Browsing by Author "Allan, Kathryn"

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Classification and characterisation of livestock production systems in northern Tanzania.
(PLOS ONE, 2020-12-30) de Glanville, William; Davis, Alicia; Allan, Kathryn; Buza, Joram; Claxton, John; Crump, John; Halliday, Jo E B; Johnson, Paul; Kibona, Tito; Mmbaga, Blandina; Swai, Emmanuel; Uzzell, Christopher; Yoder, Jonathan; Sharp, Jo; Cleaveland, Sarah
Livestock keepers in sub-Saharan Africa face a range of pressures, including climate change, land loss, restrictive policies, and population increase. Widespread adaptation in response can lead to the emergence of new, non-traditional typologies of livestock production. We sought to characterise livestock production systems in two administrative regions in northern Tanzania, an area undergoing rapid social, economic, and environmental change. Questionnaire and spatial data were collected from 404 livestock-keeping households in 21 villages in Arusha and Manyara Regions in 2016. Multiple factor analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to classify households into livestock production systems based on household-level characteristics. Adversity-based indicators of vulnerability, including reports of hunger, illness, and livestock, land and crop losses were compared between production systems. Three distinct clusters emerged through this process. The ethnic, environmental and livestock management characteristics of households in each cluster broadly mapped onto traditional definitions of 'pastoral', 'agro-pastoral' and 'smallholder' livestock production in the study area, suggesting that this quantitative classification system is complementary to more qualitative classification methods. Our approach allowed us to demonstrate a diversity in typologies of livestock production at small spatial scales, with almost half of study villages comprising more than one production system. We also found indicators of change within livestock production systems, most notably the adoption of crop agriculture in the majority of pastoral households. System-level heterogeneities in vulnerability were evident, with agro-pastoral households most likely to report hunger and pastoral households most likely to report illness in people and livestock, and livestock losses. We demonstrate that livestock production systems can provide context for assessing household vulnerability in northern Tanzania. Policy initiatives to improve household and community well-being should recognise the continuing diversity of traditional livestock production systems in northern Tanzania, including the diversity that can exist at small spatial scales.
Inter-epidemic Rift Valley fever virus infection incidence and risks for zoonotic spillover in northern Tanzania
(PLOS, 2022-10-28) Ngonzi, Amos; Glanville, William; Nyarobi, James; Kibona, Tito; Halliday, Jo; Thomas, Kate; Allan, Kathryn; Johnson, Paul; Davis, Alicia; Lankester, Felix; Claxton, John; Rosta, Melinda; Carter, Ryan; Jong, Rosanne; Rubach, Matthew; Crump, John; Mmbaga, Blandina; Nyasebwa, Obed; Swai, Emanuel; Willett, Brian; Cleaveland, Sarah
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne pathogen that has caused epidemics involving people and animals across Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. A number of studies have found evidence for the circulation of RVFV among livestock between these epidemics but the population-level incidence of infection during this inter-epidemic period (IEP) is rarely reported. General force of infection (FOI) models were applied to age-adjusted cross-sectional serological data to reconstruct the annual FOI and population-level incidence of RVFV infection among cattle, goats, and sheep in northern Tanzania from 2009 through 2015, a period without reported Rift Valley fever (RVF) cases in people or animals. To evaluate the potential for zoonotic RVFV spillover during this period, the relationship between village-level livestock RVFV FOI and human RVFV seropositivity was quantified using multi-level logistic regression. The predicted average annual incidence was 72 (95% Credible Interval [CrI] 63, 81) RVFV infections per 10,000 animals and 96 (95% CrI 81, 113), 79 (95% CrI 62, 98), and 39 (95% CrI 28, 52) per 10,000 cattle, sheep, and goats, respectively. There was variation in transmission intensity between study villages, with the highest estimated village-level FOI 2.49% (95% CrI 1.89, 3.23) and the lowest 0.12% (95% CrI 0.02, 0.43). The human RVFV seroprevalence was 8.2% (95% Confidence Interval 6.2, 10.9). Human seropositivity was strongly associated with the village-level FOI in livestock, with the odds of seropositivity in an individual person increasing by around 1.2 times (95% CrI 1.1, 1.3) for each additional annual RVFV seroconversion per 1,000 animals. A history of raw milk consumption was also positively associated with human seropositivity. RVFV has circulated at apparently low levels among livestock in northern Tanzania in the period since the last reported epidemic. Although our data do not allow us to confirm human RVFV infections during the IEP, a strong association between human seropositivity and the FOI in cattle, goats, and sheep supports the hypothesis that RVFV circulation among livestock during the IEP poses a risk for undetected zoonotic spillover in northern Tanzania. We provide further evidence for the likely role of raw milk consumption in RVFV transmission from animals to people.
Livestock abortion surveillance in Tanzania reveals disease priorities and importance of timely collection of vaginal swab samples for attribution
(eLife Sciences Publications Limited, 2024-12-16) Lankester, Felix; Kibona, Tito; Allan, Kathryn; Glanville, William; Buza, Joram; Katzer, Frank; Mmbaga, Blandina; Wheelhouse, Nick; Innes, Elisabeth; Thomas, Kate; Nyasebwa, Obed; Swai, Emanuel; Claxton, John; Cleaveland, Sarah
Lack of data on the aetiology of livestock diseases constrains effective interventions to improve livelihoods, food security and public health. Livestock abortion is an important disease syndrome affecting productivity and public health. Several pathogens are associated with livestock abortions but across Africa surveillance data rarely include information from abortions, little is known about aetiology and impacts, and data are not available to inform interventions. This paper describes outcomes from a surveillance platform established in Tanzania spanning pastoral, agropastoral and smallholder systems to investigate causes and impacts of livestock abortion. Abortion events were reported by farmers to livestock field officers (LFO) and on to investigation teams. Events were included if the research team or LFO could attend within 72 hr. If so, samples and questionnaire data were collected to investigate (a) determinants of attribution; (b) patterns of events, including species and breed, previous abortion history, and seasonality; (c) determinants of reporting, investigation and attribution; (d) cases involving zoonotic pathogens. Between 2017–2019, 215 events in cattle (n=71), sheep (n=44), and goats (n=100) were investigated. Attribution, achieved for 19.5% of cases, was significantly affected by delays in obtaining samples. Histopathology proved less useful than PCR due to rapid deterioration of samples. Vaginal swabs provided practical and sensitive material for pathogen detection. Livestock abortion surveillance, even at a small scale, can generate valuable information on causes of disease outbreaks, reproductive losses and can identify pathogens not easily captured through other forms of livestock disease surveillance. This study demonstrated the feasibility of establishing a surveillance system, achieved through engagement of community-based field officers, establishment of practical sample collection and application of molecular diagnostic platforms.
Molecular detection and genetic characterization of Bartonella species from rodents and their associated ectoparasites from northern Tanzania
(PLOS ONE, 2019-10-15) Theonest, Ndyetabura; Carter, Ryan; Amani, Nelson; Doherty, Siaˆn; Hugho, Ephrasia; Keyyu, Julius; Mable, Barbara; Shirima, Gabriel; Tarimo, Rigobert; Thomas, Kate; Haydon, Daniel; Buza, Joram; Allan, Kathryn; Halliday, Jo
Background Bartonellae are intracellular bacteria, which can cause persistent bacteraemia in humans and a variety of animals. Several rodent-associated Bartonella species are human pathogens but data on their global distribution and epidemiology are limited. The aims of the study were to: 1) determine the prevalence of Bartonella infection in rodents and fleas; 2) identify risk factors for Bartonella infection in rodents; and 3) characterize the Bartonella genotypes present in these rodent and flea populations. Methods and results Spleen samples collected from 381 rodents representing six different species were tested for the presence of Bartonella DNA, which was detected in 57 individuals (15.0%; 95% CI 11.3–18.5), of three rodent species (Rattus rattus n = 54, Mastomys natalensis n = 2 and Paraxerus flavovottis n = 1) using a qPCR targeting the ssrA gene. Considering R. rattus individuals only, risk factor analysis indicated that Bartonella infection was more likely in reproductively mature as compared to immature individuals (OR = 3.42, p <0.001). Bartonella DNA was also detected in 53 of 193 Xenopsylla cheopis fleas (27.5%: 95% CI 21.3– 34.3) collected from R.rattus individuals. Analysis of ssrA and gltA sequences from rodent spleens and ssrA sequences from fleas identified multiple genotypes closely related (� 97% similar) to several known or suspected zoonotic Bartonella species, including B. tribocorum, B. rochalimae, B. elizabethae and B. quintana. Conclusions The ssrA and gltA sequences obtained from rodent spleens and ssrA sequences obtained from fleas reveal the presence of a diverse set of Bartonella genotypes and increase our understanding of the bartonellae present in Tanzanian. Further studies are needed to fully characterise the prevalence, genotypes and diversity of Bartonella in different host populations and their potential impacts on human health.
Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii infection in small mammals from Moshi Rural and Urban Districts, northern Tanzania.
(John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2020-12-05) Theonest, Ndyetabura; Carter, Ryan; Kasagama, Elizabeth; Keyyu, Julius; Tarimo, Rigobert; Thomas, Kate; Wheelhouse, Nick; Maro, Venance; Haydon, Daniel; Buza, Joram; Allan, Kathryn; Halliday, Jo
Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes Q fever, a zoonotic disease of public health importance. In northern Tanzania, Q fever is a known cause of human febrile illness, but little is known about its distribution in animal hosts. We used a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) targeting the insertion element IS1111 to determine the presence and prevalence of C. burnetii infections in small mammals trapped in 12 villages around Moshi Rural and Moshi Urban Districts, northern Tanzania. A total of 382 trapped small mammals of seven species were included in the study; Rattus rattus (n = 317), Mus musculus (n = 44), Mastomys natalensis (n = 8), Acomys wilson (n = 6), Mus minutoides (n = 3), Paraxerus flavovottis (n = 3) and Atelerix albiventris (n = 1). Overall, 12 (3.1%) of 382 (95% CI: 1.6-5.4) small mammal spleens were positive for C. burnetii DNA. Coxiella burnetii DNA was detected in five of seven of the small mammal species trapped; R. rattus (n = 7), M. musculus (n = 1), A. wilson (n = 2), P. flavovottis (n = 1) and A. albiventris (n = 1). Eleven (91.7%) of twelve (95% CI: 61.5-99.8) C. burnetii DNA positive small mammals were trapped within Moshi Urban District. These findings demonstrate that small mammals in Moshi, northern Tanzania are hosts of C. burnetii and may act as a source of C. burnetii infection to humans and other animals. This detection of C. burnetii infections in small mammals should motivate further studies into the contribution of small mammals to the transmission of C. burnetii to humans and animals in this region.
One Health contributions towards more effective and equitable approaches to health in low- and middle-income countries
(Published by the Royal Society, 2017) Cleaveland, Sarah; Sharp, Jo; Abela-Ridder, Bernadette; Allan, Kathryn; Buza, Joram; Crump, John; Davis, Adrian; Del Rio Vilas, Victor; de Glanville, William; Kazwala, Rudovick; Kibona, Tito; Lankester, Felix; Lugelo, Ahmed; Mmbaga, Blandina; Rubach, Matthew; Swai, Senyael; Waldman, Linda; Haydon, Daniel; Hampson, Katie; Halliday, Jo
Emerging zoonoses with pandemic potential are a stated priority for the global health security agenda, but endemic zoonoses also have a major societal impact in low-resource settings. Although many endemic zoonoses can be treated, timely diagnosis and appropriate clinical management of human cases is often challenging. Preventive ‘One Health’ interventions, e.g. interventions in animal populations that generate human health benefits, may provide a useful approach to overcoming some of these challenges. Effective strategies, such as animal vaccination, already exist for the prevention, control and elimination of many endemic zoonoses, including rabies, and several livestock zoonoses (e.g. brucellosis, leptospirosis, Q fever) that are important causes of human febrile illness and livestock productivity losses in low- and middle-income countries. We make the case that, for these diseases, One Health interventions have the potential to be more effective and generate more equitable benefits for human health and livelihoods, particularly in rural areas, than approaches that rely exclusively on treatment of human cases.We hypothesize that applying One Health interventions to tackle these health challenges will help to build trust, community engagement and cross-sectoral collaboration, which will in turn strengthen the capacity of fragile health systems to respond to the threat of emerging zoonoses and other future health challenges. One Health interventions thus have the potential to align the ongoing needs of disadvantaged communities with the concerns of the broader global community, providing a pragmatic and equitable approach to meeting the global goals for sustainable development and supporting the global health security agenda. This article is part of the themed issue ‘One Health for a changing world: zoonoses, ecosystems and human well-being’.
The Prevalence and Determinants of Taenia multiceps Infection (Cerebral Coenurosis) in Small Ruminants in Africa: A Systematic Review
(MDPI, 2022-06-10) Kibona, Tito; Buza, Joram; Shirima, Gabriel; Lankester, Felix; Ngongolo, Kelvin; Hughes, Ellen; Cleaveland, Sarah; Allan, Kathryn
Cerebral coenurosis is a fatal parasitic neurological disease affecting the brain and spinal cord of goats and sheep. Despite the large population of sheep and goats in Africa, there is very little awareness about the scale or effects of the disease. A systematic review was conducted to bridge the gap in the current understanding of the epidemiology of Taenia multiceps coenurosis in Africa. A detailed literature search was conducted in EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, Research4life (AGORA), and PubMed for studies in T. multiceps coenurosis in goats and sheep in Africa for the period spanning January 2000 to December 2019. The search identified 574 publications, of which only 11 studies were eligible, highlighting major gaps in reporting of this disease in Africa. Data were extracted and evidence synthesized in relation to prevalence and determinants for T. multiceps coenurosis. The descriptive summary statistics revealed a median (IQR) prevalence of coenurosis of 22.3% (range: 18.3–26.4 percent) for community based and 14.8% (range: 3.8–45.6) for abattoir-based studies. This high prevalence indicates that Taenia multiceps coenurosis is an important disease for small ruminant productivity in Africa. Knowledge of the determinants of prevalence could be used to inform preventive measures, including behaviour change among livestock keepers and those involved in livestock slaughter to break cycles of transmission between small ruminants and dogs.
Prevalence and risk factors for human leptospirosis at a hospital serving a pastoralist community, Endulen, Tanzania
(PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2023-12-20) MazeI, Michael; Shirima, Gabriel; Lukambagire, Abdul-Hamid; Bodenham, Rebecca; Rubach, Matthew; Cash-Goldwasser, Shama; Carugati, Manuela; Thomas, Kate; Sakasaka, Philoteus; Mkenda, Nestory; Allan, Kathryn; Kazwala, Rudovick; Mmbaga, Blandina; Buza, Joram; Maro, Venance; Galloway, Renee; Haydon, Daniel; T., John; Halliday, Jo
Background Leptospirosis is suspected to be a major cause of illness in rural Tanzania associated with close contact with livestock. We sought to determine leptospirosis prevalence, identify infecting Leptospira serogroups, and investigate risk factors for leptospirosis in a rural area of Tanzania where pastoralist animal husbandry practices and sustained livestock contact are common. Methods We enrolled participants at Endulen Hospital, Tanzania. Patients with a history of fever within 72 hours, or a tympanic temperature of ≥38.0°C were eligible. Serum samples were collected at presentation and 4–6 weeks later. Sera were tested using microscopic agglutination testing with 20 Leptospira serovars from 17 serogroups. Acute leptospirosis cases were defined by a ≥four-fold rise in antibody titre between acute and convalescent serum samples or a reciprocal titre ≥400 in either sample. Leptospira seropositivity was defined by a single reciprocal antibody titre ≥100 in either sample. We defined the predominant reactive serogroup as that with the highest titre. We explored risk factors for acute leptospirosis and Leptospira seropositivity using logistic regression modelling. Results Of 229 participants, 99 (43.2%) were male and the median (range) age was 27 (0, 78) years. Participation in at least one animal husbandry practice was reported by 160 (69.9%). We identified 18 (7.9%) cases of acute leptospirosis, with Djasiman 8 (44.4%) and Australis 7 (38.9%) the most common predominant reactive serogroups. Overall, 69 (30.1%) participants were Leptospira seropositive and the most common predominant reactive serogroups were Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 20, 29.0%), Djasiman (n = 19, 27.5%), and Australis (n = 17, 24.6%). Milking cattle (OR 6.27, 95% CI 2.24–7.52) was a risk factor for acute leptospirosis, and milking goats (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.07–5.16) was a risk factor for Leptospira seropositivity. Conclusions We identified leptospirosis in approximately one in twelve patients attending hospital with fever from this rural community. Interventions that reduce risks associated with milking livestock may reduce human infections.
Prospective cohort study reveals unexpected aetiologies of livestock abortion in northern Tanzania
(Springer Nature Limited, 2022-07-08) Thomas, Kate; Kibona, Tito; Claxton, John; de Glanville, William; Lankester, Felix; Amani, Nelson; Buza, Joram; Carter, Ryan; Chapman, Gail; Crump, John; Dagleish, Mark; Halliday, Jo; Hamilton, Clare; Innes, Elisabeth; Katzer, Frank; Livingstone, Morag; Longbottom, David; Millins, Caroline; Mmbaga, Blandina; Mosha, Victor; Nyarobi, James; Nyasebwa, Obed; Russell, George; Sanka, Paul; Semango, George; Wheelhouse, Nick; Willett, Brian; Cleaveland, Sarah; Allan, Kathryn
Livestock abortion is an important cause of productivity losses worldwide and many infectious causes of abortion are zoonotic pathogens that impact on human health. Little is known about the relative importance of infectious causes of livestock abortion in Africa, including in subsistence farming communities that are critically dependent on livestock for food, income, and wellbeing. We conducted a prospective cohort study of livestock abortion, supported by cross-sectional serosurveillance, to determine aetiologies of livestock abortions in livestock in Tanzania. This approach generated several important findings including detection of a Rift Valley fever virus outbreak in cattle; high prevalence of C. burnetii infection in livestock; and the first report of Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, and pestiviruses associated with livestock abortion in Tanzania. Our approach provides a model for abortion surveillance in resource-limited settings. Our findings add substantially to current knowledge in sub-Saharan Africa, providing important evidence from which to prioritise disease interventions.
The Sero-epidemiology of Neospora caninum in Cattle in Northern Tanzania
(Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2019-09-26) Semango, George; Hamilton, Clare; Kreppel, Katharina; Katzer, Frank; Kibona, Tito; Lankester, Felix; Allan, Kathryn; Thomas, Kate; Claxton, John; Innes, Elizabeth; Swai, Emmanuel; Buza, Joram; Cleaveland, Sarah; de Glanville, William
Neospora caninum is a protozoan intracellular parasite of animals with a global distribution. Dogs act as definitive hosts, with infection in cattle leading to reproductive losses. Neosporosis can be a major source of income loss for livestock keepers, but its impacts in sub-Saharan Africa are mostly unknown. This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence and identify risk factors for N. caninum infection in cattle in northern Tanzania, and to link herd-level exposure to reproductive losses. Serum samples from 3,015 cattle were collected from 380 households in 20 villages between February and December 2016. Questionnaire data were collected from 360 of these households. Household coordinates were used to extract satellite derived environmental data from open-access sources. Sera were tested for the presence of N. caninum antibodies using an indirect ELISA. Risk factors for individual-level seropositivity were identified with logistic regression using Bayesian model averaging (BMA). The relationship between herd-level seroprevalence and abortion rates was assessed using negative binomial regression. The seroprevalence of N. caninum exposure after adjustment for diagnostic test performance was 21.5% [95% Credibility Interval (CrI) 17.9–25.4]. The most important predictors of seropositivity selected by BMA were age greater than 18months [Odds ratio (OR) = 2.17, 95% CrI 1.45–3.26], the local cattle population density (OR = 0.69, 95% CrI 0.41–1.00), household use of restricted grazing (OR = 0.72, 95% CrI 0.25–1.16), and an increasing percentage cover of shrub or forest land in the environment surrounding a household (OR = 1.37, 1.00–2.14). There was a positive relationship between herd-level N. caninum seroprevalence and the reported within-herd abortion rate (Incidence Rate Ratio = 1.03, 95% CrI 1.00–1.06). Our findings suggest N. caninum is likely to be an important cause of abortion in cattle in Tanzania. Management practices, such as restricted grazing, are likely to reduce the risk of infection and suggest contamination of communal grazing areas may be important for transmission. Evidence for a relationship between livestock seropositivity and shrub and forest habitats raises questions about a potential role for wildlife in the epidemiology of N. caninum in Tanzania.
Taenia multiceps in Northern Tanzania: An Important but Preventable Disease Problem in Pastoral and Agropastoral Farming Systems
(MDPI, 2022-08-26) Kibona, Tito; Buza, Joram; Shirima, Gabriel; Lankester, Felix; Nzalawahe, Jahashi; Lukambagire, Abdul-Hamid; Kreppel, Katharina; Hughes, Ellen; Allan, Kathryn; Cleaveland, Sarah
Coenurosis due to Taenia multiceps has emerged as a major concern to small ruminant- owning communities in northern Tanzania. Although a high incidence of disease has been reported, gaps still remain in our knowledge of the disease problem across different agro-ecological settings. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of coenurosis in small ruminants and taeniid infection in dogs and identify risk factors for infection. Questionnaire surveys, postmortem examination of small ruminants, and coproscopic examination of dog faeces were used to collect data on reported coenurosis cases and taeniid infections, respectively. The twelve-month period prevalence of co- enurosis in small ruminants was 8.4% (95% CI 8.2–8.6). The prevalence of taeniid infection in dogs was 12.5% (95% CI 9.1–17.4). The village-level prevalence of coenurosis in sheep and goats was significantly correlated with taeniid infection prevalence in dogs (r = 0.51, p = 0.029). Multivariable analysis indicated that home slaughter was significantly associated with the livestock owner-reported neurological syndrome due to coenurosis in sheep and goats (OR = 13.3, 95% CI 4.2–42.0, p < 0.001) and the practice of offering discarded brains to dogs was significantly associated with taeniid infec- tion prevalence in dogs (OR = 2.80, 95% CI 0.98–7.98, p = 0.05). Coenurosis is a major disease problem in livestock-keeping communities of northern Tanzania, but there is little awareness of transmission risks associated with home slaughter and dog feeding practices. There is a need for veterinary and animal health services to engage more actively with communities to increase awareness of the transmission cycle of T. multiceps and the preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the impact of disease in livestock-dependent communities
Taenia multiceps in Northern Tanzania: An Important but Preventable Disease Problem in Pastoral and Agropastoral Farming Systems
(MDPI, 2022-08-26) Kibona, Tito; Buza, Joram; Shirima, Gabriel; Lankester, Felix; Nzalawahe, Jahashi; Lukambagire, Abdul-Hamid; Kreppel, Katharina; Hughes, Ellen; Allan, Kathryn; Cleaveland, Sarah
Coenurosis due to Taenia multiceps has emerged as a major concern to small ruminant- owning communities in northern Tanzania. Although a high incidence of disease has been reported, gaps still remain in our knowledge of the disease problem across different agro-ecological settings. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of coenurosis in small ruminants and taeniid infection in dogs and identify risk factors for infection. Questionnaire surveys, postmortem examination of small ruminants, and coproscopic examination of dog faeces were used to collect data on reported coenurosis cases and taeniid infections, respectively. The twelve-month period prevalence of co- enurosis in small ruminants was 8.4% (95% CI 8.2–8.6). The prevalence of taeniid infection in dogs was 12.5% (95% CI 9.1–17.4). The village-level prevalence of coenurosis in sheep and goats was significantly correlated with taeniid infection prevalence in dogs (r = 0.51, p = 0.029). Multivariable analysis indicated that home slaughter was significantly associated with the livestock owner-reported neurological syndrome due to coenurosis in sheep and goats (OR = 13.3, 95% CI 4.2–42.0, p < 0.001) and the practice of offering discarded brains to dogs was significantly associated with taeniid infec- tion prevalence in dogs (OR = 2.80, 95% CI 0.98–7.98, p = 0.05). Coenurosis is a major disease problem in livestock-keeping communities of northern Tanzania, but there is little awareness of transmission risks associated with home slaughter and dog feeding practices. There is a need for veterinary and animal health services to engage more actively with communities to increase awareness of the transmission cycle of T. multiceps and the preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the impact of disease in livestock-dependent communities.
Taenia multiceps in Northern Tanzania: An Important but Preventable Disease Problem in Pastoral and Agropastoral Farming Systems
(MDPI, 2022-08-26) Kibona, Tito; Buza, Joram; Shirima, Gabriel; Lankester, Felix; Nzalawahe, Jahashi; Lukambagire, Abdul-Hamid; Kreppel, Katharina; Hughes, Ellen; Allan, Kathryn; Cleaveland, Sarah
Coenurosis due to Taenia multiceps has emerged as a major concern to small ruminant-owning communities in northern Tanzania. Although a high incidence of disease has been reported, gaps still remain in our knowledge of the disease problem across different agro-ecological settings. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of coenurosis in small ruminants and taeniid infection in dogs and identify risk factors for infection. Questionnaire surveys, postmortem examination of small ruminants, and coproscopic examination of dog faeces were used to collect data on reported coenurosis cases and taeniid infections, respectively. The twelve-month period prevalence of coenurosis in small ruminants was 8.4% (95% CI 8.2–8.6). The prevalence of taeniid infection in dogs was 12.5% (95% CI 9.1–17.4). The village-level prevalence of coenurosis in sheep and goats was significantly correlated with taeniid infection prevalence in dogs (r = 0.51, p = 0.029). Multivariable analysis indicated that home slaughter was significantly associated with the livestock owner-reported neurological syndrome due to coenurosis in sheep and goats (OR = 13.3, 95% CI 4.2–42.0, p < 0.001) and the practice of offering discarded brains to dogs was significantly associated with taeniid infection prevalence in dogs (OR = 2.80, 95% CI 0.98–7.98, p = 0.05). Coenurosis is a major disease problem in livestock-keeping communities of northern Tanzania, but there is little awareness of transmission risks associated with home slaughter and dog feeding practices. There is a need for veterinary and animal health services to engage more actively with communities to increase awareness of the transmission cycle of T. multiceps and the preventive measures that can be taken to reduce the impact of disease in livestock-dependent communities.