Spatio-temporal cluster analysis and transmission drivers for Peste des Petits Ruminants in Uganda

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a transboundary, highly contagious, and fatal disease of small ruminants. PPR causes global annual economic losses of between USD 1.5 and 2.0 billion across more than 70 affected countries. Despite the commercial availability of effective PPR vaccines, lack of financial and technical commitment to PPR control coupled with a dearth of refined PPR risk profiling data in different endemic countries has perpetuated PPR virus transmission. In Uganda, over the past 5 years, PPR has extended from northeastern Uganda (Karamoja) with sporadic incursions in other districts /regions. To identify disease cluster hotspot trends that would facilitate the design and implementation of PPR risk-based control methods (including vaccination), we employed the space–time cube approach to identify trends in the clustering of outbreaks in neighbouring space–time cells using confirmed PPR outbreak report data (2007–2020). We also used negative binomial and logistic regression models and identified high small ruminant density, extended road length, low annual precipitation and high soil water index as the most important drivers of PPR in Uganda. The study identified (with 90–99% confidence) five PPR disease hotspot trend categories across subregions of Uganda. Diminishing hotspots were identified in the Karamoja region whereas consecutive, sporadic, new and emerging hotspots were identified in central and southwestern districts of Uganda. Inter-district and cross-border small ruminant movement facilitated by longer road stretches and animal comingling precipitate PPR outbreaks as well as PPR virus spread from its initial Karamoja focus to the central and southwestern Uganda. There is therefore urgent need to prioritize considerable vaccination coverage to obtain the required herd immunity among small ruminants in the new hotspot areas to block transmission to further emerging hotspots. Findings of this study provide a basis for more robust timing and prioritization of control measures including vaccination

Spatio-temporal cluster analysis and transmission drivers for Peste des Petits Ruminants in Uganda.

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a transboundary, highly contagious, and fatal disease of small ruminants. PPR causes global annual economic losses of between USD 1.5-2.0 billion across more than 70 affected countries. Despite the commercial availability of effective PPR vaccines, lack of financial and technical commitment to PPR control coupled with a dearth of refined PPR risk profiling data in different endemic countries has perpetuated PPR virus transmission. In Uganda, over the past five years, PPR has extended from north-eastern Uganda (Karamoja) with sporadic incursions in other districts /regions. To identify disease cluster hotspot trends that would facilitate the design and implementation of PPR risk-based control methods (including vaccination), we employed the space-time cube approach to identify trends in the clustering of outbreaks in neighbouring space-time cells using confirmed PPR outbreak report data (2007-2020). We also used negative binomial and logistic regression models and identified high small ruminant density, extended road length, low annual precipitation and high soil water index as the most important drivers of PPR in Uganda. The study identified (with 90 - 99% confidence) five PPR disease hotspot trend categories across subregions of Uganda. Diminishing hotspots were identified in the Karamoja region whereas consecutive, sporadic, new, and emerging hotspots were identified in central and southwestern districts of Uganda. Inter-district and cross-border small ruminant movement facilitated by longer road stretches and animal comingling precipitate PPR outbreaks as well as PPR virus spread from its initial Karamoja focus to the central and south-western Uganda. There is therefore urgent need to prioritize considerable vaccination coverage to obtain the required herd immunity among small ruminants in the new hotspot areas to block transmission to further emerging hotspots. Findings of this study provide a basis for more robust timing and prioritization of control measures including vaccination. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Incorporation of dried goat rumen contents in layer diets improves egg yolk colour and acceptability of eggs

The use of dried goat rumen content (DGRC) as a partial replacement for fish meal in layer diets was investigated. A total of 90 H&N Brown Nick layer chickens were offered diets in which DGRC were incorporated at 0, 5 and 10% levels. Iso-caloric and nitrogenous diets were formulated to meet the recommended nutritional requirements for laying hens. Experimental birds were assigned to 9 cages (10 birds/cage) and experimental diets offered in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Data was collected on egg production and sensory characteristics of the eggs, and a partial budget analysis was undertaken. Diet significantly (P0.05). Eggs from layers offered 10% DGRC were more acceptable than those of layers fed on 0 and 5% diets. A significant effect (P<0.05) of treatments on yolk colour was observed. Eggs from 10% DGRC diets had more deep yellow yolks than eggs from 0 and 5% diets. It was concluded that use of DGRC in layer diets improved yolk colour, acceptability of the eggs and marginal rate of return (MRR)

Anthrax bio-surveillance of livestock in Arua District, Uganda, 2017-2018

Altres ajuts: acords transformatius de la UABThe authors would like to express their gratitude to the local Sub-County chiefs, district veterinary officers, community elders, and kraal leaders for being supportive during data collection. Author JG has received mobility support from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (action Erasmus+ KA107 Mobility Fellowship) and was supported by the Generalitat de Catalunya, Agency for Management of University and Research Grants co-financed with the European Social Found (grants for the recruitment of new research staff 2018 FI_B 00236). Authors RAO, ME, MA, MFN, MI, EI, MM, LP, BS, and SAA were funded by Livestock Disease Control project II.Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, is a widespread zoonotic disease with many human cases, especially in developing countries. Even with its global distribution, anthrax is a neglected disease with scarce information about its actual impact on the community level. Due to the ecological dynamics of anthrax transmission at the wildlife-livestock interface, the Sub-Saharan Africa region becomes a high-risk zone for maintaining and acquiring the disease. In this regard, some subregions of Uganda are endemic to anthrax with regular seasonal trends. However, there is scarce data about anthrax outbreaks in Uganda. Here, we confirmed the presence of B. anthracis in several livestock samples after a suspected anthrax outbreak among livestock and humans in Arua District. Additionally, we explored the potential risk factors of anthrax through a survey within the community kraals. We provide evidence that the most affected livestock species during the Arua outbreak were cattle (86%) compared to the rest of the livestock species present in the area. Moreover, the farmers' education level and the presence of people's anthrax cases were the most critical factors determining the disease's knowledge and awareness. Consequently, the lack of understanding of the ecology of anthrax may contribute to the spread of the infection between livestock and humans, and it is critical to reducing the presence and persistence of the B. anthracis spores in the environment. Finally, we discuss the increasingly recognized necessity to strengthen global capacity using a One Health approach to prevent, detect, control, and respond to public threats in Uganda

Psychiatric services for preschoolers: an emerging need

Objective: To describe clinical presentation and service requirements for those under six years of age referred to a specialised child and adolescent psychiatry unit.Method: This study used a retrospective review of preschoolers, six years and younger, assessed at a child, family and adolescent psychiatric unit (January 2006 to 31 December 2010). Data analysis established predominant diagnoses (prevalence percentages) and correlations and associations (diagnoses and a range of clinical variables — Fischer’s exact test and chi-square test).Results: The sample comprised 149 subjects. Males predominated (77.2%; N = 115). Mean age of presentation was 54 months (SD = 12.59). Children were referred predominantly by health professionals (36.9%; N = 55) and schools (20.8%; N = 31). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was the most common diagnosis (52.8%; N = 70), and was not over-represented amongst boys. Girls mostly presented with anxiety disorders (44.1%; 15/34) and reactive attachment disorder (RAD) (35.3%; 12/34), and boys mostly with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) (26%; 30/115). Psychometric testing was frequent (68.5%; N = 102). Pharmacological intervention was common (46.3%; N = 69). The defaulting rate after initial assessment was high (42.1%; 48/114).Conclusion: The study demonstrates the existence of psychiatric illness in this sample, highlighting service needs. Vulnerability of this age group and limited sub-specialist resources emphasise the need for the development of community services leading to early recognition and intervention