Prevalence of clinical bovine dermatophilosis in dairy cattle in selected district towns of West Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from June, 2013 to October, 2014 to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of clinical bovine dermatophilosis in dairy cattle in selected districttowns of West Shewa Zone. A total of 816 dairy cattle from 60 dairy farms were clinically examined for skin lesion followed by microscopic examination of skin scrapings. The overall individual animal and herd level prevalence of clinical dermatophilosis were 5.0% and 18.3%, respectively. Agro-ecology, management system,ecto-parasite infestations were risk factors significantly associated with its occurrence. Consequently, the prevalence was significantly higher in cattle in mid land altitude than cattle in highlands; in cattle under semi-intensive than in intensive management system and in ecto-parasite infested than non-infested ones. However, other studied variables such as herd size, age, sex and breed did not show significant associations (p<0.05) with the disease. These findings indicate the interactions of the risk factors for the occurrence of clinical dermatophilosis in the study area. Consequently, clinical dermatophilosis might have adverse effects on production and productivity of dairy cattle. Therefore, good husbandary practices such as control of ecto-parasite and proper therapeutic intervention are of paramount importance for control of clinical bovine dermatophilosis and to reduce lossess associated to the disease.Keywords: Clinical dermatophilosis; Dairy cattle; Prevalence; Risk factor

Prevalence, risk factors and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Salmonella isolated from dogs of Ambo, Bako and Gojo towns of West Shoa, Ethiopia

Salmonella is the most known zoonotic bacterial agent, which produces salmonellosis in animals as wells as in humans. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence, to determine antimicrobial susceptibility and to assess risk factors associated with Salmonella shedding in dogs in selected towns of West Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Using a cross-sectional design, a total of 438 rectal swab samples were collected from randomly selected dogs for isolation and identification of Salmonella using standard procedures. A questionnaire survey was also administered. The results showed that 48 (11.0%, 95%, [CI]: 8.2% - 14.3 %) dogs were positive for Salmonella. The occurrenceof Salmonella was 10.9% (26/238), 11.6% (15/129) and 9.9% (7/71) in Ambo, Bako and Gojo towns respectively. Salmonella shedding was significantly higher in older dogs (15.0%) than younger ones (6.1 %) (P<0.05). The occurrence of Salmonella was not significantly associated with study towns, sex, breed of dogs,educational level of owners, presence of other domestic animals and housing system (P>0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of isolation of Salmonella was significantly higher in old than young dogs (OR): 2.6, 95% CI: 1.3-5.6, P=0.007) and in dogs eating mixed type of feeds (raw animal products, household leftover) than cooked feed (OR = 9.0, 95% CI: 1.2 – 68.1, P=0.033). There was also a significant difference between kebeles of the study areas in that Salmonella isolation was nearly nine times higher in Bako Kebele 02 (P=0.005) as compared to Ambo kebele 03. Salmonella isolates have developed the highest level of resistance for ampicillin (100%), tetracycline  (93.3%) and streptomycin (80.0 %), however, all isolates were susceptible to Norfloxacin. The occurrence of Salmonella, most of which resistant to commonly used antimicrobials, in rectal swab samples show the potential threat dogs may pose to public health in the study area.Keywords: Antimicrobial Resistance; Dog; Ethiopia; Prevalence; Risk factor; Salmonell

Comparative evaluation of the immune responses of seven chicken ecotypes to vaccination against Newcastle disease

Newcastle disease (ND) is a highly contagious viral disease of poultry with high mortality. The local velogenic viral pool of the ND strains  influences its severity and occurrence. ND vaccination is the most feasible approach to control the disease. However, some ND-vaccinated groups within chicken populations are susceptible to velogenic ND infection developing outbreaks with marked pathological lesions and shedding of the virus. Vaccine strain-related factors as well as inadequate vaccine application and delivery methods during vaccination might explain the suboptimum ND vaccine efficacy. In this study, however, we propose that host factors may contribute to the suboptimal vaccine efficacy in vaccinated chickens. We, therefore, compared the immune response of five Ethiopian chicken ecotypes to ND  immunization in the presence of two reference breeds (Fayoumi and Bovans). All chickens received initial immunization at age of 21 days with HB1 ND vaccine followed by two-times LaSota booster immunization at age 50 and 120 days. Subsequently, serum was collected fortnightly post-vaccination at age 35, 65, and 135 days for immune response analysis using the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. HIantibody was significantly higher at days 135 > 65 > 35 in each ecotype following the third, second, and first vaccination, respectively. The different chicken ecotypes had significant differences in HI antibody response to the ND vaccination. Accordingly, the HI titer was  significantly higher in Jarso > Cheffe > Fayoumi > Arsi > Bovans > Tepi > Horro suggesting antibody titer and ND vaccine efficacy of the ND vaccine depends on host factors. Moreover, some chicken groups within each ecotype had low HI titer. Chicken ecotypes with weak immune responses may not completely clear the virus from their body; thus, they can serve as a reservoir host by maintaining the ND  virus. We conclude that herd immunity level and blanket vaccination program based on the results of a single host genetic group can be misleading during developing and recommending a new vaccine. Hence, understanding the host determinant factors in the immune response during vaccination can lead to improved efficacy and protection against ND in chicken populations

Prevalence, organ distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Salmonella isolated from chickens purchased from markets in selected districts of West Shoa, Ethiopia

Salmonella is one of the major causes of heavy losses in chicken and foodborne diseases worldwide. The current study was conducted from  November 2015 to May 2016 to estimate the prevalence of Salmonella and determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates in chickens. Chickens (n=205) were purchased from local markets of five selected districts of West Shoa Zone, Central Ethiopia. Following clinical examination, chicken were euthanized and 2-3 ml of blood sample was collected immediately. Then after postmortem examination, samples were collected from the liver, kidney, ovary, and spleen. The slide agglutination test was used to assess the seroprevalence of Salmonella antibodies. Isolation of Salmonella was performed according to the ISO-6579 procedure. The isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing (using 13 antimicrobial drugs) following the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The seroprevalence of Salmonella antibodies was 63.5% (95% CI: 55.9-70.5). The isolation rate of Salmonella was 19.0% (95% CI: 13.9-20.1) at the chicken level and 7.3% (95% CI: 5.5-9.4) at the organ level. The detection rate was 11.2%, 7.0%, 6.1%, and 4.4% for spleen, liver, ovary, and kidney, respectively. The majority of the Salmonella isolates were susceptible to norfloxacin (97.4%) and chloramphenicol (92.3%). All the 39 isolates were resistant to amoxicillin, tetracycline, and nitrofurantoin. Three multidrug resistance patterns to six antimicrobial classes were observed. Four isolates were resistant to five antimicrobial classes. Therefore, regular  surveillance of Salmonella and its antimicrobial resistance is needed for a better understanding of the epidemiological dynamics. Awareness creation for chicken farmers about improving farming practices and the risks of antimicrobial resistance warrants special attention. Keywords: Antimicrobial susceptibility; Chicken; Prevalence; Salmonella; Ethiopi

Prevalence, risk factors and antibiogram of Escherichia coli isolated from dogs in Ambo, Gojo and Bako towns of Oromia region, Ethiopia

Dogs are a potential reservoir for Escherichia coli and other zoonotic bacterial pathogens posing the risk of infection to humans and other animals. A crosssectional study was used to collect 438 rectal swab samples from apparently healthy dogs of Ambo, Gojo, and Bako towns of West Shewa Zone with the objectives of investigating the prevalence, risk factors and antibiogram of E. coli. A questionnaire survey was administered at the household level to collect data on potential risk factors to acquire E. coli infection. Prevalence was determined by using standard bacteriological culture techniques. Further  confirmation and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of E. coli using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method were  conducted using Automated Phoenix Machine. The overall prevalence of E. coli was found to be 24.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]:20.26-28.49%). The isolation rate of E. coli was the highest in Bako 31.01%, followed by Gojo 30.99% and Ambo 18.49% towns.  Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that there was a significant association between E. coli prevalence and towns and Kebeles (P<0.05). However, age, sex, the presence of other domestic animals in the household, types of the housing system, educational level of the dogs’ owners, and type of feed provided to the dogs did not significantly correlate with the isolation of E. coli (P > 0.05). E. coli isolates were pan-susceptible to amikacin, ertapenem, imipenem, piperacillin-tazobactam, netilmicin, ampicillin, piperacillin, cefoxitin, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and meropenem. A low level of resistance was found to aztreonam, ceftriaxone, (each 13.95%), cefazolin (22.73%), gentamicin (11.90%), and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (6.97%). E. coli isolates showed multidrug resistance to aztreonam, cefazolin, ceftriaxone, gentamicin, and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (14.0%). This demonstrated E. coli prevalence and moderately low antimicrobial resistance  suggests the possible risk of infection of humans. Therefore, raising public awareness about zoonotic canine disease prevention measures and good hygienic practices are essential.. Keywords: Antibiogram, Dog, Escherichia coli, Ethiopia, Prevalence, Risk facto

Taenia saginata taeniosis and bovine cysticercosis in Ambo and Jimma, Ethiopia : an update on the epidemiology considering the diagnostic challenges

Taenia saginata taeniosis and bovine cysticercosis (BCC) are zoonotic parasitic infections occurring worldwide. The infection both in humans and cattle is endemic in the global south in general and in Ethiopia in particular. This thesis was conducted to increase the knowledge on the occurrence, risk factors, diagnostic challenges, and control of BCC and T. saginata taeniosis in cattle and humans in Ethiopia. The systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes studies on the prevalence, risk factors, and treatment made so far on Taenia saginata infections and bovine cysticercosis in Ethiopia. The average zonal meat inspection-based BCC prevalence ranged from 2% to 24.6%. There was a significant variation in the prevalence of BCC among studies based on the number of predilection sites incised, ranging between 3.4% to 19.4%. Zonal prevalence of human taeniosis based on both questionnaire and stool test varied between 19.0% to 70.0% and 0.6% to 10.7%, respectively

Prevalence of major skin diseases of cattle and associated risk factors around Ambo town, Ethiopia

Across-sectional study was conducted on 384 cattle to identify skin diseases and associated risk factors in cattle in and around Ambo town, Ethiopia. Thorough clinical examination was made followed by collection of skin scrapping and visible ecto-parasites for laboratory identification. The overall prevalence was 73.7%, of which 69.01% was ecto-parasite infestation, 4.36% skin wart and 2.6% dermatophilosis. Among ecto-parasites ticks, lice and mange mites accounted for 64.3%, 14.6% and 10.16%, respectively. The tick genera identified were Boophilus (51.6%), Rhipicephalus (28.4%), Ambylomma (8.6%) and Hyalomma (3.4%); whereas lice and mange mite genera detected were [Linognatus (12.8%) and Haematopinus (1.6%)] and [Psoroptes (9.4%) and Demodex (0.8%)], respectively. Univariable logistic regression analysis showed significantly higher (p<0.001) prevalence of tick infestation in males, local breeds and poor body conditioned animals under extensive management system. Only age of cattle showed significant association with mange mite and lice infestations. Dermatophilosis was significantly (p<0.05) higher in animals 2-5 years of age, cross breed and semi-intensively managed cattle. Generally, the prevalence of tick was high, that of lice and mange mite was moderate prevalence whereas the prevalence of dermatophillosis, skin wart, LSD and photosensitization was low. These findings call for urgent, coordinated and organized ecto-parasite and skin disease control at all level starting from the farm up until the tanneries

Assessing farmers’ willingness to pay for FMD vaccines and factors influencing payment: a contingent valuation study in central Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract Background Foot and mouth disease is a contagious, transboundary, and economically devastating viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals. The disease can cause many consequences, including decreased productivity, limited market access, and elimination of flocks or herds. This study aimed to assess farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccines and identify factors influencing their WTP. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted on 396 randomly selected livestock-owning farmers from three districts in the central Oromia region (Ambo, Dendi, and Holeta districts. The study utilized the contingent valuation method, specifically employing dichotomous choice bids with double bounds, to evaluate the willingness to pay (WTP) for the FMD vaccine. Mean WTP was assessed using interval regression, and influential factors were identified. Results The study revealed that the farmer’s mean willingness to pay for a hypothetical foot and mouth disease vaccine was 37.5 Ethiopian Birr (ETB) [95% confidence interval [CI]: 34.5 40.58] in all data, while it was 23.84 (95% CI: 21.47–26.28) in the mixed farming system and 64.87 Ethiopian Birr (95% CI: 58.68 71.15) in the market-oriented farming system. We identified main livelihood, management system, sales income, breed, keeping animals for profit, and foot and mouth disease impact perception score as significant variables (p ≤ 0.05) determining the farmers’ WTP for the FMD vaccine. Conclusion Farmers demonstrated a high computed willingness to pay, which can be considered an advantage in the foot and mouth disease vaccination program in central Oromia. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure sufficient vaccine supply services to meet the high demand revealed

Occurrence and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Escherichia coli and Escherichia coli O157 isolated from cow milk and milk products, Ethiopia

Abstract Escherichia coli is a major foodborne pathogen worldwide. This study was conducted to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli and E. coli O157 in milk and milk products and hygienic practices in West Shoa, Oromia, Ethiopia. Five hundred fifty-six milk samples comprising 421 udder milk, 57 bulk tank milk, and 78 milk products were investigated. Moreover, a questionnaire was administered to 145 participants to assess hygienic practices. A standard microbiological procedure was used to detect E. coli and E. coli O157. The Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method was used to test the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates. Petri film plates were used to enumerate the coliform in raw bulk tank milk. Farm and animal-level E coli prevalence were estimated and association with risk factors was assessed. Escherichia coli was detected in 33.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 29.9–37.9%) of the samples, of which only one isolate (0.2%) was E. coli O157. Escherichia coli contamination was higher in bulk tank samples (47.4%; 95% CI 34.0–61.0%) than in udder milk (34.7%; CI 30.1–39.4%), cottage cheese (27.0%; 95% CI 14.6–43.9%), and yoghurt 10.5% (95% CI 2.9–24.8%). For the animal-level E. coli contamination, only the study area was identified as a risk factor. Risk factors such as types of milk containers, udder washing practices, hygiene, and management systems were associated with both farm-level and milk products E. coli contamination. Most (59.0%) of the farmers practice udder washing only before milking and the remaining did not practice udder washing at all. The mean coliform count in raw bulk tank milk was higher than the international standard (4.09 log10 CFU/ml). All the 42 E. coli isolates tested were multidrug resistant. The occurrence of E. coli is high, while that of E. coli O157 is too low. The milk-handling practices are poor in the study areas. The high prevalence of E. coli, as well as the high coliform count and higher multi-drug resistance may pose risk to public health and food safety. Therefore, proper hygienic practices throughout the milk chain as well as rational drug use are advised