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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Nawatti M, Ekakoro JE, Singler D, Ochoa K, Kizza R, Ndoboli D, Ndumu DB, Wampande EM, Havas KA. The live pig supply chain as reported by farmers in selected districts affected by African swine fever in Uganda, June and July 2022. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1234228. [PMID: 37583468 PMCID: PMC10424570 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1234228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Uganda is a pork-producing country in East Africa. The African swine fever virus (ASFV) has had a devastating impact on the country's pig industry. The movements of pigs and pork are a major pathway of spreading ASFV. This study was done to describe the live pig supply chain within and through districts that are impacted by African swine fever (ASF) in Uganda. Methods A pig farmer survey in districts known to have ASFV was done using a semi-structured questionnaire available in English and two local languages. In total, 99 farmers were interviewed across five districts. Farmers were conveniently and purposively selected by local government veterinary officials. An online key informant survey was also used to validate farmer responses. Results Most farmers interviewed in all districts reported to source and sell most of their pigs from within their district the farm was in, although there was variation by district and pig type. In relation to pig type, 89.7% of farmers sourced sows, 80.0% sourced boars, and 96.4% sourced weaned pigs from the district where the farm was located. As for sales, 91.3% of farmers sold sows, 92.7% sold boars, 91.9% sold weaned pigs, and 92.2% sold market pigs in the district where the farm was located. There was also variation to whom pigs were sold and sourced by pig type. Conclusion This information is useful when planning the scale and focus of disease control programs based on animal movement. This study revealed that pig disease control programs can be targeted to smaller regions. Furthermore, there is a need for farmers and pig traders to be educated on and adhere to veterinary regulations of animal movement and good biosecurity practices to reduce disease spread when purchasing and selling pigs from known ASFV infected areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Nawatti
- Department of Political Science and Public Administration, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - John E. Ekakoro
- Department of Public and Ecosystem Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - David 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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Ndumu DB, Bakamutumaho B, Miller E, Nakayima J, Downing R, Balinandi S, Monje F, Tumusiime D, Nanfuka M, Meunier N, Arinaitwe E, Rutebarika C, Kidega E, Kyondo J, Ademun R, Njenga KM, Veas F, Gonzalez JP. Serological evidence of Rift Valley fever virus infection among domestic ruminant herds in Uganda. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:157. [PMID: 33849526 PMCID: PMC8045185 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-02867-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior to the first recorded outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in Uganda, in March 2016, earlier studies done until the 1970's indicated the presence of the RVF virus (RVFV) in the country, without any recorded outbreaks in either man or animals. While severe outbreaks of RVF occurred in the neighboring countries, none were reported in Uganda despite forecasts that placed some parts of Uganda at similar risk. The Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) undertook studies to determine the RVF sero-prevalence in risk prone areas. Three datasets from cattle sheep and goats were obtained; one from retrospective samples collected in 2010-2011 from the northern region; the second from the western region in 2013 while the third was from a cross-sectional survey done in 2016 in the south-western region. Laboratory analysis involved the use of the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA). Data were subjected to descriptive statistical analyses, including non-parametric chi-square tests for comparisons between districts and species in the regions. RESULTS During the Yellow Fever outbreak investigation of 2010-2011 in the northern region, a total sero-prevalence of 6.7% was obtained for anti RVFV reacting antibodies (IgG and IgM) among the domestic ruminant population. The 2013 sero-survey in the western region showed a prevalence of 18.6% in cattle and 2.3% in small ruminants. The 2016 sero-survey in the districts of Kabale, Kanungu, Kasese, Kisoro and Rubirizi, in the south-western region, had the respective district RVF sero-prevalence of 16.0, 2.1, 0.8, 15.1and 2.7% among the domestic ruminants combined for this region; bovines exhibited the highest cumulative sero-prevalence of 15.2%, compared to 5.3 and 4.0% respectively for sheep and goats per species for the region. CONCLUSIONS The absence of apparent outbreaks in Uganda, despite neighboring enzootic areas, having minimal restrictions to the exchange of livestock and their products across borders, suggest an unexpected RVF activity in the study areas that needs to be unraveled. Therefore, more in-depth studies are planned to mitigate the risk of an overt RVF outbreak in humans and animals as has occurred in neighboring countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deo B. Ndumu
- Department of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), P. O. Box 513, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Barnabas Bakamutumaho
- Uganda National Health Research Organization (UNHRO), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), P. O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Jesca Nakayima
- National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLiRRI), Nakyesasa, Uganda
| | - Robert Downing
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – UVRI, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Stephen Balinandi
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – UVRI, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Fred Monje
- Department of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), P. O. Box 513, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Dan Tumusiime
- Department of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), P. O. Box 513, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Mary Nanfuka
- Department of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), P. O. Box 513, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Natascha Meunier
- Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Royal College Street, London, NW1 0TU UK
| | - Eugene Arinaitwe
- Department of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), P. O. Box 513, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Chris Rutebarika
- Department of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), P. O. Box 513, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Eugene Kidega
- Department of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), P. O. Box 513, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Jackson Kyondo
- Uganda National Health Research Organization (UNHRO), Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), P. O. Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Rose Ademun
- Department of Animal Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), P. O. Box 513, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Francisco Veas
- Molecular Comparative Immuno-Physiopathology Lab (LIPMC), Joint Research Unit-Ministry of Defense (UMR-MD), Faculty of Pharmacy, French Research Institute for Development (IRD), Montpellier University, 34093 Montpellier, France
| | - Jean-Paul Gonzalez
- Metabiota Inc., San Francisco, USA
- Georgetown University, School of Medicine, 3900 Reservoir Rd. NW, Washington, DC, 20007 USA
- Centaurus Biotech LLC., Commonwealth Trading Partners, CTP Inc. Alexandria, Virginia, USA
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Aceng JR, Ario AR, Muruta AN, Makumbi I, Nanyunja M, Komakech I, Bakainaga AN, Talisuna AO, Mwesigye C, Mpairwe AM, Tusiime JB, Lali WZ, Katushabe E, Ocom F, Kaggwa M, Bongomin B, Kasule H, Mwoga JN, Sensasi B, Mwebembezi E, Katureebe C, Sentumbwe O, Nalwadda R, Mbaka P, Fatunmbi BS, Nakiire L, Lamorde M, Walwema R, Kambugu A, Nanyondo J, Okware S, Ahabwe PB, Nabukenya I, Kayiwa J, Wetaka MM, Kyazze S, Kwesiga B, Kadobera D, Bulage L, Nanziri C, Monje F, Aliddeki DM, Ntono V, Gonahasa D, Nabatanzi S, Nsereko G, Nakinsige A, Mabumba E, Lubwama B, Sekamatte M, Kibuule M, Muwanguzi D, Amone J, Upenytho GD, Driwale A, Seru M, Sebisubi F, Akello H, Kabanda R, Mutengeki DK, Bakyaita T, Serwanjja VN, Okwi R, Okiria J, Ainebyoona E, Opar BT, Mimbe D, Kyabaggu D, Ayebazibwe C, Sentumbwe J, Mwanja M, Ndumu DB, Bwogi J, Balinandi S, Nyakarahuka L, Tumusiime A, Kyondo J, Mulei S, Lutwama J, Kaleebu P, Kagirita A, Nabadda S, Oumo P, Lukwago R, Kasozi J, Masylukov O, Kyobe HB, Berdaga V, Lwanga M, Opio JC, Matseketse D, Eyul J, Oteba MO, Bukirwa H, Bulya N, Masiira B, Kihembo C, Ohuabunwo C, Antara SN, Owembabazi W, Okot PB, Okwera J, Amoros I, Kajja V, Mukunda BS, Sorela I, Adams G, Shoemaker T, Klena JD, Taboy CH, Ward SE, Merrill RD, Carter RJ, Harris JR, Banage F, Nsibambi T, Ojwang J, Kasule JN, Stowell DF, Brown VR, Zhu BP, Homsy J, Nelson LJ, Tusiime PK, Olaro C, Mwebesa HG, Woldemariam YT. Uganda's experience in Ebola virus disease outbreak preparedness, 2018-2019. Global Health 2020; 16:24. [PMID: 32192540 PMCID: PMC7081536 DOI: 10.1186/s12992-020-00548-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the declaration of the 10th Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in DRC on 1st Aug 2018, several neighboring countries have been developing and implementing preparedness efforts to prevent EVD cross-border transmission to enable timely detection, investigation, and response in the event of a confirmed EVD outbreak in the country. We describe Uganda's experience in EVD preparedness. RESULTS On 4 August 2018, the Uganda Ministry of Health (MoH) activated the Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) and the National Task Force (NTF) for public health emergencies to plan, guide, and coordinate EVD preparedness in the country. The NTF selected an Incident Management Team (IMT), constituting a National Rapid Response Team (NRRT) that supported activation of the District Task Forces (DTFs) and District Rapid Response Teams (DRRTs) that jointly assessed levels of preparedness in 30 designated high-risk districts representing category 1 (20 districts) and category 2 (10 districts). The MoH, with technical guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO), led EVD preparedness activities and worked together with other ministries and partner organisations to enhance community-based surveillance systems, develop and disseminate risk communication messages, engage communities, reinforce EVD screening and infection prevention measures at Points of Entry (PoEs) and in high-risk health facilities, construct and equip EVD isolation and treatment units, and establish coordination and procurement mechanisms. CONCLUSION As of 31 May 2019, there was no confirmed case of EVD as Uganda has continued to make significant and verifiable progress in EVD preparedness. There is a need to sustain these efforts, not only in EVD preparedness but also across the entire spectrum of a multi-hazard framework. These efforts strengthen country capacity and compel the country to avail resources for preparedness and management of incidents at the source while effectively cutting costs of using a "fire-fighting" approach during public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alex R Ario
- Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda.
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda.
| | | | - Issa Makumbi
- Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
- Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - William Z Lali
- World Health Organisation, Country Office, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Felix Ocom
- World Health Organisation, Country Office, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Mugagga Kaggwa
- World Health Organisation, Country Office, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bodo Bongomin
- World Health Organisation, Country Office, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Hafisa Kasule
- World Health Organisation, Country Office, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph N Mwoga
- World Health Organisation, Country Office, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | - Rita Nalwadda
- World Health Organisation, Country Office, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Paul Mbaka
- World Health Organisation, Country Office, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Solome Okware
- Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Disease Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Immaculate Nabukenya
- Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
- Infectious Disease Institute, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joshua Kayiwa
- Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Milton M Wetaka
- Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Simon Kyazze
- Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Benon Kwesiga
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Daniel Kadobera
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lilian Bulage
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
- African Field Epidemiology Network, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Carol Nanziri
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Fred Monje
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dativa M Aliddeki
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Vivian Ntono
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Doreen Gonahasa
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Sandra Nabatanzi
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Godfrey Nsereko
- Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Harriet Akello
- Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
- Management Sciences for Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Derrick Mimbe
- Makerere University Walter Reed Project, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Denis Kyabaggu
- East African Public Health Laboratory Network, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Juliet Sentumbwe
- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Moses Mwanja
- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Deo B Ndumu
- Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sophia Mulei
- Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | | | - Atek Kagirita
- Uganda National Health Laboratory Services, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Susan Nabadda
- Uganda National Health Laboratory Services, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Peter Oumo
- Ministry of Internal Affairs, Uganda Police Force, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robinah Lukwago
- Department for International Development, UKAID, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Julius Kasozi
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | - Joe C Opio
- United Nations Children's Fund, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - James Eyul
- Civil Aviation Authority, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | | | - Nulu Bulya
- African Field Epidemiology Network, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ben Masiira
- African Field Epidemiology Network, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Victoria Kajja
- Intenational Organisation for Migration, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Isabel Sorela
- Intenational Organisation for Migration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Gregory Adams
- United States Agency for International Development, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Trevor Shoemaker
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - John D Klena
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Celine H Taboy
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sarah E Ward
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Global Border Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rebecca D Merrill
- Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Global Border Health, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rosalind J Carter
- Global Immunization Division, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Julie R Harris
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Flora Banage
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Thomas Nsibambi
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Joseph Ojwang
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Juliet N Kasule
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Dan F Stowell
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Vance R Brown
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bao-Ping Zhu
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jaco Homsy
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lisa J Nelson
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kampala, Uganda
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