Epidemiological Overview of African Swine Fever in Uganda (2001-2012).

David Kalenzi Atuhaire,Mathias Afayoa,William Olaho-Mukani,Julius Boniface Okuni,Ann Nanteza,Sylvester Ochwo,Loyce Okedi,Rose Anna Ademun-Okurut,Ikwap Kokas,Frank Norbert Mwiine,Eugene Arinaitwe,Lonzy Ojok,Christosom Ayebazibwe

doi:10.1155/2013/949638

Abstract

African swine fever (ASF) is a contagious viral disease, which can cause up to 100% mortality among domestic pigs. In Uganda there is paucity of information on the epidemiology of the disease, hence a study was carried out to elucidate the patterns of ASF outbreaks. Spatial and temporal analyses were performed with data collected monthly by the district veterinary officers (DVOs) and sent to the central administration at MAAIF from 2001 to 2012. Additionally, risk factors and the associated characteristics related to the disease were assessed based on semistructured questionnaires sent to the DVOs. A total of 388 ASF outbreaks were reported in 59 districts. Of these outbreaks, 201 (51.8%) were reported in districts adjacent to the national parks while 80 (20.6%) were adjacent to international borders. The number of reported ASF outbreaks changed over time and by geographical regions; however, no outbreak was reported in the North-Eastern region. ASF was ranked as second most important disease of pigs, and it occurred mostly during the dry season (P = 0.01). Pig movements due to trade (OR 15.5, CI 4.9–49.1) and restocking (OR 6.6, CI 2.5–17.3) were the major risk factors. ASF control strategies should focus on limiting pig movements in Uganda.

Highlights

In sub-Saharan Africa, ASFV is maintained by longterm, inapparent infection of wildlife hosts such as bush pigs (Potamochoerus porcus) and warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus) which are infected via tick bites of the argasid tick vector (Ornithodoros complex) [5]
The aim of the study was to elucidate the patterns of African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks in Uganda based on the spatial and temporal retrospective data retrieved from monthly reports from district veterinary officers (DVOs) to the central administration at the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) for the years spanning 2001–2012 to give an insight in the epidemiology of the disease in Uganda
The national parks considered in this study included: Queen Elizabeth National Park (QENP), Lake Mburo National Park (LMNP), Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP), Kidepo Valley National Park (KVNP), Rwenzori Mountains National Park (RMNP), Kibale National Park (KINP), Mount Elgon National Park (MENP), Bwindi Impenetrable National Park (BINP), Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (MGNP), and Semuliki National Park (SNP)

Summary

Introduction

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly fatal disease of domestic pigs and can cause mortality of up to 100% of affected pigs [1]. The epidemiology of ASF is complex, transmission is direct and vector-borne, and the disease has well-recognized sylvatic and domestic cycles. Acute disease caused by the virus is characterized by high fever, hemorrhages in the reticuloendothelial system, and high morbidity and mortality rates with consequent economic losses [7]. The wild swine and soft ticks of the genus Ornithodoros act as a virus reservoir [5]. This large natural reservoir of virus poses a constant threat to domestic pig populations worldwide

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