Retrospective analysis of laboratory diagnostic data to assess the seasonal and proportional distribution of major tick-borne diseases in cattle from selected smallholder farms, Zambia
Author:
Silwamba Isaac1, Chijikwa Jeremiah1, Mutemwa Vigirio K.1, Chanda James1, Nkhata Augustine1, Chapple Jenny1, Sialyobo Misheck1, Mutale Juliet1, Zgambo Natasha1, Chama Nicholas1, Muyangana Lungowe1, Phiri Philip1, Munyeme Musso2, Nalubamba King S.3, Mainda Geoffrey4, Muma John Bwalya2
Affiliation:
1. Department of Laboratory and Diagnostics, Livestock Services Cooperative Society , P.O BOX 32025 , Lusaka , Zambia 2. Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia , P.O BOX 32379 , Lusaka , Zambia 3. Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia , P.O BOX 32379 , Lusaka , Zambia 4. Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Central Veterinary Research Institute , P.O BOX 33980 , Lusaka , Zambia
Abstract
Abstract
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are endemic in Zambia and several other Sub-Saharan countries. They affect livestock production by causing high morbidity and mortality, resulting in increased production losses in terms of live-weight gain, milk production, off-take rates, and draft power. Herein, we applied a facility-based design to assess the proportion and seasonal distribution of theileriosis, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and heartwater in cattle from selected smallholder farms in Lusaka and Central provinces of Zambia using laboratory records for microscopic examination of haemoparasites. The overall proportions for theileriosis, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis were 33.7% (95% CI: 30.7–38.2%), 8.3% (95% CI: 6.4–10.9%), and 0.5% (95% CI: 0.1–1.4%), respectively. Heartwater was detected in all the six laboratory records reviewed. Lusaka province had the highest proportion of theileriosis at 30.2% (95% CI: 25.5–35.3%), followed by babesiosis, 8.5% (95% CI: 5.8–11.9%), and anaplasmosis, 0.3% (95% CI: 0.01–1.6%). Similarly, Central province had the highest proportion of theileriosis at 39.5% (95% CI: 33.8–45.4%), followed by babesiosis, 8.4% (95% CI: 5.5–12.2%), and anaplasmosis, 0.7% (95% CI: 0.1–2.5%). Among the districts, Rufunsa district had the highest proportion for theileriosis at 70.6% (95% CI: 44.0–89.7%), followed by Kafue, 54.5% (95% CI: 23.4–83.3%), and Shibuyunji, 51.4% (95% CI: 34.0–68.6%). Analysis of seasonal variation revealed no statistical difference between the dry and wet seasons for theileriosis, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis. Furthermore, there was no statistical difference between Central and Lusaka provinces for babesiosis and anaplasmosis except for theileriosis. These data may have implications on farmers’ herd health management strategies with respect to TBDs, and farmers should be sensitized for effective implementation of risk-based disease control.
Publisher
Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Subject
General Chemical Engineering
Reference22 articles.
1. Muma JB, Munyeme M, Samui KL, Siamudaala V, Oloya J, Mwacalimba K, et al. Mortality and commercial off-take rates in adult traditional cattle of Zambia. Trop Anim Health Prod. 2009 Jun;41:783–9. 2. Simuunza M, Weir W, Courcier E, Tait A, Shiels B. Epidemiological analysis of tick-borne diseases in Zambia. Vet Parasitol. 2011 Feb 10;175(3–4):331–42. 3. World Organisation for Animal Health - Terrestrial Manual. OIE, Paris; 2018 (Accessed June 2022). 4. Makala L, Mangani P, Fujisaki K, Nagasawa H. The current status of major tick-borne diseases in Zambia. Vet Res. 2003;34(1):27–45. 5. Kivaria FM. Estimated direct economic costs associated with tick-borne diseases on cattle in Tanzania. Trop Anim health Prod. 2006 May;38:291–9.
|
|