Yilkal AsfawBelachew Tefera2026-08-042026-08-042010-04-30https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/8761A 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.enCattlesmall ruminantsFMDseroprevalenceserotyperisk factorsGambellaThesis