Rift Valley Fever Risk Map Model and Seroprevalence in Selected Wild Ungulates and Camels from Kenya

Since the first isolation of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) in the 1930s, there have been multiple epizootics and epidemics in animals and humans in sub-Saharan Africa. Prospective climate-based models have recently been developed that flag areas at risk of RVFV transmission in endemic regions based on key environmental indicators that precede Rift Valley fever (RVF) epizootics and epidemics. Although the timing and locations of human case data from the 2006-2007 RVF outbreak in Kenya have been compared to risk zones flagged by the model, seroprevalence of RVF antibodies in wildlife has not yet been analyzed in light of temporal and spatial predictions of RVF activity. Primarily wild ungulate serum samples from periods before, during, and after the 2006-2007 RVF epizootic were analyzed for the presence of RVFV IgM and/or IgG antibody. Results show an increase in RVF seropositivity from samples collected in 2007 (31.8%), compared to antibody prevalence observed from 2000-2006 (3.3%). After the epizootic, average RVF seropositivity diminished to 5% in samples collected from 2008-2009. Overlaying maps of modeled RVF risk assessments with sampling locations indicated positive RVF serology in several species of wild ungulate in or near areas flagged as being at risk for RVF. Our results establish the need to continue and expand sero-surveillance of wildlife species Kenya and elsewhere in the Horn of Africa to further calibrate and improve the RVF risk model, and better understand the dynamics of RVFV transmission

Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells are a suitable cell line for the propagation and study of the bovine poxvirus lumpy skin disease virus

Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) is a poxvirus that causes systemic disease in cattle, resulting in substantial economic loss to affected communities. LSDV is a rapidly emerging pathogen of growing global concern that recently spread from Africa and the Middle East into Europe and Asia, impacting the cattle population in these regions. An increase in research efforts into LSDV is required to address key knowledge gaps, however this is hampered by lack of suitable cell lines on which to propagate and study the virus. In this work we describe the replication and spread of LSDV on Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells, and the formation of foci-type poxvirus plaques by LSDV on MDBK cells. Methods utilising MDBK cells to quantify neutralising antibodies to LSDV, and to purify LSDV genomic DNA suitable for short read sequencing are described. These research methods broaden the tools available for LSDV researchers and will facilitate the gathering of evidence to underpin the development of LSD control and prevention programmes

Wildlife sera collected in different locations during pre-epizootic, epizootic, and post epizootic RVF outbreak in Kenya.

<p>The results of the analysis of the RVFV antibodies in the samples by recombinant N inhibition ELISA are indicated.</p

Monthly predicted RVF risk assessment map overlaid with serological results collected prior to the 2006–2007 RVF outbreak; A) Tsavo East in September and October 2000, B) Garissa in October and November 2000, C) Laikipia in June and July 2000, and D) Amboseli in October and November 2000.

<p>The light green background color shows the extent of the potential epizootic region and high risk is indicated by red color in 1 km² pixels. Magenta lines represent polygons for conservation areas such as national parks or preserves. For each sample month, the left-hand map shows the RVF risk conditions for the prior month, and the right-hand map shows the month the samples were taken, along with sample locations. Below the maps for sample months, pie charts show the proportion of samples found to be RVF seropositive for each species, by location. Only locations sampled in that month are plotted.</p

Map of Kenya showing 2000–2009 serology sample locations and relevant Kenya conservation areas.

<p>Map of Kenya showing 2000–2009 serology sample locations and relevant Kenya conservation areas.</p

RVF risk quantified in a 75 km radius from each sample location.

<p>RVF risk quantified in a 75 km radius from each sample location.</p

Monthly predicted RVF risk assessment map overlaid with serological results collected after the 2006–2007 RVF outbreak; A) Marsabit, Mandera, and Wajir in January and February 2008, B) Marsabit, Mandera, and Wajir in August and September 2008, C) Ijara, Klegdela, Marsabit, Meru, Tana, and Tsavo in October and November 2008.

<p>See Fig. 4 for descriptive legend.</p

Monthly predicted RVF risk assessment map overlaid with serological results collected during the 2006–2007 RVF outbreak; A) Laikipia and Naivasha in December and January 2006, B) Maasai and Nakuru in January and February 2007, and C) Isiolo and Naivasha in May and Jun 2007.

<p>See Fig. 4 for descriptive legend.</p

Bar graphs showing by-species patterns of change in RVFV seropositivity before, during, and after the 2006–2007 RVF epizootic.

<p>Bar graphs showing by-species patterns of change in RVFV seropositivity before, during, and after the 2006–2007 RVF epizootic.</p