Serological detection of Newcastle disease virus in backyard poultry production system in Woliso District South West Shewa, Central Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Newcastle disease (ND) is one of the most important respiratory viral diseases. The disease is endemic in many parts of Ethiopia. However, there is no clear record about the introduction of the virus to the country (Ethiopia). Hence, detail about the ND is very important in its (ND) control and prevention. Despite these facts, there is no available research work done on ND in the current research area that would help either as references for researchers or that could help in the control and prevention of the disease. Therefore, the objective of this study was to detect the ND virus (NDV), using serological methods in from December 2018 to November 2019. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional type of study was conducted to detect the NDV. The convenience sampling method was used for sample data collection. Before data collection, chicken with previous history of vaccination against the NDV was excluded from the sampling animals. Then, a total of 348 blood samples of 2 mL were collected from the brachial vein in 3 mL disposable syringes. The serum was collected in labeled 2 mL cryovial tubes. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests were performed to detect antibodies against NDV and to determine its antibody titer. The test was performed using (ID.vet innovative version 2) procedure. RESULT: In the indirect ELISA test, 37.64% (131/348) were positive and antibody titer mean value of (1761.9088) was scored. The standard deviation of 2592.42160 and a percentage coefficient of variation of 147% was scored. CONCLUSION: From the finding, we conclude that indirect ELISA test detected the presence of the NDV in the study area and the heterogeneousity of antibody titer in the study area. Therefore, further molecular characterization and epidemiological investigation should be carried and vaccination of animals is critical in the study area.

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.

High seroprevalence of Leishmania infantum infection in dogs and its associated risk factors in selected towns of Southwest and West Shewa zones of Oromia, Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Leishmania infantum infection can result in serious vector-borne zoonotic disease such as visceral leishmaniasis. The objectives of the study were to estimate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors in Weliso, Ambo, and Ejaji towns in the Southwest and West Shewa zones, Oromia, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to September 2020. A total of 368 canines were sampled for the study using a basic random sampling procedure. An Indirect ELISA kit was used to test the presence of rK39 antigen eliciting specific antibodies in a serum sample. The association between L. infantum seropositivity and possible risk factors was assessed using Pearson's Chi-square and logistic regression tests. RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence of L. infantum in dogs was found to be 84.24% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 80%-88%) with seroprevalences ranging from 76.11% (95% CI: 67%-84%) in Ambo to 79.82% (95% CI: 71%-87%) in Weliso, and higher seroprevalence, in Ejaji 93.84% (95% CI: 89%-97%). In a univariable logistic regression analysis, town (p = 0.001), season (p = 0.001), mixed living (indoor/outdoor) environment (p = 0.003), and kebele (p ≤ 0.05) were all found to be significantly linked with L. infantum seropositivity. In the multivariable analysis, wet season (p = 0.001) and mixed living environments (p = 0.025) were found to be independent predictors of L. infantum seropositivity. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first comprehensive report of L. infantum infection in Ethiopian dogs. The very high seroprevalence suggests that dogs may play an important role in maintaining and spreading the infection to humans. Improvement of the living environment and health care facilities for dogs and humans as well health education for people awareness is suggested.