A sero-epidemiological analysis of Coxiella burnetii infection and its risk factors in livestock from Addis Ababa, Adama, and Modjo abattoirs and pastoral areas of Oromia, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Coxiella burnetii is causing infections in both humans and animals, resulting in Q fever and Coxiellosis, respectively. Information on the occurrence of C. burnetii infection is scarce in Ethiopia. This study estimated the sero-prevalence of C. burnetii infection and associated risk factors in four common livestock species from Addis Ababa, Adama, and Modjo abattoirs and pastoral areas of Oromia, Ethiopia. RESULTS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Sera samples were analyzed for the presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies using an indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay kit. Out of the 4140 serum samples tested, 777 (18.77%; 95% CI: 17.59, 19.99) were found positive for C. burnetii. The sero-prevalence estimate was 27.17% at Addis Ababa abattoir, 19.41% at Adama abattoir, 19.13% at Modjo abattoir and 12.1% in animals tested from pastoral areas. Sera analysis at the animal species level showed that cattle exhibited the lowest sero-prevalence estimate (11.83%; 95% CI, 10.27-13.53%), while the highest was observed in camels (28.39%; 95% CI, 25.16-31.80%). The sero-prevalence estimate was 21.34% (95% CI, 18.86-23.99%) in goats and 20.17% (95% CI, 17.49-23.07%) in sheep. The results of multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that species, age, sex of animals and tick infestation were important risk factors for C. burnetii infection. The odds of infection were 3.22 times higher in camels and almost twice as high in goats and sheep compared to cattle. Adult animals were infected more likely (OR = 3.23) than young ones. Interestingly, a significant difference was observed in the sero-prevalence of infection between animals that were infested with ticks (OR = 16.32) and those which were tick-free. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable insights into the sero-epidemiology of C. burnetii infection in four common livestock species at major abattoirs and pastoral areas of Ethiopia. The findings highlight the need for further studies and implementing surveillance and biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of the disease in both humans and livestock to safeguard the economical and public health aspects.

Molecular and Serological Investigation of Infectious Bronchitis Virus in the East Shewa, Central Ethiopia.

Background: Infectious bronchitis (IB) is an economically important disease in poultry with worldwide distribution. The occurrence of IB has been reported both in commercial and backyard poultry in Ethiopia, although comprehensive information lacks available prevalence of the disease and the circulating serotypes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to June 2022 in seven commercial farms found in East Shewa, Central Ethiopia. Serological assay using indirect ELISA, virus isolation techniques in embryonated eggs, and molecular techniques such as one-step reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting a 466 bp S1 gene were employed. Results: A total of 196 blood samples, 7 pools (35) of swab samples, and 5 pools of tracheal samples were investigated. The results of serological analysis revealed that 97.96% (192/196; 95% CI: 94.86-99.44) of the sera samples were found to be positive for antibodies against IBV. Out of the 7 pools of swab and 5 pools of tracheal tissue samples analyzed using RT-PCR 33.3% (4/12) of them gave positive results all from swab samples. The RT-PCR-positive samples were subjected to a nested PCR yielding 295bp and 154bp indicating the circulation of Mass and 793/B (4/91) strains of IBV, respectively. The 12 pools of samples inoculated into embryonated egg showed cytopathic changes such as congestion, bleeding, and deformation only after three passages. Conclusion: Two serotypes of IBV are circulating in Ethiopian chickens, and molecular identification of the Massachusetts serotype is the first report in Ethiopia. Further epidemiological investigation is needed in order to devise effective control measures.

Putting the cart before the horse: mixed-methods participatory investigation of working equid harnessing practices in three selected towns of the Oromia national regional state in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Millions of working equids provide socio-economic support for many low-income communities worldwide. With the prevalence of harness-related wounds reported as higher than 60%, this study aims to describe the equipment used by working equids in three locations of the Ethiopian national regional state of Oromia (Fiche, Bishoftu and Shashamene), and the attitudes and practices of equid owners, users and harness makers regarding work equipment. This mixed-methods study consists of cross-sectional surveying of working equids used for taxi or transport of goods or water, as well as cart-driver questionnaires and focus groups (FG) with working equid stakeholders. Activities conducted with FG included participatory ranking of equipment attributes and equipment drawing exercises. Indicators of equipment design and assembly, as well as cart-driver attitudes and practices were described quantitatively. Associations between equipment characteristics and species, work-type and cart-driver indicators were investigated through univariable logistic regression models, whereas focus group discussions were transcribed and analysed thematically. RESULTS: In total, 368 working equid surveys and cart-driver questionnaires were completed and 87 participants took part in nine FG. Equipment composition and characteristics differed considerably from ideal animal draught and harnessing principles described in the literature, with none of the observed harnesses adhering to all principles and thus not considered fully adequate. Various harness compositions were used, with only saddles and breast collars present in all. Donkey equipment had fewer components than that of horses, such as swingle trees (OR 0.02; 95% CI 0.01-0.06; p < 0.001) or girths (OR 0.09; 95%CI 0.02-0.4; p = 0.002). Horse equipment was more likely to have functional elements such as breeching (OR 7.8; 95% CI 2.9-20.9; p < 0.001). Of all equipment attributes, FG participants ranked cost, design and impact on animal wellbeing as having the highest importance. Thematic analysis identified motivations and priorities regarding equipment; awareness and knowledge of design and function; barriers to using ideal equipment; and consequences of equipment design and practices as key themes. CONCLUSIONS: Various weaknesses of design, assembly and use of equid work equipment were identified. Promoting behavioural change through awareness and training could lead to a sustainable improvement of work equipment quality, access, and prevention of equipment-related problems.

Epidemiological investigations of Salmonella and Escherichia coli associated morbidity and mortality in layer chickens in Hawassa city, Southern Ethiopia.

Background: This study was conducted with the objectives of estimating the morbidity and mortality rates in layer chickens, identifying the risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality, and identifying the major bacterial pathogens affecting small-scale commercial layers in Hawassa. A longitudinal observational study design was employed from November 2019 to March 2020. The chickens on selected farms were checked for morbidity and mortality twice a week. During each visit, clinical examination of sick birds and pathological investigation of dead birds were conducted. Cloaca samples were collected for isolation and identification of Salmonella spp. and E. coli. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to quantify the effects of various risk factors on the morbidity and mortality rates observed. Results: Of the 8976 chickens followed, 106 developed clinical disease, giving a morbidity of 1.18% (95% CI: 0.97, 1.43). The overall morbidity rate was 2.37 (95% CI: 1.94, 2.87) per 1000 chicken months. A total of 101 of the chickens under study were found dead, yielding a mortality of 1.13% (95% CI: 0.92, 1.37) and a mortality rate of 2.26 (95% CI: 1.84, 2.75). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that farm hygiene, the experience of farm manager, housing condition, housing systems, the availability of veterinary services and age of chicken were important risk factors for morbidity and mortality. Out of 58 cloacal samples collected from sick chickens, 7 (12.07%; 95% CI: 4.99, 23.29) yielded positive results for Salmonella spp., while 25 (43.10%; 95% CI: 30.16, 56.77) yielded positive results for E. coli. Out of swabs collected from 8 randomly selected sick chickens after necropsy, 3 (37.5%) were found to be positive for Salmonella spp. Four (50%) of them were positive for E. coli. Swabs were collected and cultured from 15 dead chickens, and of these, 2 (13.33%) and 7 (46.67%) were found to be positive for Salmonella spp. and E. coli, respectively. Farm hygiene, age of chickens, housing conditions and frequency antibiotics use were important risk factors for colibacillosis and salmonellosis. Conclusions: Although the incidence of chicken morbidity and mortality was relatively low in the present study, important risk factors have been identified in the poultry farms of Hawassa City, southern Ethiopia. Therefore, comprehensive poultry farm management practices are needed to mitigate risk factors for morbidity and mortality as well as colibacillosis and salmonellosis. Identification of the serotypes of Salmonella spp. and E. coli should be carried out.

Equine Histoplasmosis in Ethiopia: Phylogenetic Analysis by Sequencing of the Internal Transcribed Spacer Region of rRNA Genes.

Equine histoplasmosis commonly known as epizootic lymphangitis (EL) is a neglected granulomatous disease of equine that is endemic to Ethiopia. It is caused by Histoplasma capsulatum variety farciminosum, a dimorphic fungus that is closely related to H. capsulatum variety capsulatum. The objective of this study was to undertake a phylogenetic analysis of H. capsulatum isolated from EL cases of horses in central Ethiopia and evaluate their relationship with H. capsulatum isolates in other countries and/or clades using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rRNA genes. Clinical and mycological examinations, DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Sanger sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis were used for undertaking this study. Additionally, sequence data of Histoplasma isolates were retrieved from GenBank and included for a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis. A total of 390 horses were screened for EL and 97 were positive clinically while H. capsulatum was isolated from 60 horses and further confirmed with PCR, of which 54 were sequenced. BLAST analysis of these 54 isolates identified 29 H. capsulatum isolates and 14 isolates from other fungal genera while the remaining 11 samples were deemed insufficient for further downstream analysis. The phylogenetic analysis identified five clades, namely, African, Eurasian, North American 1 and 2, and Latin American A and B. The Ethiopian isolates were closely aggregated with isolates of the Latin American A and Eurasian clades, whereas being distantly related to isolates from North American 1 and 2 clades as well as Latin American B clade. This study highlights the possible origins and transmission routes of Histoplasmosis in Ethiopia.

Epidemiological investigation of morbidity and mortality of improved breeds of chickens in small holder poultry farms in selected districts of Sidama Region, Ethiopia.

Background: A longitudinal study was conducted in six intensive and three semi-intensive poultry farms in Shebedino and Dale districts of Sidama Region, Ethiopia from November 2018 to May 2019. The objectives of the study were to estimate incidence rates of mortality and morbidity, identify the risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality and establish differential diagnosis of major diseases affecting poultry in the area. Chickens belonging to two breeds namely Sasso, and Bovans Brown reared in purposively selected small-scale farms was included from two districts. The chickens on the selected farms were monitored for morbidity and mortality every week. Diagnosis of different diseases was made based on the flock history, age of birds, clinical signs, characteristic gross and microscopic lesions, and fecal flotation technique for coccidiosis. Semi-structured questionnaires were also administered to gather information on the risk factors and farming practices. Results: The incidence rate of morbidity and mortality in the studied farms was 16.14 and 12.69 per 1000 chicken-week at risk, respectively. The minimum and maximum incidence rates of morbidity were 2.02 and 58.43 cases per 1000 chicken-week at risk, respectively. The minimum and maximum incidence rates of mortality were 0.21 and 58.18 deaths per 1000 chicken-week at risk, respectively. Among the risk factors studied feed type, age of chickens, and number of sick chickens on farms were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the incidence of disease. Age of chickens and number of sick chickens found on the farms were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the incidence of death using multivariable logistic regression. Newcastle Disease (ND), Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD), Fowl typhoid, and Coccidiosis were the important diseases identified during the follow up period in the study area. Of the overall mortality and morbidity, 90.48% and 42% were respectively attributed to ND. Infectious bursal disease and Coccidia co-infection occurred in 31.55% of chicken in the infected farms. Conclusions: The present study documented the incidence rate of morbidity and mortality in smallholder poultry farms in selected districts of Sidama Region. The study findings indicated that infectious diseases appear to be a major constraint to improve chicken production in the study areas. Therefore, the veterinary and livestock authorities should take this into account when planning poultry development activities and setting up systems of livestock production and health monitoring.

Molecular Survey and Identification of Campylobacter spp. in Layer Farms in Central Ethiopia.

Few data are available on Campylobacter spp. presence in chickens in Ethiopia. Due to its importance for both the poultry sector and public health, a sampling activity was planned to evaluate Campylobacter spp. presence in layer farms in Bishoftu and Mojo, Central Ethiopia. Twenty cloacal pooled samples were collected and tested with molecular assays for detection and Sanger-sequenced for species identification. As a secondary aim, samples were also tested for Salmonella spp. by PCR, and all samples were negative. On the other hand, 70% of cloacal swab pools were positive for Campylobacter spp.: 71.4% of the positive samples belonged to C. jejuni species, 21.4% to C. avium and 7.1% to C. helveticus. Campylobacter spp. was identified in almost all farms regardless of farm and flock size, age and hybrid types of the birds and antimicrobial treatment. Campylobacter jejuni is a common finding in chickens, whereas species such as C. avium and C. helveticus were newly reported in Ethiopia, revealing a variability that needs to be monitored in light of the public health significance of this pathogen.

Seroepidemiology of Infectious Bursal Disease in Poultry Reared Under Backyard Production System in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Infectious bursal disease (IBD) has been known to cause high morbidity and mortality in chickens resulting in considerable financial losses to poultry producers. This study was performed with the objectives of estimating the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of IBD in backyard chickens in Wolaita zone, southern Ethiopia. METHODS: A total of 482 serum samples were collected from chickens reared under backyard systems using a multi-stage cross-sectional study design. The serum samples were tested for the presence of anti-IBDV antibodies using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A questionnaire survey was also performed to identify risk factors affecting chicken production in the study area. RESULTS: From the total of 482 serum samples tested, 236 (48.96%; 95% CI: 44.32-53.42) were positive for anti-IBDV antibodies. Higher seroprevalence was recorded in Humbo district (55.75%; 95% CI: 46.11-65.09) followed by Sodo Zuria (51.54%; 95% CI: 42.62-60.39), Damotgale (46.22%; 95% CI: 36.49-56.18), and Kindokoysha district (42.86%; 95% CI: 34.32-51.72) although the difference was not statistically significant. Significantly lower prevalence was recorded in indigenous chickens (43.36%; 95% CI: 37.53-49.32) compared to exotic chickens (57.14%; 95% CI: 49.89-64.17). The odds of occurrence of IBD in the local chicken breed was 0.67 times lower than that of the exotic chicken breed. The odds of occurrence of IBD in chickens from flock size ≥5 chickens was 4.33 times higher than chickens from flock size <5 chickens. A statistically significant association (P < 0.05) was observed between treatment history and isolation of sick chickens with mortality in the flock. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that IBD is one of the major infectious diseases that affect the traditionally managed chickens in the study area with the flock size and breed of chickens are identified as important risk factors for IBD occurrence. Besides, chicken producers did not have enough knowledge about the nature and epidemiology of IBD. Thus, proper management practices together with appropriate vaccination programs are necessary to reduce IBD incidence in the study areas.

Molecular Survey of Viral Poultry Diseases with an Indirect Public Health Significance in Central Ethiopia.

The importance of poultry production is globally increasing, in Ethiopia as well, where high-quality protein and contained costs make poultry a valuable food resource. However, this entails some problems linked to rural, backyard and intensively reared flock proximity and pathogen circulation. This study is aimed at monitoring the presence of important viral pathogens in poultry (infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV)) in Ethiopia. Respiratory and cloacal swabs and bursa of Fabricius and kidney imprints on FTA cards were collected in 2021 from 16 farms and tested for IBV, aMPV, NDV and IBDV. One farm was positive for IBDV, resulting in strains similar to those present in vaccines, belonging to genogroup A1a; two farms were positive for IBV but, due to sensitivity limits, only one sample was sequenced, resulting in a 4/91-like strain (GI-13); a layer farm tested positive for NDV with a Lasota-like vaccine strain. These findings suggest a low presence of these pathogens, probably due to the implementation of vaccination strategies, which is also testified by the detection of vaccine strains. A close diagnostic activity should be implemented on a routine basis in order to monitor pathogen circulation, ameliorate biosecurity measures and protect animal health and production levels.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial-Susceptibility Profiles of Salmonella in Smallhold Broiler Supply Chains in Central Ethiopia.

PURPOSE: Salmonellosis is a foodborne zoonoses found worldwide. The main purpose of this study was to isolate and identify Salmonella and assess their antimicrobial susceptibility profiles from smallhold broilers supply chains and slaughterhouses in Bishoftu and Modjo, central Ethiopia. METHODS: Four smallhold broiler farms under the auspices of Chico Meat were selected randomly. Feed, water, and water- and feed-trough samples were collected from broiler farms, while cecal contents were collected from slaughtered chicken at Chico Meat slaughterhouse. Conventional bacteriological techniques were used to isolate and identify Salmonella from the samples. Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion was employed to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates. RESULTS: Salmonella was isolated from 131 (24.3%, 95% CI 20.74-28.15) of the 539 samples tested. Salmonella was found in 43 of the 250 samples collected from Bishoftu (22%, 95% CI 17.02%-27.65%) and 76 of the 289 samples collected from Modjo (26.29%, 95% CI 21.32%-31.77%). Salmonella was isolated from 26.46% of the cloacal samples, 21% of the cecal contents, 30.77% of the feed samples, 25% of the water samples, 22.22% of samples from feed troughs, and 20% of samples from water troughs. The highest level of resistance (80.81%) was observed against tetracycline, followed by kanamycin (71.72%), chloramphenicol and amoxicillin (67.68%), sulfamethazole-trimethoprim (61.62%), naldixic acid (63.64%), and streptomycin (59.60%), whereas most of the isolates were susceptible to gentamicin (69.70%). Resistance to more than two drugs was also observed. CONCLUSION: Salmonella was found in high prevalence in broilers, their feed, and their environment. Moreover, a majority of the isolates were resistant to most antimicrobials used in medical and poultry practices. This has significant implications for public health and antimicrobial resistance.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Effects of Selected Plants on the Growth of the Mycelial Form of Histoplasma capsulatum Variety farciminosum in Ethiopia.

Epizootic lymphangitis is prevalent in equines in Ethiopia, causing remarkable economic and welfare impacts but often neglected. Lack of effective treatment contributed to its continued occurrence, and hence, search for an effective treatment should be considered a priority area to minimize its impacts. Previous ethnobotanical studies have reported that Curcuma longa, Phytolacca dodecandra, and Datura stramonium were used to treat cutaneous fungal infections and reduce their incidence. The treatment effects of these plants against epizootic lymphangitis should be studied. The in vitro growth inhibitory effects of methanol extracts of the root of C. longa, berry of P. dodecandra, and leaf of D. stramonium were evaluated. Histoplasma capsulatum var farciminosum was isolated from clinical cases of epizootic lymphangitis in carthorses in central Ethiopia. The nested polymerase chain reaction was used to confirm the identity of the isolates. Serial twofold dilutions of the extract of berries of P. dodecandra and leaves of D. stramonium were done in sterile water, whereas dilution of the extract of roots of C. longa was done in dimethylsulphoxide. The effects of the plants on the growth of Histoplasma capsulatum var farciminosum were assessed by agar dilution assay. Culture media with no antifungal agent and media containing ketoconazole served as negative and positive control, respectively. The methanol extract of C. longa showed inhibitory effects at concentrations ranging from 0.07 to 5 mg/mL. Similarly, the methanol extract of P. dodecandra showed growth inhibitory effects at concentrations ranging from 0.156 to 5 mg/mL. That is, the growth inhibitory concentration of C. longa was 0.07 mg/mL, whereas that of P. dodecandra was 0.156 mg/mL. In contrast, D. stramonium showed no inhibitory effect. This preliminary observation showed that methanol extracts of C. longa and P. dodecandra showed inhibitory effects on the growth of Histoplasma capsulatum var farciminosum requiring further repeated in vitro evaluation so as to generate adequate evidence, which would justify in vivo trials.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors for chlamydiosis, coxiellosis and brucellosis in sheep and goats in Borana pastoral area, southern Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Abortion is considered an important disease problem of small ruminants in Borana pastoral area. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of chlamydiosis, coxiellosis (Q-fever) and brucellosis in small ruminants in selected districts of Borana zone. RESULTS: A total of 506 sheep and goats were tested using serological tests. Fifty (9.88%; 95% CI: 7.42, 12.82), 144 (28.46%; 95% CI: 24.56, 32.61) and none (0.00%; 95% CI: 0.00, 0.59) of them were positive for chlamydiosis, coxiellosis and brucellosis, respectively. History of abortion was recorded in 136 (32.00%; CI: 27.59, 36.67) of sheep and goats in the study area. The logistic regression analysis, however, showed that statistically significant difference ccurred among districts and between the species of small ruminants. The prevalence odd of antibodies against C. abortus was significantly lower in Miyo, Dire and Teltelle districts compared to Dillo. The odd of infection with this bacterium was lower in sheep than goats. Similarly the odd of infection with C. burnettii was significantly higher in Dillo district than the rest of the districts studied, higher in goats than sheep and higher in adult animals than young ones. CONCLUSION: High prevalence of abortion is observed in sheep and goats in the study area. High seropositivity of C. burnetii and C. abortus in both sheep and goats tested implies risks of human infection by both diseases. Thus, attention needs to be paid to further study of both diseases in animals and humans in the area.

Sequence-based comparison of field and vaccine strains of infectious bursal disease virus in Ethiopia reveals an amino acid mismatch in the immunodominant VP2 protein.

Sequencing of the VP2 region was carried out to identify amino acid mismatches between vaccine strains and field isolates of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). Viruses were isolated in chicken embryo fibroblast (DF-1) cells using pooled samples of bursa collected from nine outbreaks, which affected 30,250 chickens in five localities, with an overall mortality of 47.87%. Virus strains were identified by comparing the deduced amino acid sequence between positions 232 and 446 of the immunodominant VP2 epitope. All of the pooled samples were positive for IBDV. RT-PCR yielded a 645-bp DNA fragment of the VP2 gene. Phylogenetic analysis of this fragment revealed clustering of these isolates with very virulent IBDV strains. The amino acid sequences of these isolates were identical to those of the European very virulent strains UK 661 and DV 86, except at position 222, but differed from the vaccine strains used in Ethiopia, suggesting the possible introduction of virulent virus strains to Ethiopia from Europe. Our study demonstrates the widespread presence of very virulent strains of IBDV on poultry farms in Ethiopia and demonstrates the need to evaluate the protective level of existing vaccines against circulating field viruses.

Epidemiological investigations of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia in selected districts of Borana zone, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia.

From November 2016 to April 2017, a cross-sectional study to determine the sero-prevalence of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) and to investigate its epidemiology was conducted in selected districts of Borana zone in Ethiopia. In addition, the study aimed at identifying Mccp antigens using species specific primer of PCR. A multistage random sampling was implemented to select districts, pastoral associations (villages), and households. A total of 890 serum samples of small ruminants that had not been vaccinated (goats n = 789 and sheep n = 101) were collected and screened for the presence of antibodies against Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lung tissues and pleural fluid samples were collected from 3 sero-positive and clinically suspected goats for isolation of Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae. Serology showed that overall 31.2% (246/789) of goats and 12.9% (13/101) of sheep were positive with statistically significant differences between districts (p = 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that goats from Moyale and Yabello districts had higher odds of being positive than goats from Elwoya district with odd ratios of 2.05 and 1.61, respectively. Age of goats was also significantly associated with sero-positivity (OR = 1.47; CI 95% 1.2-1.8). Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae was identified in 6 (75%) of the tissue samples using species-specific primer of PCR. Besides improving the understanding of the epidemiology of CCPP in the selected districts and demonstrating its wide distribution, the study highly also provides evidence of the possible role of sheep in the maintenance of the disease.

Brucellosis in the Addis Ababa dairy cattle: the myths and the realities.

BACKGROUND: Bovine brucellosis is considered as an important disease among livestock and people in sub-Saharan African countries including Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2016 to May 2017 to estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors, and to assess knowledge-attitude and practices (KAP) of farm workers about bovine brucellosis in Addis Ababa dairy farms. RESULTS: A total of 1550 cattle from 127 dairy farms were serially tested using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbant Assay (c-ELISA) and Complement Fixation Test (CFT). Forty-three (2.77%) of the collected sera were positive by the RBPT and only one of these was positive by c-ELISA (0.06%) and none was positive by CFT. The knowledge of farm workers towards the disease was very low and risk factors associated with Brucella infection were apparent in the study area. CONCLUSION: Seropositivity for Brucella spp. was found in only a very small percentage by c-ELISA test, although risk factors for transmitting Brucella infection were present. The results suggest that bovine brucellosis is currently not a generalized problem in dairy cattle of Addis Ababa. Since this favorable disease situation is not the result of informed policy, there is no guarantee that it will continue unchanged. Setting clear policy in control of the disease and implementing "One Health" are the most constructive approaches recommended.

Serological response and protection level evaluation in chickens exposed to grains coated with I2 Newcastle disease virus for effective oral vaccination of village chickens.

BACKGROUND: Conventional Newcastle disease (ND) vaccination strategies in village chicken production settings is impractical due to shortage of cold-chain, unsuitability of vaccine administration routes and demanding trained personnel and hence affected its adoption. Results from earlier works elsewhere showed that the heat stable vaccines such as NDI2 are thought to be promising for village chickens. This study investigated the suitability and efficacy of Ethiopian cereal grains as carriers for the orally administrated NDI2 vaccine in chickens. RESULTS: Of the 15 treatment groups, drinking water, cracked maize and parboiled barley induced significantly higher HI antibody titer than the other carrier grains and naive control. The higher mean HI titer of chickens in drinking-water, cracked maize and parboiled barley group resulted in 100 % survival rate. In general, there was an inverse relationship between chicken mortality (%) and mean HI titer. Chickens with higher HI antibody titers had better survival rate to the challenge experiment. Booster vaccination at age of day 35 and 105 induced progressively higher HI antibodies titers in all treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: Vaccine coated parboiled grains could be a good carrier followed by cracked grains while untreated vaccine carrier grains had lower serological responses and protection levels. The current finding gives insights on suitable vaccine delivery system in villages with weak health and transportation infrastructure, unreliable electricity, and minimally trained health workers without catching chickens individually.

Seroprevalence of Brucellosis and Q-Fever in Southeast Ethiopian Pastoral Livestock.

To assess seroprevalences of Brucella and C. burnetii in pastoral livestock in southeast Ethiopia, a cross-sectional study was carried out in three livestock species (cattle, camels and goats). The study was conducted from July 2008 to August 2010, and eight pastoral associations (PAs) from the selected districts were included in the study. Sera from a total of 1830 animals, comprising 862 cattle, 458 camels and 510 goats were screened initially with Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) for Brucella. All RBPT positive and 25% of randomly selected negative sera were further tested by ELISA. These comprise a total of 460 animals (211 cattle, 102 camels and 147 goats). Out of sera from total of 1830 animals, 20% were randomly selected (180 cattle, 90 camels and 98 goats) and tested for C. burnetii using ELISA. The seroprevalences of Brucella was 1.4% (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.8-2.6), 0.9% (95% CI, 0.3-2.7)b and 9.6% (95% CI, 5.2-17.1) in cattle, camels and goats, respectively. Goats and older animals were at higher risk of infection (OR=7.3, 95% CI, 2.8-19.1) and (OR=1.7 95% CI, 0.9-2.9), respectively. Out of 98 RBPT negative camel sera, 12.0% were positive for ELISA. The seroprevalences of C. burnetii were 31.6% (95% CI, 24.7-39.5), 90.0% (95% CI, 81.8-94.7) and 54.2% (95% CI, 46.1-62.1) in cattle, camels and goats, respectively. We found positive animals for C. burnetii test in all tested PAs for all animal species. Being camel and older animal was a risk factor for infection (OR=19.0, 95% CI, 8.9-41.2) and (OR=3.6, 95% CI, 2.0-6.6), respectively. High seropositivity of C. burnetii in all livestock species tested and higher seropositive in goats for Brucella, implies risks of human infection by both diseases. Thus, merit necessity of further study of both diseases in animals and humans in the area.

Recent footrot outbreak in Debrezeit swine farm, central Ethiopia.

An outbreak of footrot has occurred in Debrezeit swine farm that is located 44 km south east of the capital. Among 24 pigs, 75% showed lameness, hot, painful and swollen feet, hemorrhagic bruising of the coronary band, heel erosion, sole ulcers and separation of skin from hoof on hind limbs. Bacteriological examination of the specimen from the affected limbs has shown the involvement of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Dichelobacter nodosus. The overt clinical lameness and inability to stand or mount can cause reduced reproductive performance. This preliminary finding thus warrants further epidemiological investigation.