ILRI animal and human health program outputs (2017–2024)
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Item Epidemiology of peste des petits ruminants in Uganda(Thesis, 2024) Nkamwesiga, JosephPeste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a viral disease that affects domestic small ruminants (goats and sheep) and some wild small ruminants. By 2015, more than 70 countries in Africa and Asia were confirmed as affected although the threat to Europe through Turkey and Bulgaria was quickly neutralised. In Uganda, PPR was first reported in 2007 the Karamoja subregion of northeastern Uganda in 2007, a region comprised of 9 different districts. PPR persisted in this region. Upon eradication of Rinderpest in 2011, PPR was identified as the next target for eradication because of how closely related their aetiologies and epidemiological situations were. Indeed, in 2016, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) launched a four-stage global PPR control and eradication (PPR-GCEP) by 2030. The control plan was set up to leverage on the momentum gained from PPR control activities to tackle other small ruminant diseases identified by small ruminant keepers through joint activities such as concurrent vaccination against multiple diseases. The PPR-GCEP demands that every PPR affected country complies with the program and implements respective activities to warrant progression from one stage to another until PPR is eradicated following a self-administered PPR Monitoring and Assessment Tool (PMAT). After all steps are achieved, countries will apply for declaration of freedom from disease and continue with activities aimed at maintenance of disease-free status. This thesis was designed to update the PPR epidemiological situation in Uganda, by generating data to fit into PPR-GCEP stage 1 (assessment stage) as well as identify areas for targeting of interventions – which is the cornerstone for the PPR-GCEP stage III (control stage), activities that directly contribute the PPR-GCEP. To achieve the set objectives, this study employed a range of advanced epidemiology, and social network analysis techniques to analyse archived PPR outbreak data and small ruminants movement data respectively. Additionally, the study employed molecular biology and molecular epidemiology techniques to identify the circulating PPR virus and other relevant coinfections in all cases of PPR-like disease reported in Uganda during the study period (202-2022). Despite the disease persistence in this region for over a decade before it spread to other districts of Uganda, this study identified that the Karamoja subregion was now a diminishing hotspot whereas two new foci of transmission had come up in the central and southwestern regions of Uganda. Concentration of control interventions by government of Uganda and development partners in the Karamoja subregion coupled with rampant shipment of animals between districts from the northern, central, and western regions could have resulted in this shift in the disease focus. However, the districts in the pastoral production system (where the Karamoja subregion falls), had the highest levels of exposure to PPRV as compared to agropastoral and mixed cop-livestock production systems because of the stark difference in the small ruminant management practices amongst these systems. Small ruminants in the pastoral production system are allowed to roam freely on a large expanse of land whereas the those in the other systems are somewhat restricted in movement by fenced farms and or tethering by ropes which greatly protects limits their chances of contact with other flocks with potentially infected animals. This study confirmed PPRV, CCPP, ORFV and GTPV coinfection among animals from 15 different reports of PPR-like disease that were investigated in this study. This observation further complicates field clinical diagnosis of PPR especially in countries without extensive laboratory diagnostics capacity such as Uganda. In conclusion, there is need to incorporate the detected coinfections in the panel of molecular diagnostics in Uganda to be able to achieve the target of effective PPR control of PPR and other small ruminant diseases. Furthermore, this study reports for the first-time coinfection of other important small ruminant diseases together with PPRV, an observation we believe will improve preparedness for proper disease management options such as chemotherapeutic treatment and vaccination to simultaneously target different disease pathogens. Animal movement control especially at international borders needs to be strengthened to reduce the likelihood of importing or exporting PPR infected small ruminants. Findings of this study provide a basis for more robust timing and prioritization of control interventions such as vaccination to contribute to the global goal of control and eradication by 2030. For instance, these findings can be used to test a risk based PPR vaccination program by prioritising vaccination of small ruminants in PPR Up Trend districts. The districts that were identified as influential in the small ruminant networks can be good starting points to correctly institute animal disease control measures especially quarantine, vaccination and enhanced biosecurity. Such influential districts have previously been linked with the likelihood of driving the spread of infectious diseases in a very short time because of how quickly animals from them can potentially reach many districts in the country. The districts such as Kaberamaido, Lira, Nabilatuk that demonstrated high levels of connectivity especially by the different centrality measures should be prioritized for surveillance and control activities to increase the impact and effectiveness of such activities. Districts such as Kampala, Mukono, Wakiso and Lira with high degree centrality and betweenness would increase the accuracy and sensitivity of active surveillance efforts other than blindly implementing such activities. This would in turn improve timely detection of disease outbreaks and reduce the spatial extent and impact thus improving the profitability of small ruminant production venture. Prioritization of interventions in terms of both space and time and for example districts with uptrend, drought-prone and those with high density of small ruminants and the time of the year when the amount of rainfall is low. Targeting PPR control interventions (vaccination and livestock movement control) to and from pastoral and agro-pastoral small ruminant production systems that are prone to PPR incursions is recommended to prevent PPRV spread to low-risk smallholder small ruminant production systems.Item CGIAR One Health Initiative to address food system transformation in low- and middle-income countries(Presentation, 2024-09-23) Hung Nguyen-Viet; Lam, Steven; Hoffmann, VivianItem Simulating the spread of peste des petits ruminants in Kazakhstan using the North American animal disease spread model(Journal Article, 2023-03-28) Yessenbayev, K.; Mukhanbetkaliyev, Y.; Yessembekova, G.; Kadyrov, A.; Sultanov, A.; Bainiyazov, A.; Bakishev, T.; Nkamwesiga, Joseph; Korennoy, F.; Abdrakhmanov, S.In this study, we simulated the potential spread of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) between small ruminant (SR) farms in the Republic of Kazakhstan (RK) in case of the disease’s introduction into the country. The simulation was based on actual data on the location and population of SR farms in the RK using the North American Animal Disease Spread Model (NAADSM). The NAADSM employs the stochastic simulations of the between-farm disease spread predicated on the SIR compartmental epidemic model. The most important epidemiological indicators of PPR, demography of SR farms, and livestock management characteristics in the RK were used for model parameterization. This article considers several scenarios for the initial introduction of PPR into the territory of Kazakhstan, based on previously identified high-risk regions and varying sizes of initially infected farms. It is demonstrated that the duration and size of the outbreak do not depend on the size of initially infected farms but rather depend on the livestock concentration and number of farms in the affected area. This implies that the outbreak may affect the largest number of farms in the case of introduction of the disease into farms in southern Kazakhstan. However, even in the most unfavorable scenario, the total number of affected farms does not exceed 2.4% of all SR farms in the RK. The size of the affected area is, in most cases, no larger than an averaged 2-level administrative division’s size, which suggests the scale of a local epidemic. The chosen model provides ample opportunity to study the impact of different control and prevention measures on the spread of PPR as well as to assess the potential economic damage.Item Mycotoxins in Kenyan dairy cattle feed: Occurrence and mitigation using bentonite and fumonisin esterase additives(Thesis, 2023-05-09) Kemboi, D.C.The dairy industry plays an integral role in the economy of most sub-Saharan African countries. Over the years the demand of milk and dairy products has increased leading to movement from pastoralism to intensive and semi-intensive systems. These intensive and semi-intensive systems rely on concentrates as a way of improving productivity. However, these concentrates have been shown to contain mycotoxins which are secondary toxic metabolites of fungi that affect animal health and productivity, as well as food safety.Item Perceived drivers of the Ebola virus disease outbreak in Mubende and Kassanda districts, Uganda: a qualitative study(Journal Article, 2024-12-10) Ninsiima, L.R.; Mor, Siobhan M.; Romano, J.S.; Namakula, L.N.; Kankya, C.; Kungu, J.; Mugisha, L.; Klein, J.; Nyakarahuka, L.Introduction: During the most recent Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda, a cluster of community deaths with epidemiological linkages to the first reported case were identified to have occurred in Mubende, Kassanda and Kampala districts in September 2022. This study aimed to explore perceived drivers of EVD outbreak among affected communities in Mubende and Kassanda districts, Uganda. Methods: We conducted a descriptive qualitative and participatory epidemiology study using focus group discussions (n=4), in-depth interviews (n=12), key informant interviews (n=12) and participatory landscape mapping. The subcounties of Madudu (Mubende district) and Kikandwa (Kassanda district) were purposively selected within each district because Ebola cases were known to have occurred within these areas. The community expressed their own understanding and perceptions of the drivers of Ebola virus outbreak within these subcounties. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic content analysis in Nvivo V.12 software. Data were analysed using both inductive and deductive approaches, where codes, subthemes and themes in the data were merged with global themes. The results were interpreted in the context of the broader literature on the topic using the social-ecological model and the epidemiological triad using the specific experiences and insights of the study participants. Participant responses were categorised in terms of their themes. Results: A total of five themes were identified which described the perceived drivers of Ebola virus outbreaks. These included (1) individual: knowledge about EVD (source of the disease and fear due to death of some suspected cases); (2) interpersonal: perceived sources of Ebola virus spillover (ecological, anthropogenic, environmental and cultural); (3) community: impact of EVD to the community (economic loss and survivors lack of support from the government); (4) organisational: health system challenges in outbreaks (delayed laboratory results, poor recording and reporting systems in the facilities and poor surveillance); and (5) policy: recommendations (use of One Health approach and continuous sensitisation). Conclusions: This study underscores the complex interplay of factors shaping the dynamics of EVD. Understanding Ebola requires not only scientific knowledge but also an appreciation of sociocultural contexts and systemic vulnerabilities within health systems. We therefore recommend comprehensive approaches which integrate scientific expertise with community participation, strengthen health systems and foster collaboration across sectors to mitigate the impact of future outbreaks to address these challenges effectively. Additionally, raising awareness, sensitising the public and safeguarding natural habitats are crucial steps to mitigate the risk of future disease outbreaks.Item Restoration of Livestock Services in Conflict and Drought Affected Areas of Ethiopia (RESTORE) 2024–2028(Brief, 2024-11-30) International Livestock Research InstituteItem Reducing the emergence and spread of waterborne antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Ethiopia from a One Health perspective(Report, 2024-12-30) Graham, D. W.; Mateo-Sagasta, Javier; Haile, Alemseged Tamiru; Moodley, A.; Goshu, G.; Kibret, M.Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing global health problem with serious impacts in Ethiopia. Environmental waters play a key role in the transmission and spread, and potentially in the development of resistance. The elevated presence of AMR and antimicrobials in Ethiopian water systems arises from inadequate waste management coupled with poorly regulated antimicrobial use (AMU) in the human, animal and agricultural sectors. The continued and inconsistent use of antimicrobials by healthcare providers and community-scale drug consumption drives AMR development in the gut of users, which spreads via wastes and water in Ethiopia. However, the massive use and misuse of antimicrobials is also common among animal health care providers, including unskilled and animal husbandry practitioners, which also results in waste releases and the environmental transmission and spread of AMR. Surveillance should prioritize monitoring AMU and AMR, with a specific focus on water as a key conduit for AMR spread and a critical point for detection and control. However, monitoring studies must quantify the relative exposures from different AMR sources in parallel with health studies, i.e., One Health studies that provide integrated data that promote greater recognition and action of water environment in National Action Plans, which is currently not adequately supported in Ethiopia. Only through integrated studies across all sectors will develop solutions to locally and globally increasing AMR. Strategies to mitigate AMR must involve: Encouraging prudent antimicrobial use and stewardship in humans and animal; Reducing inadequately treated fecal wastes to the environment: Strengthening standardized and integrated AMR surveillance and modelling; Championing water and One Health in National Action Plans for reducing AMR; Promoting sustainable “best buy” technologies and practices for water pollution control and health risk mitigation; Increasing training, education, and awareness; and Improving policy and institutional capacities to create an enabling environment for the effective implementation of all previous recommendations.Item The one-humped wonder: Ethiopia’s camels in focus(News Item, 2024-06-25) Megersa, B.; Amenu, Kebede; Knight-Jones, Theodore J.D.; Jemberu, Wudu T.As the United Nations marks 2024 as the International Year of Camelids, we explore some key facts about Ethiopia’s camels, and their crucial but underappreciated role in supporting livelihoods and food security in the face of climate change.Item Accelerated development of genotype IX African swine fever virus vaccine candidates using rapid CRISPR/Cas9 editing(Poster, 2024-11-29) Abkallo, Hussein M.Item Resistance to East Coast fever—An alternative to vaccination(Poster, 2024-11-29) Svitek, NicholasItem Novel CRISPR-Cas-powered pen-side test for East Coast fever(Poster, 2024-11-29) Muriuki, Robert; Ndichu, M.; Githigia, S.M.; Svitek, NicholasItem Do African swine fever (ASF) vaccines designed for the European and Asian markets work for Africa?(Poster, 2024-11-29) Lacasta, Anna; Ojuok, Rose; Mutisya, Christine; Machuka, Eunice M.Item African swine fever virus challenge models to test vaccine efficacy(Poster, 2024-11-29) Hemmink, Johanneke D. ; Mushtaq, Salima; Ojuok, Rose; Mutisya, Christine; Tollersrud, T.; Lacasta, AnnaItem Enhancing disease surveillance through data digitization in meat inspection(Report, 2024-07-23) Kimani, Daniel; Chemutai, Abigael; Cook, Elizabeth A.J.Item Report on food safety intervention and supervision at pig slaughterhouses in Dien Bien Province(Report, 2024-12-30) Nguyen Van Cuong; Nguyen Thi Thu Hang; Dang Xuan Sinh; Unger, FredItem Supporting One Health coordination toward safer food: insights from technical working groups in Vietnam and Ethiopia(Presentation, 2024-07-29) Lam, Steven; Sinh Dang-Xuan; Bekele, Meseret; Amenu, Kebede; Alonso, Silvia; Unger, Fred; Hung Nguyen-VietItem Food Safety Technical Working Group 2024 and recommendations(Presentation, 2024-12-10) Unger, FredItem Support to animal food safety improvement: Lessons learnt from 2024 activities and tentative plan for 2025(Presentation, 2024-11-21) Sinh Dang-Xuan; Unger, FredItem Nâng cao kiến thức và thực hành an toàn thực phẩm đối với các sản phẩm nông nghiệp sinh thái(Presentation, 2024-10-26) Sinh Dang-XuanItem Implementation of food safety assessments, interventions and communication for improved awareness and practice on food safety in Son La province(Report, 2024-09-01) Nguyen Ngoc Toan; Dang Xuan Sinh; Unger, Fred