Study on the distribution of ixodid ticks of cattle in pastoral areas of Yabello district, Borana zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Ticks and tick-borne diseases cause major losses in the livestock economy. From both human and veterinary viewpoints, ticks are very important vectors.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This cross-sectional research was conducted to study the prevalence, tick distribution, and related risk factors in the Borana pastoral region of the Yabello district, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A total of 445 cattle were examined for the presence of tick infestation collected from different body parts of the cattle and 89.89% (400/445) of indigenous cattle harbor a total of 7,778 adult ticks belonging to four different genera of ticks namely Rhipicephalus (78.31%), Amblyomma (13.46%), Boophilus (7.01%), and Hyalomma (1.22%). Besides, Rhipicephalus pulchellus (73.17%) and Amblyomma varigatum (7.57%) were among the most prevalent tick species identified whereas Hyalomma dromedari (0.08%) was found to be the least one. In this study, high proportions of ticks were collected from the head and ear (34.57%) followed by anus and vulva (29.47%), scrotum/udder (19.18%), dewlap and neck (8.77%), brisket (7.16%) and belly and back (0.85%). Moreover, a high proportion of Amblyomma species were collected from scrotum/udder (47.76%) and brisket (38.01%); Rhipicephalus species from head and ear (41.14%), anus and vulva (33.64%); Hyalomma species from scrotum/udder (41.05%), anus and vulva (28.42%) and dewlap and neck (20%) whereas most Boophilus species were collected from anus and vulva region (32.48%) and head and ear (31.19%). A statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed among potential risk factors like age group being higher in adult animals and different kebeles such as Dharito kebele and Dida Tuyoura ranch.

CONCLUSION

The result of this survey indicates that economically important ticks are widespread throughout the study areas and their presence in abundance is alerting. To minimize losses attributed to ticks and tick-borne disease cost-effective control strategy should be designed.

The views of therapists on the use of a patient-held record in the care of stroke patients

OBJECTIVE

To explore the views of therapists working with stroke patients on the use of a patient-held record (PHR) for stroke patients. A PHR was developed in the form of a pocket-sized booklet (21 cm x 14.5 cm) in which staff recorded information relating to the patient's management. The aim of the PHR was to facilitate communication and involve patients more directly in their care.

METHODS

Six semi-structured group interviews were conducted with therapists (25 in total) from one inner city hospital.

RESULTS

The following themes emerged from the content analysis: (1) Therapists were supportive of plans for a PHR, citing the benefits of greater patient involvement. (2) However, they questioned its feasibility, in particular the issue of patient responsibility and its use with the cognitively impaired. (3) They also questioned its ability to facilitate communication among health professionals because of existing differences in perspectives. (4) These therapists revealed concerns about the effect that information may have on patients. (5) They also raised practical issues about finding the time to make entries, wording and content of entries in the PHR.

CONCLUSION

Responsibility for the PHR may enhance patients' understanding and involvement in their care, yet ownership alone does not guarantee the confidence needed to encourage dialogue between patients and care providers. Furthermore, it is doubtful whether a PHR can hope to overcome the fundamental differences in the philosophies of care which the therapists reported.