West Amhara Region Research Articles

Determination of the rate and frequency of Natura 250 EW fungicide for the management of cedar rust from Gesho (Rhamnus prinoides) in the north west Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Rhamnus prinoides (Gesho) is grown in the homesteads of farmers in western Amhara. The leaves, twigs, and stems of Gesho are indispensable ingredients in traditional beverages. Its production has recently suffered from cedar rust caused by the fungus Gymnosporangium. To manage this disease, different fungicides have been recommended. Therefore, this research was designed to determine the rate and frequency of the use of the Natura 250 EW system for managing this disease in Gesho during 2020. Five application rates of Natura 250 EW and three spray frequencies were used as treatments to manage the disease in infected Gesho plants via the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were found between treatments for most parameters. Among these 0.75 litter ha-1 treatments, two spray applications resulted in the lowest severity and greatest relative efficacy, followed by three spray applications of 0.50 litter ha−1 at Bahir Dar Zuria district. However, at Yilmana Densa district, the lowest severity and greatest relative efficacy were found for the 0.75 litter ha−1 spray, followed by the 0.50 litter ha−1 spray, compared with the other treatments. Even though 0.75 litter ha−1 had greater relative efficacy and lower disease severity than the other treatments, there was no statistically significant difference between the three sprays of 0.50 litter ha−1 at both locations. Therefore, three sprays of Natura 250 EW at 0.50 litter ha−1 in 15-day intervals should be recommended and demonstrated for the management of cedar rust disease on Gesho.

Analysis of caesarean delivery rates using Robson ten group classification system in North West Amhara referral hospitals, Ethiopia, 2022: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionThe cesarean delivery rate has been consistently rising over time and differs among different hospitals. In order to understand the specific factors contributing to this rapid increase beyond the recommended levels, it is necessary to continuously monitor and evaluate cesarean deliveries using the Robson ten-group classification system. Consequently, the objective of this study was to evaluate the rate of cesarean deliveries within each group by employing the Robson ten-group classification system. MethodA cross-sectional study design was conducted in referral hospitals in the North West Amhara region, involving 721 mothers who gave birth between January and February 2022. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling. Data collection involved an interviewer-administered, pretested, semi-structured questionnaire, as well as a review of medical charts. The women were allocated into one of the ten Robson groups. The proportion of each group, the contribution of each group to the total caesarean delivery rate, and the caesarean delivery rate within each group were all calculated. ResultThe overall caesarean delivery rate was 277 (38.3 %). The primary factors contributing to the overall cesarean delivery rate were found to be group 1 (23.9 %), group 5 (21 %), group 3 (11.6 %), and group 10 (11%). The most common indication for caesarean delivery included an abnormal fetal heart rate pattern, the presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid, a history of previous cesarean delivery, fetal-pelvic disproportion, and breech presentation. ConclusionGroup 1, 5, 3, and 10 emerged as the major contributor to the overall cesarean delivery rate. Interestingly, this study also unveiled a significant prevalence of cesarean delivery among low-risk groups. These specific groups warrant further investigation to identify potential factors that can be modified and implement targeted interventions to decrease the cesarean delivery rate. It is crucial to evaluate existing management protocols in the study area.

Species composition, infection rate and feeding preference of Anopheles mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) in the west Amhara Region, northwest Ethiopia.

Reports showed that Amhara Region is accounting for 31% of Ethiopia`s malaria burden. Reports also depicted that despite the existing malaria vector control tools implemented by the regional government, currently there is an increment in malaria prevalence in the region. This might be due to lack of entomological monitoring and comprehensive information on the prevailing species composition, infection rate and feeding presences of An. mosquito species in the study areas. Therefore, this study aimed to address this information. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 18 February to 30 March 2023 at three districts of the west Amhara Region. For this, six CDC light traps (three indoor and three outdoor) were used to collect adult female An. mosquito species. In this study, 261 An. mosquito species comprising seven species were collected. Their morphological identification and abdominal status determination were carried out using standard morphological identification keys under a dissection microscope. While their infection rates and blood meal sources were determined, using circumsporozoite protein-ELISA and blood meal-ELISA based on the standard protocol. Data were entered to SPSS versions 20 for analysis and p- value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. In our study, total of 261 An. mosquito species were identified. An. demeilloni was the most abundant species accounted for 112(42.9%) of all captures. It was also the most predominant species at Ayehu-Guagusa followed by Jabitehnan districts. An. demeilloni and An. cinereus altogether accounting for infection rate of 3(1.1%) for P. vivax parasite. Furthermore, our study showed that more than 50% of An. mosquito species collected fed on cattle blood showing shifting of feeding behaviors. Our study depicted that An. demeilloni and An. cinereus were the most abundant species and infected with P. vivax parasite. Therefore, further comprehensive study should be done in the future.

Determinants of household dietary diversity score in food insecure areas of West Amhara region, Ethiopia

Determinants of household dietary diversity score in food insecure areas of West Amhara region, Ethiopia

Incidence and predictors of recurrent acute coronary syndrome among adult patients with acute coronary syndrome in West Amhara, Ethiopia: a multicenter retrospective follow-up study.

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary heart disease. Furthermore, the recurrence of this problem has significant adverse outcomes. However, there is insufficient information pertaining to this problem in Ethiopia; hence, this study aims to assess the incidence rate and identify the predictors of ACS recurrence in the West Amhara region. A retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 469 patients diagnosed with primary ACS. Data from the patient chart were collected using a pre-tested structured data extraction tool. The study employed the Weibull regression analysis model, and the effect size was measured using an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The statistical significance of the findings was established based on a p-value <0.05. A total of 429 patients were included in the final analysis [average age, 60 ± 13.9 years; and 245 (57.1%) men]. A total of 53 patients (12.35%; 95% CI: 9.55%-15.83%) experienced recurrent ACS. The overall risk time was found to be 93,914 days (3,130.47 months), and the recurrence rate was 17/1,000 patients/month. The identified predictors were the typical symptoms of ACS such as syncope (HR: 3.54, p = 0.013), fatigue (HR: 5.23, p < 0.001), history of chronic kidney disease (HR: 8.22, p < 0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction of <40% (HR: 2.34, p = 0.009), not taking in-hospital treatments [aspirin (HR: 9.22, p < 0.001), clopidogrel (HR: 4.11, p = 0.001), statins (HR: 2.74, p = 0.012)], and medication at discharge [statins (HR: 4.56, p < 0.001)]. This study found a higher incidence rate of recurrent ACS. Hence, the implementation of guideline-recommended anti-ischemic treatment should be strengthened.

Incidence and predictors of mortality in children with diabetic ketoacidosis in the comprehensive specialized referral hospitals of West Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia: a retrospective follow-up study.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is one of the major life-threatening conditions associated with acute metabolic complications. It remains a major public health problem in developing countries such as Ethiopia. To assess the incidence and prediction of mortality in children with diabetic ketoacidosis in West Amhara Region Comprehensive Specialized Referral Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2022. An institution-based retrospective follow-up study was conducted among 423 study participants with a confirmed diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis from 01/01/2017 to 31/12/2021. Data were entered, coded, cleaned, and checked using Epi-Data version 4.6 and exported to Stata version 14 for data analysis. A total of 401 child records were included in the final analysis and were followed for 3781 days during the study period. The overall mortality of children with diabetic ketoacidosis was 10.6 per 1000 person-days observed (95% CI: 7.8-14.4) during the entire follow-up period. Hypoglycemia (AHR=4.6; 95% CI: 2.13-10.1), rural residence (AHR=2.9; 95% CI=1.01-8.11), age younger than five (AHR=4.4; 95% CI=1.4-13.7) or between five and 10 (AHR=3.1; 95% CI=1.1-8.8), and female gender (AHR=2.6; 95% CI=1.1-5.8) were significant predictors of mortality. The incidence rate of mortality in children with diabetic ketoacidosis was relatively high. Age, rural residence, female gender, and hypoglycemia were significantly predictive of mortality. Community education or mass campaigns about the signs and symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis may reduce the mortality rate in children.

Eight-Year Trend Analysis of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Cases in West Amhara Region Referred to Amhara Public Health Institute Northwest, Ethiopia: A Retrospective Study.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a continually spreading health problem in Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Despite this, up- to-date information on referral laboratory facility has been not yet reported. Therefore, this study was aimed at reporting up-to-date information about eight year's cutaneous leishmaniasis trend status. Data on referred cases from 2013 to 2020 were collected at Amhara Public Health Institute Parasitology department by reviewing log book. Of the 243 suspected cases, 114 (46.9%) were positive (confirmed) with microscope and cultured results showed that most of them were negatives. Most of the suspected cases were from 16 to 30 years and males by age and sex, respectively. Trend status by year depicted that largest numbers of suspected and confirmed cases were reported in 2013, 2015, and 2019 years. Finally, the trend status by zone showed that most cases were reported from South Gondar and Awi zones, respectively.

Determinants of HIV infection among children born to HIV positive mothers on prevention of mother to child transmission program at referral hospitals in west Amhara, Ethiopia; case control study

BackgroundHuman Immune Deficiency Virus infection among children has continued to be a global concern with an estimated 160,000 new infections in 2018. Over 90% acquire HIV from their mother. Currently, 92% of pregnant women are on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Despite, greater achievements in coverage of PMTCT and ARV drug in Ethiopia as well as in west Amhara, child HIV infections are yet an important public health problem with a high transmission rate. There are limited studies done in Ethiopia on identifying determinants of child HIV infection.ObjectiveThis study was aimed at identifying determinants of HIV infection among children born to HIV positive mothers on the PMTCT program at referral hospitals in the west Amhara, Ethiopia, 2021.MethodsAn unmatched case–control study was conducted at referral hospitals in the west Amhara region, Ethiopia. Data were collected through document review, which has been registered from July 1, 2016 to July 1, 2020. A two-stage sampling technique was applied. Consecutive sampling technique for cases and simple random sampling technique for controls was done to include a total of 320 samples (66 cases and 254 controls). Epi data 4.6 for data entry and SPSS 23 for analysis were used. Variables with p- value ≤0.2 in bivariate regression were run in the multivariable logistic regression and AOR with 95% CI and a p-value ≤0.05 was used to declare determinants.ResultHome delivery (AOR = 4.3; 95%CI: 2.0, 11.6), mixed feeding (AOR = 10; 95%CI: 3.2, 17.9), poor maternal ARV drug adherence (AOR = 4.3; 95% CI: 1.4, 13.4), advanced WHO clinical stage (AOR = 11.4; 95% CI: 4.1,19.1), poor nevirapine adherence (AOR = 10; 95% CI: 3.2, 22.4) and late enrollment of the infant (AOR = 15; 95% CI: 3.0, 3.0,20.5) were determinants.ConclusionMinister of Health and NGOs should work on mobilization of the community and awareness creation on the important of exclusive breast feeding, drugs adherence, on benefit of health institutional delivery as well as the risk of homedelivery.

Seed Quality Analysis of Field Pea (Pisum Sativum L.) from Formal and Informal Sources in Enarj Enawuga and Yilmana Densa Districts, West Amhara Region, Ethiopia

The production and productivity of field pea crop in Amhara region depends mainly on the un availability of quality seed supply system for a number of improved varieties. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the quality and seed management practices of field pea seeds from the informal and formal seed systems in Enarj Enawuga and Yilmana Densa Districts during 2016/17 cropping season.

Performance of malaria microscopy external quality assessment and networking among health facilities in west Amhara region, Ethiopia

BackgroundMicroscopic examination of peripheral blood smear produces reliable results both about the malaria infection status and level of parasitemia. However, test results are affected by skill of the laboratory personnel, workload, condition of microscopes and quality of laboratory supplies. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the performance of laboratories is of pivotal importance in order to make timely correction.MethodsA facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2017 to July 2019 to assess malaria microscopy performance among thirty malaria diagnostic laboratories in west Amhara region. Thirty slides were collected from participating laboratories every quarter. Collected slides were taken to Amhara Public Health Institute reference laboratory and re-checked by malaria microscopists who were blind to the results from health facilities. Percentage of test agreement, rates of false positive, false negative and species misdiagnosis were calculated using Excel 2010.ResultsAmong a total of 6689 slides re-checked, results of 6146 slides were the same with that of participating laboratories. The test agreement was 97.31 and 94.6% for parasite detection and species identification, respectively. Variations in the overall performance of individual laboratories were seen within a range of 81.55 to 97.27% test agreement. Results of 543 (8.12%) slides were discordant, of which 363 (5.4%), 93 (1.4%) and 87 (1.3%) slides were due to species misdiagnosis, false positive and false negative results, respectively.ConclusionThere was good test agreement between participated laboratories and Amhara Public Health Institute. More accurate performance is expected as the country is tracking to malaria elimination. Hence, further strengthening the external quality assurance program is recommended.

Self-care behavior and associated factors among adults with heart failure at cardiac follow-up clinics in West Amhara Region Referral Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2017

Self-care behavior and associated factors among adults with heart failure at cardiac follow-up clinics in West Amhara Region Referral Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia, 2017

Low satisfaction of clients for the health service provision in West Amhara region, Ethiopia.

IntroductionClient satisfaction is a key indicator to measure quality of healthcare and provides information on the level of success forproviders whether client expectations and values are met. Although there are some institutional based studies done in Ethiopia, still client satisfaction in our settings is not well addressed. Thus, this study was aimed to assess client satisfaction level and identify the underlying factors of poor health service provision in West Amhara, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was conducted from July to August, 2013. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 422 outpatient diagnosis (OPD) service users. The data were entered into EPI Info version 3.5.2 and analyzed usingSPSS version 16.ResultsAmong the 422 study participants, 234 (55.5%) males, the mean (±SD) age was 37.3 (±16.4) years. The overall satisfaction level of the study participants was 39.3%. Poor cleanliness of the facility, fewer service access provision, lack of prescribed drugs within the facility and longer waiting time to get the health care service wasreported by 73.2%, 67.8%, 65.6% and 59.2% of the clients respectively. Paying service users (AOR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.22–3.39, P: 0.007), divorced clients (AOR: 4.26, 95% CI: 1.11–16.26, P: 0.034) and hospital users (AOR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.29–3.69, P: 0.004) were more dissatisfied.ConclusionsClient satisfaction was lowin the health provision in West Amhara region. Expansion of health facilities in remote areas, maintaining continuous availability of prescribed drugs, improving cleanliness of health facilities, and fast health service provision are recommended to satisfy clients in the setting.

Microbial quality of community drinking water supplies: A ten year (2004–2014) analyses in west Amhara, Ethiopia

Abstract Access to safe drinking water is an important public health and development issue at national, regional and local levels. Community drinking water supplies such as piped water, dug wells and springs are the predominant sources in rural villages and towns in Ethiopia. A retrospective analysis was conducted on microbial quality of community drinking water sources that had been processed from 2004–2014. Water samples were collected from 36 districts in west Amhara region. As per standard operational procedures, bacteriological analyses had been performed using multiple tube fermentation technique. A total of 1030 drinking water samples from (tap water n = 680), wells (n = 198), spring (n = 128) and reservoir (n = 24) were analyzed for microbial qualities. Overall, 29.0% (95% CI: 26.3–31.8%) and 44.7% (95% CI: 41.7–47.7%) of water samples had Escherichia coli and total coliforms (TC), respectively. Furthermore, 52.0%, 43.0%, and 20.2% of water samples from wells, spring and tap water were positive for E. coli . For faecal coliforms, 72.1% of drinking water supplies complied with World Health Organization and Ethiopian Standards. Tap water samples were 3.8 times less likely to be faecal contaminated than water samples from dug wells and spring water sources (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 2.8–5.1, P = 0.001). This ten year trend analyses showed that microbial qualities of community drinking water supplies were not to the standards. This study reinforces the need to monitor microbial quality and chlorine treatment of community water supplies.

Anxiety and associated factors among prisoners in North West of Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.

BackgroundMental illnesses are more common among the prison population than the general public. However, little attention is given to mental health service in low and middle income countries in general. The problem is more so for prisoners where the overall health care is poor. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of anxiety and the associated factors among prisoners of North West Amhara, Ethiopia.MethodsInstitutional based cross-sectional study was employed from February to March 2015 by taking a sample of 700 prisoners. Simple random sampling method was employed to select three prisons out of 10 prisons found in the North West Amhara region. Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale was used to assess prisoners’ anxiety status. The receiver- operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the cutoff point with high sensitivity and specificity. Structured and pretested interviewer administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were checked, coded and entered into Epi Info version 7 and analyzed using R version 3.2.0. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify factors associated with anxiety. Odds ratio with its 95 % confidence interval was used as a measure of association. Akaike’s Information’s Criterion (AIC) was used to check model fitness.ResultsA total of 649 prisoners were included in the analysis making the response rate 92.5 %. The prevalence of Anxiety was found to be 36.1 % (95 % CI: 32.7, 39.9). The odds of Anxiety was 2.49(95 % CI: 1.38, 4.55) times higher among prisoners who used to be unhappy in their life before imprisonment. Moreover, smokers were 2.6 (AOR = 2.6, 95 % CI: 1.08, 6.6) times more likely to have anxiety compared with non smokers. However, the odds of the odds of anxiety was 89% lower among Debre-Tabor prisoners (AOR = 0.11, 95 % CI: 0.06, 0.20) and 57 % lower among Gondar prisoners (AOR = 0.43, 95 % CI: 0.28, 0.67).ConclusionThe prevalence of anxiety is found to be very high among prisoners in North West Ethiopia. Anxiety was associated with current smoking and having had a dissatisfying life. Screening prisoners for common mental disorders and integrated health care is necessary.

Tuberculosis Laboratory Diagnosis Quality Assurance among Public Health Facilities in West Amhara Region, Ethiopia.

IntroductionReliable smear microscopy is an important component of Directly Observed Treatment Scheme (DOTS) strategy for TB control program in countries with limited resources. Despite external quality assessment is established in Ethiopia, there is lower TB detection rate (48%) in Amhara region compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate (70%). This highlights the quality of smear microscopy needs to be evaluated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the quality of sputum smear microscopy performance among health center laboratories in West Amhara region, Ethiopia.Materials and MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted from July 08, 2013 to July 07, 2014. Data were collected from 201 public health center laboratories using a structured questionnaire. Slides were collected based on Lot Quality Assurance Sampling (LQAS) method and rechecked blindly by trained laboratory technologists. The data were entered into EPI info V.7 and smear quality indicators and AFB results were analyzed by SPSS version 20.ResultsAmong 201 laboratories enrolled in this study, 47 (23.4%) laboratories had major errors. Forty one (20.4%) laboratories had a total of 67 false negative and 29 (14.4%) laboratories had a total of 68 false positive results. Specimen quality, smear thickness and evenness were found poor in 134 (66.7%), 133 (66.2%) and 126 (62.7%) laboratories, respectively. Unavailability of microscope lens cleaning solution (AOR: 2.90; 95% CI: 1.25–6.75; P: 0.013) and dirty smears (AOR: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.14–6.18; P: 0.024) were correlated with false negative results whereas no previous EQA participation (AOR: 3.43; 95% CI: 1. 39-8.45; P: 0.007) was associated with false positive results.ConclusionThe performance of health facilities for sputum smear microscopy was relatively poor in West Amhara region. Hence, strengthening the EQA program and technical support on sputum smear microscopy are recommended to ensure quality tuberculosis diagnostic service.

The quality of sputum smear microscopy in public-private mix directly observed treatment laboratories in West Amhara region, Ethiopia.

Ethiopia adopted Public-Private Mix Directly Observed Treatment Short Course Chemotherapy (PPM-DOTS) strategy for tuberculosis (TB) control program. Quality of sputum smear microscopy has paramount importance for tuberculosis control program in resource-poor countries like Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the quality of sputum smear microscopy in 37 Public-Private Mix laboratories in West Amhara, Ethiopia. The three external quality assessment methods (onsite evaluation, panel testing and blind rechecking) were employed. Onsite assessment revealed that 67.6% of PPM-DOTS laboratories were below the standard physical space (5 X 6) m2. The average monthly workload per laboratory technician was 19.5 (SD±2.9) slides with 12.8% positivity rate. The quality of Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) staining reagents was sub-standard. The overall agreement for blind rechecking of 1,123 AFB slides was 99.4% (Kappa = 0.97). Reading of 370 AFB panel slides showed 3.5% false reading (Kappa = 0.92). Moreover, the consistency of reading scanty bacilli slides was lower (93%) compared to 1+, 2+ and 3+ bacilli. Based on blind rechecking and panel testing results, PPM-DOTS site laboratories showed good agreement with the reference laboratory. Physical space and qualities of AFB reagents would be areas of intervention to sustain the quality of sputum smear microscopy. Therefore, regular external quality assessment and provision of basic laboratory supplies for TB diagnosis would be the way forward to improve the quality of sputum smear microscopy services in PPM-DOTS laboratories.

Variations in zooplankton diversity and abundance in five research fish ponds in northwest Amhara region, Ethiopia

Zooplankton diversity, abundance and some selected environmental parameters of water quality were monitored in five aquaculture research ponds between December 2007 and June 2008 in North West Amhara region of Ethiopia. Bichena-I and Bichena-II fish ponds which received sub-surface water showed significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) values of temperature and turbidity than the surface water-sourced ponds. In contrast, Amanuel, Yewela and Gozamen fish ponds that received surface water showed lower values of total hardness, conductivity, total dissolved solids, nitrate and ammonia than Bichera 1 and 11 ponds. Zooplankton diversity was determined using Margalef's index of species richness(S), Shannon–Wiener diversity index(H) and Evenness Index (E) while correlation coefficient values were used to determine the relationship of zooplankton diversity and the environmental parameters considered. The zooplankton fauna consisted of 52 species comprising 19 species of rotifers (Rotifera), 18 species of copepods (Copepoda) and 15 species of cladocerans (Cladocera). The values of all the three measures of diversity considered (S, H 1 and E) all pointed to the fact that the fish 1 ponds that received surface water were characterised by high zooplankton diversity than those that received subsurface water source. Margalef species richness (S) and Shanon-Wiener's index (H') were both highest in Yewela fish pond and lowest in the turbid Gozamen fish pond. The highest value of evenness index (E) was recorded for the Amanuel fish pond while the lowest value was in Bichena-I fish pond. The study indicated that the fish ponds replenished with water sourced from surface water bodies showed higher zooplankton diversity than those of the subsurface water sourced ponds thereby suggesting preference for surface water source as better option for achieving optimal feeding conditions for managing fish ponds in the locality. Keywords : Copepoda, Cladocera, Rotifera, Species Richness, Surface, Sub-surface Water

Seroprevalence and risk factors of African horse sickness in mules and donkeys in selected sites of West Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Blocking ELISA was employed to determine the presence of African Horse Sickness Virus (AHSV) antibodies. The overall seroprevalence of AHS in this study was found to be 57.4% (95% CI = 52.35 to 62.39%). The prevalence of AHS was found to be lower in mules (55.5%) than donkeys (59.3%). Statistical analysis of the data showed that there were no significant variation (P>0.05) in the prevalence of AHS between the two species of animals examined in this study. The seroprevalence of the disease was higher in mules and donkeys >5 years old when compared to those 0.05). Males were found to be affected by AHS more than female animals do but there were no significant difference (P>0.05) between the two sexes of mules and donkeys examined. The result showed higher seroprevalence of AHS in lowland than the midland agro ecological zones of the study area. Analysis of the data showed statistically significant (P<0.05) variation of AHS between the two agro ecological zones. Of the 100 equine owners interviewed about AHS 25 (25%) were familiar and 75 individuals (75%) of the respondents know nothing regarding the disease AHS. Hence, the knowledge of equine owners about AHS was assessed to be at infancy. This suggests the need to implement strict awareness creation among equine owners on vaccination of their animals and methods of insect control in the study area in order to decrease the prevalence of AHS.

Sero-prevalence status of foot and mouth disease in the North Western Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on serum samples collected from North and South Gondar zones of North Western Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia to determine the sero-prevalence of foot and mouth diseases in bovine species. The samples were processed with the nonstructural protein (NSP) enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that can able to differentiate foot and mouth disease (FMD) naturally infected vaccinated animals. From the total sera tested, the overall sero-prevalence of foot and mouth disease in cattle at the North and South Gondar zones was 14.9% (86/578). The prevalence rate was high in North Gondar, 17.8% (66/370), as compared to 9.6% (20/208) in South Gondar and the difference was statistically significant (χ² =7.108, p=0.008). Highest sero-prevalence was observed at Metema (62.5%), Quara (46.7%) and Alefa Takusa (34.9%) districts of North Gondar zone, which are bordering with Sudan. The difference among the districts is also statistically significant (χ²=141.115, p=0.0001). There was also a significant association between seropositivity and age groups (χ²=9.483, P=0.009) but there was no significant association between the seropositivity and sex (χ²=0.623, p=0.430). This information on sero surveillance of foot and mouth disease in cattle is important for further epidemiological studies towards developing effective foot and mouth disease control strategies, particularly in these areas where animal movement is not restricted.Keywords: Cattle, Seroprevalence, FMD, North West Amhara Region, 3ABC ELISA