Abattoir-based prevalence of avian tuberculosis in chicken slaughtered at Poultry abattoir in Bishoftu, Central Ethiopia

A cross-sectional abattoir-based study was conducted in apparently healthy chicken in Bishoftu town, Ethiopia to estimate the prevalence of avian tuberculosis and isolate its causative agent. The occurrence of avian tuberculosis was investigated using postmortem examination, bacteriological culture and acid-fast staining methods. Of the total 648 chicken examined to detect avian tuberculosis, 42 tissue samples showing gross pathological tuberculous-like lesions were collected from liver, spleen and intestine. The overall prevalence of avian tuberculosis in poultry was 6.48% (42/648) (95%CI: 4.53-8.38) on the basis of detailed postmortem examination. Out of 42 tissue samples cultured on Lowenstein-Jensen medium, 14 (33.3%) were bacteriologically culture positive and showed growth of dough-shaped smooth colony characteristic and out of these 14 culture positive samples, 5 (35.7%) were acid-fast positive mycobacteria. Statistical significant difference was observed in the prevalence of avian TB among chicken with different body condition scoring (χ2 = 23.593, p =0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis for risk factors showed that body condition scoring has a high statistical significant association with the prevalence of avian tuberculosis in the study area (p<0.05). Poor body conditioned chicken were more likely to show TB lesions (OR=4.45, 95% CI, 2.33- 8.52) than good body conditioned chicken. The present preliminary study on avian TB using postmortem lesion examination and microbiological methods revealed the occurrence of avian TB in low prevalence inapparently healthy chicken originated from intensive poultry farms in Bishoftu area; hence detail poultry meat inspection should be practiced at poultry abattoirs in order to reduce the public health risk. Keywords: Abattoir, Avian tuberculosis, Postmortem examination, Poultry, Ethiopi

One Health – A holistic solution for sustainable management of globalization-driven public health challenges

Globalization is an inevitable and extremely complex phenomenon that involves transnational integration of culture, economy, environment, politics, and other social interest. Globally, we are witnessing multitude changes such as a rapid population growth, urbanization, international trade and commerce, agricultural intensification, and encroachment into the natural ecosystem. Further mismatching of food demand and supply, growth disparities, increasing food prices, and over utilization of natural resources are among the challenges to the economic status of a nation and its health sector. The health impacts of globalization can be both positive and negative; of course, its impacts vary based on factors such as geographical location, gender, age, literacy, and socioeconomic status. Globalization has played pivotal role in health improvements via dissemination of new medical knowledge, low-cost health technologies, fast transactions of medical supply and improvement of human rights. Thus it has shown potential positive impacts by minimizing the gaps in health inequalities between rich and poor people in the global South and North and improved the idea of healthcare for all. On the other hand, there are also shortcomings of globalization to global health, such as the spread of infectious diseases due to rapid mobility, which is emerging as the greatest threat to all. The interconnectedness of globalization and One Health is complex. Whereas, globalization is one of the main challenges to ensure global health security. One Health is a remedy to manage the negative health consequences of globalization, especially in least developed world. It is undeniable that the connection between humans, animals, and the environment calls for the attention of multi-sectorial institutes to collaborate to closely monitor and reduce the risks and consequences on health and wellbeing. One Health approach is increasingly recognized and streamlined into national and international plans and strategies for effective management of zoonotic diseases, food safety, antimicrobial resistance, and climate change. Human practices such as, changes in land use and how food is produced are driving ecological and evolutionary conditions that facilitate disease spillover events and contribute to antimicrobial resistance. These changes are occurring rapidly on a large scale, both locally and globally. The pursuit of understanding human, veterinary and environmental health issues separately leads to an incomplete understanding of disease dynamics and, therefore, missed synergy for a joint mitigation of the problems. One Health actions support the primary prevention of such problems, enabling more timely and effective containment and response to public health threats at the human-animal-environment interface. In short, systematic and sustained One Health approach becomes more important than ever in order to promote and ensure health security and avert the negative impacts of globalization. Therefore, there is a need to focus on the creation of socially and environmentally sustainable forms of globalization that provide the greatest benefits and least costs, shared more equitably than the status queue

Preliminary Study on Avian Tuberculosis and Associated Risks in Domestic Chickens at Shashemene District, Ethiopia

The study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of avian tuberculosis (TB) and assess associated risk factors in Shashemene District. In addition, the zoonotic implication of avian tuberculosis in the District was investigated. In this study, 260 adult domestic chickens of both sexes were tested by tuberculin test on their wattle. Test positive chickens were sacrificed and examined for the presence of tuberculous lesion. Suspicious lesions were cultured for mycobacterial isolation and characterization using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). On top of these, questionnaire was used to assess public perception and the potential public health risks of the disease. The prevalence of avian TB at Shashemene District was 4.23% (11/260). Gross TB lesions were detected in six of the 11 tuberculin positive chickens. Culture positivity was confirmed in three of the chicken with gross lesions. These isolates were confirmed to be members of the Genus Mycobacterium. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that male owners had a better knowledge of avian TB compared to females (adjusted OR=2.01; 95% CI: 0. 35-11.26). Furthermore, human TB exposed owners had better knowledge of avian TB compared to TB unexposed owners (adjusted OR=3.92; 95% CI: 0.98-15.76). The survey indicated that chicken kept in extensive production system and as there exist a close physical contact between the chicken and their owners, there could a possibility of transmission of mycobacteria between chicken and their owners. On top of this, the low perception of the owners about zoonotic TB including avian TB could add up to the transmission. Keywords: Avian tuberculosis, domestic chicken, M. avium complex, prevalence, Shashemene

Study on the prevalence and risk factors of bovine tuberculosis in dairy cattle in Adama city, central Ethiopia

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a serious infectious disease of cattle with significant economic impact and public health risk. It is particularly important in Ethiopia where effective control measures are lacking. This cross-sectional study was carried out between April and July 2016 on 1038 cattle selected from 206 dairy farms in Adama city located in central Ethiopia to estimate the prevalence of bTB and identify the potential risk factors using comparative intradermal tuberculin skin test. Accordingly, the individual animal level prevalence was found to be 2.1% (95% CI: 1.35 – 3.22). Of the 206 dairy farms included in the study, 7.3% (95% CI: 4.29 – 11.98) had one or more 15 cattle positive for the tuberculin test. Furthermore, 5.5% of the examined cattle were found reactive for atypical Mycobacterium. Among the risk factors considered, age and lactation status of the animals were significantly associated (p< 0.05) with the prevalence of bTB. It was noted that the apparent prevalence of bTB positive reactivity was greater in young and non-lactating cattle than their counterparts. In conclusion, the present study revealed 2.1% prevalence of bTB in the dairy farms investigated and culling of positive reactors is recommended as a feasible control intervention. Keywords: Adama; Bovine tuberculosis; CIDT; dairy cattle; Ethiopi

Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in beef feedlot of Borena cattle by using comparative intradermal skin test, Adama, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was carried out from August to November, 2015 among feedlot cattle in and around Adama export feedlot farms by using comparative intradermal tuberculin skin test to estimate the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis and to assess the associated risk factors. The individual animal prevalence with 4 mm cut-off point and with 2 mm cut-off point was 4.39% (95% CI: 2.59- 6.19) and 9.58% (95% CI: 6.99-12.16), respectively. In univariate logistic regression analysis, older animals (OR=7.11, 95% CI: 1.7-29.8), cattle from Yabello market (OR=5.66, 95% CI: 2.4-13.2) and cattle in feedlot 5 (OR=2.65, 95% CI: 1.03-6.8) were more likely to be tuberculin reactors than younger animals, cattle originated from Dubliqu market and those from feedlot I, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression, however, only feedlot farm difference showed a statistical significance difference among the groups with the OR=3.4 (95% CI: 1.2-9.5), while other factors were not statistically significant. In conclusion, the study revealed the occurrence of bovine tuberculosis in Adama export feedlot farms composed mainly of Borena cattle breeds which were established for export of fattened live beef cattle and hence, the findings of this study warrants the need to design a farm based control strategies at feedlot level and testing of animals during the purchase of the cattle at the market place of the animals.Keywords: Bovine tuberculosis, Comparative tuberculin testing, Feedlot farm, Prevalence, Risk facto

Prevalence of camel tuberculosis and associated risk factors in camels slaughtered at Akaki Abattoir, Ethiopia

A cross sectional abattoir based study was conducted from February 2014 to October, 2015 on camels slaughtered at Akaki municipality abattoir to determine the prevalence of Tuberculosis in camels and assess the association of risk factors with the prevalence of Tuberculosis in camels using single intra-dermal comparativecervical tuberculin (SICCT). Of the total of 387 camels investigated, overall cameltuberculosis prevalence of 9.82% (95% CI: 6.84%-12.8%) at a cut off value ≥ 4mm and prevalence of 17.05% (95% CI: 13.3%-20.82%) at a cut off value ≥ 2mm, were recorded. Pearson chi-square test reveals, there was statistically significant association of prevalence with the origin of camels at a cut off value ≥ 2mm (χ2 = 13.461, P=0.000). However, there was no statistically significant association (P>0.05) of risk factors of age, sex, body condition and origin of camels with the prevalence at a cut off value ≥ 4mm.The multivariate logistic regression analysis shows at a cut off value ≥ 4mm, being old aged (adjusted OR= 0.999, 95% CI: 0.450-2.22), female (adjusted OR= 2.226, 95% CI: 0.5099-9.719) were identified as risk factors for positive tuberculin reactivity. Similarly, the multivariate analysis at a cut off value ≥ 2mm, showed being moderate body conditioned (adjusted OR= 1.583, 95% CI: 0.7399-3.385) was identified as risk factor for higher tuberculin reactivity. The present study aimed to determine tuberculin reactivity of camels and assess associated risk factors with the prevalence. It was concluded that Tuberculosis is an existing phenomenon in camels. It is therefore, recommended that detailed epidemiological investigations should be conducted for the better understanding of the epidemiology of the disease in camels of pastoral communities with particular emphasis to zoonotic significance in camel rearing areas of Ethiopia.Keywords: Akaki abattoir, Camel Tuberculosis, Ethiopia, Prevalence, Risk factors, Comparative Tuberculin testing

Small Ruminant Brucella Sero-prevalence and potential risk factor at Dallo-Manna and HarannaBulluk Districts of Bale Zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was carried out on randomly sampled 384 animals to assess the occurrence of small ruminant brucellosis and risk factors contributing for the zoonotic potential of the disease at Dallo-Manna and HarannaBulluk districts of Bale Zone. Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and complement fixation test (CFT) were used serially. All collected serum samples were subjected to RBPT first and then positive sera with RBPT were further tested for confirmation using CFT. Animal level prevalence of 6.5% and 2.9%, and flock level prevalence of 50% and 22% were recorded by RBPT and CFT respectively. Flock level prevalence at Dallo-Manna is 3.8-fold (95% OR CI = 1.17-12.19) than at Haranna-Bulluk (95% OR CI = 0.32-3.31) but no statistical significant difference (p>0.05). The Chi-square (χ2) statistical analysis indicated that age (χ2=6.18; p<0.05), parity (χ2=0.57; p<0.05), retained fetal membrane (χ2=35.5; p<0.001) and abortion history (χ2=45.1; p<0.001) were associated with Brucella sero-reactors in study areas. Small ruminant with history of retainedfetal membrane (OR=3, CI: 3.52- 27) and small ruminant with abortion history (OR=32, CI: 2.26-462.8) were also found significantly associated with seropostiveity. Questioner survey revealed only 30% of the respondents were aware of the small ruminant brucellosis. Most of them (84%) handle aborted materials with bare hand, 94% of the respondents mix sheep and goat at grazing field and watering point. Traditionally the habit of raw milk consumption is com- mon (100%). In conclusion, the result of this study demonstrated the presence of Brucella sero-reactors at moderate level in small ruminants and identified certain predictors of the infection. Therefore, based on the findings, authors suggest the need for further investigation on the disease-causing agent to take proactive control intervention measures. Meanwhile, actors need to work on raising public awareness to prevent the risk of public health hazard due toBrucella infection. Key words:- Brucellosis; CFT; RBPT; Small ruminant; Zoonosi

Bovine Brucellosis and Its Public Health Significance in Ethiopia

Bovine brucellosis is endemic and widely distributed in Ethiopia. The country has already prioritized top five zoonotic diseases (rabies, anthrax, brucellosis, Rift Valley fever and highly pathogenic avian influenza) in 2019 using reprioritization workshop. So brucellosis is one of the top five neglected zoonotic diseases in the country. According to several studies, the distribution and prevalence of bovine and human brucellosis in Ethiopia varies among regions in terms of animal production and management systems, community living standards and awareness levels. The disease has major zoonotic and economic implications for rural communities, particularly pastoralists. The aim of this article was therefore to review and summarize recent studies (2010–2021) on the prevalence of bovine brucellosis in animals and humans, with reference to Ethiopia. This review describes both bovine and human brucellosis reported from various geographical areas of the country. Reports between the years 2010 and 2021 indicated a prevalence rate between 1.2% and 22.5% at the individual level, and 3.3% and.68.6% at the herd level. However, the human brucellosis seroprevalence rate was 2.15%–48.3% between 2006 and 2021. This increase clearly indicates the expected future threat of this disease in the country. However, control measures and community awareness are lacking. Therefore, actual implementation of prevention and control measures, community awareness, further studies and continual review to provide compiled information for understanding the transmission dynamics of the disease are essential

Bovine tuberculosis and its risk factors among dairy cattle herds in and around Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study focusing on the prevalence and assessment of the associated risk factors of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) among dairy cattle herds was conducted from 2012 to 2014 in Bahir Dar City and the surrounding districts. Comparative intradermal tuberculin test (CIDT) and interviewer administer questionnaire were used for conducting this study. Animal prevalence of BTB was 3.55% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.26-4.84) at >=2mm cut-off value and 1.27% (95%CI: 0.49-2.05) at >=4mm cut-off value. Similarly, herd prevalence was 12.5% (95% CI: 7.78-17.2) at >=2mm cut-off value and 5.21 % (95%CI: 2.04-8.38) at >=4mm cut-off value. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, being cross breed (adjusted OR=3.33, 95%CI: 0.33-34.0) and having poor body condition (adjusted OR=467, 95%CI: 35.9-6086) were identified as animal level risk factors for higher tuberculin reactivity. At herd level increased risk for CIDT positivity was recorded at intensive dairy herds (adjusted OR= 10.8: 95%CI: 1.32-88.1) as compared to smallholder dairy herds. In summary, the present study revealed overall low prevalence of BTB in dairy cattle in the study area. However, comparatively higher proportion of skin reactors recorded at upgraded breeds and intensive dairy herds. This warrants the need for the designing of practically acceptable control strategy.Keywords: Bovine tuberculosis, Dairy cattle herd, Prevalence, Risk facto

Pathology of Camel Tuberculosis and Molecular Characterization of Its Causative Agents in Pastoral Regions of Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted on 906 apparently healthy camels slaughtered at Akaki and Metehara abattoirs to investigate the pathology of camel tuberculosis (TB) and characterize its causative agents using postmortem examination, mycobacteriological culturing, and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), region of difference-4 (RD4)-based PCR and spoligotyping. The prevalence of camel TB was 10.04% (91/906) on the basis of pathology and it was significantly higher in females (χ2 = 4.789; P = 0.029). The tropism of TB lesions was significantly different among the lymph nodes (χ2 = 22.697; P = 0.002) and lung lobes (χ2 = 17.901; P = 0.006). Mycobacterial growth was observed in 34% (31/91) of camels with grossly suspicious TB lesions. Upon further molecular characterization using multiplex PCR, 68% (21/31) of the colonies showed a positive signal for the genus Mycobacterium, of which two were confirmed Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) by RD4 deletion typing. Further characterization of the two M. bovis at strains level revealed that one of the strains was SB0133 while the other strain was new and had not been reported to the M. bovis database prior to this study. Hence, it has now been reported to the database, and designated as SB1953. In conclusion, the results of the present study have shown that the majority of camel TB lesions are caused by mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. And hence further identification and characterization of these species would be useful towards the efforts made to control TB in camels