Bovine Pleuropneumonia Research Articles

A Survey of Priority Livestock Diseases and Laboratory Diagnostic Needs of Animal Health Professionals and Farmers in Uganda

Background: Despite the investments made in veterinary diagnostic laboratory service delivery in Uganda, the scope and level of utilization remains low. This study aimed to determine the priority livestock diseases for which farmers and animal health professionals require veterinary diagnostic laboratory services, document the perceptions and opinions of key stakeholders on veterinary diagnostic laboratory services, and determine the factors that influence the delivery and utilization of animal disease diagnostic services in Uganda.Methods: A qualitative study approach involving a survey and key informant interviews was used to collect relevant data from four stakeholder groups: animal health workers, laboratory technologists and technicians, farmers, and key informants. The survey data were exported to excel, and descriptive statistics performed. The key informant interview recordings were transcribed, and thematic analysis performed.Results: The most reported diseases and conditions for which diagnostic services were needed were hemoparasites (including East Coast fever, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and trypanosomosis), viral (including Foot and mouth disease, lumpy skin disease, rift valley fever, and papillomatosis), bacteria (including brucellosis, colibacillosis, anthrax, leptospirosis, and paratuberculosis) and protozoa diseases (coccidiosis), endoparasites (helminths), and mastitis. The most common diagnostic laboratory tests requested by clients, but laboratories were unable to provide included: rapid tests for contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, Foot and mouth disease, Newcastle disease, acaricide analysis, culture and antimicrobial sensitivity test, serology, and complete blood count. The most frequently reported challenges to providing diagnostic laboratory services were poor or lack of relevant equipment, insufficient or lack of supplies and reagents, high cost of reagents, inadequate or lack of laboratory staff to perform tests, and inadequate training of laboratory staff.Conclusions: This study highlighted the need to improve provision of laboratory diagnostic services to meet the prioritized diagnostic needs of farmers and animal health professionals. Increased intersectoral engagement and funding support from the private, industry, and government sectors is necessary to help address the observed challenges to provision of diagnostic laboratory services, including equipping of the laboratories, provision of supplies, and hiring and training of laboratory staff. Finally, the findings also suggest that the education of farmers and animal health workers on the value and benefits of laboratory diagnostic services may contribute to increase in sample submission and subsequent demand for diagnostic laboratory services.

Identification and Ranking of Ruminants Disease of Economic Importance in Plateau State, Nigeria

The economic burden of livestock diseases and inadequate veterinary services across the length and breadth of Nigeria reiterates the importance of sustained animal disease surveillance for sustainable prevention and control of diseases. This study was conducted with a view to identify and rank diseases of ruminants that are of economic importance in Plateau State. Basic descriptive analysis was performed, and the result expressed in frequencies and percentages. The result revealed that Foot and mouth disease 25.2% is the most predominant disease that affects cattle in the state. While Peste des petits ruminants 41.54% and tick infestation 34.3% are the diseases that mostly affect sheep and goats, respectively. This study also established that Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia 33.6% and Peste des petits ruminants 43.2% are the major diseases responsible for mortality in cattle and small ruminants, respectively. Most importantly, this study also revealed the practice of self-administration of medications by pastorals in the treatment of their sick animals, as such the need to enlighten farmers on the importance of correct diagnosis, cost-effective treatment regimen and consultation with professionals in the livestock healthcare delivery value chain were discussed..

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia: Seroprevalence and its associated risk factors in selected districts of Afar region, Ethiopia.

BackgroundIn pastoral and lowland areas of the country particularly in Afar region, studies suggested higher prevalence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) than mid and highland agro‐ecologies. Though CBPP is a prime constraint to cattle productivity in the region, research outputs pertaining to CBPP are unavailable compared to highland areas. Thus, the objectives of the current study were to determine seroprevalence of CBPP and assess risk factors in selected districts of Afar region.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted on cattle aged 6 months and above from February 2018 to January 2019 in selected districts of the region. A total of 420 blood samples were collected and sera were separated for further serologic analysis. Using competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (c‐ELISA), antibodies against Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides small colony (MmmSc) were detected at National Veterinary Institute, Ethiopia. Data were analysed using Stata version 14.0.ResultOf 420 samples tested by c‐ELISA, 158 samples were found to be positive for CBPP providing an overall seroprevalence of 37.6%. Among the three risk factors considered (age, sex and district) assessed, only two (age and district) were found to be associated significantly with the disease (p < 0.05) at 95% CI and p‐value less than 5% applying logistic regression.ConclusionThe study has revealed a higher prevalence of CBPP over the study areas urging a coordinated act to be set in place.

Seroprevalence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in three selected south-eastern states of Nigeria

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia is a trans-boundary animal disease caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides. This study was designed to determine the seroprevalence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in three selected south eastern states (Anambra, Enugu and Imo) of Nigeria using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA). A total of 438 bovine sera samples were collected randomly for four months (December 2019 to March 2020) and screened for antibodies to Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm) using IDEXX CBPP antibody ELISA kit (CIRAD, France). Results showed an overall prevalence of 59.4% for the three states screened. Antibodies to Mmm were detected in all the three states. Enugu state had the highest prevalence (64.3%) followed by Imo state (63%) and Anambra state (50.7%). Female animals had higher prevalence of CBPP than male. However, it was not statistically significant (P&gt; 0.05). This study confirms the presence of CBPP in south eastern Nigeria, and could be used as a base line data for future studies in this region. It is recommended that active surveillance and vaccination protocol should be undertaken in the region for the control and prevention of this disease.&#x0D; Keywords: c-ELISA, Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, Mycoplasma , Nigeria, Seroprevalence

Recent Developments in Vaccines for Bovine Mycoplasmoses Caused by Mycoplasma bovis and Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides.

Two of the most important diseases of cattle are caused by mycoplasmas. Mycoplasma bovis is a world-wide bovine pathogen that can cause pneumonia, mastitis and arthritis. It has now spread to most, if not all, cattle-rearing countries. Due to its increasing resistance to antimicrobial therapy, vaccination is the principal focus of the control of infection, but effective vaccines are currently lacking. Despite being eradicated from most parts of the world, Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides, the cause of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), continues to plague sub-Saharan Africa, affecting at least 25 countries. Numerous new experimental vaccines have been developed over the last 20 years to improve on protection afforded by the T1/44, a live vaccine in continuous use in Africa for over 60 years, but none so far have succeeded; indeed, many have exacerbated the disease. Tools for diagnosis and control are adequate for eradication but what is necessary are resources to improve vaccine coverage to levels last seen in the 1970s, when CBPP was restricted to a few countries in Africa. This paper summarizes the results of the main studies in the field of experimental mycoplasma vaccines, reviews data on commercially available bacterin vaccines and addresses issues relating to the search for new candidates for effective vaccines to reduce economic losses in the cattle industry caused by these two mycoplasmas.

Present Situation of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia in Central African Republic

RésuméMatériel et méthodesLa situation de la péripneumonie contagieuse bovine en République centrafricaine (RCA) a été analysée par une enquête sérologique sur 776 sérums, à l'aide de la technique cELISA. La prévalence de la maladie a été estimée à 12,5% quelle que soit la région.RésultatsUne différence significative a été observée entre les zébus et la race taurine, probablement associée au mode d'élevage, favorisant plus ou moins les contacts. La présence de la maladie dans les trois régions d'élevage a également été confirmée par l'isolement de souches de Mycoplasma mycoides mycoides lors de foyers de 2019. Ces souches sont toujours sensibles aux tétracyclines. Les trois souches dont le génome a été séquencé étaient strictement identiques. Replacés dans un arbre phylogénétique, ces génomes sont proches de ceux des souches isolées précédemment en RCA, ce qui montre que la maladie y est enzootique.ConclusionL'amélioration de la situation ne pourra venir que d'une modification des stratégies de lutte et d'un retour au calme sur le terrain afin de pouvoir les appliquer.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia in Selected Districts of North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia.

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is an infectious and highly contagious respiratory disease of cattle and water buffalo, which is caused by the Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides small colony. It induces significant economic losses and leads to a serious food security problem, negatively influencing peoples' livelihoods in affected countries. The disease has been reported in different parts of Ethiopia with prevalence ranging from 1.78 to 96%. However, there is not enough epidemiological information about CBPP in the northwestern part of the country, particularly in North Gondar Administrative Zone. This cross-sectional study, therefore, was conducted in four selected districts (Metema, Alefa, Quara, and Dembia) of North Gondar Administrative Zone to detect the incursion and estimate the seroprevalence of CBPP and to identify the potential predisposing factors associated with the spread and occurrence of CBPP in the area. A total of 751 serum samples were collected from 41 herds (villages) having no history of CBPP vaccination. Information like age, sex, breed, herd size, and management were collected during blood sample collection. Data related to agro-climatic zone, trade trekking route from or through CBPP endemic/epidemic zone, transhumance grazing route, vehicle route, and bordering with CBPP epidemic/endemic zone were obtained from district agricultural offices. The serum was screened for CBPP using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) test. The animal level and herd level apparent seroprevalences were 12.92% (95% CI: 10.70–15.52) and 65.85% (95% CI: 49.57–79.10), respectively. The true animal level and herd level prevalences were estimated at 20.13% (95% CI: 16.64–24.21) and 65.22% (95% CI: 48.64–78.72%), respectively. At the animal level, trekking route from or through CBPP endemic/epidemic zone to the study area [OR = 4.77 (95% CI: 1.92–11.84) compared to without trekking route] was identified as the most important risk factor for CBPP spread and seropositivity. In general, epidemiological evidence of the present study indicates that CBPP is a prevalent disease, and animal trekking is an important risk factor for spread of the disease in the study area. This needs due attention from the government and other concerned bodies for its prevention and control to mitigate its economic impact.

A novel MLSA allelic profile ‘A15’ of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp mycoides in Niger

ABSTRACT Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm) is the aetiological agent of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP). The aim of the present study was to identify the profiles of the Mmm strains isolated in Niger using the ‘Multilocus Sequence Analysis’ (MLSA) typing technique based on polymorphism analysis of housekeeping and non‐coding genes. The investigation was conducted on samples (n=22) comprising of lung tissues, lymph node and pleural fluids. Following classical PCR, Mmm positive amplicons (n=6) were identified. These positive amplicons were then amplified using eight loci of the PG1 reference strain (LocPG1‐0001, Loc‐PG1‐0103, Loc‐PG1‐0287, Loc‐PG1‐0431, Loc‐PG1‐0489, Loc‐PG1‐0523, Loc‐PG1‐0710 and Loc‐PG1‐0827). Sequencing followed by the determination of the profile of each strain by the combination of the allele numbers revealed three different MLSA profiles namely; A11, E01 and A15. The profiles A11 and E01 were previously identified. The novel profile identified in this study was named profile A15. The difference was detected while comparing sequences of non‐coding loci. This novel profile was named ‘A15’ according to the similarities with African reference strain profile ‘A00’ at the seven loci level (loc‐0103, loc‐0287, loc‐0431, loc‐0489, loc‐0523, loc‐0710 and loc‐0827). For CBPP control measures, identification and molecular characterization of Mmm strains is very important. Thus, the use of MLSA technique is relevant to identify profiles of Mmm circulating in Niger. Other countries where CBPP is still endemic are encouraged to use a MLSA scheme to address this issue and, most importantly, to rapidly trace back the origin of outbreaks, which will help reduce the transmission and spread of the disease. In addition, mapping the profiles of strains circulating in each of the countries of the sub‐region is necessary for effective control of CBPP.

Prioritizing smallholder animal health needs in East Africa, West Africa, and South Asia using three approaches: Literature review, expert workshops, and practitioner surveys

Managing the health needs of livestock contributes to reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of smallholder and pastoralist livestock keepers globally. Animal health practitioners, producers, policymakers, and researchers all must prioritize how to mobilize limited resources. This study employed three approaches to prioritize animal health needs in East and West Africa and South Asia to identify diseases and syndromes that impact livestock keepers. The approaches were a) systematic literature review, b) a series of expert workshops, and c) a practitioner survey of veterinarians and para-veterinary professionals. The top constraints that emerged from all three approaches include endo/ ectoparasites, foot and mouth disease, brucellosis, peste des petits ruminants, Newcastle disease, and avian influenza. Expert workshops additionally identified contagious caprine pleuropneumonia, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, mastitis, and reproductive disorders as constraints not emphasized in the literature review. Practitioner survey results additionally identified nutrition as a constraint for smallholder dairy and pastoralist small ruminant production. Experts attending the workshops agreed most constraints can be managed using existing veterinary technologies and best husbandry practices, which supports a shift away from focusing on individual diseases and new technologies towards addressing systemic challenges that limit access to veterinary services and inputs. Few research studies focused on incidence/ prevalence of disease and impact, suggesting better incorporation of socio-economic impact measures in future research would better represent the interests of livestock keepers.

MODELLING THE TRANSMISSION DYNAMICS OF CONTAGIOUS BOVINE PLEUROPNEUMONIA IN THE PRESENCE OF ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENT WITH LIMITED MEDICAL SUPPLY

We present and analyze a mathematical model of the transmission dynamics of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in the presence of antibiotic treatment with limited medical supply. We use a saturated treatment function to model the effect of delayed treatment. We prove that there exist one disease free equilibrium and at most two endemic equilibrium solutions. A backward bifurcation occurs for small values of delay constant such that two endemic equilibriums exist if Rt (R*t,1); where, Rt is the treatment reproduction number and R*t is a threshold such that the disease dies out if and persists in the population if Rt &gt; R*t. However, when a backward bifurcation occurs, a disease free system may easily be shifted to an epidemic. The bifurcation turns forward when the delay constant increases; thus, the disease free equilibrium becomes globally asymptotically stable if Rt &lt; 1, and there exist unique and globally asymptotically stable endemic equilibrium if Rt &gt; 1. However, the amount of maximal medical resource required to control the disease increases as the value of the delay constant increases. Thus, antibiotic treatment with limited medical supply setting would not successfully control CBPP unless we avoid any delayed treatment, improve the efficacy and availability of medical resources or it is given along with vaccination.

Field survey of major infectious and reproductive diseases responsible for mortality and productivity losses of ruminants amongst Nigerian Fulani pastoralists

Background: Animal disease constitutes a major hurdle to improved livelihoods in rural Nigeria through the challenges of loss of productivity, livestock morbidity and mortality including reproductive losses. In order to design and implement impactful interventions, baseline data on the causes of such losses are needed. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to carry out targeted field surveys, including interviews with ruminant farmers, veterinary professionals and other stakeholders in livestock farming to establish the main causes of disease and mortality including abortions in cattle and small ruminants (SR). Methods: Northern Nigeria was selected because the majority of the nation’s ruminants belong to pastoralists who are primarily resident in this region. Seven states; Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Sokoto and Zamfara states were surveyed. The responses were collated and a comprehensive descriptive analysis was carried out. Results: Average cattle herd sizes ranged from 28 in Zamfara to 103 in Nasarawa; and from 27 in Kano to 128 in Sokoto for SR. In cattle, Trypanosomosis (with 4.27% mortality rate), foot and mouth disease (3.81%), nutritional insufficiency (1.93%) and contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP; 1.44%) were the top four diseases/health problems that resulted in the highest mortality due to diseases within each state surveyed. For SR, trypanosomosis (with 6.85% mortality rate), Peste des Petits Ruminants (4.99%), orf (3.06%), foot rot (2.97%) and foot and mouth disease (2.94%) were the most important diseases responsible for the highest number of mortalities and culling for disease. Conclusions: The study revealed that there are significant losses via mortalities due to the occurrence of disease amongst the ruminant populations countrywide, as evidenced by the high overall mortality rates of both cattle (15.3%) and small ruminants (30.9%) from various diseases. Also, reproductive losses of 8.7% and 16.6% in cattle and SR, respectively, were recorded amongst the farmers involved.

Isolation and Identification of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides in Cattle from South-East Nigeria.

Background Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides is the causative organism of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP). It is a trans-boundary disease and an endemic in Nigeria having caused serious financial loss for the country's economy. Aim This study was undertaken to isolate and confirm the presence of M. mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm) in cattle, from three selected South-Eastern states of Nigeria. Method A total of 90 bovine samples (25 pleural fluids and 65 lung tissues) suggestive of CBPP were collected from different abattoirs in the three selected South-eastern states of Nigeria (Anambra, Enugu, and Imo), for the isolation of Mmm by employing cultural method, whereas for confirmation polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach was used. The collected samples were cultured on Pleuropneumonia like organism (PPLO) agar according to specific protocols. Results Twenty five of the samples (lungs and pleural fluid) were positive for Mmm on PPLO agar giving an isolation rate of 27.7%. Only 21 of the isolates were further confirmed using PCR. The PCR amplification of the isolates produced a product of 1.1 kbp which is specific for Mmm. No positive isolates were recovered from Imo state. Conclusion This study confirms the presence of Mmm as the causative organism of CBPP in Southeast Nigeria. It is recommended that active surveillance and vaccination protocol should be undertaken in the region for the control and prevention of this disease.

Isolation and identification of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides in cattle from south-east Nigeria.

Background:Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides is the causative organism of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP). It is a trans-boundary disease and an endemic in Nigeria having caused serious financial loss for the country’s economy. Aim:This study was undertaken to isolate and confirm the presence of M. mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm) in cattle, from three selected South-Eastern states of Nigeria. Method:A total of 90 bovine samples (25 pleural fluids and 65 lung tissues) suggestive of CBPP were collected from different abattoirs in the three selected South-eastern states of Nigeria (Anambra, Enugu, and Imo), for the isolation of Mmm by employing cultural method, whereas for confirmation polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach was used. The collected samples were cultured on Pleuropneumonia like organism (PPLO) agar according to specific protocols.Results:Twenty five of the samples (lungs and pleural fluid) were positive for Mmm on PPLO agar giving an isolation rate of 27.7%. Only 21 of the isolates were further confirmed using PCR. The PCR amplification of the isolates produced a product of 1.1 kbp which is specific for Mmm. No positive isolates were recovered from Imo state.Conclusion:This study confirms the presence of Mmm as the causative organism of CBPP in Southeast Nigeria. It is recommended that active surveillance and vaccination protocol should be undertaken in the region for the control and prevention of this disease.

Seroprevalence, Isolation and Associated Risk Factors of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia at Bako Tibe and Ilu Galan Districts of West Shoa Zone, Western Ethiopia

The cultural result shows that isolation the causative agent from lung tissue. Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia was endemic in the study area and confirmed by serology and isolation of the causative agent Therefore, further study with large coverage using reliable tools like molecular technique is important, farmers should be aware of the disease, and use the combination of vaccination with therapeutic.

Epidemiological Assessment of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia in Central Tanzania

A retrospective study was conducted to determine the epidemiology of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in the Central Zone of Tanzania. The present study used data from archived information of Central Zone Veterinary Centre (CZVC) for the past five years in the forms of weekly, monthly, and slaughterhouse reports, as well as Event Mobile Application (EMA-i) reports submitted to the zone. The present study found that out of 14 Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in the Central Zone,10 reported the disease in the past five years. Moreover, 56, 426, and 11147cases were reported as deaths, and the cattle at risk respectively. Therefore, 3.8%, 13%, and 0.5%were reported as CBPP prevalence, case fatality rate, and mortality rate, respectively. It was also revealed that there was a clear temporal pattern of CBPP occurrence, with more cases being reported between August to December. In conclusion, CBPP was a seasonal problem in Central Tanzania. Therefore, the present research recommended the strengthening of control measures against this disease in the central zone of Tanzania. In order to be able to assess the actual burden of the disease on-site, this extensive study must be carried out, since the parameters obtained during the study were lower compared to the situation on-site.

Clinical management protocol of an acute contagious bovine pleuropnuemonia in a 6- year-old Bunaji cow in Sakaru village of Soba local government area, Kaduna state, Nigeria

The test and slaughter policy of the federal government of Nigeria on contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in cattle is no longer feasible because it lacked the political will as a result, farmers tend to treat their cattle of the disease most which has been ineffective. herefore, the quest for a supportive clinical management protocol for CBPP in cattle aimed at enabling the cow regain its body condition in order to allow the farmer sell the cow for slaughter at a profit was the aim of this case report. A 6-year-old Bunaji cow weighing 350kg with history of not feeding well, lagging behind during grazing, difficulty in breathing, intermittent cough and bloat was presented. Physical examination was carried out and differential diagnoses which included contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, mango choke, Pasteurellosis and tuberculosis were considered. After a careful scrutiny of the differentials, a tentative diagnosis of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia which was confirmed by the Latex agglutination test (LAT) was arrived at. A supportive clinical management protocol was instituted with the sole aim of enabling the cow regain its body condition in order to allow the farmer sell the cow for slaughter at a profit. The protocol involved isolation of the cow and administration of 20% tetracycline long acting through a combination of conventional (intra-muscular) and non-conventional (intra-venous) routes of administration along with an anti-inflammatory agent and an appetite stimulant. Six days after the commencement of therapy, the observed clinical signs subsided greatly and the cow became apparently healthy. The study showed that, the protocol of administering 20%tetracycline long acting through a combination of conventional (intra-muscular) and nonconventional (intra-venous) routes along with an anti-inflammatory agent (dexamethasone) and an appetite stimulant (vit. B. complex) was effective and profitable to the farmer. The client was advised to sell the cow for slaughter after observing the 21- day withdrawal period of the drugs.

Seroprevalence and determinants of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in cattle in Burkina Faso.

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a bacterial disease caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. Mycoides. This disease affects ruminants mainly cattle with respiratory disorders as predominant symptoms. In Burkina Faso, this condition has been considered as enzootic since several years but data on its seroprevalence remains scares. This study aimed to establish the serological prevalence and determinants of CBPP in Burkina Faso in 2017. For this purpose, 3969 serum samples have been collected following a stratified sampling plan based on vaccination coverage in 12 regions, 84 communes, and 210 villages and analyzed using c-ELISA test. Individual seroprevalence was 16.91% (95% CI: 15.74-18.07%), while 84.5% (95% CI: 60.46-80.02%) of communes, chosen as epidemiological units were found positive. The individual prevalence was found to be associated with agro-ecological area (p < 0.05) and a prevalence of 18.70% (95% CI: 16.74-20.66%) was noted in Sahelian areas, while 15.79% (95% CI: 14.34-17.23%) was found in Soudanian areas. The prevalence was also significantly associated with vaccination coverage (p < 0.05) with a prevalence of 13.92% (95% CI: 11.66-16.18%), 19.21% (95% CI: 16.66-20.75%) and 11.61%(95% CI: 9.00-14.23%) for high, moderate, and low vaccination coverage respectively. The individual prevalence was respectively 16.97 (95% CI: 15.56-18.39%) and 17.13% (95% CI: 15.93-18.33%) for female and animals more than 2years old. According to regions, the highest seroprevalence was found in Plateau Central region (38.18%, 95% CI: 29.1-47.26%), while the lowest was found in Centre-Est Region (7%, 95% CI: 4.5-9.5%). These prevalence data will allow us to adapt the ongoing strategy to control CBPP in Burkina Faso.

Field survey of major infectious and reproductive diseases responsible for mortality and productivity losses of ruminants amongst Nigerian Fulani pastoralists.

Background: Animal disease constitutes a major hurdle to improved livelihoods in rural Nigeria through the challenges of loss of productivity, livestock morbidity and mortality including reproductive losses. In order to design and implement impactful interventions, baseline data on the causes of such losses are needed. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to carry out targeted field surveys, including interviews with ruminant farmers, veterinary professionals and other stakeholders in livestock farming to establish the main causes of disease and mortality including abortions in cattle and small ruminants (SR). Methods: Northern Nigeria was selected because the majority of the nation's ruminants belong to pastoralists who are primarily resident in this region. Seven states; Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Sokoto and Zamfara states were surveyed. The responses were collated and a comprehensive descriptive analysis was carried out. Results: Average cattle herd sizes ranged from 28 in Zamfara to 103 in Nasarawa; and from 27 in Kano to 128 in Sokoto for SR. In cattle, Trypanosomosis (with 4.27% mortality rate), foot and mouth disease (3.81%), nutritional insufficiency (1.93%) and contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP; 1.44%) were the top four diseases/health problems that resulted in the highest mortality due to diseases within each state surveyed. For SR, trypanosomosis (with 6.85% mortality rate), Peste des Petits Ruminants (4.99%), orf (3.06%), foot rot (2.97%) and foot and mouth disease (2.94%) were the most important diseases responsible for the highest number of mortalities and culling for disease. Conclusions: The study revealed that there are significant losses via mortalities due to the occurrence of disease amongst the ruminant populations countrywide, as evidenced by the high overall mortality rates of both cattle (15.3%) and small ruminants (30.9%) from various diseases. Also, reproductive losses of 8.7% and 16.6% in cattle and SR, respectively, were recorded amongst the farmers involved.

Variable Cognition in ABM Decision-Making: An Application to Livestock Vaccine Choice.

Modeling realistic human decision-making is an important feature of good policy design processes. The use of an agent-based modeling framework allows for quantitative human decision-models that assume fully rational agents. This research introduces a dynamic human decision-making sub-model. The parameterisation of human memory and “rationality” in a decision-making model represents an important extension of decision-making in ABMs. A data driven model of herd movement within a dynamic natural environment is the context for evaluating the cognitive decision-making model. The natural and human environments are linked via memory and rationality that affect herdsmen decision-making to vaccinate cattle using a once-for-life vaccine (Rift Valley fever) and an annual booster vaccine (Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia). The simulation model uses environmental data from Samburu county, Kenya from 2004 to 2015. The cognitive parameters of memory and “rationality” are shown to successfully differentiate between vaccination decisions that are characterized by annual and once-for-life choices. The preliminary specifications and findings from the dynamic cognition–pastoralist agent-based model (PastoralScape) indicate that the model offers much to livestock vaccination modeling among small-scale herders.

Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia: Sero-prevalence and associated risk factors in Gudeya Bila and Boneya Boshe Districts of East Wollega Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) remains a huge threat to cattle production in sub Saharan African countries in general and in Ethiopia in particular. A cross sectional study was conducted between November, 2017 and June, 2018 to estimate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of CBPP in the Gudeya Bila and Boneya Boshe districts of East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State. The study was conducted on 384 cattle with no history of vaccination against CBPP, using systematic random sampling technique. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of each animal and tested by competitive ELISA. Information on risk factors influencing the occurrence of CBPP was collected using questionnaire survey. Data obtained from both serological and questionnaire surveys were analyzed by using SPSS software version 20. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association of exposure variables with anti-mycoplasma mycoides subspecies small colony antibodies. The results indicated that, the overall seroprevalence of CBPP at individual animal-level and herd-level was 8.6% and 26.3%, respectively. There was a statistically significant association in the sero-prevalence of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides SC (MMmsSC) antibody (P&lt; 0.05) with the poor body condition score, origin of animals (purchasing from outside of herd) and previous history of CBPP disease at individual animal and large herd size at herd level. This study showed that the overall prevalence of CBPP in study area was high. This warrants the implementation of appropriate preventive and control practice.&#x0D; Keywords: Boneya Boshe, Bovine, CBPP, c-ELISA, Ethiopia, Gudeya Bila, Sero-prevalence