Benedicto Byamukama, Asfor Amin, Frank Norbert Mwiine, Susan D Kerfua, Abel Bulamu Ekiri
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease with major economic implications for the livestock sector in Uganda. Although cattle are the primary focus of FMD control in Uganda, small ruminants are also susceptible and interact with cattle in mixed species grazing systems. Little is known about the epidemiology of FMD in small ruminants. The objective of this study was to assess the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with FMD in goats in Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted in five high-risk districts with a history of FMD outbreaks. Blood samples were collected from nonvaccinated goats across 80 farms, and a questionnaire was administered to collect data on animal- and farm-level characteristics. Serum samples were tested for FMD virus (FMDV) nonstructural protein (NSP) antibodies using ELISA. Descriptive statistics and univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with seropositivity. The overall animal and farm-level seroprevalence was 19.8% (165/832) and 48.8% (39/80), respectively, and within-farm prevalence ranged from 0% to 100%. Kiruhura district had the highest seroprevalence (32.4%). Key predictors of seropositivity included proximity to a national park (OR = 14.37, p ≤ 0.001), district (Kasese: OR = 0.009, p ≤ 0.001; Kiruhura: OR = 0.052, p ≤ 0.001), and recent FMD outbreak history (FMD < 6 months ago: OR = 6.63, p ≤ 0.001; FMD > 1 year ago: OR = 2.19, p = 0.009). The most reported challenges to FMD control included inadequate vaccine supply, communal grazing, uncontrolled animal movement, and weak enforcement of quarantine measures. This study demonstrated substantial exposure of goats to FMD and highlighted the underrecognized role of small ruminants in FMD transmission. Integrating small ruminants into national FMD control programs is a logical step given the evidence. For example, inclusion in risk-based vaccination, strengthening of vaccine supply systems, and enhancing of farm-level biosecurity.
期刊介绍：
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases brings together in one place the latest research on infectious diseases considered to hold the greatest economic threat to animals and humans worldwide. The journal provides a venue for global research on their diagnosis, prevention and management, and for papers on public health, pathogenesis, epidemiology, statistical modeling, diagnostics, biosecurity issues, genomics, vaccine development and rapid communication of new outbreaks. Papers should include timely research approaches using state-of-the-art technologies. The editors encourage papers adopting a science-based approach on socio-economic and environmental factors influencing the management of the bio-security threat posed by these diseases, including risk analysis and disease spread modeling. Preference will be given to communications focusing on novel science-based approaches to controlling transboundary and emerging diseases. The following topics are generally considered out-of-scope, but decisions are made on a case-by-case basis (for example, studies on cryptic wildlife populations, and those on potential species extinctions):
Pathogen discovery: a common pathogen newly recognised in a specific country, or a new pathogen or genetic sequence for which there is little context about — or insights regarding — its emergence or spread.
Prevalence estimation surveys and risk factor studies based on survey (rather than longitudinal) methodology, except when such studies are unique. Surveys of knowledge, attitudes and practices are within scope.
Diagnostic test development if not accompanied by robust sensitivity and specificity estimation from field studies.
Studies focused only on laboratory methods in which relevance to disease emergence and spread is not obvious or can not be inferred (“pure research” type studies).
Narrative literature reviews which do not generate new knowledge. Systematic and scoping reviews, and meta-analyses are within scope.
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