Trematode infections in cattle in Arumeru District, Tanzania are associated with irrigation

Background The relationship between the environment and infection of cattle with trematodes was studied at Arumeru District, Arusha Region, northern Tanzania. Randomly selected villages were grouped into three cattle management strata, (i) zero-grazing (ZZ) (ii) communal grazing without irrigation (ZC) and (iii) communal grazing with irrigation (ZCI). Methods Faecal samples were collected from 241 cattle, and processed using the Flukefinder® method. Snail intermediate hosts were collected with a snail scoop from the water bodies in the study villages and identified morphologically. Results The overall prevalence of F. gigantica, paramphistomes and S. bovis were 33%, 37% and 2% respectively. Prevalence for F. gigantica, paramphistomes, and S. bovis for each stratum were, zero-grazing (ZZ) (29.7%, 36.0% and 0%), communal grazing without irrigation (ZC) (6.3%, 15.0% and 3.8%) and communal grazing with irrigation (ZCI) (57.7%, 56.7% and 1.0%) respectively. The differences between strata were significant for F. gigantica (p < 0.001) and paramphistomes (p < 0.05) but not for S. bovis. Irrigation could account for the high prevalence of F. gigantica and paramphistomes in the ZCI stratum as compared to the ZZ and ZC strata. The higher prevalences of F. gigantica and paramphistomes in the ZZ stratum compared with the ZC stratum were unexpected and attributed to the practice of farmers in some ZZ stratum villages buying fodder for their cattle obtained from pastures in ZCI villages. Conclusion Trematode infections in cattle are prevalent in Arumeru District. Fasciola gigantica and paramphistomes are associated with grazing in areas with irrigation of crops. Zero-grazing of cattle does not necessarily prevent the risk of infection

Associations between trematode infections in cattle and freshwater snails in highland and lowland areas of Iringa Rural District, Tanzania

SUMMARYThe epidemiology of trematode infections in cattle was investigated within highland and lowland areas of Iringa Rural District, in southern Tanzania. Fecal samples were collected from 450 cattle in 15 villages at altitudes ranging from 696 to 1800 m above the sea level. Freshwater snails were collected from selected water bodies and screened for emergence of cercariae. The infection rates in cattle wereFasciola gigantica28·2%, paramphistomes 62·8% andSchistosoma bovis4·8%. Notably, prevalence of trematode infections in cattle was much higher in highland (altitude &gt; 1500 m) as compared with lowland (altitude &lt; 1500 m) areas and was statistically significant (P-value = 0·000) forF. giganticaand paramphistomes but not forS. bovis. The snails collected includedLymnaea natalensis, Bulinus africanus, Bulinus tropicus, Bulinus forskali, Biomphalaria pfeifferi, Melanoides tuberculataandBellamya constrictawith a greater proportion of highland (75%) than lowland (36%) water bodies harbouring snails. Altitude is a major factor shaping the epidemiology ofF. giganticaand paramphistomes infections in cattle in Iringa Rural District with greater emphasis upon control needed in highland areas.</jats:p

Evaluating the effectiveness of trematocides against <i>Fasciola gigantica </i>and amphistomes infections in cattle, using faecal egg count reduction tests in Iringa Rural and Arumeru Districts, Tanzania

Fasciolosis, caused by the liver fluke Fasciola gigantica, and paramphistomosis are widespread in cattle in Tanzania, and the use of trematocides is encouraged by the Government livestock extension officers. However, reduced efficacy of oxyclozanide against Fasciola gigantica and amphistomes (rumen flukes), and albendazole against F. gigantica, has been reported in some regions. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of different trematocides against F. gigantica and amphistome infections in cattle at Iringa Rural and Arumeru Districts. Cattle found with concurrent infection of F. gigantica and amphistomes were randomly grouped into six experimental groups. One control group was left untreated while five treatment groups were treated with one of five trematocides that include: albendazole, nitroxynil, oxyclozanide, closantel and triclabendazole. Post-treatment faecal sample collection was done on the day of treatment and again at 7, 14 and 28 days, from each cattle. The samples were processed by Flukefinder® method to recover and identify eggs. Assessment of the efficacy of the trematocides against F. gigantica and amphistomes was conducted using faecal egg count reduction (FECR) tests. The findings of the present study in both districts indicate that nitroxynil, oxyclozanide, closantel and triclabendazole are effective against patent F. gigantica infection, as the calculated FECR% for each trematocide was 100% by day 14 post-treatment. However, albendazole found to have reduced efficacy of against F. gigantica, as FECR% was 49% in Arumeru District and 89% in Iringa Rural District by day 14 post-treatment. Oxyclozanide was the only trematocide found to be effective against amphistomes with FECR of 99%. Albendazole had reduced efficacy against F. gigantica in cattle in Arumeru and Iringa Rural Districts, Tanzania. The reduced efficacy was prominent in Arumeru, where cattle are commonly treated with anthelmintics, than in Iringa Rural, where cattle are seldom treated

A community approach of pathogens and their arthropod vectors (ticks and fleas) in dogs of African Sub-Sahara

BACKGROUND : Arthropod-borne pathogens and their vectors are present throughout Africa. They have been wellstudied in livestock of sub-Saharan Africa, but poorly in companion animals. Given the socio-economic importance of companion animals, the African Small Companion Animal Network (AFSCAN), as part of the WSAVA Foundation, initiated a standardized multi-country surveillance study. METHODS : Macro-geographic variation in ectoparasite (ticks and fleas) and pathogen communities in dogs was assessed through molecular screening of approximately 100 infested dogs in each of six countries (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Namibia), both in rural and urban settings. The most important intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors within the subpopulation of infested dogs were evaluated. RESULTS : Despite the large macro-geographic variation in the dogs screened, there was no consistent difference between East and West Africa in terms of the diversity and numbers of ticks. The highest and lowest numbers of ticks were found in Nigeria and Namibia, respectively. Most often, there was a higher diversity of ticks in rural habitats than in urban habitats, although the highest diversity was observed in an urban Uganda setting. With the exception of Namibia, more fleas were collected in rural areas. We identified tick species (including Haemaphysalis spinulosa) as well as zoonotic pathogens (Coxiella burnetti, Trypanosoma spp.) that are not classically associated with companion animals. Rhipicephalus sanguineus was the most abundant tick, with a preference for urban areas. Exophilic ticks, such as Haemaphysalis spp., were more often found in rural areas. Several multi-host ticks occurred in urban areas. For R. sanguineus, housing conditions and additional pets were relevant factors in terms of infestation, while for a rural tick species (Haemaphysalis elliptica), free-roaming dogs were more often infested. Tick occurrence was associated to the use of endoparasiticide, but not to the use of ectoparasiticide. The most prevalent tick-borne pathogen was Hepatozoon canis followed by Ehrlichia canis. High levels of co-parasitism were observed in all countries and habitats. CONCLUSIONS : As dogs share a common environment with people, they have the potential to extend the network of pathogen transmission to humans. Our study will help epidemiologists to provide recommendations for surveillance and prevention of pathogens in dogs and humans.Additional file 1: Fig. S1. Overview of sampling times and average seasonal variation in precipitation and temperature. Table S1. Distribution of PCR signals allocated to an ectoparasite taxon (identification at genus level and more precise) in the infested dogs of urban and rural areas. Table S2. Distribution of co-infested dogs within the subpopulation of tick-infested dogs. Table S3. Co-infestations by different flea species (identification at genus level and lower). Table S4. Co-infections in dog blood. Table S5. Co-infections in dog ticks. Table S6. Co-infections in dog fleas. Table S7. Correlations with sero-prevalences. Table S8. Correlations with flea-borne pathogens.Additional file 2. Capture form.The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions, Bayer Animal Health GmbH, an Elanco Animal Health company, within the framework of the African Small Companion Animal Network (AFSCAN) program of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WASAVA) and supported by Idexx Laboratories and Clinvet International (Pty) Ltd.http://www.parasitesandvectors.comam2022Veterinary Tropical Disease

Role of domestic animals in the epidemiology of human African trypanosomiasis (hat) in Kigoma –Tanzania

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is fatal if untreated and causes severe morbidity. In Tanzania HAT is caused by Trypanosoma b. rhodesiense. Trypanosomiasis in livestock is the major impediment to livestock farming and it limits the full potential of agricultural development in Tanzania. This study was undertaken in Kasulu district of Kigoma region, an area that is endemic for both human and animal trypanosomiasis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of trypanosomiasis in domestic animals and the potential of these domestic animals as reservoirs of human infective trypanosomes. This study was undertaken in four villages namely Kagerankanda, Mvinza, Makere and Mvugwe. Eleven cattle samples (11%) of the 100 cattle sampled in the four villages were detected as positive by PCR using the ITS1 primers that identify trypanosomes to the level of species and subspecies. These were recognized as six Trypanosoma vivax (4%) and five Trypanosoma congolense forest type (3.33%). Cattle were more susceptible to trypanosome infection compared to other domestic animals like goats and dogs, because trypanosomes were not detected in these two species of domestic animals. Since Trypanosoma brucei species was not detected in this study, these results suggested that domestic animals that are kept in the study area do not harbour human infective trypanosomes and trypanosomiasis is prevalent in cattle.iii DECLARATION I, Jahashi Nzalawahe, do hereby declare to Senate of Sokoine University of Agricultu

Taeniasis in non-descript dogs in Ngorongoro, Tanzania: Prevalence and predisposing factors

The prevalence of taeniasis was determined during the period January to April 2013 in a cross-sectional study of non-descript domestic dogs from the livestock–wildlife ecosystem of Ngorongoro, Tanzania. Taeniid eggs were determined by screening faecal samples using the formalin-ether sedimentation technique. Predisposing factors for dog infection were assessed in relation to demographic, husbandry and management data. Of the 205 faecal samples screened, 150 (73.2%) were positive for taeniid eggs. The prevalence of dogs harbouring taeniid eggs was 80%, 30.2% and 75.3% in the less than 1 year, 1–3 years and greater than 3 years of age groups, respectively. Age group and sex prevalence in dogs did not differ significantly (P > 0.05), although the females showed a marginally higher prevalence (73.8%) in comparison to the males (72.7%). Taeniid eggs were significantly more likely to be found in the faeces of dogs located in Waso (80.6%) and Endulen (75%) than in Malambo (63.2%, P < 0.05). The study revealed that dogs owned and raised by agro-pastoralists were at a lower risk of acquiring Taenia spp. infection (P = 0.001) than those that were raised by pastoralists. The majority of dog owners were not aware of the predisposing factors and the mode of transmission of taeniids. Dogs were frequently fed on viscera, trimmings and the heads of slaughtered animals, and they were not treated for parasitic infections. The findings of this study indicate that taeniasis is prevalent among non-descript dogs in Ngorongoro, underscoring the need for further research and active surveillance to better understand the transmission cycle of Taenia spp. in a wider geographical area in Tanzania

Distribution and molecular identification of ixodid ticks infesting cattle in Kilombero and Iringa Districts, Tanzania

Abstract Background Hard ticks infesting cattle are vectors of Tick-borne diseases that causes major public health problems and considerable socioeconomic losses to the livestock industry in tropical and subtropical countries. A repeated cross-sectional study was carried out by collecting ticks on cattle during the wet and dry seasons from January to August 2021 in order to determine hard tick prevalence, distribution, and abundance on cattle in Kilombero and Iringa Districts of Tanzania. The collected ticks were identified morphologically using published morphological keys under a stereomicroscope and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Results Out of 740 examined cattle, 304, (41.08%) were infested with ticks. In total, 1,780 ticks were counted on one side of the animal’s body and doubled, whereby resulting in a total of 3,560 ticks were recorded. Individual tick burden ranged from n = 2 to 82 ticks per animal, with a mean tick burden of n = 11.7 ± 0.68 per animal. A total of 1,889 ticks were collected from infected cattle including 109 additional ticks observed while collecting ticks based on the animal’s posture when restrained to the ground. Out of 1,889 ticks, nine species from three genera were identified morphologically: 1,377 fit in the genus Rhipicephalus, 459 to the genus of Amblyomma, and 53 to the genus Hyalomma. Rhipicephalus microplus was the most prevalent (n = 909, 48.1%), followed by Rhipicephalus evertsi (n = 310, 16.4%), Amblyomma lepidum (n = 310, 16.4%), Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (n = 140, 7.4%), Amblyomma gemma (n = 120, 6.4%), Hyalomma rufipes (n = 50, 2.6%), Amblyomma variegatum (n = 29, 1.5%), Rhipicephalus decoloratus (n = 18, 1.0%), while the least common was Hyalomma albiparmatum (n = 3, 0.2%). Tick diversity was higher in Iringa compared to Kilombero District. Tick prevalence was higher in wet season (n = 148, 41.11%). Ticks were widely distributed in different parts of the host body, with the highest distribution on zone 4 (n = 1,060, 56.11%), which includes groin, flank, abdomen, and around inner thigh of the hind legs and the lowest distribution on zone 2 (n = 14, 0.74%), which includes the back surface of the body. Both Amblyomma lepidum and Rhipicephalus microplus species were found in all the five body zones, and with the highest proportions recorded on zone 4: A. lepidum (n = 209, 67.42%) and R. microplus (n = 714, 78.55%). The nine tick species identified morphologically were also confirmed using molecular methods. However, during sequencing, two species (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and R. decoloratus) had poor quality sequences and were excluded from the sequence analysis. Sequencing results indicated high nucleotide identity (96–100%) with sequences available in GenBank and Barcode of Life Database (BOLD). The phylogenetic analysis of partial mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA gene sequences of ticks were used to confirm the morphological identification. Conclusion The results showed a high burden of tick infestation on cattle, which could reduce animal production and potentially increase the risk of tick-borne diseases. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the epidemiological and molecular aspects of various tick species in other regions of Tanzania

Trematode infections in cattle in Arumeru District, Tanzania are associated with irrigation

Abstract Background: The relationship between the environment and infection of cattle with trematodes was studied at Arumeru District, Arusha Region, northern Tanzania. Randomly selected villages were grouped into three cattle management strata, (i) zero-grazing (ZZ) (ii) communal grazing without irrigation (ZC) and (iii) communal grazing with irrigation (ZCI). Methods: Faecal samples were collected from 241 cattle, and processed using the Flukefinder® method. Snail intermediate hosts were collected with a snail scoop from the water bodies in the study villages and identified morphologically. Results: The overall prevalence of F. gigantica, paramphistomes and S. bovis were 33%, 37% and 2% respectively. Prevalence for F. gigantica, paramphistomes, and S. bovis for each stratum were, zero-grazing (ZZ) (29.7%, 36.0% and 0%), communal grazing without irrigation (ZC) (6.3%, 15.0% and 3.8%) and communal grazing with irrigation (ZCI) (57.7%, 56.7% and 1.0%) respectively. The differences between strata were significant for F. gigantica (p &lt; 0.001) and paramphistomes (p &lt; 0.05) but not for S. bovis. Irrigation could account for the high prevalence of F. gigantica and paramphistomes in the ZCI stratum as compared to the ZZ and ZC strata. The higher prevalences of F. gigantica and paramphistomes in the ZZ stratum compared with the ZC stratum were unexpected and attributed to the practice of farmers in some ZZ stratum villages buying fodder for their cattle obtained from pastures in ZCI villages. Conclusion: Trematode infections in cattle are prevalent in Arumeru District. Fasciola gigantica and paramphistomes are associated with grazing in areas with irrigation of crops. Zero-grazing of cattle does not necessarily prevent the risk of infection

Prevalence and Seasonal Variation of <i>Trichuris</i> Worms Infection in <i>Mastomys natalensis</i> in Morogoro and Iringa Regions, Tanzania

Trichuriosis is a disease in mammals caused by the whipworms of the genus Trichuris. These worms are known for the high disease burden they cause in humans and domestic animals, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we investigated the prevalence and seasonal variations of Trichuris worms in multimammate rats (Mastomys natalensis). The study was conducted between January and November 2021 in Tanzania, in two regions (Morogoro and Iringa) that differ in their eco-climatic conditions. Removal trapping was conducted using Sherman® live traps during the rainy and dry seasons. The gastrointestinal tracts of captured rodents were screened for the presence of Trichuris worms, which were identified using morphological keys. A total of 200 M. natalensis rats were collected from each of the regions, with 100 animals in each season. For Morogoro, the overall prevalence of Trichuris worms in M. natalensis was 36% (n = 72), of which 42% (n = 42) and 30% (n = 30) were for the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. For Iringa, the overall prevalence was 65% (n = 130), of which there were 80% (n = 80) and 50% (n = 50) for the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. Trichuris worm infections were significantly higher during the rainy season in Iringa than in Morogoro; however, no significant difference in infections between males and females was noted in either region or season. Other helminths detected were Strongyloides spp., Capillaria spp., Hymenolepis spp. and eggs of a helminth that has yet to be confirmed, possibly an Anoplocephalid species. Since M. natalensis is the most important pest species in sub-Saharan Africa, and is a carrier of several zoonotic helminths, there is a need for improved surveillance of helminths infections in the studied regions, in order to establish strategic control programs to reduce their adverse impacts on health