Ethiopian Veterinary Journal

Knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding rabies among residents of Mekdella district, South Wollo, Ethiopia

Wondwossen Belay — 2024-09-16

Rabies, a highly fatal neglected tropical disease that affects warm-blooded animals, was the subject of a cross-sectional study conducted from January 2021 to April 2021. The study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding rabies and associated risk factors among the communities of Mekdella district. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to a total of 384 households randomly selected from six kebeles. Factors associated with KAP were evaluated using the logistic regression model. The findings revealed that about 60% and 57% of respondents have good knowledge and implement preventive practices, respectively. However, the majority of respondents were unaware of the causative agent of rabies (55.7%) and rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (65.9%). Although 88.3% of the respondents knew about vaccination as a means of rabies prevention, only 20.1% of the respondents had their dogs vaccinated. About 53.9% of respondents would wash the wound with water and soap if bitten by rabid animals. Educated respondents were eight times (AOR = 7.7; 95% CI: 2.5-23.7) and three times (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.2-8.0) more likely to have good knowledge and practice preventive measures against rabies, respectively, compared to illiterate participants. Respondents who were trained about rabies were nine times (AOR = 9.7; 95% CI: 1.4-66.4) and five times (AOR = 4.5; 95% CI: 1.2-16.3) more likely to have good knowledge and implement preventive practices, respectively, than the nontrained ones. Being previously exposed to rabies made respondents four times (AOR = 3.9; 95% CI: 1.8-8.3) and two times (AOR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.2 - 4.3) more likely to have good knowledge and implement preventive practices regarding rabies. This study revealed the vast gaps in the communities’ knowledge on rabies and poor practices in the prevention and control of rabies and post-exposure prophylaxis. It underscores the importance of community involvement in improving rabies prevention and control, fostering a sense of responsibility and empowerment.

Prevalence of bovine mastitis, risk factors, changes in milk composition and bacterial isolation in and around Modjo town, central Ethiopia

Enku Birhanu Zeleke — 2024-09-16

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 316 lactating dairy cows from November 2021 to May 2022 in and around Modjo. The main objectives of this study include estimating the prevalence and isolation of aerobic bacterial pathogens and observing compositional changes in mastitic milk. To this end, mastitis was diagnosed both clinically and using California mastitis test (CMT). Isolation of major aerobic pathogens and alterations in milk composition were determined using their respective standard techniques. Accordingly, the overall prevalence of mastitis observed in the study was 72.8%, of which 9.5% was clinical and the rest 63.3% subclinical mastitis. Quarter level prevalence was 45.2%. Among the potential risk factors considered, the presence of teat/udder injury, poor udder and farm hygiene showed higher prevalence of mastitis (p < 0.05) compared to the corresponding categories. The most predominant bacterial pathogen isolated was Staphylococcus aureus (11.25%), followed by E. coli (10%), Micrococcus species (10%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10%). Protein, solid non-fat (SNF), pH and freezing point measurements showed statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between milk from mastitic and non-mastitic udders. However, fat and density were not statistically different (p > 0.05). In conclusion, mastitis was highly prevalent and clinically important disease of dairy cows in the study area and hence deserves attention to minimize its impact. Cows’ udder and farm should be kept clean as much as possible to reduce the prevalence of mastitis. Some of these bacterial isolates can be the real causes of mastitis. However, studies should be conducted to establish causal relationship.

Non-biological factors affecting bovine tuberculosis control and prevention in dairy cattle: Knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of dairy farmers in Ethiopia

Berhanu Abera — 2024-09-16

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a serious animal health problem in Ethiopia, ranking among the top three livestock diseases. If conditions that favor the transmission and persistence of bTB are not addressed, the situation will get worse; hence bTB control should be priority. However, interventions are influenced by several “non-biological” factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess farmers` knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) using a structured questionnaire administered to 307 respondents. A multi-stage sampling procedure was employed to select study subjects. Accordingly, 55% of participants knew about bTB; of which 36.4% knew basic information, and the remaining (18.6%) knew nothing except the name bTB. Less than 2.0% of the farmers knew about zoonotic importance of bTB. The knowledge among dairy farmers varied depending on farm size, milk-shed (MS), training received, veterinary consultation, and years of farming experience. Using multivariable analysis, farmers from medium and large-scale farms knew more about bTB than those from small scale farms, by a factor of 2.8 and 7.7, respectively. Similarly, farmers who had been farming for more than 6 years and farmers from Selale MS had higher odds of being knowledgeable about bTB, by 5.7 and 10.4 times compared to other MS, respectively. Only 12% of participants were aware of the test and slaughter control method. Likewise, only 18% of the farmers tended to avoid buying cattle from risky sources. The finding revealed a lack of knowledge on the production loss incurred (12%) and the probability of human infection (1.9%); instead, a substantial proportion of farmers (25%) believed that bTB infection could affect the dairy market. In conclusion, the present study highlighted knowledge, attitude, and practice gaps that, if addressed using tailor-made training, might assist in reducing the consequences of the disease

Prevalence of bovine schistosomiasis and associated risk factors in Bahir Dar, northwest Ethiopia

Yeshareg Gedifew — 2024-09-16

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to March 2023 to estimate the prevalence of bovine schistosomiasis and associated risk factors in Bahir Dar town, northwest Ethiopia. A total of 298 cattle were selected randomly, and subsequent fecal samples were obtained for coprological examination. Schistosoma eggs were examined using sedimentation technique. A logistic regression model was employed to assess the association between risk factors and prevalence of schistosomiasis. Of the total of 298 fecal samples examined, 63 (21.1%) were found positive for Schistosoma bovis eggs. In the study, sex, breed, and management system were not significantly associated (p > 0.05) with the occurrence of bovine schistosomiasis. On the contrary, prevalence of bovine schistosomiasis showed significant variability (p < 0.05) amongst the different age and body condition groups. The study disclosed a significantly higher risk of bovine schistosomiasis in old cattle (AOR= 3.2; 95% CI: 1.4 - 7.0) and cattle with poor body condition (AOR=3.9; 95% CI: 1.5 - 10.2). The findings indicated a higher prevalence of Schistosoma bovis infection among older cattle and those with poor body condition. Therefore, it is recommended that husbandry-related risk factors be incorporated into disease control and prevention strategies.

The impact of repeated skin testing and slaughter on bovine tuberculosis control in Holeta Dairy Farm: An update on subsequent prevalence and herd demographic changes

Berhanu Abera — 2024-09-16

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a serious animal health problem in Ethiopia, ranking among the top three livestock diseases. If the factors contributing to the spread and persistence of bTB are not managed, the situation may get worse. Therefore, prioritizing bTB control is essential. A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the effect of repeated skin testing and slaughter on subsequent bTB prevalence and herd demographic changes in Holeta dairy farm. A total of 810 Friesian (F) * Boran (B) crosses, and pure Boran animals were involved in the study; all animals on the farm, except calves <6 months of age, were tested using single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin test (SICCTT). On the basis of 21.3% prevalence in the first-round test in December 2014, three successive rounds of test and slaughter were conducted. During this period, the prevalence of bTB infection exhibited an oscillating pattern. It initially declined to 8.4% (n = 496) during the second-round test but then experienced resurgence, reaching 24.8% (n = 503) in the third-round. Finally, the prevalence decreased to 5.4% in the fourth-round test. The time interval between successive SICCTT tests varied from 0.95 years to 1.84 years. The test and slaughter intervention resulted in the culling of a substantial number of cows (n=342). With an increased culling rate, the average age of the herd and the average number of lactations per cow decreased. Similarly, animal entries and exits also influenced the breed composition of the herd. During the first round test, over 63% of the herd was composed of 50% HF*B crosses, followed by pure Boran, and 75% HF*B crosses, respectively. However, between the first and fourth test rounds, the proportion of Borans declined to 5%, while high-grade (75% HF*B) animals increased almost fivefold. In conclusion, the findings of this study showed the effect of prolonged time interval between consecutive tests which might result in failure of test and slaughter intervention, hence, due attention should be given on maintaining the recommended regular time interval (2-6 months) during consecutive test and slaughter procedures. Finally, the study recommends further study on assessing other alternative control strategies such as test and segregation methods to reduce the economic impact of culling of bTB reactor animals at a farm level.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia in three districts of Ilu Ababor Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Alemu Tolesa — 2024-09-16

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia is caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides small colony (Mmm SC), which causes significant economic loss in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study using systematic random sampling technique was conducted in Bacho, Bure, and Dorani districts of Ilu Ababor Zone to estimate seroprevalence and identify associated risk factors of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in apparently healthy cattle with no history of CBPP vaccination. Thus a total of 371 blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of each cattle and tested using competitive Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (c-ELISA) to detect specific antibodies to Mmm SC. Data on potential risk factors for the occurrence of CBPP were collected using a questionnaire survey. Data obtained from both serological and questionnaire surveys were analyzed with SPSS version 20 software. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the association of the exposure variables with Mmm SC serostatus, and the strength of the association was assessed using the odds ratio. The overall animal and herd-level seroprevalence of CBPP was 9.7% and 30.7%, respectively. The seroprevalence of CBPP in the Bacho, Bure, and Dorani districts was 0%, 10.8%, and 33.3%, respectively. There was a statistically significant association between Mmm SC antibody and district, age, and body condition score (p <0.03) at the individual animal-level. At the herd-level herd size was significantly associated (p <0.00) with Mmm SC antibody. This study indicated that CBPP was prevalent in the Dorani and Bure districts. So, methods should be devised to control the disease in the districts and prevent its spread, because CBPP is a contagious disease.

Salmonella prevalence in cattle slaughtered in selected abattoirs of Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

Muhammed Seid — 2024-09-16

Salmonella can spread more readily since they are present in humans, animals, and the environment. Some Salmonella serotypes exert huge health and economic impacts due to their virulence or antibiotic-resistance traits. This study aimed to detect Salmonella and determine its prevalence in slaughtered cattle of selected towns` abattoirs in the Amhara region. The study was crosssectional, and a systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study animals. A total of 480 animals` feces, carcass swabs, liver and intestinal lymph node samples were collected for this study. Bacteriological and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were used. The Salmonella prevalence at the animal level was 8.33% (10 out of 120) (95% CI: 4.07% - 14.79%). At sample level, 11 isolates out of 480 samples were found positive for Salmonella, with a prevalence of 2.29% (95% CI: 1.15% - 4.06%). The PCR amplifications gave products of 496 bp for 11 isolates by gel electrophoresis and were consequently confirmed as Salmonella. To know the possible source of contamination, water used for carcass washing and sanitation, as well as swab samples from butchers’ hands, coats/aprons, boots, and all slaughtering materials, were tested for Salmonella. All of these samples were found to be negative for Salmonella. A significant number of Salmonella was identified in slaughtered cattle in this study. Emphasizing the significance of enhancing hygienic practices prior to, during, and after the slaughtering process is of utmost importance. Sources of threats for Salmonella contamination, including abattoirs, should be given more attention to help them establish and maintain strict hygienic measurements.

Evaluation of single shot prostaglandin F2α analog (dinoprost tromethamine) for estrus synchronization in cattle with corpus luteum

Nugusu Kebede — 2024-09-16

An experiment was conducted from June 2022 to April 2023 at Debrezeit Agricultural Research Center to evaluate the effectiveness of single shot prostaglandin based estrus synchronization protocol in Boran, Boran*Holstein-Friesian crosses, and Holstein-Friesian cattle upon manual detection of mature corpus luteum (CL). A total of 120 animals (80 cows and 40 heifers) with detected CL from different age, body condition (BC), parity, days in milk, and lactation status were included in the experiment. A single injection of 5 ml LUTALYSE® Injection (dinoprost tromethamine, a prostaglandin F2α analog) was used to synchronize the animals. The observed estrus response and conception rate were 83.3% and 73.0%, respectively. Among the predictor factors considered, BC score significantly influenced both estrus response and conception rates, while days in milk (DIM) had significant effect on conception (p <0.05). Estrus response and pregnancy rates were higher in animals with better BC, and cattle with >60 DIM had significantly higher conception rate compared to those with less DIM. Both estrus response and pregnancy rates were not significantly different between cows and heifers, as parity had no significant association (p >0.05) with both outcomes. The result showed that manual per rectal detection of CL and injection of a prostaglandin analog were effective in inducing heat. Therefore, synchronization with a single injection of LUTALYSE in heifers and cows after manual detection of mature CL could minimize drug cost and can achieve optimal results.

Multivariate characterization of Wollo sheep populations in the cool highlands of Ethiopia

Nurlign Mohammed — 2024-09-16

The objective of this study was to assess variation among populations of Wollo sheep managed in different locations. Three locations were selected purposely based on their sheep population size, sheep production potential and experiences of farmers in sheep breeding. Body weight, linear body measurements and qualitative data were recorded from a total 405 sheep (322 females and 83 males) in 68 flocks. Body weight and most of the linear body measurements of the indigenous sheep populations were significantly affected by location (p<0.05). The stepwise discriminant analysis procedure identified eight most significant discriminating traits: rump height (RH), wither height (WH), body weight (BW), tail circumference (TC), body condition score (BCS), ear length (EL), chest girth (CG) and body length (BL) from females; and five: RH, BW, WH, BL and horn length (HL) from males. The overall average error count estimate of sheep was 30%, accounting for 44%, 33% and 14% for Wogide, Borena and Legambo sheep populations, respectively. This means that 70% of sheep for all populations were correctly classified in their source population. In conclusion, the lowest misclassification of Legambo sheep population could be an indication of more uniformity within the population, whereas the highest misclassification of Wogide and Borena might be due to low geographical distance between their habitats. The largest distance was found between the Wogide and Legambo sheep populations and between the Borena and Legambo sheep populations, whilst the sheep populations from the Wogide and Borena were poorly differentiated. More genetic analysis research is recommended to assess variations and similarities of sheep and to identify the potential of genetic resources.