of Lesotho. Coprocultures were prepared for larval morphological identification and PCR determination. Larvae were identified morphologically as 100% H. contortus. The Second Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS-2) gene of the ribosomal DNA of H. contortus isolates in the present study revealed nucleotide homology ranging from 97 to 100% when compared with selected GenBank reference sequences. Pairwise evolutionary divergence among H. contortus isolates was low, with 0.01318 recorded as the highest in the present study. Five haplotypes resulted from 14 Lesotho sequences. Haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity were 0.76923 and 0.00590, respectively. Genetic differentiation among isolates was low but not statistically significant. An analysis of molecular variance revealed that most molecular variation was distributed within topographic populations at 94.79% (FST = 0.05206, p > 0.05) and 5.21% among populations. There was high gene flow and no definite population genetic structure among Lesotho isolates.

Awareness and control measures for gastrointestinal parasites in donkeys in Maseru district, Lesotho.

Parasitic infection is one of the major problems in equines which negatively influence their health. It hinders working performance of equines. This study was conducted to evaluate donkey owners' knowledge and control measures on prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) in three agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of Maseru district. A total of 144 donkey owners were selected for individual interviews through a stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze data. The significance (p <0.05) of different AEZs was tested using a post-hoc cell-wise adjusted standardized residual analysis. Majority of donkey owners were familiar with the GIPs especially nematodes as it seemed to be the most occurring, but there was no significant effect (p > 0.05) across the AEZs. The adult donkeys were mostly susceptible to different GIPs according to respondents and severe infection was experienced in summer and winter. Donkeys were dewormed seasonally using anthelmintics with inappropriate weighing instruments to establish the dosage, however, chi-square test pointed out the significance (p = 0.004) effect between types of medication used across the AEZs. Donkeys were kept in non-roofed stables that were not cleaned regularly hence, these compromised their welfare. However, communal grazing shared by different livestock species was the main source of animal feeding though it was found to be the major source of GIPs. Therefore, there is a need to equip them on the proper skills to improve on their management practices and the behaviour of parasites in different areas. This will help donkey owners adhere to appropriate control and prevention strategies.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (A/H5N1) virus outbreaks in Lesotho, May 2021.

In May 2021, Lesotho reported its first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to the OIE. Samples were collected from infected poultry and the virus was confirmed by molecular tests to be of the H5N1 subtype. Full genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the viruses belonged to clade 2.3.4.4b and showed high identity with A/H5N1 viruses identified in Nigeria and Senegal in early 2021. The identification of A/H5N1 HPAI in Lesotho has important implications for disease management and food security in the region.

Awareness and control methods of gastrointestinal parasites of merino sheep among farmers from different agro-ecological zones of Lesotho.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Sheep production plays a crucial role in the economy of Lesotho by increasing economic state of the rural poor. However, gastrointestinal parasites infection is the most limiting factor in sheep productivity and has a highly detrimental effect on the sheep industry. Therefore this study aimed to evaluate farmers' awareness and understanding of controlling gastrointestinal parasites of merino sheep in four Lesotho agro-ecological zones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected using a simple random sampling of 106 farmers in the lowlands, foothills, mountains, and Senqu river valley. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 20.00). Descriptive statistics were employed with cross-tabulations and tested with Chi-square and post hoc tests. RESULTS: The majority of farmers (80%) were aware of the gastrointestinal parasites. Most farmers (70%) reported a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and associated it with lamb mortality in summer and autumn. Farmers use anthelmintics for treating gastrointestinal parasites in animals, and 93% of them reported the effectiveness of the drugs. However, more than 80% of farmers routinely use anthelmintics. The results revealed that 81.5%, 66.7%, 80%, and 66.7% of farmers from the lowlands, foothills, mountains, and Senqu river valley, respectively, keep sheep in non-roofed enclosures cleaned only after rains to avoid mud. Communal grazing is used as the main source of animal feeding where different livestock species share the same rangelands. Most farmers (more than 70%) believed that grazing lands were the main source of gastrointestinal parasites transmission. CONCLUSION: Farmers in Lesotho are aware of gastrointestinal parasites and apply control methods to combat the gastrointestinal parasites in merino sheep. However, a need still exists for them to be empowered with skills for improving management systems and the knowledge on how the gastrointestinal parasites behave at different times of the year and in different agro-ecological zones. This will assist them in adhering to the dosing schedule designed by animal health experts.

Prevalence and fecal egg load of gastrointestinal parasites of Angora goats in four agro-ecological zones in Lesotho.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Goats are reared for their meat, mohair and other socio-cultural needs in Lesotho. Helminth infections are some of the major setbacks in the goat production industry due to their negative impact on animals' health, resulting in significant losses on meat and mohair production and death. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence, fecal egg infestation, and morphological identification of gastrointestinal parasites in goats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fecal samples were collected from 765 goats and subjected to McMaster egg counting techniques using the flotation method. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS v.26.0). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 94.7%, and the identified gastrointestinal parasites were nematodes (64.7%), coccidia (25.8%), and cestodes (4.2%). Haemonchus contortus was identified as the prevalent gastrointestinal nematode species found in goats. The prevalence and fecal egg count of gastrointestinal parasites were significantly higher (p<0.05) in goats located in the highlands and Senqu River Valley, while goats in the lowlands demonstrated a significantly (p<0.05) higher prevalence of H. contortus. Immature goats and kids were more significantly (p<0.05) prone to gastrointestinal parasites. CONCLUSION: The nematodes and coccidia infestations were prevalent in goats located in the highlands and foothills, respectively, whereas nematode and coccidia fecal egg loads were higher in goats located in the foothills and Senqu River Valley, respectively.

Angora goat gastrointestinal parasite knowledge and control practices among Lesotho farming communities.

Smallholder Angora goat farming is widespread throughout Lesotho, resulting in the country being ranked second in global mohair production. The Lesotho landscape across which Angora goats are produced is divided into lowlands, foothills, mountains, and the Senqu river valley agro-ecological zones (AEZs). Husbandry practices, including those related to the control of gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs), are assumed to be influenced by the AEZ-determined farmers' lifestyles. This study assessed how the AEZ of the Angora goat farming communities influences farmers' demographic and socio-economic profiles, GIP knowledge, and goat management practices. Interviews were conducted with farmers from Maseru and Quthing districts selected from four areas that represent the AEZs. Our findings indicate that middle-aged males dominate goat farming in all AEZs. Also, most farmers only reached primary education, hence rely on experience for goat production. Familiarity with parasites differed among farmers from different AEZs although most viewed the GIP impact on goat health as high. Many farmers from all AEZs except the lowlands believed that diarrhoea, a common GIP symptom, is associated with their goat mortality. GIP control measures used include anthelmintics and traditional herbal medicines with differing frequency of administration. More than 80% of farmers reported offering supplemental feeds although other recommended goat management practices like shelter and sanitation were not commonly observed. All farmers reported reliance on communal grazing and many considered rangelands as sources of GIP infections. It is concluded that most husbandry practices are common across AEZs and that many of these are inadequate in controlling GIPs.