Integrated value-chain and risk assessment of Pig-Related Zoonoses in Ghana.

Ayodele O Majekodunmi,Langbong Bimi,Henry Ofosu Addo,Husein Bagulo,Tara C Smith

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0224918

Abstract

The marked increase in the pig-trade in Ghana has raised concerns about increased transmission of related zoonotic diseases. A study on pig-related zoonoses along the pork value-chain was conducted in Greater Accra and Upper East Regions of Ghana. Results showed significant taenia (60%) and trichinella (8%) seroprevalence in pigs in Upper East with little evidence of transmission to humans. Sero-prevalence of HEV was high in both pigs (85%) and humans (37%). Sero-prevalence rates were significantly higher in Upper East than Greater Accra. Pig handlers in Accra had significantly higher sero-prevalence rates (58%) than other community members (18%) but there was no such association in the Upper East. Given the high rates of mortality, miscarriage and stillbirth associated with HEV in pregnancy, it is a cause for concern that 31% women of child-bearing age tested sero-positive for HEV.

Highlights

Global livestock production has increased steadily over the past three decades with associated increases in risk of zoonotic disease [1, 2]
Given the high rates of mortality, miscarriage and stillbirth associated with HEV in pregnancy, it is a cause for concern that 31% women of child-bearing age tested sero-positive for HEV
Given the high rates of mortality, miscarriage and stillbirth associated with HEV in pregnancy, it is a cause for concern that 31% women of child-bearing age tested sero-positive for HEV [23,24,25]

Summary

Introduction

Global livestock production has increased steadily over the past three decades with associated increases in risk of zoonotic disease [1, 2]. Pig production in Ghana has increased at a rate of 10.5% annually over the last 15 years, both in terms of intensive/commercial and extensive/free-ranging animals. There is concern that the rapid increase in smallholder pig production across Ghana may exacerbate the risk to human health of pig-associated zoonoses such as Taenia solium, Trichinella spiralis and hepatitis E virus. The transmission of these diseases is strongly linked to poor sanitation and health and safety practices in meat processing [5, 6]. Ghana has a poor sanitation record, with just 19% sanitation coverage and high open defaecation rates [7]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion