Sequencing and Analysis of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus Whole Genomes Reveals a New Viral Subgroup in West and Central Africa.

Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) is a member of the capripoxvirus (CPPV) genus of the Poxviridae family. LSDV is a rapidly emerging, high-consequence pathogen of cattle, recently spreading from Africa and the Middle East into Europe and Asia. We have sequenced the whole genome of historical LSDV isolates from the Pirbright Institute virus archive, and field isolates from recent disease outbreaks in Sri Lanka, Mongolia, Nigeria and Ethiopia. These genome sequences were compared to published genomes and classified into different subgroups. Two subgroups contained vaccine or vaccine-like samples ("Neethling-like" clade 1.1 and "Kenya-like" subgroup, clade 1.2.2). One subgroup was associated with outbreaks of LSD in the Middle East/Europe (clade 1.2.1) and a previously unreported subgroup originated from cases of LSD in west and central Africa (clade 1.2.3). Isolates were also identified that contained a mix of genes from both wildtype and vaccine samples (vaccine-like recombinants, grouped in clade 2). Whole genome sequencing and analysis of LSDV strains isolated from different regions of Africa, Europe and Asia have provided new knowledge of the drivers of LSDV emergence, and will inform future disease control strategies.

Serological Investigation of Newcastle Disease in Selected Districts of Buno Bedelle Zone, Ethiopia.

PURPOSE: Newcastle disease causes considerable loss in the poultry industry worldwide and its outbreaks are regularly reported from all continents of the world, including Ethiopia. The investigation was conducted from October 2020 to June 2021 to determine the prevalence of Newcastle disease (ND) in districts selected from Buno Bedele zone, Western Oromia. METHODS: The study design used was a cross-sectional type. For this study, a total of 480 serum samples were collected as per sample collection guideline from randomly selected chickens that were apparently healthy and had no history of vaccination against Newcastle disease. Indirect ELISA was performed and all data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software. RESULTS: From serological investigation, overall seroprevalence of Newcastle disease was 30%. Seroprevalence of Newcastle disease was 34.94%, 22.22%, and 31.76% in Didessa, Chora, and Gachi districts, respectively. Among computed risk factors, breed showed statistically significant difference and the odds of infection were lower in adult than in young chickens. Similarly, the odds of infection with Newcastle disease virus were significantly higher in crossbred than in locally bred backyard chickens. CONCLUSION: This study revealed Newcastle disease was prevalent in the study areas; therefore, regular investigation of Newcastle disease should be conducted along with detailed studies on molecular characterization of circulating field strains in the area.

Species Composition and Burden of Small Intestinal Parasitic Helminth in Goats and Sheep Slaughtered at Bishoftu Elfora Export Abattoir (Ethiopia).

PURPOSE: Although helminthiasis have been recognized as health constraints of small ruminants, there was no study conducted to reveal their types and burden in goats and sheep slaughtered at Bishoftu, Ethiopia. Hence, this study is aimed to evaluate the current status of helminth parasites and estimate its burden in study animals. METHODS: The study was carried out from November 2016 to April 2017 to identify the species and also to estimate the burden of small intestinal parasitic helminth in goats and sheep using a standard worm recovery procedure. The study animals were 230 goats and sheep slaughtered at Bishoftu Elfora export abattoir during the study period. RESULTS: The study revealed that the overall infection rate was 83.5%. Among 105 samples taken from sheep, 87.6% were positive, whereas 100 (80%) of 125 examined samples from goats were positive for helminth parasites. There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between the species. However, age and animal origin considered as a risk factor indicated statistically significant differences (p<0.05). In sheep, the prevalence of Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Bunostomum trigonocephalum, and Moniezia expansa was 69 (46.9%), 34 (43.6%), and 51 (52.6%), respectively, while the prevalence of Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Bunostomum trigonocephalum, and Moniezia expansa in goats was 78 (53.1%), 44 (56.4%), and 46 (47.4%), respectively. CONCLUSION: This study revealed a high infection with parasitic helminths. Thus, effective control and prevention methods are necessary to minimize their effects on animals as well as the economy.