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Whitaker SH, Mannelli A, Kitron U, Bellini S. An analysis of the social, cultural, and ecological factors that affect the implementation of biosecurity measures on smallholder commercial swine farms in Italy in the context of an emerging African Swine Fever outbreak. Prev Vet Med 2024; 229:106238. [PMID: 38870565 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a contagious viral disease that infects wild and domesticated swine. In early 2022, the virus was found in wild boar in the Apennine mountains of mainland Italy.2 Since then, it has spread from wild boar to domesticated swine. To control the spread of ASF, an effective surveillance system and the implementation of strict biosecurity measures on farms are required yet are unevenly implemented across husbandry systems. Smallholder farms in particular are known to have low levels of biosecurity. In the Apennine mountains of Italy, small commercial farms have been found to have low levels of biosecurity despite being located in areas with high densities of wild boar, and, hence, being high-risk sites for potential ASF incursion and subsequent diffusion. To address the question as to why the level of biosecurity is low, interviews and participant observation were conducted with smallholder commercial farmers. The interviews identified the social, cultural, and ecological factors that affect the implementation of biosecurity measures in small commercial swine farms in the Apennines. Farmers expressed knowledge of priority biosecurity measures and an overall willingness to follow rules and regulations; however, the application of the measures in practice was uneven across farms. Economic, political, and ecological factors as well as farmer beliefs about biosecurity emerged as important factors affecting the implementation of biosecurity measures. These include economic constraints, challenges posed by the mountain environment, a shifting regulatory environment, and ideas about animal welfare. Other important factors include cultural factors such as the use of traditional agricultural methods and norms about customer access to animals, time constraints and the perceived hassle of implementing the measures, farmer age, farmer relationships with government officials and veterinarians, and the role of pigs in reducing farm waste. The study confirmed that wild boar are present in high numbers and in close proximity to smallholder commercial farms in the Apennines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Whitaker
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Anthropology, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA.
| | | | - Uriel Kitron
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Silvia Bellini
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Lombardy and Emilia Romagna (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
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Adesehinwa AOK, Boladuro BA, Dunmade AS, Idowu AB, Moreki JC, Wachira AM. - Invited Review - Pig production in Africa: current status, challenges, prospects and opportunities. Anim Biosci 2024; 37:730-741. [PMID: 38419543 PMCID: PMC11016696 DOI: 10.5713/ab.23.0342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Pig production is one of the viable enterprises of the livestock sub-sector of agriculture. It contributes significantly to the economy and animal protein supply to enhance food security in Africa and globally. This article explored the present status of pig production in Africa, the challenges, prospects and potentials. The pig population of Africa represents 4.6% of the global pig population. They are widely distributed across Africa except in Northern Africa where pig production is not popular due to religio-cultural reasons. They are mostly reared in rural parts of Africa by smallholder farmers, informing why majority of the pig population in most parts of Africa are indigenous breeds and their crosses. Pig plays important roles in the sustenance of livelihood in the rural communities and have cultural and social significance. The pig production system in Africa is predominantly traditional, but rapidly growing and transforming into the modern system. The annual pork production in Africa has grown from less than a million tonnes in year 2000 to over 2 million tonnes in 2021. Incidence of disease outbreak, especially African swine fever is one of the main constraints affecting pig production in Africa. Others are lack of skills and technical know-how, high ambient temperature, limited access to high-quality breeds, high cost of feed ingredients and veterinary inputs, unfriendly government policies, religious and cultural bias, inadequate processing facilities as well as under-developed value-chain. The projected human population of 2.5 billion in Africa by 2050, increasing urbanization and decreasing farming population are pointers to the need for increased food production. The production systems of pigs in Africa requires developmental research, improvements in housing, feed production and manufacturing, animal health, processing, capacity building and pig friendly policies for improved productivity and facilitation of export.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akinyele O. K. Adesehinwa
- Livestock Improvement Programme, Institute of Agricultural Research & Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan,
Nigeria
| | - Bamidele A. Boladuro
- Livestock Improvement Programme, Institute of Agricultural Research & Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan,
Nigeria
| | - Adetola S. Dunmade
- Livestock Improvement Programme, Institute of Agricultural Research & Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan,
Nigeria
| | - Ayodeji B. Idowu
- Livestock Improvement Programme, Institute of Agricultural Research & Training, Obafemi Awolowo University, PMB 5029, Moor Plantation, Ibadan,
Nigeria
| | - John C. Moreki
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, P/Bag 0027, Gaborone,
Botswana
| | - Ann M. Wachira
- Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Organisation Non-Ruminant Institute, POB 169-50100, Kakamega
Kenya
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Aliro T, Odongo W, Ståhl K, Dione MM, Okello DM, Masembe C, Chenais E. Actions and perceived impact of African swine fever control measures along the smallholder pig value chain in Uganda. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:410. [PMID: 37987884 PMCID: PMC10663180 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03828-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Pig production in Uganda is constrained by African swine fever (ASF) which is endemic in the country. Current measures taken by the Government of Uganda in controlling ASF outbreaks include trade and livestock movement restrictions, called "quarantine." Little is known about the actions of, and impact of value chain actors in response to ASF quarantines. This study describes actions that different stakeholders in the smallholder pig value chain took, and the perceived economic impact, during ASF quarantines. Data was collected in ten focus group discussions (FGD) using participatory epidemiology tools and two key informants' (KIs) interviews with District Veterinary Officers (DVOs) of Kisoro and Moyo districts in Uganda. The results show that during ASF quarantine, pig value chain actors shifted their activities from formal places such as livestock markets, slaughter slabs, pork butcheries and pork joints to informal places such as farmers' homesteads. Farmers were perceived the most economically affected stakeholder group with forgone income due to unsold pigs, costs for implementing biosecurity measures and extra costs for feeding unsold pigs being the major perceived causes of the losses. The continued trade in pigs and pig products in informal marketplaces suggests that quarantine might not be effective for hindering activities that might spread ASF in these settings. The perceived economic losses provide an insight into the negative economic impact of the quarantine for the different stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonny Aliro
- Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda.
| | - Walter Odongo
- Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Karl Ståhl
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Michel Mainack Dione
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), P. O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel Micheal Okello
- Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Charles Masembe
- College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Erika Chenais
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
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González-Gordon L, Porphyre T, Muwonge A, Nantima N, Ademun R, Ochwo S, Mwiine NF, Boden L, Muhanguzi D, Bronsvoort BMDC. Identifying target areas for risk-based surveillance and control of transboundary animal diseases: a seasonal analysis of slaughter and live-trade cattle movements in Uganda. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18619. [PMID: 37903814 PMCID: PMC10616094 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44518-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Animal movements are a major driver for the spread of Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs). These movements link populations that would otherwise be isolated and hence create opportunities for susceptible and infected individuals to meet. We used social network analysis to describe the seasonal network structure of cattle movements in Uganda and unravel critical network features that identify districts or sub-regions for targeted risk-based surveillance and intervention. We constructed weighted, directed networks based on 2019 between-district cattle movements using official livestock mobility data; the purpose of the movement ('slaughter' vs. 'live trade') was used to subset the network and capture the risks more reliably. Our results show that cattle trade can result in local and long-distance disease spread in Uganda. Seasonal variability appears to impact the structure of the network, with high heterogeneity of node and edge activity identified throughout the seasons. These observations mean that the structure of the live trade network can be exploited to target influential district hubs within the cattle corridor and peripheral areas in the south and west, which would result in rapid network fragmentation, reducing the contact structure-related trade risks. Similar exploitable features were observed for the slaughter network, where cattle traffic serves mainly slaughter hubs close to urban centres along the cattle corridor. Critically, analyses that target the complex livestock supply value chain offer a unique framework for understanding and quantifying risks for TADs such as Foot-and-Mouth disease in a land-locked country like Uganda. These findings can be used to inform the development of risk-based surveillance strategies and decision making on resource allocation. For instance, vaccine deployment, biosecurity enforcement and capacity building for stakeholders at the local community and across animal health services with the potential to limit the socio-economic impact of outbreaks, or indeed reduce their frequency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina González-Gordon
- The Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group, The Roslin Institute at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
- Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.
| | - Thibaud Porphyre
- Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, UMR 5558, Universite Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, VetAgro Sup, Marcy l'Étoile, France
| | - Adrian Muwonge
- The Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group, The Roslin Institute at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
- The Digital One Health Laboratory, The Roslin Institute at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Noelina Nantima
- Department of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Rose Ademun
- Department of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture Animal Industry and Fisheries, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Sylvester Ochwo
- Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN, 55108, USA
| | - Norbert Frank Mwiine
- Department of Biomolecular Resources and Biolaboratory Sciences (BBS), College of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lisa Boden
- Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
| | - Dennis Muhanguzi
- Department of Biomolecular Resources and Biolaboratory Sciences (BBS), College of Veterinary Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Barend Mark de C Bronsvoort
- The Epidemiology, Economics and Risk Assessment (EERA) Group, The Roslin Institute at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK
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Ogundijo OA, Omotosho OO, Al-Mustapha AI, Abiola JO, Awosanya EJ, Odukoya A, Owoicho S, Oyewo M, Ibrahim A, Orum TG, Nanven MB, Bolajoko MB, Luka P, Adeyemo OK. A multi-state survey of farm-level preparedness towards African swine fever outbreak in Nigeria. Acta Trop 2023; 246:106989. [PMID: 37507080 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) have severe economic implications for Nigeria and result in significant loss of livelihoods. The non-availability of vaccines makes biosecurity the reliable key to reducing ASF outbreaks. This study evaluated preparedness for ASF outbreaks at the farm level among 247 pig farmers randomly selected from Abia, Akwa-Ibom, Edo, Kwara, and Oyo states. We categorized each pig farmer's ASF preparedness rating (ASF - PR) as "poor", "moderate", and "satisfactory" based on their score on an 11-item scale. Finally, a multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between the socio-demographic variables and farm-level ASF preparedness. The awareness of ASF among pig farmers was very high (87.9%, n = 217). Most farmers knew the clinical signs of the disease, the modes of transmission of ASF, and correctly identified the risk factors. They also considered the need for thorough cleaning and disinfection of piggeries (87.1%, n = 189), tightened biosecurity (85.7%, n = 186), culling all ASF-affected pigs (77.9%, n = 169) as well as the ban on the transport of pigs and their products (49.8%, n = 108) as very important in ASF control. Conversely, 27.6%, (n = 60) of the farmers thought ASF could affect humans, 12% (n = 27) of them openly discarded the carcasses of dead pigs, and there was a high antibiotic usage. Most of the pig farmers used antibiotics as prophylaxis (63.6%, n = 157), chemotherapeutics (66.4%, n = 164), growth promoters (15.4%, n = 38), and wrongly so, 13% (n = 32) of them thought that antibiotics could be used to prevent and treat ASF. At the farm level, two-thirds (68.8%, n = 170) of the farmers had strict movement restrictions, and 48.6% (n = 120) routinely quarantine new pigs before introduction into their herd. Across the five states, 36% (n = 89) of the farmers had witnessed sudden death with signs consistent with ASF amongst their pigs and only 10.1% (n = 27) had confirmatory ASF diagnosis. The mean score for the farm-level ASF-PR was 6.95 ± 2.7. Approximately one-quarter of the 247 pig farmers had satisfactory ASF - PR that might help to prevent the incursion of ASF into their farms. Most farmers had moderate ASF - PR (59.5%, n = 147) whereas 17% (n = 42) had very poor ASF-PR and were most prone to an ASF outbreak. Of the sociodemographic variables, only age was significantly associated with farm-level ASF preparedness as older pig farmers especially those aged between 50 and 59 years (OR: 4.83; 95% CI: 1.10, 21.22; p = 0.037) were more likely to have satisfactory ASF - PR than the others. Our findings showed pig farmers were not adequately prepared and the next ASF outbreak could pose more significant threat to pig populations across Nigeria. Government should urgently establish minimum biosecurity measures and improve its ASF surveillance mechanisms for commercial and backyard pig production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseun A Ogundijo
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Oladipo O Omotosho
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Ahmad I Al-Mustapha
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria; Department of Veterinary Services, Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - John O Abiola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel J Awosanya
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Adesoji Odukoya
- Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abuja, Nigeria; Nigerian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training program, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Samuel Owoicho
- Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abuja, Nigeria; Nigerian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training program, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Muftau Oyewo
- Department of Veterinary Services, Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria; Nigerian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training program, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Ahmed Ibrahim
- Department of Veterinary Services, Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Terese G Orum
- Regional Disease Surveillance Systems Enhancement Project, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Magdalene B Nanven
- Nigerian Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training program, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Pam Luka
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria
| | - Olanike K Adeyemo
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
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Wang H, Chen M, Guo Z, Shen Y, Chen Y, Luo T, Liu Y, Li J, Wang F, Wan J. The Influencing Factors of "Post-African Swine Fever" Pig Farm Biosecurity: Evidence from Sichuan Province, China. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3053. [PMID: 37835659 PMCID: PMC10571891 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective biosecurity measures are crucial in controlling and preventing major pig diseases, ultimately ensuring farm income and social stability. This study extracted data from 205 farmer surveys in Sichuan Province, China, to construct a biosecurity index system for pig farms. The biosecurity levels of pig farms were evaluated using a projection pursuit method to identify weak areas. The Tobit model was then utilized to determine the factors that influenced the biosecurity levels. The results indicated that the overall biosecurity levels of the pig farms were low. The study found that the average biosecurity score among farms was 0.61, with a minimum score of 0.37 and a maximum score of 0.89 (on a scale of 0 to 1). These results suggest that there are significant differences in biosecurity levels among the farms. The study also found that the scores for first-level indicators related to breeding environment management, as well as second-level indicators related to personnel management and awareness of African swine fever prevention and control, were significantly lower than scores for other indicators in the farmers' biosecurity systems. This study investigated the factors influencing biosecurity on farms and found that technical training, farm size, income share, production organization, and government inspections had a significant impact on the level of biosecurity implemented. This study emphasizes the significance of biosecurity in enhancing pig farm biosecurity and its role in improving farm resilience to major animal diseases like African swine fever. It also provides valuable insights for policymakers to make informed decisions regarding related policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Wang
- College of Management, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.); (M.C.); (Y.S.); (Y.C.); (T.L.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (F.W.)
| | - Meijun Chen
- College of Management, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.); (M.C.); (Y.S.); (Y.C.); (T.L.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (F.W.)
| | - Ziyao Guo
- College of Management, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.); (M.C.); (Y.S.); (Y.C.); (T.L.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (F.W.)
| | - Yangyang Shen
- College of Management, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.); (M.C.); (Y.S.); (Y.C.); (T.L.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (F.W.)
| | - Yufan Chen
- College of Management, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.); (M.C.); (Y.S.); (Y.C.); (T.L.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (F.W.)
| | - Ting Luo
- College of Management, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.); (M.C.); (Y.S.); (Y.C.); (T.L.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (F.W.)
| | - Yuying Liu
- College of Management, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.); (M.C.); (Y.S.); (Y.C.); (T.L.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (F.W.)
| | - Jianqiang Li
- College of Management, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.); (M.C.); (Y.S.); (Y.C.); (T.L.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (F.W.)
| | - Fang Wang
- College of Management, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (H.W.); (M.C.); (Y.S.); (Y.C.); (T.L.); (Y.L.); (J.L.); (F.W.)
| | - Jiangjun Wan
- College of Architecture and Urban-Rural Planning, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611830, China
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Rogoll L, Schulz K, Conraths FJ, Sauter-Louis C. African Swine Fever in Wild Boar: German Hunters' Perception of Surveillance and Control-A Questionnaire Study. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2813. [PMID: 37760213 PMCID: PMC10525383 DOI: 10.3390/ani13182813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the first occurrence of African swine fever (ASF) in wild boar in Germany in 2020, the disease has primarily affected the wild boar population in the eastern part of the country close to the border with Poland. Local hunters play a crucial role in implementing surveillance and control. To evaluate their perceptions of existing control measures and analyze regional differences between hunters from ASF-affected and non-affected regions, a questionnaire study was conducted among the German hunting community. Hunters from non-affected areas held a more optimistic view regarding the effectiveness of control measures compared to hunters from affected areas. However, control measures that hinder hunting were generally perceived as ineffective. Measures that collided with hunters' understanding of fair hunting practices were regarded as controversial. Financial incentives and reducing bureaucracy were the most favored approaches to increase hunters' participation. Moreover, the possibility of eating or selling the meat of hunted wild boar and the provision of infrastructure for implementing ASF control were considered motivating. Thus, this study highlights the importance of compensating hunters and addressing their concerns to maintain their engagement in ASF control. To enhance compliance with controversial measures, thoughtful communication and raising awareness are essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Rogoll
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (K.S.); (F.J.C.); (C.S.-L.)
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Ekakoro JE, Nawatti M, Singler DF, Ochoa K, Kizza R, Ndoboli D, Ndumu DB, Wampande EM, Havas KA. A survey of biosecurity practices of pig farmers in selected districts affected by African swine fever in Uganda. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1245754. [PMID: 37662985 PMCID: PMC10469975 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1245754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In Uganda, pig production is an important source of livelihood for many people and contributes to food security. African swine fever (ASF) is a major constraint to pig production in Uganda, threatening the food supply and sustainable livelihoods. Prevention of ASF primarily relies on good biosecurity practices along the pig value chain. Previous studies showed that biosecurity along the pig value chain and on farms in Uganda is poor. However, the biosecurity practices of pig farmers in ASF affected areas of Uganda and their opinions on on-farm ASF morbidity and mortality were previously not comprehensively characterized. The objectives of this study were to document pig farmers' experiences with ASF in their farms and to describe the pig biosecurity practices in districts of Uganda that were highly affected by ASF. Methods A total of 99 farmers were interviewed in five districts. Data were collected by way of triangulation through farmer interviews, field observations during the farmer interviews, and a survey of key informants. However, farmer interviews were considered the primary source of data for this study. Farmers' biosecurity practices were scored using a biosecurity scoring algorithm. Results Forty-one out of 96 (42.7%) farmers reported having pigs with ASF in the past 12 months. The level of pig farming experience (p = 0.0083) and herd size (p < 0.0001) were significantly associated with the reported occurrence of ASF. Overall, the biosecurity scores for the respondents were considered poor with 99% (98/99) scoring <70% and just one farmer obtaining a fair score of 72.2%. District (p = 0.0481), type of husbandry system (p = 0.014), and type of pig breed raised (p = 0.004) were significantly associated with farmer's biosecurity score. Conclusion Continued farmer education on ASF and the importance of good biosecurity practices is necessary. More in-depth scientific inquiry into the factors influencing the biosecurity practices among pig farmers in Uganda is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E. Ekakoro
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
- Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Margaret Nawatti
- Department of Political Science and Public Administration, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David F. Singler
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Krista Ochoa
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Robinah Kizza
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dickson Ndoboli
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Deo B. Ndumu
- Department of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Eddie M. Wampande
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Karyn A. Havas
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
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Singh M, Pongenere N, Mollier RT, Patton RN, Yadav R, Katiyar R, Jaiswal P, Bhattacharjee M, Kalita H, Mishra VK. Participatory assessment of management and biosecurity practices of smallholder pig farms in North East India. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1196955. [PMID: 37465275 PMCID: PMC10352026 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1196955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study was aimed at describing the pig production system, farm management, pig movement, and existing biosecurity level of smallholders' pig production system in North East India. A cross-sectional survey of 1,000 pig producers in four districts (two urban and two rural) in core pig-producing regions of India, where ASF occurrence had been reported, was conducted. The mean pig population was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in urban districts. In urban districts, most of the pig houses were isolated but located on the roadside, while in rural districts, commune pig houses along the roadside were more common. The majority of the respondent purchased (91%) or sold (60%) the pigs during the past 12 months. Swill feeding was common in the entire study area. The majority of the respondent (80%) in rural districts were unaware of ASF. Significant pig trade of live pigs and pork products was observed in the urban district. In the case of on-farm biosecurity measures, only 6.9% of respondents had fencing for the pig farm, 99.3% did not have provision for a footbath, and only 17.2% of the respondents restricted visitors' access to the pig farm. The study revealed that the pig production system is dominated by smallholding units with a frequent introduction or exit of pigs along with poor on-farm biosecurity measures. With the current level of farm management and biosecurity practices, smallholder pig farmers are at an increased risk of ASF and other contagious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahak Singh
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, Nagaland, India
| | - Nungshitula Pongenere
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, Nagaland, India
| | - R. T. Mollier
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, Nagaland, India
| | - R. N. Patton
- Animal Reproduction Laboratory, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, Nagaland, India
| | - Rekha Yadav
- Department of Agronomy, School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, Lumami, India
| | - Rahul Katiyar
- Division of Animal Health and Fisheries Science, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
| | - Priyanka Jaiswal
- Amity School of Economics, Amity University, Sector-125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - M. Bhattacharjee
- Amity School of Economics, Amity University, Sector-125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - H. Kalita
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, Nagaland, India
| | - V. K. Mishra
- ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, India
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Arvidsson A, Fischer K, Chenais E, Kiguli J, Sternberg-Lewerin S, Ståhl K. Limitations and opportunities of smallholders' practical knowledge when dealing with pig health issues in northern Uganda. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287041. [PMID: 37294750 PMCID: PMC10256192 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Pig production has a short history in Uganda. The majority of pigs are kept by smallholder farmers in rural areas where access to veterinary services is limited, and pig keeping has been suggested as a potential pathway out of poverty for smallholders. Previous research has identified the disease of African swine fever (ASF) as a major threat, causing high mortalities in pigs. With no available cure or vaccine, the only option is to implement biosecurity measures, i.e. strategies that prevent the spread of ASF. This paper draws on data from four months of ethnographic fieldwork in rural northern Uganda. Combining methods of participant observation, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and a survey, the aim was to improve understanding of smallholders' perceptions and responses to pig health issues such as ASF. Applying the concept of practical knowledge, this paper analyses the potential and limitations of smallholders' practice-based knowledge as a means of dealing with pig health issues. The results show that while pigs were appreciated locally for providing an income, many informants found it difficult to deal with pig diseases effectively. Consequently, informants commonly expressed a need for other kinds of knowledge in their pig production, indicating that veterinary advice can play an important role in reducing the negative impact of pig health issues. For animal health provision to have relevance in this context, however, veterinary practitioners must pay close attention to smallholders' priorities and ways of knowing in their livestock keeping. Results further show that pig health issues made some informants abandon pig production altogether. To enhance the potential of pig production as a poverty mitigation strategy in Uganda, research and policy need to focus on ways of bettering general conditions for smallholder pig keeping, including improving the quality of and access to veterinary services in rural areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Arvidsson
- Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Klara Fischer
- Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Erika Chenais
- Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Juliet Kiguli
- Department of Community Health and Behavioural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Susanna Sternberg-Lewerin
- Department of Biomedical Science and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karl Ståhl
- Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden
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Chenais E, Fischer K, Aliro T, Ståhl K, Lewerin SS. Co-created community contracts support biosecurity changes in a region where African swine fever is endemic – Part II: Implementation of biosecurity measures. Prev Vet Med 2023; 214:105902. [PMID: 36966659 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Smallholder subsistence pig production is common in Uganda and African swine fever (ASF) is endemic in the country, with its spread driven by human activities along the smallholder value chain. Previous research in the study area has revealed that many stakeholders are aware of how ASF is spread, its prevention and control, and have a generally positive attitude towards biosecurity. Despite this, even basic biosecurity is largely lacking. Costs, as well as a lack of adaptation to the local context, culture and traditions have been identified as factors hindering biosecurity implementation. Community engagement and local ownership of disease problems are increasingly recognised as important for improving disease prevention and control. The objective of this study was to investigate the capacity of participatory action at community level with broad inclusion of stakeholders to improve biosecurity in the smallholder pig value chain. Specific attention was paid to participants' perceptions and experiences of implementing the biosecurity measures included in their co-created community contracts. The study was conducted in Northern Uganda in villages purposively selected on the basis of previous occurrences of ASF. In each village, farmers and traders were also purposively selected. At a first meeting, basic information about ASF was shared and participants presented with a list of biosecurity measures adapted for farmers and traders respectively. Participants discussed each measure in farmer and trader subgroups, decided on the measures to implement for one year, and signed a community contract to this effect. The following year, interviews were again undertaken and implementation support given. Interview data were coded and thematically analysed. Each subgroup chose a minimum of three and a maximum of nine measures, with wide variations between villages in their selection of measures. At the follow-ups, none of the subgroups had fully implemented what had been agreed in their contract, but all had changed some of their biosecurity routines. Some frequently recommended biosecurity measures, such as not borrowing breeding boars, were not considered feasible. Relatively simple and cheap biosecurity measures were rejected for reasons of cost, highlighting the participants' general level of poverty and the relevance of poverty as a specific factor governing disease control results. The participatory methodology allowing for discussions, co-creation and the option to refuse measures seemed to facilitate the implementation of measures that had initially been thought to be controversial. The broad community approach was deemed to be positive for strengthening community identity, cooperation and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Chenais
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Klara Fischer
- Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tonny Aliro
- Faculty of Agriculture and Environment Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Karl Ståhl
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Susanna Sternberg Lewerin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Erika C, Susanna SL, Tonny A, Karl S, Klara F. Co-created community contracts support biosecurity changes in a region where African swine fever is endemic - Part I: The methodology. Prev Vet Med 2023; 212:105840. [PMID: 36640661 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In Northern Uganda more people live in poverty than elsewhere in the country. Small-scale pig-keeping is common and African swine fever (ASF) is endemic, spreading along the smallholder value chain. Biosecurity measures remain the only way to prevent and control the spread of ASF in this context. Previous research in the study area has shown that many stakeholders are aware of ASF, how it is spread and methods for prevention and control, but biosecurity implementation remains limited. Participatory approaches have been suggested in order to increase community engagement in relation to animal disease control, ensuring that disease prevention or control actions are guided by local people's priorities and the promotion of local ownership of disease control. The objective of this study was to investigate the capacity of participatory action at community level with a broad inclusion of stakeholders to initiate change and greater stakeholder ownership to improve biosecurity in the smallholder pig value chain. Specific attention was paid to the feasibility of co-created community contracts for this purpose. The study was carried out in Northern Uganda in six purposively selected villages and included both farmers and traders. Centred on co-created community contracts on biosecurity, the study comprised repeated group discussions, semi-structured and structured group and individual interviews, as well as field observations. At the first meeting, participants were presented with suggested biosecurity measures adapted for farmers and traders respectively. Participants discussed each measure, agreed which ones to implement for one year, and co-created a community contract to this effect. During the study period, repeated interviews were undertaken and implementation support was provided. Interview data was coded and thematically analysed. Great diversity was observed between communities with regard to which and how many measures were selected, illustrating heterogeneity in the possibilities of biosecurity implementation and the complexity of livelihood challenges. The methodology appeared to be effective at instigating change, with all the communities changing some of their biosecurity behaviour during the study period. The intensified communication and cooperation around pigs in the communities reinforced the sense of group identity and the capacity-building offered at the first meeting supported implementation and appeared to be more important than the physical contract. Participants reported feeling empowered and described how they shared their knowledge, educated their peers and acted as catalysts for wider biosecurity change in their communities. These are promising results and indicate a positive attitude to both the agreed measures and the methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenais Erika
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Sternberg Lewerin Susanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Aliro Tonny
- Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Ståhl Karl
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fischer Klara
- Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Innovative Research Offers New Hope for Managing African Swine Fever Better in Resource-Limited Smallholder Farming Settings: A Timely Update. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020355. [PMID: 36839627 PMCID: PMC9963711 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) in domestic pigs has, since its discovery in Africa more than a century ago, been associated with subsistence pig keeping with low levels of biosecurity. Likewise, smallholder and backyard pig farming in resource-limited settings have been notably affected during the ongoing epidemic in Eastern Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Caribbean regions. Many challenges to managing ASF in such settings have been identified in the ongoing as well as previous epidemics. Consistent implementation of biosecurity at all nodes in the value chain remains most important for controlling and preventing ASF. Recent research from Asia, Africa, and Europe has provided science-based information that can be of value in overcoming some of the hurdles faced for implementing biosecurity in resource-limited contexts. In this narrative review we examine a selection of these studies elucidating innovative solutions such as shorter boiling times for inactivating ASF virus in swill, participatory planning of interventions for risk mitigation for ASF, better understanding of smallholder pig-keeper perceptions and constraints, modified culling, and safe alternatives for disposal of carcasses of pigs that have died of ASF. The aim of the review is to increase acceptance and implementation of science-based approaches that increase the feasibility of managing, and the possibility to prevent, ASF in resource-limited settings. This could contribute to protecting hundreds of thousands of livelihoods that depend upon pigs and enable small-scale pig production to reach its full potential for poverty alleviation and food security.
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Filatov S, Dyčka F, Sterba J, Rego RO. A simple non-invasive method to collect soft tick saliva reveals differences in Ornithodoros moubata saliva composition between ticks infected and uninfected with Borrelia duttonii spirochetes. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1112952. [PMID: 36743301 PMCID: PMC9895398 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1112952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: We developed a new simple method to assess the composition of proteinaceous components in the saliva of Ornithodoros moubata, the main vehicle for pathogen transmission and a likely source of bioactive molecules acting at the tick-vertebrate host interface. To collect naturally expectorated saliva from the ticks we employed an artificial membrane feeding technique using a simple, chemically defined diet containing phagostimulants and submitted native saliva samples collected in this way for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. These experiments were conducted with groups of uninfected ticks as well as with O. moubata infected with B. duttonii. The ticks exhibited a fair feeding response to the tested diet with engorgement rates reaching as high as 60-100% of ticks per feeding chamber. The LC-MS analysis identified a total of 17 and 15 proteins in saliva samples from the uninfected and infected O. moubata nymphs, respectively. Importantly, the analysis was sensitive enough to detect up to 9 different proteins in the samples of saliva containing diet upon which as few as 6 nymphal ticks fed during the experiments. Some of the proteins recognized in the analysis are well known for their immunomodulatory activity in a vertebrate host, whereas others are primarily thought of as structural or "housekeeping" proteins and their finding in the naturally expectorated tick saliva confirms that they can be secreted and might serve some functions at the tick-host interface. Most notably, some of the proteins that have long been suspected for their importance in the vector-pathogen interactions of Borrelia spirochetes were detected only in the samples from infected ticks, suggesting that their expression was altered by the persistent colonization of the tick's salivary glands by spirochetes. The simple method described herein is an important addition to the toolbox available to study the vector-host-pathogen interactions in the rapidly feeding soft ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serhii Filatov
- National Scientific Center "Institute of Experimental and Clinical Veterinary Medicine", Kharkiv, Ukraine,*Correspondence: Serhii Filatov, ; Ryan O.M. Rego,
| | - Filip Dyčka
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Jan Sterba
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia
| | - Ryan O.M. Rego
- Institute of Parasitology, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia,Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czechia,*Correspondence: Serhii Filatov, ; Ryan O.M. Rego,
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Stončiūtė E, Malakauskas A, Conraths FJ, Masiulis M, Sauter-Louis C, Schulz K. The perceptions of Lithuanian hunters towards African swine fever using a participatory approach. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:401. [PMCID: PMC9660124 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03509-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background African swine fever (ASF) has been present in Lithuania since 2014. The disease affects mainly the wild boar population. Thus, hunters play a key role in the performance of disease surveillance and control measures. We used participatory methods to gain insight into the knowledge of hunters and to include their perceptions in the design and the implementation of surveillance and control measures to increase their effectiveness. Results The willingness and the interest of hunters to participate was high, but only eight focus group meetings with 33 hunters could be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall knowledge of Lithuanian hunters regarding ASF, investigated by semi-structured interviews, was sufficient to understand their part in ASF control and surveillance. However, their knowledge did not necessarily lead to an increased acceptance of some ASF control measures, like the targeted hunting of female wild boar. Participating hunters showed a good understanding of the processes of the surveillance system. Their trust in the performance within this system was highest towards the hunters themselves, thus emphasizing the importance of acknowledging their role in the system. Hunters refused measures including the reduction of hunting activities. They feared a complete elimination of the wild boar population, which in turn demonstrates the necessity to increase professional information exchange. Conclusions The perceptions of Lithuanian hunters regarding ASF surveillance and control in wild boar resembled those obtained in neighboring countries. It is imperative to communicate the results with decision-makers, to consider the views of hunters, when designing or adapting measures to control ASF in wild boar and to communicate with hunters on these measures and their justification. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03509-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Stončiūtė
- grid.45083.3a0000 0004 0432 6841Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Alvydas Malakauskas
- grid.45083.3a0000 0004 0432 6841Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes 18, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Franz J. Conraths
- grid.417834.dFriedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Marius Masiulis
- Emergency Response Division, State Food and Veterinary Service, Siesiku 19, 07170 Vilnius, Lithuania ,grid.45083.3a0000 0004 0432 6841Dr. L Kriauceliunas Small Animal Clinic, Veterinary Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 47181 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Carola Sauter-Louis
- grid.417834.dFriedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Katja Schulz
- grid.417834.dFriedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Penrith ML, Van Heerden J, Heath L, Abworo EO, Bastos ADS. Review of the Pig-Adapted African Swine Fever Viruses in and Outside Africa. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11101190. [PMID: 36297247 PMCID: PMC9609104 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11101190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The region in eastern, central and southern Africa (ECSA) where African swine fever (ASF) originated in a sylvatic cycle is home to all the p72 genotypes of ASF virus identified so far. While 20 of the 24 genotypes have been isolated from outbreaks in domestic pigs in the region, only five of the genotypes (I, II, VIII, IX, X) have an extended field presence associated with domestic pigs. Of the genotypes that appear to be strongly adapted to domestic pigs, two have spread beyond the African continent and have been the focus of efforts to develop vaccines against ASF. Most of the experimental ASF vaccines described do not protect against a wider spectrum of viruses and may be less useful in the event of incursions of different strains or where multiple genotypes co-exist. The other three pig-adapted strains that are currently restricted to the ECSA region might spread, and priority should be given to understanding not only the genetic and antigenic characteristics of these viruses but also their history. We review historic and current knowledge of the distribution of these five virus genotypes, and note that as was the case for genotype II, some pig-associated viruses have the propensity for geographical range expansion. These features are valuable for prioritizing vaccine-development efforts to ensure a swift response to virus escape. However, whilst ASF vaccines are critical for high-production systems, global food security relies on parallel efforts to improve biosecurity and pig production in Africa and on continued ASFV surveillance and characterisation in the ECSA region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary-Louise Penrith
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
- Correspondence: or
| | - Juanita Van Heerden
- Transboundary Animal Diseases, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Livio Heath
- Transboundary Animal Diseases, Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
| | - Edward Okoth Abworo
- Biosciences, Animal and Human Health Program, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi 00100, Kenya
| | - Armanda D. S. Bastos
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
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Aliro T, Chenais E, Odongo W, Okello DM, Masembe C, Ståhl K. Prevention and Control of African Swine Fever in the Smallholder Pig Value Chain in Northern Uganda: Thematic Analysis of Stakeholders' Perceptions. Front Vet Sci 2022; 8:707819. [PMID: 35097036 PMCID: PMC8793068 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.707819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is endemic in Uganda and considered a major constraint to pig production. In the absence of a vaccine, biosecurity is key for ASF prevention and control. To improve prevention and control on farm and community level there is need for more knowledge on current application of biosecurity practises, and better understanding of how pig value chain actors perceive prevention and control. To achieve this, a qualitative interview study involving focus group discussions (FGD) was conducted with actors from the smallholder pig value chain in northern Uganda. Six villages were purposively selected based on previous outbreaks of ASF, preliminary perceived willingness to control ASF, and the representation of several different value chain actors in the village. Results indicated that biosecurity practises such as basic hygiene routines including safe carcass handling, minimising direct and indirect contacts between pigs or between pigs and people, trade restrictions and sharing of disease information were implemented in some of the villages. Thematic analysis based on grounded theory revealed six categories of data relating to ASF prevention and control. Together these categories form a logical framework including both enablers and hindrances for ASF prevention and control. In summary participants mostly had positive perceptions of ASF biosecurity, describing measures as effective. Participants further possessed knowledge of ASF and its transmission, some of which was in line with known scientific knowledge and some not. Nevertheless, participants were hindered from preventing and controlling ASF due to biosecurity costs and a need to prioritise family livelihood over disease transmission risks, incompatibility of current biosecurity practises with local culture, traditions and social contexts and finally lack of access to veterinarians or, occasionally, low-quality veterinary services. The constraints could be addressed by applying participatory processes in designing biosecurity measures to ensure better adaptation to local cultural and social contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Aliro
- Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - E. Chenais
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
- *Correspondence: E. Chenais
| | - W. Odongo
- Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - D. M. Okello
- Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda
| | - C. Masembe
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Science, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - K. Ståhl
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
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Liu Y, Zhang X, Qi W, Yang Y, Liu Z, An T, Wu X, Chen J. Prevention and Control Strategies of African Swine Fever and Progress on Pig Farm Repopulation in China. Viruses 2021; 13:2552. [PMID: 34960821 PMCID: PMC8704102 DOI: 10.3390/v13122552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is a devastating disease in domestic and wild pigs. Since the first outbreak of ASF in August 2018 in China, the disease has spread throughout the country with an unprecedented speed, causing heavy losses to the pig and related industries. As a result, strategies for managing the disease are urgently needed. This paper summarizes the important aspects of three key elements about African swine fever virus (ASFV) transmission, including the sources of infection, transmission routes, and susceptible animals. It overviews the relevant prevention and control strategies, focusing on the research progress of ASFV vaccines, anti-ASFV drugs, ASFV-resistant pigs, efficient disinfection, and pig farm biosecurity. We then reviewed the key technical points concerning pig farm repopulation, which is critical to the pork industry. We hope to not only provide a theoretical basis but also practical strategies for effective dealing with the ASF epidemic and restoration of pig production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjia Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.L.); (Z.L.)
| | - Xinheng Zhang
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (X.Z.); (X.W.)
| | - Wenbao Qi
- Research Center for African Swine Fever Prevention and Control, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China;
| | - Yaozhi Yang
- Heilongjiang Dabeinong Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Food Company Limited, Harbin 150028, China;
| | - Zexin Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.L.); (Z.L.)
| | - Tongqing An
- State Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Harbin Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Harbin 150069, China;
| | - Xiuhong Wu
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (X.Z.); (X.W.)
| | - Jianxin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Veterinary Pharmaceutics Development and Safety Evaluation, College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (Y.L.); (Z.L.)
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Suit-B Y, Hassan L, Krauss SE, Ooi PT, Ramanoon SZ, Yasmin AR, Epstein JH. Mental Model of Malaysian Pig Farmers in Implementing Disease Prevention and Control Practices. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:695702. [PMID: 34820433 PMCID: PMC8606826 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.695702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The 1998 Nipah virus outbreak in Malaysia resulted in major financial losses to the multi-million-dollar swine industry. While productivity and biosecurity of pig farms have improved since, biosecurity in some farms remains substandard with farmers struggling to adapt to current national pig farming policies. Farm viability and animal health depends on farmers' role as decision-makers in managing disease threats and other aspects of farm management. This study aimed to describe the mental model of farmers in making decisions about disease prevention and control measures during the 1998 Nipah virus outbreak, and in 2019, 20 years after the last reported Nipah case. Using a qualitative approach, in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 12 pig farmers (mostly small-scale or medium-scale farms) were conducted in three states in Malaysia. Data were analyzed via inductive content analysis. Thirty-six unique dimensions in the mental model were identified, representing six interrelated themes corresponding to participants' decision making related to disease prevention and control: drivers of action to prevent and control disease; perception of practice options; individual determinants of familiar practices; external social factors; external economic factors; and additional external factors. Key drivers of disease control and prevention responses during the Nipah outbreak included heightened perception of risk, emotions, perceived economic loss, and subjective norms whereas key drivers in 2019 included perception of risk, perceived effectiveness, perceived benefits, and other dimensions such as perception of the future, perceived economic cost, barriers, and loss. An unfavorable future outlook, perceived economic factors, and socio-political and personal factors currently hinders farm improvement and adoption of Pig Farming Areas (PFAs) and Modern Pig Farming (MPF) systems. Private sector service providers and veterinarians are highly influential in advocating for good biosecurity, herd health, and animal health intervention practices. Insights gained can inform the development of strategic policies and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Suit-B
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Latiffah Hassan
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Steven Eric Krauss
- Institute for Social Science Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Peck Toung Ooi
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Siti Zubaidah Ramanoon
- Department of Medicine and Surgery of Farm & Exotic Animal, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Abd Rahaman Yasmin
- Department of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
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Ogweng P, Masembe C, Okwasiimire R, Keeya I, Vincent MB. The effectiveness of community-led initiatives in livestock disease control: a case of African swine fever in rural areas of Uganda. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 53:542. [PMID: 34762182 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-02991-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Proper implementation of biosecurity is currently the only control measure of African swine fever (ASF) in the absence of an effective vaccine or drug against the disease. Despite the efforts that Uganda's local and central governments have invested to reduce livestock diseases, ASF outbreaks still persist in the country. In this study, we assessed the effectiveness of community-led initiatives in the control of ASF in Mukono District, central Uganda. In Mukono district, a community-led pilot program was initiated where stakeholders in the pig value chain organized themselves into an ASF control task force to enforce on-farm and pig value chain activities intended to limit the spread of ASF. Semi-structured interviews with pig famers (n = 211) were conducted in two areas with contrasting practices: one with active community-initiated and monitored ASF control initiatives since 2016 (Kasawo and Namuganga) and the other without such initiative as the control (Mpunge and Ntenjeru). A significant decline (Wilcoxon ranked sign test: Z = - 5.412, p = 0.000) in the annual frequency of ASF outbreaks in both Kasawo and Namuganga sub-counties was observed after the implementation of community-led initiatives. The level of practice of most ASF control measures was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in sub-counties that instituted community-led ASF control initiatives than in the control sub-counties. The results of this study demonstrate the power of community-led initiatives in reducing ASF disease outbreaks in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Ogweng
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Charles Masembe
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Ibrahim Keeya
- Production Department, Mukono District Local Government, Mukono, Uganda
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Payne A, Ogweng P, Ståhl K, Masembe C, Jori F. Spatial-Temporal Movements of Free Ranging Pigs at the Wildlife-Livestock Interface of Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda: Potential of Disease Control at a Local Scale. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:689377. [PMID: 34631845 PMCID: PMC8496937 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.689377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In many Ugandan rural communities, pigs are generally kept under traditional smallholder systems without basic biosecurity measures in place. In some instances, these systems are at the livestock-wildlife interface, as it is the case in Nwoya district, which is bordered by Murchison Falls National Park (MFNP). This pig system has potential for the maintenance and transmission of pathogens like African swine fever (ASF) between different herds, and also with wild pigs (warthogs and bushpigs). In this paper, we describe the spatial and temporal pattern of the movements of free ranging domestic pigs in a rural setting in Northern Uganda where ASF is endemic. We also determine their use of habitat to highlight the potential interaction hotspots between domestic pigs and between domestic and wild pig populations. We fitted 10 free-ranging domestic pigs owned by different homesteads with GPS harnesses during rainy and dry seasons. The pig home range, daily distance, activity pattern and habitat use were calculated. Our results show that the maximum area covered (MCP 100%) by the pigs varied between 35,965 and 475,077 m2. The core area varied from 1,317 to 50,769 m2. The pigs' home ranges were significantly bigger during the dry season than during the rainy season (Wilcoxon test, W = 22, p = 0.04). The mean full day (24 h) distance was longer in the dry season than in the rainy season (Student test, t = 2.7, p = 0.03). The pigs were mostly located within their own homestead, but they also used other homesteads, grass and crop fields. This study highlights that free-ranging domestic pigs may cover a wide area, especially during the dry season. Interestingly, the home range of pigs from different herds may overlap with areas used by wild pigs which share crops and other resources in this area. This study provides insights into a better understanding of the potential for spread of diseases such as ASF at small-scale and can be used to raise awareness of such risks and to better target implementation of preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Payne
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Peter Ogweng
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Karl Ståhl
- National Veterinary Institute, SVA, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Charles Masembe
- Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ferran Jori
- CIRAD, UMR Animal, Santé, Territoires, Risque et Ecosystèmes (ASTRE), Montpellier, France.,UMR ASTRE, University of Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Montpellier, France.,Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
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22
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Ardelean F, Globig A, Gârdan Năvălici AI, Blome S, Dietze K, Depner K, Zani L. The course of African swine fever in Romanian backyard holdings - A case report. Vet Med Sci 2021; 7:2273-2279. [PMID: 34378334 PMCID: PMC8604127 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) was diagnosed for the first time in Romania in a backyard holding in Satu-Mare County in July 2017. Since then, more than 3800 outbreaks occurred in the entire country. Disease control strategies in the backyard sector rely almost exclusively on reactive measures implemented upon appearance of clinical signs and laboratory confirmation of ASF. In our descriptive study, infection course and outbreak investigation data of 56 affected backyard holdings in Satu-Mare County has been investigated. Early disease detection based on clinical signs appeared to be efficient. In the majority of outbreaks, ASF was detected within the first 2 weeks after the estimated virus introduction. A clinical phase of 2-8 days was observed before pigs either succumbed to the disease or control measures were implemented on affected farms. A moderate on-farm transmissibility of ASF virus between pigs was observed. Four clusters of outbreaks were identified indicating virus perpetuation and transmission from farm to farm. To suspend infection chains, rapid intervention by isolating affected farms combined with effective biosecurity measures is required. However, due to the backyard peculiarities, quick and effective implementation of control measures has shown to be rather difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Ardelean
- County Sanitary Veterinary Health and Food Safety Directorate Satu Mare, România
| | - Anja Globig
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Germany
| | | | - Sandra Blome
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Germany
| | - Klaas Dietze
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Germany
| | - Klaus Depner
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Germany
| | - Laura Zani
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Germany
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Perceptions of pastoralist problems: A participatory study on animal management, disease spectrum and animal health priorities of small ruminant pastoralists in Georgia. Prev Vet Med 2021; 193:105412. [PMID: 34144495 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2021.105412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Small ruminants support the livelihoods of millions of poor pastoralist and sedentary households around the world. While pastoralists are generally not amongst the poorest in terms of assets, they are frequently marginalised in terms of their access to political power, health and education. This study was undertaken among pastoralist households keeping small ruminants in four regions of the country of Georgia. Small ruminants are an important cultural, social and economic asset in Georgia and are mainly managed in a transhumant pastoralist system. Georgia suffered its first, and so far only outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in 2016. This qualitative interview study was designed to acquire contextual understanding of local small ruminant husbandry and the livelihood situations of the participating pastoralists, and to detect historical, unreported PPR outbreaks. Focus group discussions comprising participatory epidemiology tools and other forms of interviews were used to explore small ruminant management, disease spectrum and management, and animal health priorities. The participants had experienced a wide variety of animal health constraints, with intestinal worms, braxy, piroplasmosis, pasture-related problems, predators and lameness emerging as priorities. No historic, unreported PPR outbreak was detected in this study, and PPR was not a priority for participants. Instead, the day-to-day reality of animal health for the pastoralists was characterised by co-infections of mainly endemic pathogens, and problems related to other challenges such as access to land, feed and genetic resources. The rationale behind the participants' prioritisation of animal health problems was supported by the need to pay extra attention to animals in order to avoid risk factors, keep animals healthy and minimise the negative impact of diseases or management problems; the various epidemiological and clinical parameters of the prioritised diseases; the economic impact of the specific problems and the zoonotic potential of diseases and predation. Even within regions, and within seemingly socially and culturally homogenous groups, there were important local differences in the problems faced by pastoralists that affect their livestock management. This study underlines the importance of a contextualised understanding of the local disease panorama and complexities in the livelihood situations of rural people when designing actions to improve animal health in general or, more specifically, passive surveillance as well as prevention or control measures. Finally, it is concluded that to achieve such an understanding, there is a need for participatory, scoping-style studies that specifically acknowledge diversity and power relations.
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Amar S, De Boni L, de Voux A, Heath L, Geertsma P. An outbreak of African swine fever in small-scale pigs, Gauteng, South Africa, July 2020. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 110 Suppl 1:S44-S49. [PMID: 33895412 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Since 2012, outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) in domestic pigs have increased outside of South Africa's ASF control zone. This study describes the epidemiological investigation and findings of an ASF outbreak in a small-scale pig unit in Gauteng Province and makes recommendations to prevent future outbreaks. METHODS PCR testing and molecular analysis were performed on pig tissue samples. Veterinary services conducted epidemiological investigations, forward and backward tracing, and surveillance. Farm management and biosecurity practices were assessed. Quarantine, culling, carcass disposal, and disinfection were implemented. RESULTS ASF virus genotype I was detected. A concurrent ASF outbreak in neighbouring Mpumalanga Province was identified as a possible source. Inadequate biosecurity measures probably facilitated viral transmission. Potential mechanisms for the introduction of the ASF virus include swill feeding practices, free roaming of pigs, scavenging, illegal slaughter, and trade of pig products within the community. CONCLUSIONS Molecular typing of the ASF virus linked the outbreak to an ongoing ASF outbreak in Mpumalanga Province. Pig enterprises with poor biosecurity practices may face greater risk of ASF introduction. Small-scale pig keepers should be targeted for ASF awareness and education campaigns. Innovative and cost-effective biosecurity solutions are needed in this resource-poor setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shira Amar
- South African Field Epidemiology Training Programme, Division of Public Health, Surveillance and Response, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Sandringham, Johannesburg, South Africa; Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
| | - Liesl De Boni
- Gauteng Veterinary Services, Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Alex de Voux
- South African Field Epidemiology Training Programme, Division of Public Health, Surveillance and Response, National Institute for Communicable Diseases of the National Health Laboratory Service, Sandringham, Johannesburg, South Africa; Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Livio Heath
- Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Peter Geertsma
- Gauteng Veterinary Services, Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), Johannesburg, South Africa
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Urner N, Sauter-Louis C, Staubach C, Conraths FJ, Schulz K. A Comparison of Perceptions of Estonian and Latvian Hunters With Regard to the Control of African Swine Fever. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:642126. [PMID: 33937371 PMCID: PMC8079805 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.642126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the first detected African swine fever (ASF) cases in Lithuanian wild boar in 2014, the virus has occurred in many other member states of the European Union (EU), most recently in Belgium in 2018 and in Germany in 2020. Passive surveillance and various control measures are implemented as part of the strategy to stop disease spread in the wild boar population. Within this framework, hunters perform important activities, such as the removal of carcasses, fencing or hunting. Therefore, the successful implementation of these measures largely depends on their acceptability by hunters. Methods of participatory epidemiology can be used to determine the acceptance of control measures. The use of participatory methods allows the involvement of key stakeholders in the design, the implementation and the analysis of control and surveillance activities. In the present study, two studies that had been conducted using participatory epidemiology with hunters in Estonia and Latvia were compared on the topics recruitment, participants, facilitators, focus group discussion (FGDs) and their contents. The aim was to evaluate similarities and differences in the two studies and to identify a broader spectrum of possibilities to increase the willingness of hunters supporting the fight against ASF. Evaluating all conducted FGDs in both countries showed primarily similarities in the perceptions and opinions of the hunters in Estonia and Latvia. One notable difference was that passive surveillance in Latvia was perceived mostly as topic of duty and ethics rather than an issue driven by incentives. Participatory methods have proven to be an effective tool in the evaluation of the acceptance of established ASF control systems. The results of this study point out further chances for improving the cooperation with hunters in the future. Nevertheless, the importance of gathering and analyzing the opinions of hunters in all ASF affected countries individually is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Urner
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Carola Sauter-Louis
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christoph Staubach
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Franz Josef Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Katja Schulz
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Greifswald, Germany
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Penrith ML, Bastos A, Chenais E. With or without a Vaccine-A Review of Complementary and Alternative Approaches to Managing African Swine Fever in Resource-Constrained Smallholder Settings. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9020116. [PMID: 33540948 PMCID: PMC7913123 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9020116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The spectacular recent spread of African swine fever (ASF) in Eastern Europe and Asia has been strongly associated, as it is in the endemic areas in Africa, with free-ranging pig populations and low-biosecurity backyard pig farming. Managing the disease in wild boar populations and in circumstances where the disease in domestic pigs is largely driven by poverty is particularly challenging and may remain so even in the presence of effective vaccines. The only option currently available to prevent ASF is strict biosecurity. Among small-scale pig farmers biosecurity measures are often considered unaffordable or impossible to implement. However, as outbreaks of ASF are also unaffordable, the adoption of basic biosecurity measures is imperative to achieve control and prevent losses. Biosecurity measures can be adapted to fit smallholder contexts, culture and costs. A longer-term approach that could prove valuable particularly for free-ranging pig populations would be exploitation of innate resistance to the virus, which is fully effective in wild African suids and has been observed in some domestic pig populations in areas of prolonged endemicity. We explore available options for preventing ASF in terms of feasibility, practicality and affordability among domestic pig populations that are at greatest risk of exposure to ASF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary-Louise Penrith
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Pretoria 0110, South Africa
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-12-342-1514
| | - Armanda Bastos
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0028, South Africa;
| | - Erika Chenais
- Department of Disease Control and Epidemiology, National Veterinary Institute, S-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden;
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Okello DM, Odongo W, Aliro T, Ndyomugyenyi EK. Access to veterinary services and expenditure on pig health management: the case of smallholder pig farmers in Northern Uganda. Trop Anim Health Prod 2020; 52:3735-3744. [PMID: 33026612 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-020-02411-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Pig farming has gained momentum for most smallholder farmers in developing countries as a means of livelihood and household incomes. However, prospects of the pig enterprises are constrained by pig health management issues which affect both its productivity and profitability. Using a cross-sectional survey of 240 smallholder pig farmers, we assessed factors influencing farmers' access to veterinary services and expenditure on pig health management in northern Uganda. Data was analysed using the binary logit and censored tobit regression models. Access to veterinary services was significantly influenced by pig herd size (p < 0.05), Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) membership (p < 0.1), breed (p < 0.05), production system (p < 0.05) and number of health issues recorded on farm (p < 0.01). Education level (p < 0.01), farming household members (p < 0.05), pig herd size (p < 0.01), breed (p < 0.05), previous disease incidences (p < 0.05), household labour available (p < 0.1) and access to veterinary services (p < 0.01) significantly influenced pig health expenditure. Efforts to improve access to veterinary services and improve pig health management should focus on promoting more intensive production systems and improved breeds that are associated with better access to veterinary services and reduced cost of pig health management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Micheal Okello
- Department of Rural Development and Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda.
| | - Walter Odongo
- Department of Rural Development and Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Tonny Aliro
- Department of Animal Production and Range Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
| | - Elly Kurobuza Ndyomugyenyi
- Department of Animal Production and Range Management, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda
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Urner N, Mõtus K, Nurmoja I, Schulz J, Sauter-Louis C, Staubach C, Conraths FJ, Schulz K. Hunters' Acceptance of Measures against African Swine Fever in Wild Boar in Estonia. Prev Vet Med 2020; 182:105121. [PMID: 32818692 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2020.105121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) was first identified in Estonia in 2014, initially detected in wild boar and spreading to affect almost the whole country from late 2016 onwards. Passive surveillance and the control measures applied in Estonia are the main actions in the attempt to control the wild boar population and therefore limit the spread of ASF. Implementation and success of both activities depend mainly on the involvement and commitment of the executing force: the Estonian hunters. Thus, their acceptance of the measures is of utmost importance and with the help of participatory methods, their acceptability can be assessed. Participatory epidemiology allows the involvement of key stakeholders in planning control measures and surveillance strategies and gathering information otherwise inaccessible. By conducting focus group discussions and utilizing participatory tools, this study aimed to assess the acceptance of ASF control measures by hunters in Estonia. Furthermore, the study aimed to detect means to improve the motivation of hunters to support passive surveillance. Among hunters, the results ranked the trust in lower authorities (e.g. local official veterinarians) towards implementing control measures as high (in contrast to higher officials e.g. 'Ministry of Rural Affairs'), while perceiving themselves as the most trustworthy group among those implementing ASF control measures. Hunting and every measure supporting increased hunting, for example selective hunting, bait feeding and incentives for hunting wild boar, were deemed favourable for hunters. These measures also received the highest trust for controlling ASF. All measures hindering hunting and the movement of wildlife, for example fencing or involvement of the army in ASF control, were described as unpleasant or even unethical and trust in these measures to control the disease successfully was lacking. When assessing the perceived consequences for hunters of finding a dead wild boar, arising financial costs, additional workload and time consumption were highlighted. In line with these results, the two tools with the strongest motivational effect for taking part in passive surveillance were: (1) higher monetary incentives as compensation for the hunters' work, and (2) the reduction of the negative consequences by limiting the hunters' duties to solely reporting found dead wild boar. In conclusion, participatory methods can be used as a highly suitable tool for the evaluation of acceptance of measures and surveillance systems. Potentially, the results can help to improve control and passive surveillance in Estonia, as well as functioning as an example for other countries battling or awaiting ASF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Urner
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Kerli Mõtus
- Estonian University of Life Science, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51014, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Imbi Nurmoja
- Estonian University of Life Science, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 62, 51014, Tartu, Estonia; Estonian Veterinary and Food Laboratory (VFL), Kreutzwaldi 30, 51006, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Jana Schulz
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Carola Sauter-Louis
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Christoph Staubach
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Franz J Conraths
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Katja Schulz
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Institute of Epidemiology, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany.
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