Epidemiological Study of Foot ond Mouth Disease in Cattle and Small Ruminants In Selected Districts of Gambella Regional State, South-West Ethiopia
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Date
2010-04-30
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
A cross sectional study based on serological and questionnaire survey was conducted in 4
selected Districts of Gambella Regional State from September 2009 to April 20 I 0 to
determine the sero-prevalence of FMD, the involvement of small ruminants in the
epidemiology of FMD, identify and characterize the serotypes of FMD virus circulating in the
study area and assess epidemiological risk factors associated with FMD in cattle. A multistage
random sampling was implemented to select the required sample size. Field observation,
clinical examination, specimen collection and laboratory diagnosis, interviewing farmers, and
reviewing secondary data source were methods followed to generate information. Sera were
tested by 3ABC-ELISA at NAHDIC, Sebeta and FMD virus identification and
characterization was canied out at Pirbright, UK. Results were analyzed using descriptive
statistics, chi-square test and logistic regress ion. The overall seroprevalence of FMD was 12%
(N = 1,152) for cattle and 1.43% (N = 768) for small ruminants. Cattle was 9.37 times more
FMD seropositive than small ruminants. Seroprevalences of 17.74%, 11.86%, 9.42% and
8.97% were recorded in Hang, Gambella, Abobo and Lare Districts, respectively. The
difference among which was statistically significant (p<0.05). From the different risk factors
analysed; herd size, age, contact with wildlife and cattle-small ruminant combination were
significantly associated with FMD seroprevalence (p<0.05). From the total of 338 cattle and
69 small ruminants clinically examined during an outbreak episode 124 (36.69%) of cattle
showed signs and lesions suggestive of FMD but observable symptoms were not detected in
small ruminants. FMD virus SAT-2 serotype was responsible for the OCCllnence of the
investigated outbreak in the study area. The field isolates shared greater than 80% genetic
similarity with the Benshangul-Gumuz and Sudan SAT-2 isolates. The present SAT-2 isolate
had also showed antigenic relationship with the vaccine strains of Eritrea SA T2IERI and
Zimbabwe SAT2/ZIM Crl-values > 0.3 and 0.4 for VNT and LPB-ELISA), respectively.
Questionnaire survey feedback generated from a total of 120 respondents indicated that FMD
was prevalent and frequently affect the cattle population of the study area. Herd congregation
sites, free animal movement, seasonal recurrence of flood and infected animal inlToduction
into herd were complained as possible source of FMD infection and dissemination. This work
generates preliminary baseline information on ClIITent status of FMD along with associated
risk factors in the study area in particular and can also add information nationally on existing
knowledge in general. Therefore, the identified FMD virus SAT-2 serotype should be
considered in vaccine formulation, cattle and small ruminants must be surveyed regularly,
domestic animals should be protected from wildlife park entry and realizing regional
approach of FMD control program with the neighboring regional states and the Sudan
republic across the border is recommended.
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Keywords
Cattle, small ruminants, FMD, seroprevalence, serotype, risk factors, Gambella