Browsing by Author "Kitala, P. M."
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Item Environment and farm factors associated with exposure to Theileria parva infection in cattle under traditional mixed farming system in Mbeere District, Kenya(2011) Gachohi, J. M.; Kitala, P. M.; Ngumi, P. N.; Skilton, R. A.; Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Trypanosomiasis Research Center (KARI-TRC), Department of Public Health, Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, University of Nairobi, Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Veterinary Research Center (KARI-VRC), Muguga, Biosciences Eastern and Central Africa (BecA)—ILRI HubThe objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between seroprevalence to Theileria parva infection in cattle and potential environmental and farm level effects in 80 farms under traditional crop livestock system in Mbeere District, Kenya. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect the effects characteristics as related to T. parva infection epidemiology. Serum samples were collected from 440 cattle of all ages for detection of T. parva antibodies by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. The association between the variables was assessed using a generalized estimation equation logistic regression model. The overall T. parva seroprevalence, accounting for correlation of responses, was 19.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 14%, 25%). Two variables, "administrative division" and "presence of the vector tick on the farm", were significantly associated with the T. parva seroresponse. Respectively, cattle from farms in Gachoka, Evurore, and Mwea divisions were (and their 95% CI) 1.3 (0.36, 4.8), 4.4 (1.2, 15.9), and 15.2 (4.9, 47.1) times more likely to be seropositive relative to those from Siakago Division (P=O.OOO). Cattle from farms in which the vector tick was present were 2.9 (1.2, 6.7) times more likely to be seropositive (P=0.01l). Results of this study suggested that both environmental and farm factors may be associated with T. parva infection epidemiology in Mbeere District. Under such circumstances, characterization of environmental suitability for the vector tick and corresponding environment-specific farm management practices in the district is required both for improved understanding of the disease and in planning disease control programs.Item The socio-economic impact of important camel diseases as perceived by a pastoralist community in Kenya(2006) Mochabo, M. O. K.; Kitala, P. M.; Gaathura, P. B.; Ogara, W. O.; Eregae, E. M.; Kaitho, T. D.; Catley, A.; Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research InstituteThis paper presents the results of a study conducted in a pastoral community In Kenya using participatory appraisal approaches the objective of the study was to assess the socio-economic Impact of Camel trypanosomosis (surra) according to the perceptions of the pastoralist’s four livestock grazing units were conveniently selected and in each of them, three groups of key Informants comprising five to eight persons were selected for the participatory exercises. Five camel diseases were listed in order of importance according to their seventy and frequency of occurrence including trypanosomosis, mange, non-specific diarrhoea, tick Infestations and haemorrhagic septicaemia. The losses listed as Incurred due to the five diseases were: losses in milk, meat, blood, fats and hides, dowry payments, and depreciation in sale of animals, losses due to infertility and abortions, and losses due to the cost of treatment. There was good agreement (P < 0.05) between the Informant groups on the losses incurred as a result of the diseases for all the selected loss indicators. Surra and mange were given high median scores on all the indicators while non-specific diarrhoea, tick infestations, and haemorrhagic septicaemia received moderate median scores. Based on the study findings It IS concluded that the camel plays a central role in the lives of Turkana pastoralists and that surra has a devastating social and economic Impact. There IS a need for veterinary and policy decision-makers to focus more attention on the control of surra in this arid and semi-arid area of Kenya.
