Livestock Losses Research Articles

Overcoming Namibia’s worst drought in the last 40 years: Ethnographic insights from Okakarara constituency

In 2019, Namibia experienced one of the worst droughts in recent decades, significantly affecting its agricultural economy, especially the livestock production sector. In this context, there is limited literature about how pastoral farmers in the country’s communal agricultural areas navigated this severe dryness. This paper addresses this knowledge gap by introducing a case study involving Ovaherero pastoralists in the Okakarara constituency. Following a mixed-method approach, it describes the practices implemented by local households to keep their cattle herds alive, the challenges they experienced thereby, and the strategies used for recovering their livestock losses. The study reveals that essential drought-coping practices, such as livestock mobility along with various long-term risk reduction mechanisms, such as reservation of emergency pastures, and social institutions of exchange, are limited in the communities described in this research. The paper discusses the main reasons for these conditions and their implications for local farmers, considering that more frequent droughts of similar severity are projected for the coming years in the region.

Assessing global parameters of slope stability model using Earth data observations for forecasting rainfall – induced shallow landslides

Landslides are one of the most widespread natural hazards on earth and pose an intricate challenge in many mountainous terrains, especially in the Himalayas. Rainfall-induced shallow landslides are ubiquitous on steep terrains of the Himalayas and are accountable for substantial damage to properties and loss of human lives and livestock. Climate change has led to an unprecedented increase in frequency and intensity of cloudbursts, and a greater number of landslides are triggered by rainfall, along the hillslopes. In the present study, Transient Rainfall Infiltration and Grid-Based Slope Stability Model (TRIGRS), a dynamic physically based slope stability model with optimised hydro-geomechanical parameters is used for grid-wise simulation of stability of the terrain in the central Himalayas. The present study utilised Earth observation datasets and a comprehensive spatio-temporal landslide inventory to optimise hydro-geomechanical parameters of the slope stability model. The calibrated model with optimised hydro-geomechanical parameters is validated at 9 locations, where rainfall induced landslides have been triggered. The optimised model has better predictive capabilities and could accurately forecast 67% of the landslide events in the study area in comparison with the non-optimised model. Based on the present study, the new calibrated model with optimised hydro-geomechanical parameters is more sensitive and reliable in computing Factor of Safety (FS) and Pore Water Pressure (PWP) during and after the precipitation events and can help policy makers and local administration to propose appropriate mitigation strategies for vulnerable terrains.

Investigating Cause-Specific Mortality of Sheep to Determine the Impacts of Carnivores on Domestic Livestock

Populations of mammalian carnivores are growing in the western United States, leading to increases in conflicts with people because carnivores prey on species that are highly valued by humans, such as domestic livestock. Accurate and updated information on the impact of predators on prey is essential when making management decisions and mitigating domestic livestock losses, yet it is difficult to detect mortalities and determine whether depredation has occurred when livestock graze on public allotments. We sought to accurately quantify the effects of predation on domestic lambs when grazing on public allotments. We placed 934 very-high-frequency (VHF) collars on lambs in seven herds that graze on public allotments at two study sites—one in northern and one in central Utah, United States. We then monitored collared lambs daily throughout the summer grazing season (April−September 2021). Of the 934 collared lambs, there were 51 (5%) lamb mortalities, for which 28 were determined to be from predation, 12 from nonpredatory causes, and 11 from unknown causes because they were too decomposed to accurately determine a cause of death. Predators responsible included coyote (Canis latrans), cougar (Puma concolor), and bobcat (Lynx rufus). Overall, few lambs die in their first 3 mo, but of those that died, we found noticeable differences in the causes and number of mortalities among herds but no differences between study sites or in predation rates within herds over time. Our results suggest lamb survival may primarily be a function of animal husbandry practices or specialization by individual predators within a grazing allotment. This study provides insight into what factors influence lamb mortality and highlights areas ranchers and managers might focus on when seeking to increase lamb survival and reduce depredation.

A Climatic Surprise – Slope Instability Triggered by Heavy Rain in Maldevta Region, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, on 20 August, 2022

Abstract The Himalayan states are familiar with the adverse impact of extreme events like excessive precipitations, which lead to floods, flash floods, landslides, debris flow, avalanches, etc. hence the disasters. The Uttarakhand (UK) state in the Himalaya experiences a great loss of lives, livestock, properties, and natural wealth due to such calamities. On the night of 19 August 2022 (10:15 PM) and early morning of 20 August 2022 (02:15 AM), heavy rain together with a cloud burst triggered flash floods in the Maldevta area of the Dehradun district, which led to large-scale destruction of the area. A prolonged heavy downpouring on 20 August 2022 at Maldevta and surrounding areas damaged the channel and bank of the Song and Baldi rivers for a 15 km stretch between Sarkhet and Thano, and completely washed away Sarkhet (807 m asl), Kumalta (787 m asl) and lower portion of Maldevta town (723 m asl).

The unequal burden of human-wildlife conflict

Human-wildlife conflict is one of the most pressing sustainable development challenges globally. This is particularly the case where ecologically and economically important wildlife impact the livelihoods of humans. Large carnivores are one such group and their co-occurrence with low-income rural communities often results in real or perceived livestock losses that place increased costs on already impoverished households. Here we show the disparities associated with the vulnerability to conflict arising from large carnivores on cattle (Bos taurus) globally. Across the distribution of 18 large carnivores, we find that the economic vulnerability to predation losses (as measured by impacts to annual per capita income) is between two and eight times higher for households in transitioning and developing economies when compared to developed ones. This potential burden is exacerbated further in developing economies because cattle keepers in these areas produce on average 31% less cattle meat per animal than in developed economies. In the lowest-income areas, our estimates suggest that the loss of a single cow or bull equates to nearly a year and a half of lost calories consumed by a child. Finally, our results show that 82% of carnivore range falls outside protected areas, and five threatened carnivores have over one third of their range located in the most economically sensitive conflict areas. This unequal burden of human-carnivore conflict sheds light on the importance of grappling with multiple and conflicting sustainable development goals: protecting life on land and eliminating poverty and hunger.

CAUSES AND IMPACTS OF FLASH FLOODS ON LIVES AND LIVELIHOODS IN HIRSHABELLE STATE OF SOMALIA

Flooding is a natural hazard that encompasses various types, among which flash floods are the most perilous due to their destructive power and rapid onset. This study investigates the causes and impacts of flash floods on lives and livelihoods in Hirshabelle state, Somalia, aiming to identify the causes, assess the effects, and develop mitigation strategies. The research employed a survey research design, collecting data from farmers, experts, teachers, community members, and international organizations through questionnaires and interviews. The majority of respondents were highly educated males aged between 20-30, primarily residing in urban areas. The causes of flash floods were attributed to both natural and manmade factors, with adverse environmental conditions and losses in agriculture and livestock reported by respondents. Aid was received from the Somalia government, international organizations, and the community. The study emphasizes the negative consequences on the environment, sheltering, agriculture, livestock, health, and transportation during flash floods. It underscores the role of external support systems, particularly the community, in providing aid. Natural factors such as heavy rainfall, deforestation, and poor drainage systems, as well as manmade factors including overgrazing, urbanization, and climate change, were identified as contributors to flash floods. The impacts on lives and livelihoods, especially for vulnerable groups, were significant. Recommendations to mitigate these issues include reforestation, improved drainage systems, sustainable urbanization, climate change adaptation, and effective early warning systems to enhance resilience in Hirshabelle state.

Pastoralists’ and agro-pastoralists’ livelihood resilience to climate change-induced risks in the Borana zone, south Ethiopia: Using resilience index measurement approach

This study was conducted in the Borana zone, Oromia region, southern Ethiopia, with the aim of analysing the livelihood resilience of pastoralists’ and agro-pastoralists’ to climate change-related risks. A household survey was used to collect quantitative data, whereas qualitative data were collected via focus group discussions, expert group discussions, and personal observations. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data, and content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The results show that frequent droughts, rising temperatures, and reduced rainfall are the major climate change-induced risks affecting the livelihoods of pastorals and agro-pastorals in the study area. Among the parameters tested, the greatest impacts of climate change-induced risks on pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihood systems were recorded for food [100%] and animal feed or pasture [99%], followed by livestock loss [95%], a decline in species dynamics [95%], and agro-pastoral land degradation [95%]. The average climate resilience index score of the Borena zone is found to be 0.328, implying that 32.8% of the respondents are resilient, with 0.163 [16.3%] pastoralists and 0.417 [41.7%] agro-pastoralists being resilient. However, all the results are below the scale of the minimum threshold [0.5 or 50%], implying that livelihoods and their households are poorly resilient. For the low resilience in Borena, limited access to basic services [0.26] and the adaptive capacity [0.29] of the pastoralists and agro-pastoralists contributed the highest share for resilience capacity compared to other major building blocks of resilience. However, of the two livelihood systems, pastoralists were found to have less resilience [0.249] compared to agro-pastoralists [0.407]. Besides the climatic factors, the resilience of pastoralists’ and agro-pastoralists’ livelihoods was affected positively and significantly by adaptive capacity and negatively and with statistical significance by the asset endowments of the households at P < 0.05. Therefore, policymakers should give pertinent attention to the reduction of the effects of climatic risks and increase the resilience of pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihood systems. Furthermore, actions that focus on increasing access to water, improving the rangeland generative capacity, diversifying the income sources, and providing timely and accurate early warning information are indispensable to building resilient livelihoods among the pastoral and agro-pastoral communities.

Shepherding is not a shot in the dark: evidence of low predation losses from the Northern Cape province of South Africa

Predation threatens the viability of livestock farming, while lethal predator management can negatively influence wildlife ecology. There is renewed interest in non-lethal vs lethal methods of livestock protection, but a systematic comparison is lacking. Using multivariate models, we explored how predator management (shepherd, no shepherd), land tenure, flock characteristics, and environmental factors drive losses of small livestock across the Northern Cape, South Africa. Black-backed jackal and caracal were the dominant livestock predators in both management groups. Predation of small livestock was five-fold lower in the shepherd (1.29% ± 0.38) compared to the non-shepherd group (6.09% ± 0.51; p < 0.0001), with a seven-fold lower-level of lamb predation (1.67% ± 0.51 vs. 11.52% ± 0.99; p < 0.0001). Predator management, livestock type, and flock size (but not land tenure or environmental factors) were predictor variables in a best-fit linear mixed effects model describing small livestock losses (p < 0.0001). We interpret our findings with caution because we could not control for predator and prey abundances, and the non-herder group could have inflated their predation estimates. While the efficacy of shepherding requires more research, we suggest that it is a viable predation management approach in South Africa and beyond.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS TOWARDS COMMUNITIES’ ANXIETY (A LANDSLIDE CASE STUDY IN LAMKLENG VILLAGE, ACEH BESAR)

The impacts of landslide are loss of life, people and livestock get injury, infrastructure, agricultural land, housing damage, economic loss, and anxiety experienced. Anxiety will have negative impacts, such as panic and respiratory disorders. This study aimed to analyze the correlation between disaster preparedness and anxiety, the effect of disaster preparedness on anxiety, the level of community disaster preparedness, and the level of community anxiety. This study used a correlational quantitative research design. A questionnaire of Google forms was used as a data collection technique. LIPI-UNESCO/ISDR was a parameter scale for preparedness variables, and HARS (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale) for anxiety variables. The total number of respondents was 74, and a random sampling technique and Slovin's formula were used to select the sample for this study. Data sources are secondary data and primary data. Descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, and Pearson product-moment were used for analyzing the data. The disaster preparedness in Lamkleng was in the almost ready category with an index of 63, and the community's anxiety level was 85.1% and in the serious category, and there was a relationship between disaster preparedness and anxiety.

Toxic plants from the perspective of a “Quilombola” community in the Cerrado region of Brazil

A multi-disciplinary team surveyed ranchers at the Kalunga Historical and Cultural Heritage Site, in the Cerrado region of west central Brazil, to determine impacts promoted by toxic plants on cattle. The expedition to the Kalunga region was carried out by Brazilian and American researchers. Previously selected cattle ranch properties from “Vão das Almas”, “Engenho II” and “Vão do Moleque” were visited. Twenty-four interviews were carried out with cattle ranchers and a questionnaire was applied to obtain information about outbreaks of native plant poisoning and their effects on livestock, and the use of local plants in phytotherapy. We classified problematic plants into three distinct categories. First, the toxic plants most cited by residents causing cattle losses were the flowers of Caryocar brasiliense Cambess (“pequi”), the fruits of Terminalia corrugata (Ducke) Gere & Boatwr. (Buchenavia tomentosa Eichler - “mirindiba” or “pau-pilão”), Eugenia dysenterica (Mart.) DC (“cagaita”), and Palicourea marcgravii A. St. Hil (“erva-café” or “cafezinho”). Secondly, other plants considered toxic, but causing less severe losses were Emmotum nitens (Benth.) Miers (“casco d'anta”), Indigofera lespedezioides (Kunth) (“timbozinho”), Ricinus communis L. (“mamona”), Pteridium esculentum (G. Forst.) Cockayne (“samambaia”), Stryphnodendron adstringens (Mart.) Coville (“barbatimão”), and Actinocladum verticillatum (Nees) McClure ex Soderstr. (“cambaúba”). The most important finding was the identification of the C. brasiliense flower as potentially toxic to cattle, which must be subject for future research. Further, we confirmed the toxicity and importance of P. marcgravii, E. dysenterica, and Terminalia corrugata. The survey highlighted phytotherapy plants used by the community, and greatly increased awareness by local livestock producers of poisonous plants for management purposes. We conclude that ethnobotanical knowledge, especially from the traditional community, is essential to understand livestock losses to toxic plants, and should be valued not only for reducing livestock losses, but also for cultural importance to the Kalunga communities in the Cerrado.

Survey and Molecular Characterization of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto from Livestock and Humans in the Altai Region of Xinjiang, China

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the metacestode Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.), is an important zoonotic parasite, endemic in the Altai region of China. It is a serious human health risk and causes livestock losses. To evaluate the prevalence, genetic variation, and population structure of CE, 2898 sheep and 703 cattle were examined from October 2019 to mid-February 2020 in the Altai region (Altai, Habahe, Fuhai, and Buerjin). Sheep had an infection rate of 4.52% (131/2898) and cattle had an infection rate of 4.84% (34/703). In total, 180 cyst isolates were obtained, including 131 sheep, 34 cattle, and 15 from CE human patients. The cysts were investigated using mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (cox1). Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) results showed that, among the two genotypes of E. granulosus s.s., there were 22 different haplotypes (Haps). Phylogenetic analysis and parsimony network indicated that seventeen (77.27%) Haps belonged to the sheep strain (G1 genotype) and five Haps (22.73%) belonged to the buffalo strain (G3 genotype). Hap3 was the most common haplotype (65.00%, 112/180), which belongs to the G1 genotype. Hap18−Hap22 were found in human samples, indicating that sheep and cattle reservoirs of human CE. Molecular diversity indices revealed the high levels of haplotype diversity and relatively low levels of nucleotide diversity. Tajima’s D and Fu’s Fs tests displayed that the Altai population had a significant deviation from neutrality. Based on pairwise fixation index (Fst) values, a low level of genetic differentiation was found between the populations of E. granulosus s.s. isolated from different regions. The present survey findings represent an epidemiological survey of CE in the Altai region where there were two genotypes simultaneously and will provide more information on the genetic structure of E. granulosus s.s. within this region.

Transboundary flood resilience: Insights from Narayani and Mahakali Basins

Floods are natural hazards which do not respect psychological, institutional, regional and national borders based on territorial sovereignty and all the riparian countries get affected by floods. In the rainy season, rivers of Nepal—originating from Himalayas, Chure and other seasonal ones—flood many areas of Nepal and India as these rivers flow through Nepal, India and Bangladesh. The riparian transboundary communities are always at risk and bear huge flood threats and impacts—losses of lives, livestock, property, crops and inundation—during the rainy seasons every year. The frequency and intensity of the floods in the South Asian region has been alarmingly increasing and the transboundary floods have been affecting lives and the livelihoods of millions of the riparian people. In this backdrop, employing qualitative approach, we explored transboundary state-centric cooperation and frameworks; community to community cooperation and framework and the status of early warning system for flood risk management in Narayani-Gandak and Mahakali basins. We investigated four interlinked research questions: 1) Is there any state-centric cooperation for transboundary flood management in the two basins; 2) Is there any community level engagement for transboundary flood management in the two basins; 3) If state-centric and/or transboundary community level transboundary flood management frameworks exist, are there any best practices available for up scaling and scaling out between these basins? 4) What is the current status of early warning system in the basins? We found that transboundary floods, inundation and resilience are issues of serious concerns for both countries yet there is little state-to-state cooperation. The community-to-community cooperation and the status of early warning systems are gradually emerging and the exchange of data for timely communication of floods through flood early warning system is still in nascent stage. We conclude that EWS, coordination of transboundary communities and state to state cooperation are important pillars for making transboundary communities flood and inundation resilient. Therefore, governments, civil society organizations, and even private sectors need to engage both separately and collectively to strengthen absorptive, adaptive and transformative capacities of the flood-prone communities for their resiliency.

The long-term impact of multi-season droughts on livestock holdings and Pastoralist decision-making in Marsabit, Kenya

Despite the importance of pastoralism in many East African communities, there is a dearth of research in the region on how multi-season droughts affect pastoralists. Using a panel dataset of 1064 pastoralists surveyed over 6 years in Kenya, we compare how two successive drought events in 2009 and 2011 affected households’ animal holdings, decision-making, livelihoods, and long-term recovery. Both droughts were associated with reduced household income from livestock and increased expenditure on water, and households took an average of 3–4 years to replenish their herd to its pre-drought size. But, we find that the 2011 drought was significantly worse for households in terms of livestock losses, despite the two events appearing comparable on standard biophysical drought indices over Marsabit County. Importantly, we show that the two successive droughts had compounding effects - greater proportional losses in 2009 led to longer herd recovery times after 2011. We also find that restocking offsets this effect, suggesting that the households most vulnerable to successive droughts are those which lack the financial or social means to replenish their herd. Our findings have implications for how shocks relate to welfare among pastoralists, highlighting the importance for humanitarian organizations to consider compounding risks over a multiyear timescale.

Livestock Losses and Predation Crisis in Communal Areas around Sengwa Wildlife Research Area (SWRA), Zimbabwe

Livestock Losses and Predation Crisis in Communal Areas around Sengwa Wildlife Research Area (SWRA), Zimbabwe

Review on impacts of aflatoxicosis in human and animal health in Ethiopia

The objectives of the paper are to review about effect of aflatoxicosis on animal and human health, its economic significant, and to point out the control and prevention strategies. Aflatoxins are a group of related fungal secondary metabolites; primarily produced by the fungi, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. The production of aflatoxins within the fungus depends on the substrate and the particular enzymes and other environmental factors. Hence, the extent of contamination by aflatoxins varies according to geographic location and storage condition of crops and more importantly processing of food materials under favourable temperature and humidity conditions. The four major types of aflatoxin are aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), AFB2, AFG1andAFG2.Of these, AFB1is the most prevalent form and also the most potent of these toxins. The toxicity and potency of aflatoxins make them the primary health hazard as well as responsible for losses associated with contaminations of processed foods and feeds. Aflatoxicosis have a greatest negative impact, in animal and human health. The toxicity may range from acute sickness or death to chronic problems. They can induce stunted growth in young and fertility reduction in adults. Aflatoxins can also undermine child nutrition and development. They are carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic and immunosuppressive in most mammalian species. The economic impact of aflatoxins derives directly from crop and livestock losses as well as indirectly from the cost of regulatory programs designed to reduce risks to animal and human health. Ethiopia is considered to provide a favourable situation, for the proliferation of aflatoxigenic fungi. Aflatoxin exposure can be reduced by proper pre-harvesting, drying and post-harvest sorting in a controlled environment. Hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) protocol to identify the source of intoxication and overcome the hazard conditions should be adopted.

Adapting to Climate Change in the Semi-Arid Northern Kenya

Climate change in the semi-arid northern Kenya is evidenced by increasing frequency and duration of severe droughts. The effects are devastating with the region experiencing massive loss of livestock, total crop failures and increased levels of hunger and starvation resulting in near collapse of livelihood sources which is mainly pastoralism. This study investigated the most appropriate drought adaptive strategies that pastoralists in the semi-arid northern Kenya depend on to subsist. Data was collected from the counties of Garissa, Samburu, Turkana, Isiolo, Marsabit, West Pokot, Laikipia and Baringo where drought is persistent. The study used a cross-sectional design where past and current data was obtained through face-to-face and telephone interviews from purposively sampled respondents and observations. Document information collected supplemented the information obtained from the respondents. The pastoralists embrace adaptive strategies that are easy, accessible and affordable. The traditional adaptive strategies such as food preservation and herd composition and management predominate. These strategies are preferred because of their ease of implementation and also culturally acceptable. With increasing drought severity and other factors like increase in population growth, there has been decline in grazing areas limiting transhumance activities. This has stemmed the adoption of non-pastoral activities such as crop farming, craftwork, poultry keeping, petty trade and dependence on external assistance. The traditional adaptive strategies play a key role in surviving the droughts. Due to their pastoral nature, the non-pastoral sedentary practices do not fit their lifestyles and are less practiced especially by men but taken up much better by women who are left at home. Therefore, efforts to enhance pastoral resilience in the semi-arid areas should strengthen the traditional practices as well as capacity building on the non-pastoral activities.

Gamma-radiation of Glossina palpalis gambiensis revisited: effect on fertility and mating competitiveness

African animal trypanosomoses are vector-borne diseases that cause enormous livestock losses in sub-Saharan Africa, with drastic socio-economic impacts. Vector control in the context of an area-wide integrated pest management program with a sterile insect technique component requires the production of high-quality sterile male tsetse flies. In our study, we evaluated the effect of irradiation on the fecundity of Glossina palpalis gambiensis to identify the optimal dose that will induce maximum sterility while maintaining biological performance as much as possible. In addition, male mating performance was evaluated in semi-field cages. The irradiation doses used were 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 Gy, and untreated males were used as the control. The results showed that pupal production and emergence rates were higher in batches of females that had mated with fertile males than in those that had mated with irradiated males with any experimental dose. A dose of 120 Gy administered to male flies induced 97-99% sterility after mating with virgin females. For the semi-field cage experiments, males irradiated with 120 Gy showed good sexual competitiveness as compared to fertile males and those irradiated with 140 Gy, considering the level of filling of spermatheca and the number of pairs formed. The optimal radiation dose of 120 Gy found in this study is slightly different from the traditional dose of 110 Gy that has been used in several eradication programmes in the past. The potential reasons for this difference are discussed, and an argument is made for the inclusion of reliable dosimetry systems in these types of studies.

FLOODS HAVE POSED SERIOUS HEALTH AND ECONOMIC CHALLENGES IN AFFECTED AREAS OF PAKISTAN

Climate changes can contribute to flooding. Adverse effects of flooding include loss of life, property, and infrastructure damage, road closures, erosion and landslide risks, crop destruction and livestock loss, health risks due to water contamination, housing displacement and economic impacts. Exposure to contaminated floodwater can cause wound infection, skin rash, gastrointestinal disorders, and tetanus etc. Around 33 million people in Pakistan were affected by devastating floods that killed over 1,700 people. One-third of Pakistan was inundated and 116 out of 154 districts of Pakistan have been affected by floods. Frail, hungry, children are fighting a losing battle against severe acute malnutrition, diarrhoea, malaria, dengue fever, typhoid, acute respiratory infections, and painful skin conditions. The longer the crisis continues, the greater the risk to children’s mental health. According to National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), 2,000 health facilities, representing 10% of all health facilities in the country have been damaged. Over 8 million people in flood-affected districts are in urgent need of health assistance. Less than 50% of all people needing health services are currently able to access health facilities. Cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) with complications are on the rise. Floods have disrupted immunization campaigns. United Nation’s revised Floods Response Plan was released on 4 Oct and seeks $816 million to provide humanitarian assistance to 9.5 million people. As of 16 Dec 2022, donors had funded only 26.7% of the $816 million requested. Lack of resources will definitely worsen health crisis during winter season. Pak J Physiol 2022;18(4):1–2

Rift Valley Fever vaccine strategies: Enhanced stability of RVF Clone 13

Rift Valley Fever virus (RVFV) causes the zoonotic RVF disease, which results in substantial economic losses in livestock industries. Regular vaccination of livestock against RVF is necessary to generate long-term immunity and avoid the loss of livestock. The live attenuated vaccine based on Clone 13 virus strain has been used to reduce the negative impact of RVF disease. The vaccine strain is heat labile and requires stringent conditions for storage and handling. This research evaluated lactose and sucrose-based stabilizers coupled with lyophilisation to enhance stability of the RVF Clone 13 vaccine strain. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the sucrose-RVF vaccine was 97.0 °C with average residual moisture of below 2 %. The lactose formulation was characterised with Tg of 83.5 °C and residual moisture of above 2 %. The RVF Clone 13 sucrose-based formulation maintained higher antigen titres during lyophilisation compared to the lactose-formulated vaccine. Cellular-mediated and humoral immunity was evaluated and compared for the two newly formulated vaccines. Pheroid® technology was also investigated as a potential adjuvant and its ability to further enhance the immunogenicity conferred by the RVF Clone 13 vaccine formulations in Merino sheep. No adverse reactions were observed following injection of the vaccine formulations in mice, guinea pigs and Merino sheep. Comparable protective humoral immune responses against RVF were obtained for all animals vaccinated with the lactose and sucrose-based stabilisers with and without the Pheroid® adjuvant. No proliferation of CD8+ and CD4+ T-cells as well as expression of IFN-γ was observed for all animals group vaccinated with Pheroid® only. Specific CD8+ IFN-γ+T–cells were expressed at higher levels compared to the CD4+ IFN-γ+T–cells in the RVF Clone 13 vaccines, suggesting that cellular immunity against RVF is through the Class I antigen presentation pathway.

Epizootiology of Fasciolosis in Sheep (Ovis aries) Raising in Geoclimatic Setting of Poonch District of Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Fasciolosis is wide spread parasitic disease of herbivores outcomes in the form of financial losses in livestock looking in the form of deaths, infected livers, reduced growth, milk, meat and wool production. The presentinvestigation was intended to find out prevalence of ovine Fasciolosis in (Poonch) Rawalakot Azad Kashmir. For said determination, 300 sheep belong todifferent age groups and genders were randomly selected. Out of these, 101(33.6%) animals were found positive for Fasciolosis through coprological examination. The results demonstrated that 34.6% prevalence of Fasciolosis in female sheep and 30.6%in male sheep. There was insignificant variance in prevalence of Fasciolosis based on gender of sheep. Significant difference infrequencyof fasciolosis (P &lt; 0.05) was found amongst sheep of different age groups. It was concluded that Fasciolosis is prevalent is sheep in and around Rawalakot Azad Jammu &amp; Kashmir and is continuous threat to the health and production of sheep.