Sero-prevalence, Risk Factor and Community Perception of Foot and Mouse Disease in Cattle under Extensive Management in Southern Tigray, Ethiopia

Abstract

To determine the sero-prevalence of foot and mouth disease in southern zone of Tigray, North Ethiopia, a cross-sectional examination of 340 sera samples were conducted from November 2015 up to May 2016. In addition, a structured questionnaire survey was done to know the perception and knowledge of the local community about the disease and 120 informants were interviewed. The overall sero-prevalence was 20.9% and there was no statistical significant difference (P>0.05) in prevalence of foot and mouth disease between sexes, agro-ecology, breed and vaccination history. However, a statistical significant difference (P< 0.05) was noticed between the age groups, different body conditions, farming systems, and history of contact with wild life. The logistic regression analysis indicated that all the factors which had an association with sero-positivity were found significant risk factors for the disease. The questionnaire survey indicated that 65% of the contacted informants described the disease consistent with the major clinical signs mentioned in literature. The study revealed that the virus is circulating in the area and requires further identification of the serotypes. Moreover, implementing control of foot and mouth disease with integrated approaches has paramount importance.