Risk Of Zoonoses Research Articles

Occurrence of canine subcutaneous dirofilariosis (Dirofilaria repens) in Switzerland

Infectious diseases are increasingly introduced into Switzerland due to the increased travel activity in recent decades and the import of dogs. Dirofilariasis, caused by Dirofilaria immitis or D. repens, is one of them. An infection with D. repens, the cause of canine subcutaneous dirofilariosis, is often asymptomatic in dogs, but represents a potential zoonotic disease risk for humans. Due to the rapidly increasing number of human cases, D. repens is considered an emerging zoonosis in north-eastern Europe. The prevalence of D. repens infections in dogs and humans in Switzerland is unknown. Since 2016 the analysing diagnostic laboratory provided with the newly introduced filaria PCR a realiable diagnostic test to differentiate betweeen D. immitis and D. repens. Total nucleic acid (DNA and RNA) was extracted from 200 μl EDTA blood without prior enrichment followed by a species-specific real-time PCR assay. The analyses for Dirofilariae in the years 2016 to 2021 were examined in a descriptive retrospective study and the proportion of positive tests per year (prevalence with 95 % confidence interval) was calculated. Furthermore, blood samples of 50 imported dogs to Switzerland were analyzed in an exploratory cross-sectional study for the presence of dirofilaria. No D. repens positive case was found in the first two years after the introduction of the PCR. In 2018 five of 546 analyzed samples (5/546, 0,9 %, 95 % confidence interval [95 % CI]=0,7 - 1,2 %) tested positive for D. repens, in 2019 four of 591 (0,7 %, 95 % CI=0,5 - 0,9 %), in 2020 15 of 783 (1,9 %, 95 % CI=1,6 - 2,3 %) and in 2021 eleven of 1058 samples (1,0 %, 95 % CI=0,8 - 1,3 %). In the exploratory cross-sectional study, four of the 50 examined dogs were positive for D. repens (8 %, 95 % CI=2,6 - 20,1 %). One dog had a concurrent infection with D. immitis and D. repens. All four positive tested dogs were imported from Hungary. Potentially zoonotic infections with D. repens occur in dogs living in Switzerland. This disease should be included in the differential diagnoses of imported dogs and a monitoring during routine health checks should be done more often. The veterinary profession can thus assume its responsibility for the prevention of zoonoses as part of a One Health approach.

Tracing the future of epidemics: Coincident niche distribution of host animals and disease incidence revealed climate-correlated risk shifts of main zoonotic diseases in China.

Climate has critical roles on the origin, pathogenesis and transmission of infectious zoonotic diseases. However, large-scale epidemiologic trend and specific response pattern of zoonotic diseases under future climate scenarios are poorly understood. Here, we projected the distribution shifts of transmission risks of main zoonotic diseases under climate change in China. First, we shaped the global habitat distribution of main host animals for three representative zoonotic diseases (2, 6, and 12 hosts for dengue, hemorrhagic fever and plague, respectively) with 253,049 occurrence records using maximum entropy (Maxent) modeling. Meanwhile, we predicted the risk distribution of the above three diseases with 197,098 disease incidence records from 2004 to 2017 in China using an integrated Maxent modeling approach. The comparative analysis showed that there exist highly coincident niche distributions between habitat distribution of hosts and risk distribution of diseases, indicating that the integrated Maxent modeling is accurate and effective for predicting the potential risk of zoonotic diseases. On this basis, we further projected the current and future transmission risks of 11 main zoonotic diseases under four representative concentration pathways (RCPs) (RCP2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0, RCP8.5) in 2050 and 2070 in China using the above integrated Maxent modeling with 1,001,416 disease incidence records. We found that Central China, Southeast China and South China are concentrated regions with high transmission risks for main zoonotic diseases. More specifically, zoonotic diseases had diverse shift patterns of transmission risks including increase, decrease and unstable. Further correlation analysis indicated that these patterns of shifts were highly correlated with global warming and precipitation increase. Our results revealed how specific zoonotic diseases respond in a changing climate, thereby calling for effective administration and prevention strategies. Furthermore, these results will shed light on guiding future epidemiologic prediction of emerging infectious diseases under global climate change.

Wild meat consumption in urban Sierra Leone during the Covid-19 pandemic

AbstractWild meat is associated with an increased risk of zoonotic diseases. In some West African countries wild meat consumption declined as the result of official restrictions following Ebola outbreaks during 2013–2016, and was also affected by the current Covid-19 pandemic. In Sierra Leone, a country affected by these diseases, we documented wild meat use in four markets in the capital, Freetown. From a total of 197 interviews, we analysed the influence of age and gender on the types of wild meat eaten and the reasons for their consumption. We found that more men than women consumed wild meat, and for both genders taste was the main reason for eating wild meat. Age did not affect wild meat consumption amongst women. Evidence for changes in consumer behaviour in response to zoonotic disease risk was mixed. Although some consumers avoided wild meat because of disease risk, none stated this was the primary reason for not eating wild meat, and monkeys (presumed to carry a high zoonotic disease risk) were amongst the species cited as being consumed often. More work is needed to identify the best pathway towards safe and sustainable consumption of wild meat in urban Sierra Leone.

Assessing disease risk perceptions of wild meat in savanna borderland settlements in Kenya and Tanzania

Wild meat hunting and trade across African savannas is widespread. We interviewed 299 people in rural settlements along the Kenya-Tanzania border to examine impacts of COVID-19 on wild meat consumption and perceptions about wild meat activities associated with zoonotic disease risks. Education level played a key part in understanding COVID-19 transmission. Information about the pandemic was mostly acquired from the media. Nearly all respondents recognized that COVID-19 originated in China. As many as 70% reported no impact of COVID-19 on wild meat consumption; some believed that there was an increase. Over half of the respondents believed that consumption of wild meat leads to food-borne illnesses. Respondents recognized disease risks such as anthrax and brucellosis and accepted that people slaughtering and handling wild meat with open cuts were at greater risk. Ungulates were the most consumed animals, followed by birds, rodents, and shrews. Respondents perceived that hyenas, monkeys, donkeys, and snakes were riskier to eat. More than 90% of the respondents understood that handwashing with soap reduces risks of disease transmission. Country level (11 answers), education and gender (three answers each) and household economy (158 answers) were significant. Country differences were linked to differences in nature legislation; 50% of Kenyan respondents believed that wild meat should not be sold because of conservation concerns. Men were more worried about getting COVID-19 from live animals and perceived that wildlife should not be sold because of conservation reasons. Overall, there was a very strong inclination to stop buying wild meat if other meats were less expensive. Our results allow us to better understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on wild meat-related activities. Differences between countries can frame the attitudes to wild meat since wild meat trade and consumption were found to be country specific.

The microbiota in feces of domestic pigeons in Seoul, Korea

In Korea, feral pigeons pose significant public health risks because they carry various zoonotic pathogens. Human population density is a significant factor in zoonotic disease events. Seoul is one of the largest cities by population density among developed countries and where most of the homeless population in Korea exists. We designed this study to compare the microbiota of pigeon feces by regional characteristics and the presence of homeless individuals. Therefore, this study used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to detect possible pathogenic microbes and assess the current risk of zoonosis in Seoul, South Korea. Pigeon fecal samples (n = 144) obtained from 19 public sites (86 and 58 fecal samples from regions in and outside Seoul, respectively) were examined. Potentially pathogenic bacteria were also detected in the fecal samples; Campylobacter spp. was found in 19 samples from 13 regions, Listeriaceae was found in seven samples, and Chlamydia spp. was found in three samples from two regions. Principal coordinates analysis and permutational multivariate analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in bacterial composition between the regions in Seoul (n = 86) and outside Seoul (n = 58) and between the regions with (n = 81) and without (n = 63) homeless individuals. Overall, this study identified various potentially pathogenic microorganisms in pigeon feces at public sites in South Korea. Moreover, this study demonstrates that the microbial composition was influenced by regional characteristics and homelessness. Taken together, this study provides important information for public health strategic planning and disease control.

A Community-Based Approach to Explore Challenging and Sensitive Issues: Hunting, Wild Meat Consumption, and Zoonotic Disease Risks in Tanzania

The case study summarizes our team’s engagement with communities in the Ruaha Landscape of Tanzania, a landscape with abundant protected areas that provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife and frequent opportunities for human-wildlife interaction through daily livelihood activities, such as agriculture, livestock production, and hunting and wild meat consumption. The study was implemented by the Health for Animals and Livelihood Improvement (HALI) project, a One Health research and capacity-building program investigating health at human-animal-environment interfaces in Tanzania.We applied an integrated multidisciplinary and participatory approach with extensive community engagement to explore wild meat consumption and the associated value chain in several villages bordering protected areas. Working with communities, we investigated factors driving wild meat consumption and trade and designed participatory wildlife sampling approaches for species confirmation and infectious disease testing, including establishing safe sample collection and transport from remote field environments to our university laboratory. Through collaborations with local community members, wild meat samples were opportunistically collected for virus testing and interviews were conducted to explore hunting practices, trade, and socioeconomics in an environment where subsistence hunting and poaching were under considerable legal pressure in the wake of anti-poaching policies. Our findings correlated commonly hunted wildlife species with collected tissue samples and identified risks for transmission of zoonotic diseases associated with hunting practices. Furthermore, we collaborated with stakeholders from participating villages in developing and implementing educational outreach programs aimed at improving awareness of the risks of wild meat to human health through the transmission of zoonotic diseases.© The Authors 2023

Field survey and molecular characterization of apicomplexan parasites in small mammals from military camps in Afghanistan

Small mammals are an important reservoir for causative agents of numerous infectious diseases, including zoonotic and vector-borne diseases. The occurrence of these pathogens represents a regional but permanent threat for humans and animals in general and might especially weaken military personnel and companion animals in abroad missions. In our study, small mammals collected in military camps in Afghanistan (Feyzabad, Mazar-e Sharif, and Kunduz) were investigated for the presence of apicomplexans using histopathology and molecular methods. For this purpose, well-established and newly developed real-time PCR assays were applied. A high prevalence was detected not only in house mice (Mus musculus), but also in shrews (Crocidura cf. suaveolens) and grey dwarf hamsters (Cricetulus migratorius). The molecular characterization based on the 18S rRNA gene revealed a close relationship to a cluster of Hepatozoon sp. detected in voles of the genus Microtus. Hepatozoon canis DNA was detected in one house mouse as well as in two Rhipicephalus ticks from a dog puppy. In addition, around 5% of the house mice were found to be infected with far related adeleorinids showing the highest sequence identity of 91.5% to Klossiella equi, the only published Klossiella sequence at present. For their better phylogenetic characterization, we conducted metagenomics by sequencing of two selected samples. The resulting 18S rRNA gene sequences have a length of about 2400 base pairs including an insertion of about 500 base pairs and are 100% identical to each other. Histopathology together with organ tropism and detection rates verified this sequence as of Klossiella muris. In conclusion, we documented naturally occurring protozoan stages and the additional taxonomic characterization of a well-known commensal in mice by applying a combination of different approaches. The study is of medical, social, and biological importance for ensuring human and animal health in military camps and also stresses the required awareness for the potential risk of zoonoses.

Implementing a one health approach to strengthen the management of zoonoses in Ethiopia

In East Africa, a region with many endemic and emerging zoonoses, and in countries such as Ethiopia in particular, One Health (OH) approaches are increasingly seen as effective ways, to mitigate the risk of zoonoses at the interface between human, animal and the environment. The OH approach promotes interdisciplinary cooperation and collaboration between researchers and practitioners from the disciplines of human, animal and environmental health. Moreover, it advocates for the establishment of a public health sector model which recognises the imperative to holistically address diseases that occur in the human, animal and environmental health arena.Key informant interviews were conducted with human and animal health practitioners and academic researchers in Ethiopia to collect data on the implementation of the OH approach to manage zoonotic diseases at the human and animal health interface. Participants' observations were undertaken within animal and human health clinics and government laboratories to gather additional data. Environmental health was not considered in this study as it is not yet fully integrated into the OH approach in Ethiopia.The results reveal a lack of interdisciplinary cooperation, collaboration, and coordination between animal and human health practitioners in operationalising the OH framework in Ethiopia. Professionals in academic and non-academic institutions and organisations are interested in implementing the OH approach, however, an organisational “silo” culture constrains collaboration between institutions dealing with animal and human health. Understaffing and underfunding of institutions were also cited as major challenges to the implementation of a OH approach. Lack of interdisciplinary training for animal and human health practitioners hinders collaboration in the management of zoonoses.Policymakers need to go beyond the rhetoric to a genuine focus on reform of health management and implement policies that bridge human, animal and environmental health. There is a need for multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary training in human, animal and environmental health and collaborative research for the management of zoonoses.

Is biomedical research demand driving a monkey business?

For decades, animal models such as the macaque have been used in the advancement of human medicine and therefore have been subject to extensive trade globally. The sustained need of macaques for research necessitates assessment of the international trade and whether appropriate regulations are in place to safeguard animal welfare, public health and scientific integrity. In this study, we investigated the trade in live macaques (Macaca fascicularis) for commercial, scientific and medical purposes reported through the CITES Trade Database between 2000 and 2020 from selected countries. Discrepancies were evident in the data collected, particularly associated with the quantities of live animals reported by the exporting and importing countries. Of particular interest were the trade discrepancies reported between 2019 and 2020, wherein Cambodia significantly increased their exports of macaques whilst China, traditionally one of the largest suppliers of macaques, ceased all exports. Concurrently there were notable inconsistencies between the macaque trade permitted for export to the United States and the import quantity reported. Such findings suggest that the macaque trade requires more stringent monitoring in order to minimise potential illegal wildlife trade activity and reduce the risk of zoonoses or pathogen spill-over events. Therefore, increased regulation on a global scale is required to ensure that the supply of macaques is legitimate, supports quality research and does not provide an opportunity for future disease outbreaks to occur.

A glance into traditional pig slaughtering practices in Vietnam and opportunities for zoonotic disease prevention

IntroductionAfrican swine fever in Vietnam is contributing to existing concerns over zoonotic disease transmission from sick pigs to humans. While slaughterhouses are key sites of occupational hazards to workers and contamination of meat, the specific slaughtering practices contributing to zoonotic occupational and foodborne disease risks remain under-researched. Our objective is to identify and characterize aspects of pig slaughtering processes that contribute to such risks.MethodsWe draw on qualitative observations, photos, and videos from three mobile slaughterhouses and seven abattoirs in Hung Yen, Vietnam.ResultsBased on our analysis, areas likely leading to zoonotic disease risks include slaughtering procedures, personal hygiene of workers, equipment sanitation, and facility sanitation. Within the small-scale swine industry, slaughtering practices are long-standing and difficult to change.ConclusionOur study underscores the importance of hygiene training of workers, improvements to equipment and facilities, and awareness-building activities targeting consumers to reduce the burden of zoonotic disease risks in small-scale pig slaughter settings.

Examinations of cattle births with a special focus on Coxiella burnetii

Cattle births can carry the risk of transmissible and zoonotic diseases. The focus of the present study was the excretion of Coxiella (C.) burnetii during cattle births. Small ruminants are considered as the main reservoir of C. burnetii. Cattle are often subclinical carriers and their role as potential reservoir has not been fully elucidated until now, although the excretion of Coxiella has been demonstrated during cattle birth. The study recorded all births, caesarean sections and one abortion in 40 cattle at the ruminant clinic of the Vetsuisse Faculty in Bern in the study period from March 2019 to March 2020. A placenta -, milk - and fecal sample was examined for antigen diagnostics using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition, a serum sample was analyzed to detect C. burnetii-specific antibodies. Antigen and/or antibodies (placenta, n=8/9; milk, n=2/9; faeces, n=1/9; serology n= 3/9) were detected in 22,5 % of the cows (n=9/40) without the presence of specific clinical symptoms. It is essential to sensitize contact persons to this zoonosis, since Coxiella can trigger Q-fever in humans.

Isolation of Salmonella species of public health concern from commonly fed dried meat dog treats.

Dried non-heat-treated meat treats, such as ears, skin and tails, are popular supplementary dog foods. Previous studies have demonstrated Salmonella spp. contamination on treats, particularly in pig ears and chicken products. This small, exploratory, cross-sectional study investigated Salmonella spp. presence in dried treats available in the UK. A selection of dried treats from local pet shops and online retailers underwent bacterial culture for Salmonella spp. and subsequent antimicrobial susceptibility testing, with Salmonella serotype determined by whole genome sequencing. Eighty-four samples were tested, with 16% being Salmonella spp. positive. Five Salmonella serotypes were identified, each associated with specific treat types. An antimicrobial-resistant phenotype was identified in 39% of isolates. All serotypes identified are known to cause human infection. This study was limited by a small sample size and limited number of retail sources. Salmonella spp. of public health concern were present in some dried dog treats in this study. Dog owners, pet food retailers and veterinary professionals should be aware of the potential zoonotic disease risk associated with these treats, and appropriate hygiene measures, including thorough hand washing, should be utilised if they are fed.

A novel multiplex qPCR assay for clinical diagnosis of non-human malaria parasites-Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium cynomolgi.

The imminent risk of zoonoses of non-human malaria parasites is not far from reality in India, as has been observed in the case of Plasmodium knowlesi (Pk), and so is possible with P. cynomolgi (Pc), already reported from South East Asian countries. Therefore, a novel multiplex qPCR assay was developed and evaluated for detection of non-human malaria parasites- Pk and Pc in populations at risk. The qPCR primers were designed in-house with fluorescence labeled probes (HEX for Pk and FAM for Pc). DNA samples of Pk and Pc were used as templates and further the qPCR assay was evaluated in 250 symptomatic and asymptomatic suspected human blood samples from malaria endemic areas of North Eastern states of India. The qPCR assay successfully amplified the target 18S rRNA gene segment from Pk and Pc and was highly specific for Pk and Pc parasites only, as no cross reactivity was observed with P. falciparum (Pf), P. vivax (Pv), P. malariae (Pm), and P. ovale (Po). Standard curves were generated to estimate the limit of detection (LOD) of Pk and Pc parasites DNA (0.00275 & 0.075 ng/μl, respectively). Due to COVID-19 pandemic situation during 2020-21, the sample accessibility was difficult, however, we managed to collect 250 samples. The samples were tested for Pf and Pv using conventional PCR- 14 Pf and 11 Pv infections were observed, but no Pk and Pc infections were detected. For Pk infections, previously reported conventional PCR was also performed, but no Pk infection was detected. The multiplex qPCR assay was observed to be robust, quick, cost-effective and highly sensitive as compared to the currently available conventional PCR methods. Further validation of the multiplex qPCR assay in field setting is desirable, especially from the high-risk populations. We anticipate that the multiplex qPCR assay would prove to be a useful tool in mass screening and surveillance programs for detection of non-human malaria parasites toward the control and elimination of malaria from India by 2030.

Rodent trapping studies as an overlooked information source for understanding endemic and novel zoonotic spillover.

Rodents, a diverse, globally distributed and ecologically important order of mammals are nevertheless important reservoirs of known and novel zoonotic pathogens. Ongoing anthropogenic land use change is altering these species' abundance and distribution, which among zoonotic host species may increase the risk of zoonoses spillover events. A better understanding of the current distribution of rodent species is required to guide attempts to mitigate against potentially increased zoonotic disease hazard and risk. However, available species distribution and host-pathogen association datasets (e.g. IUCN, GBIF, CLOVER) are often taxonomically and spatially biased. Here, we synthesise data from West Africa from 127 rodent trapping studies, published between 1964-2022, as an additional source of information to characterise the range and presence of rodent species and identify the subgroup of species that are potential or known pathogen hosts. We identify that these rodent trapping studies, although biased towards human dominated landscapes across West Africa, can usefully complement current rodent species distribution datasets and we calculate the discrepancies between these datasets. For five regionally important zoonotic pathogens (Arenaviridae spp., Borrelia spp., Lassa mammarenavirus, Leptospira spp. and Toxoplasma gondii), we identify host-pathogen associations that have not been previously reported in host-association datasets. Finally, for these five pathogen groups, we find that the proportion of a rodent hosts range that have been sampled remains small with geographic clustering. A priority should be to sample rodent hosts across a greater geographic range to better characterise current and future risk of zoonotic spillover events. In the interim, studies of spatial pathogen risk informed by rodent distributions must incorporate a measure of the current sampling biases. The current synthesis of contextually rich rodent trapping data enriches available information from IUCN, GBIF and CLOVER which can support a more complete understanding of the hazard of zoonotic spillover events.

Milk Producers’ Awareness of Milk-Borne Zoonoses In Baghabarighat Milk Shed Areas of Bangladesh

The present study was undertaken to assess the farmers’ knowledge and awareness of milkborne zoonoses in Bhaghabarighat Milk Shed Areas of Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was carried out in randomly selected 270 dairy farmers in Pabna and Sirajgonj district. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect information from respondents regarding different aspects of milk-borne zoonosis. Data were collected from farmers, with inclusion criteria of having at least 2 cows with farming experience of more than 6 months. The study showed that almost 80% of the farmers were unable to name any milk-borne zoonotic disease, whereas rest of the farmers had a little bit knowledge about milk-borne zoonoses those were relatively educated and experienced farmers. About 23% of the farmers had no knowledge of the fact that raw milk can be a potential source of disease transmission. The majority of the respondents (99%) did not receive any formal training about zoonotic diseases. Among the respondents’ awareness levels of milkborne zoonoses were 4.5%, 9.2%, 17.4%, 54.84% and 82.1% for brucellosis, anthrax, tuberculosis, mastitis and diarrhea, respectively. The behavioral practices of dairy farmers observed to increase the risk of milk-borne zoonoses transmission were: consumption of raw milk (13%), lack of cooling system (100%), no milk routine testing, and none farmers’ did medical check-up. 87% of the respondents preferred to use boiled milk. The farmers’ overall knowledge about milk-borne zoonoses was inadequate. In conclusion, awareness and training programs about milking hygiene and handling can improve disease control and reduce the public health risk of milk-borne zoonoses.
 Vol. 9, No. 3, December 2022: 307-312

Demand of One Health Activities by Community-Level Service Providers in Selected Districts of Nepal

One Health (OH) is a new approach to controlling zoonoses in the veterinary and public health fields in Nepal. This study aims to explore the OH-related knowledge, perception, and practices of service providers like veterinarians, public health, and livestock-related cooperative members in selected districts of Nepal. We randomly selected three municipalities from three districts of Gandaki province in Nepal using by qualitative dominant mixed-method research approach for data collection. The study showed that most of the respondent service providers had a low level of knowledge of the OH approach and conducted their zoonoses control programs vertically in a traditional way. Foot and mouth disease (FMD), brucellosis, Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), rabies, leptospirosis, and bovine tuberculosis (BTB) are livestock-related common zoonoses and dog bites, worm infestation, diarrhoeal diseases showed the common health problems in public health sectors in the study. This prevalence creates a higher zoonoses risk in farming communities of Nepal. Therefore, to control the zoonoses we need to make knowledgeable service providers who are engaged basically in human and animal health care sectors by applying the OH approach. Government should introduce OH-related programs up to the community level and should establish the OH committee at every local level with united all public health, animal health, and water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) related officials in the country.

An analysis of Canada's declared live wildlife imports and implications for zoonotic disease risk

In Canada, there have been calls for increased research into and surveillance of wildlife trade and associated zoonotic disease risks. We provide the first comprehensive analysis of Canadian live wildlife imports over a 7-year period (2014–2020), based on data from federal government databases obtained via Access to Information requests. A total of 1 820 313 individual animals (including wild-caught and captive-bred animals but excluding fish, invertebrates, Columbiformes (pigeons), and Galliformes (game birds)), from 1028 documented import records, were imported into Canada during 2014–2020. Birds were the most imported taxonomic class (51%), followed by reptiles (28%), amphibians (19%), and mammals (2%). In total, 22 taxonomic orders from 79 countries were recorded as imported. Approximately half of the animals (49%) were imported for the exotic pet market. Based on existing literature and a review of the Canadian regulatory apparatus, we gesture to these importations' potential implications for zoonotic disease risk and discuss potential biosecurity challenges at the Canadian border. Finally, we identify data gaps that prevent an extensive assessment of the zoonotic disease risk of live wildlife imports. We recommend data collection for all wildlife importation and improved coordination between agencies to accurately assess zoonotic disease risk.

The Knowledge about the Potential Health Risks of Illegal Bushmeat Activities among Local Communities Adjacent to Western Nyerere National Park, Tanzania

Establishing knowledge of local communities regarding the potential health risks of illegal bushmeat hunting and its related practices is among the essential means to developing effective conservation and public health programs. To reveal the understanding of the local people regarding the potential health risks of bushmeat consumption and handling of wildlife products, we used a semi-structured questionnaire to survey 261 households in eight villages located adjacent to the western part of Nyerere National Park. Also, we interviewed eight key informants, including conservation personnel and veterinary officers, in the study area. The proportion of local people who were unaware that handling of wildlife products and bushmeat consumption were risky behaviours towards acquiring zoonotic diseases was slightly higher (57%) than the proportion of respondents who were aware of the likely risks of zoonotic diseases from the practices. After all, the majority (83%) of local people admitted having come into contact with wildlife products, while over 70% reported having consumed bushmeat. We found that local communities living closer to the park boundaries (<15 km) have a higher likelihood of contacting wildlife products, and that community members who have lived in the area for more than ten years have experienced more contact with wildlife products than immigrants. Moreover, the age of inhabitants and length of stay were found to be the most significant factors in determining the likelihood of bushmeat consumption. Most people seemed to prefer bushmeat to domestic meat, arguing that bushmeat is far more flavorful, tender, not tainted with chemicals, and has less fat, making it safer. Our study demonstrated that local communities participate in risky practices without contemplating the health consequences that could emerge should a zoonotic disease outbreak occur. Among other strategies, we recommended conservation and public health institutions to increase awareness campaigns on the possible health risks of zoonotic diseases associated with wildlife.

High prevalence of liver fluke infestation, Fasciola gigantica, among slaughtered cattle in Boyolali District, Central Java.

Fasciolosis is a foodborne disease caused by Fasciola sp. infecting ruminants, especially cattle. Fasciolosis remains a significant concern for Veterinary Public Health because of its zoonosis risk and transmission mode. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with Fasciola gigantica infestation in cattle at Ampel abbatoir, Central Java, Indonesia. A cross-sectional study was performed on 585 cattle from February to August 2022. Visual observation postmortem was used to assess Fasciola infection based on adult flukes in liver parenchyma and ductuli biliferi. The overall prevalence of fasciolosis in Ampel abbatoir is high, reaching 25.12% (147/585). The highest prevalence was observed in the Ongole breed, 42.1% (24/57), female cattle, 38.72% (115/297), body condition score criteria of 2 50% (21/42), cattle aged >3.5 years 46.06% (82/178), and cattle originated from outside of Boyolali district 33.33% (71/213). This study showed a high prevalence of fasciolosis in Ampel abbatoir, as shown in the correlation between the risk factors of breed, sex, body condition score (BCS), origin, and age. Because of the high prevalence of fasciolosis in the abattoirs, it is essential to continue performing epidemiology studies in more expansive areas. The subsequent plans are important to reduce the risk of fasciolosis as a threat to productive cattle husbandry and warrant its transmission to humans as a foodborne-zoonotic disease.

Zoonotic Enteric Parasites among Pastoralists, Cattle, and Soil in the Upper Benue Trough of Northeastern Nigeria

Objective: The occupation, lifestyle, and lack of formal education among pastoralists place them at higher risk of zoonoses. Moreover, zoonoses among pastoralists and their livestock in the Upper Benue Trough in northeastern Nigeria has not been studied holistically. Therefore, we investigated zoonotic enteric parasite (ZEP) infections by Entamoba spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia intestinalis, Fasciola spp., Taenia spp. and Trichostrongylus spp. among this group. Methods: Demographic information and faecal samples were collected from humans and cattle in 12 pastoral communities along the trough using a cross-sectional, observational study design. Soil samples were also collected from homes. Specimens were examined microscopically for ZEPs and the data were analysed. Results: The prevalence of ZEPs was 40.3% among humans, 48.2% among cattle, and 74.6% in home soil. The prevalence of ZEP infections among humans did not differ significantly with respect to gender and husbandry practices, but did differ significantly with respect to age and clan. There was a strong correlation (R=0.750) between ZEP prevalence in humans, cattle, and soil across study communities. Conclusion: The correlation between the distribution of ZEPs in different sample categories across communities strongly suggests that zoonotic transmission of ZEP is ongoing in the study area. Adopting an integrated approach to intervention will potentially be more effective in disease control. Further investigation, continuous monitoring, and surveillance are recommended to forestall enteric infection outbreaks.