Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii and potential tick vectors infesting domestic ruminants and community perception of the disease in pastoral areas of south Omo zone, southern Ethiopia.

Background: Q fever is a worldwide occurring neglected zoonotic disease with great economic importance. The etiological agent, Coxiella burnetii, is a bacterium usually associated with subclinical infections in livestock, but may also cause reproductive pathology and spontaneous abortions in artiodactyl species including goats, sheep and cattle which are deemed to be the primary reservoirs of this disease. Aims: The present cross-sectional and questionnaire survey was undertaken in three districts of the South Omo zone with the aims to comprehend the community perception of livestock keepers and professionals about the disease, estimate the seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) in cattle and small ruminants and to determine the species of potential tick vectors of C. burnetii infesting cattle, sheep and goats. Methods: A standard questionnaire was used to assess the community perception of livestock keepers and animal health professionals in the area about Q fever. Sera samples were collected from 1350 ruminants comprising 450 cattle, 450 goats and 450 sheep to detect C. burnetii antibodies using the ELISA technique. Furthermore, a total of 279 cattle, 197 goats and 73 sheep were examined for the presence of ticks, and overall, 2720 ticks were collected (1299 from cattle, 1020 from goats and 401 from sheep) and identified to the species level using morphologically identification keys. Results: Findings of the study indicated that 43% of animal owners were aware of the main symptoms of the disease while the remaining 57% did not notice these symptoms in their animals. Additionally, majority of animal health professionals 76.2% in the area reported they were familiar with the causative agent of Q fever, while 23.8% expressed uncertainty regarding the cause of coxiellosis. An overall seroprevalence of C. burnetii of 37.6% in cattle (37.4% in female and 37.8% in male cattle) and 28.7% in small ruminants was recorded (which is significantly higher in goats than in sheep). The study indicated statistically significantly higher seroprevalence of C. burnetii (49.8%) in cattle infested with ticks than in those cattle free of ticks (24.2%), with three times higher seropositivity (OR = 2.97, p = 0.000) as compared to those cattle free of ticks (24.2%). Similarly, statistically significantly higher seroprevalence of C. burnetii was recorded in both sheep and goats infested with ticks (43.6%) as compared to those animals without ticks (22.9%), with the former being twice as likely to test seropositive (OR = 2.15, p = 0.000). A total of nine different tick species were identified, namely Amblyomma variegatum (Am. variegatum) with 26.3% (342; 217 males, 101 females and 24 nymphs), Amblyomma cohaerens (Am. cohaerens) with 47.96% (370 males, 253 females), Amblyomma gemma (Am. gemma) with 4.00% (52; 29 males, 23 female), Rhipicephalus pulchellus (Rh. pulchellus) with 10.6% (138; 87 males, 51 females), Rhipicephalus pravus (Rh. pravus) with 0.2% (3; 2 males, 1 females), Rhipicephalus evertsi (Rh. evertsi) with 4.7% (61; 39 males, 22 females), Rhipicephalus praetextatus (Rh. praetextatus) with 0.8% (10; 7 males, 3 females), Rhipicephalus decoloratus (Rh decoloratus) with 2.9% (38; 4 males, 34 females) and Hyalomma truncatum (Hy. truncatum) with 2.5% (32 females). Conclusion: The present study highlighted the significance of Q fever in ruminants and compiled information about the community perception of livestock keepers and veterinary professionals of the study areas. The role of ruminants and their ticks in the epidemiology of C. burnetii requires further research using molecular tools to better understand appropriate method of intervention that will help to reduce negative impacts on the productivities of livestock and the health of humans in Ethiopia.

Seroepidemiological study of bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 in the dairy cattle herds of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1(BoHV-1) causes respiratory disease, abortions, and genital disorders in cattle. Although BoHV-1 has been known to cause severe economic damage to the dairy industries, little is known about its epidemiology in dairy cattle of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence and the risk factors associated with the occurrence of BoHV-1. A total of 369 blood samples from 115 dairy herds were collected using a proportional stratified random sampling method and examined antibodies against BoHV-1 using ELISA test. A questionnaire survey was done to gather information related to farm demographics and reproductive disorders. Univariate and multivariate mixed-effect logistic regression analyses were used. The overall seroprevalence of BoHV-1 was detected in 21 % (95%CI: 17-25%) and 32 % (95%CI: 24-42 %) at animal and herd levels, respectively. A multivariable mixed effect logistic regression model revealed that adult cattle had 14 times (OR = 14.32; 95 % CI: 2.53-81.5; P = 0.003) more likely to increase the risk of being BoHV-1 seropositive than young cattle. Purchased cattle had 4 times (OR = 4.15; 95 % CI: 1.36-12.66, P = 0.012) more likely to increase the risk of being BoHV-1 seropositive than homebred cattle. The risk of being BoHV-1 seropositive was 195 times higher in herds using bulls (OR = 195.51; 95 % CI: 3.62-1056.51; P = 0.010) than in herds using artificial insemination only for breeding. BoHV-1 seropositivity was significantly associated with cows that had a history of abortion (OR = 6.89; 95 % CI: 1.97-22.76; P = 0.002), retained placenta (OR = 3.26; 95 % CI: 1.32-8.07; P = 0.010), and repeat breeding (OR = 3.64; 95 % CI: 1.08-12.18; P = 0.036). This study demonstrated the gaps in the selection of BoHV-1 free bulls for breeding as well as limited farm biosecurity practices. Thus, awareness creation for dairy farmers on good farm biosecurity practices including vaccination should be initiated.

Epidemiological study and dairy farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices on foot and mouth disease in central Ethiopia.

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is consistently ranked as the most economically significant viral disease and one of the top five livestock diseases in Ethiopia. Although FMD is endemic in Ethiopia, the epidemiology and the farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding FMD were poorly quantified. Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to April 2022 to estimate the seroprevalence, identify the FMD serotypes, and assess the farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices on FMD in Addis Ababa city and Sebeta special zone, central Ethiopia. A total of 384 serum samples were collected from cattle and tested using a 3ABC enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In this study, an overall 56% seroprevalence was recorded. Two types of FMD serotypes were detected in which serotype O was the dominant serotype (75.5%) followed by serotype A (45.5%). A significantly higher seroprevalence (P = 0.00) was recorded in Addis Ababa (85%) compared to Sebeta (28.7%). Seropositivity in older and semi-intensively managed cattle was 2.9 (95% CI: 1.36-6.50; P = 0.006) and 2.1 (95% CI: 1.34-3.26; P = 0.001) times higher compared to young and intensively managed cattle, respectively. A survey on knowledge, attitude, and practice of 103 farmers revealed that 90.2% knew of FMD and the majority of them can recognize its clinical pictures. However, 12.7% of farmers who knew FMD didn't practice any prevention methods. Additionally, 70% of the farmers responded that their cattle roamed outside of their farms for communal grazing, watering, breeding purposes, and vaccination which might put them more at risk of FMD. The current study demonstrated that the majority of farmers have gaps in biosecurity practices and vaccination of cattle against FMD. Therefore, educating farmers on FMD prevention measures is necessary for successful disease control programs.

Seroepidemiology of Neospora caninum in Cattle of Pastoral Production System in Teltelle District of Borana Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Background: Neosporosis is a major cause of abortion in smallholder dairy farms in Ethiopia. However, its status and impact in pastoral cattle production settings were uncovered. This study was performed with the aims of estimating the seroprevalence and associated potential risk factors for Neospora caninum in Boran cattle in Teltelle district of Borana zone, Ethiopia. Methods: 180 blood samples were collected from 48 randomly selected pastoral herds using a multistage sampling technique and subjected to an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test to detect antibodies specific to N. caninum. A questionnaire survey was also used to identify the potential risk factors of N. caninum in the study area. Evaluation of the associated risk factors was conducted using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: Antibodies against N. caninum exposure were detected in 5% of cattle (95% CI: 1.816-8.184) from 180 animals tested. Similarly, the seroprevalence of N. caninum in herds with at least one positive animal was 14.6% (95% CI: 4.598-24.567) from 48 herds examined. A multivariable logistic regression model identified the following as significant risk factors: a history of abortion (AOR = 23; 95% CI: 2.354-188.702; P = 0.006), dystocia (AOR = 11; 95% CI = 22.275-55.860; P = 0.003), wells water sources (AOR = 9; 95% CI: 1.599-47.568; P = 0.012), and dogs fed with raw animal products (AOR = 6; 95% CI: 11.213-27.222; P = 0.028). Conclusion: This study revealed the first serological evidence of N. caninum exposure in cattle reared under pastoral production system. Our findings suggest N. caninum is likely to be an important cause of abortion and dystocia in cattle in Ethiopia. Management practices, such as provision of hygienic water and restriction of dogs fed with raw animal products, are likely to reduce the risk of infection. Thus, maximizing community awareness about these disease management practices is suggested.

Molecular Identification of Equine Herpesvirus 1, 2, and 5 in Equids with Signs of Respiratory Disease in Central Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Equine herpesvirus (EHV) infections have major economic, health, and welfare impacts on equids. This study was performed in three selected zones of central Ethiopia with the objectives of detecting EHV-1, -2, and -5 in horses and donkeys with suggestive signs of respiratory tract disease and to assess epidemiological risk factors associated with infections. METHODS: A total of 58 nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected from donkeys and horses showing clinical signs of respiratory disease. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect EHV-1, -2, and -5. Evaluation of the associated risk factors was conducted using a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: Among the 58 equids tested, 36 (62%), 31 (53%), and 15 (25%) equids were positive for EHV-1, -2, and -5, respectively. Concurrent infections with EHV-1 and EHV-2 (31%), EHV-1 and EHV-5 (17%), EHV-2 and EHV-5 (15.5%), and EHV-1, -2, and -5 (13%) were recorded. EHV-1 was detected significantly in higher proportion in donkeys (76%; 95% CI: 1.066-2.251; P = 0.047) compared with horses (51.5%). In contrast, horses had fourteen times more likely to be positive for EHV-2 (OR: 13.66; 95% CI: 3.119-59.816; P = 0.001) compared to donkeys. Detection of EHV-1, -2, and -5 was no significant association with age, sex, and body condition score. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed the molecular evidence of EHV-1, -2, and -5 infection in donkeys and horses with signs of respiratory disease. It also documented that donkeys and horses have varying levels of susceptibility to EHVs. This species-specific in susceptibility difference to EHVs infections should be further elucidated.

Microbiological safety and hygienic quality of camel meat at abattoir and retail houses in Jigjiga city, Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: Camel meat is a relatively new, emerging meat type that may serve as sources of foodborne pathogens to the consumer. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the microbiological safety and quality of camel meat from an abattoir and retail houses in Jigjiga city, Ethiopia. A total of 140 camel carcass and retail meat samples (70 each) were examined for the presence and load of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157: H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter spp., aerobic bacteria, fecal coliforms (FCs), and yeast and molds (Y and Ms). Presumptive isolates were confirmed using biochemical tests. RESULTS: S. aureus and E. coli O157: H7 populations varied widely between carcasses at the abattoir and retail meat samples. S. aureus and E. coli O157:H7 were detected in 12.1 and 4.3% of the samples, respectively. E. coli O157:H7 counts were significantly higher in retail meat (4.21 ± 0.02) compared to the carcasses (3.99 ± 0.00) at the abattoir (P < 0.05). Out of 140 samples analyzed, 5% were positive for Campylobacter spp. The mean fecal coliforms, and yeast and molds counts were significantly higher in retail meat samples (6.17 ± 0.067 and 4.95 ± 0.067 log10 cfug-1, respectively). L. monocytogenes (11 cfug-1) were detected below the permissible limit (100 cfug-1). CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that the further the process progress, the greater the risk of contamination to the product. Therefore, good hygienic practices at the abattoir and retail houses and strict slaughtering process should be prompted to enhance the overall safety and quality of camel meat.

A Smartphone-Based Application Improves the Accuracy, Completeness, and Timeliness of Cattle Disease Reporting and Surveillance in Ethiopia.

Accurate disease reporting, ideally in near real time, is a prerequisite to detecting disease outbreaks and implementing appropriate measures for their control. This study compared the performance of the traditional paper-based approach to animal disease reporting in Ethiopia to one using an application running on smartphones. In the traditional approach, the total number of cases for each disease or syndrome was aggregated by animal species and reported to each administrative level at monthly intervals; while in the case of the smartphone application demographic information, a detailed list of presenting signs, in addition to the putative disease diagnosis were immediately available to all administrative levels via a Cloud-based server. While the smartphone-based approach resulted in much more timely reporting, there were delays due to limited connectivity; these ranged on average from 2 days (in well-connected areas) up to 13 days (in more rural locations). We outline the challenges that would likely be associated with any widespread rollout of a smartphone-based approach such as the one described in this study but demonstrate that in the long run the approach offers significant benefits in terms of timeliness of disease reporting, improved data integrity and greatly improved animal disease surveillance.

Genetic variability of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis isolates from humans, chickens, and pigs in Malaysia.

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) have been reported to be present in humans, chickens, and pigs in Malaysia. In the present study, representative samples of VRE isolated from these populations were examined for similarities and differences by using the multilocus sequence typing (MLST) method. Housekeeping genes of Enterococcus faecium (n = 14) and Enterococcus faecalis (n = 11) isolates were sequenced and analyzed using the MLST databases eBURST and goeBURST. We found five sequence types (STs) of E. faecium and six STs of E. faecalis existing in Malaysia. Enterococcus faecium isolates belonging to ST203, ST17, ST55, ST79, and ST29 were identified, and E. faecium ST203 was the most common among humans. The MLST profiles of E. faecium from humans in this study were similar to the globally reported nosocomial-related strain lineage belonging to clonal complex 17 (CC17). Isolates from chickens and pigs have few similarities to those from humans, except for one isolate from a chicken, which was identified as ST203. E. faecalis isolates were more diverse and were identified as ST4, ST6, ST87, ST108, ST274, and ST244, which were grouped as specific to the three hosts. E. faecalis, belonging to the high-risk CC2 and CC87, were detected among isolates from humans. In conclusion, even though one isolate from a chicken was found clonal to that of humans, the MLST analysis of E. faecium and E. faecalis supports the findings of others who suggest VRE to be predominantly host specific and that clinically important strains are found mainly among humans. The infrequent detection of a human VRE clone in a chicken may in fact suggest a reverse transmission of VRE from humans to animals.