Brucellosis in West and Central Africa: A review of the current situation in a changing landscape of dairy cattle systems

Brucellosis is a neglected endemic zoonosis in West and Central Africa. In this narrative review, evidence of livestock and human infection is presented along with details of past and current control strategies in 14 selected countries. Data from available literature is combined with expert opinion elicited during a regional workshop on brucellosis diagnostics. Demographic changes that affect both the epidemiology of brucellosis and the success of control or surveillance are also considered. The evidence suggests that brucellosis prevalence in emerging peri-urban dairy cattle systems may be higher than that found in traditional transhumant extensive systems. Accurate microbiological and epidemiological evidence across the region is lacking but it appears there is inherent interest in controlling the disease. There are many data gaps which require collaborative future research to evaluate fully the social and economic impact of the disease in an evolving livestock sector heavily influenced by high rates of urbanisation and regional population growth.

Effect of the combination of monensin and isoacids on rumen fermentation in vitro

Effects of isoacids, monensin, or a combination of them on fermentation by mixed rumen bacteria were investigated using a continuous culture technique. The culture was allowed to stabilize for 4 d before treatments were imposed. Comparisons between treatments were made on d 11 and 12 of the culture. Isoacids (equal proportions of isobutyric, 2-M-butyric, isovaleric, and valeric acids) at 15 mg/dl of culture media increased acetate (6.17 vs. 5.48 meq/dl) and total VFA production (8.93 vs. 7.87 meq/dl) compared with that of controls. Monensin at 150 micrograms/dl reduced acetate (3.74 vs. 6.02 meq/dl) and VFA (6.84 vs. 8.54 meq/dl) but increased propionate (2.28 vs. 1.74 meq/dl) relative to control. The combination of isoacids and monensin increased acetate relative to monensin alone (5.24 vs. 3.74 meq/dl) but did not alter the effect of monensin on propionate concentration (2.32 vs. 2.28 meq/dl). It is concluded that monensin decreases acetate production by 35% and when isoacids are added to the cultures containing monensin, acetate production is restored.