Animal Health
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Item Spatial–Temporal Variations in Parasitological Prevalence and Host-Related Risk Factors of Camel Trypanosomiasis and Its Vectors in North Eastern Kenya: A Repeated Cross-Sectional Study(Hindawi, 2023-04-28) Ogolla, K.O.; Chemuliti, J.K.; Wamwiri, F.N.; Auma, J.E.; Kurgat, R.K.; Wanjala, K.B.; Mugunieri, L.G.; Alusi, P.M.; Mdachi, R.E.; Mukiria, P.W.; Okoth, S.O.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization ; East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO)/East African CommunityCamel trypanosomiasis (Surra) is endemic in the Horn of Africa. Understanding the spatiotemporal variations in Surra prevalence, vector dynamics, and host‐related risk factors is important in developing effective control strategies. A repeated cross‐sectional study was conducted to determine the Surra parasitological prevalence, livestock reservoirs, vector density/diversity, and host‐related risk factors in Kenya. Random samples of 847, 1079, and 824 camels were screened at the start of the dry season, peak dry season, and during the rainy season, respectively. Blood samples were examined using the dark ground/phase contrast buffy‐coat technique, and Trypanosoma species were identified based on their movement and morphology in wet and stained thin smears. Reservoir status for Trypanosoma evansi was assessed in 406 cattle and 372 goats. A rainy and dry seasons entomological surveys were conducted to determine the Surra vector abundance/diversity and spatiotemporal density changes. Surra prevalence was 7.1%, 3.4%, and 4.1% at the start of the dry season, peak dry season, and rainy season, respectively. Camel co‐infections by Trypanozoon (T. evansi or Trypanosoma brucei brucei) and Trypanosoma vivax were recorded. Spatial variations in Surra prevalence were recorded at the beginning of dry (X7846,N=2=110.9, p ≤ 0.001), peak dry (X71079,N=2=42.2, p ≤ 0.001), and rainy (X7824,N=2=29.1, p ≤ 0.001) seasons. The screened cattle and goats tested negative for Trypanozoon (T. evansi or T. b. brucei), while two cattle tested positive for Trypanosoma congolense. Biting fly catches were composed of a single species from Tabanus, Atylotus, Philoliche, Chrysops, and Stomoxys genera. The total catches for Philoliche, Chrysops, and Stomoxys were higher in the rainy than dry season consistent with the prevalence results. Surra remains an important camel disease in the region with its prevalence varying in space and time. Camel co‐infections by Trypanozoon (T. evansi or T. b. brucei) and T. vivax necessitate proper diagnosis of suspected cases and targeted therapy.Item Genetic and Non-Genetic Factors Influencing KLH Binding Natural Antibodies and Specific Antibody Response to Newcastle Disease in Kenyan Chicken Populations(John Wiley & Sons Ltd., 2022-09-07) Miyumo, S.; Wasike, C.B.; Ilatsia, E.D.; Bennewitz, J.; Chagunda, M.Z.; University of Hohenheim ; Maseno University ; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationThis study aimed at investigating the influence of genetic and non‐genetic factors on immune traits to inform on possibilities of genetic improvement of disease resistance traits in local chicken of Kenya. Immune traits such as natural and specific antibodies are considered suitable indicators of an individual's health status and consequently, used as indicator traits of disease resistance. In this study, natural antibodies binding to Keyhole Limpet Hemocyanin (KLH‐NAbs) was used to measure general disease resistance. Specific antibodies binding to Newcastle disease virus (NDV‐IgG) post vaccination was used to measure specific disease resistance. Titers of KLH‐NAbs isotypes (KLH‐IgM, KLH‐IgG and KLH‐IgA) and NDV‐IgG were measured in 1,540 chickens of different ages ranging from 12 to 56 weeks. A general linear model was fitted to determine the effect of sex, generation, population type, phylogenetic cluster, line, genotype and age on the antibody traits. A multivariate animal mixed model was fitted to estimate heritability and genetic correlations among the antibody traits. The model constituted of non‐genetic factors found to have a significant influence on the antibody traits as fixed effects, and animal and residual effects as random variables. Overall mean (±SE) concentration levels for KLH‐IgM, KLH‐IgG, KLH‐IgA and NDV‐IgG were 10.33 ± 0.04, 9.08 ± 0.02, 6.00 ± 0.02 and 10.12 ± 0.03, respectively. Sex, generation and age (linear covariate) significantly (p < 0.05) influenced variation across all the antibody traits. Genotype effects (p < 0.05) were present in all antibody traits, apart from KLH‐IgA. Interaction between generation and line was significant (p < 0.05) in KLH‐IgM and NDV‐IgG while nesting phylogenetic cluster within population significantly (p < 0.05) influenced all antibody traits, apart from KLH‐IgA. Heritability estimates for KLH‐IgM, KLH‐IgG, KLH‐IgA and NDV‐IgG were 0.28 ± 0.08, 0.14 ± 0.06, 0.07 ± 0.04 and 0.31 ± 0.06, respectively. There were positive genetic correlations (0.40–0.61) among the KLH‐NAbs while negative genetic correlations (−0.26 to −0.98) were observed between the KLH‐NAbs and NDV‐IgG. Results from this study indicate that non‐genetic effects due to biological and environmental factors influence natural and specific antibodies and should be accounted for to reduce bias and improve accuracy when evaluating the traits. Subsequently, the moderate heritability estimates in KLH‐IgM and NDV‐IgG suggest selection possibilities for genetic improvement of general and specific immunity, respectively, and consequently disease resistance. However, the negative correlations between KLH‐NAbs and NDV‐IgG indicate the need to consider a suitable approach that can optimally combine both traits in a multiple trait selection strategies.Item In Vitro Anthelmintic Activity Against Haemonchus contortus of Methanolic Extracts of Selected Medicinal Plants From Meru County, Kenya(Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, 2023) Mawira, K.; Ngeranwa, J.; Mwonjoria, J.; Nginyi, J.; Kenyatta University ; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationBackground. Helminthiasis causes losses in livestock production and anthelminthics are used to treat helmintic infections. Resistance has necessitated the need for development of more effective alternatives. Plants offer a promising alternative and in Meru County plants have been traditionally used for treating helminthiasis, however there lacks scientific prove of their efficacy. Objective. This study aims to investigated efficacy of Bridelia micrantha, Aframomum zambesiacum, Hagenia abyssinica, Rubus apetalus, Thespecia garckeana, Physalis peruviana and Caesalpina volkensii against Haemonchus contortus. Methods. It entailed screening of methanolic extracts of these plants against Haemonchus contortus, from sheep farms in Muguga Kenya. Their efficacy was tested in-vitro using eggs and larvae of Haemonchus contortus. Egg hatchability was determined after 48-hour incubation with extracts while larvae survival was determined after six days incubation. Physiological saline was the negative control while albendazole was the positive control. One way ANOVA was conducted followed by Tukey’s test. Results. P. peruviana and R. apetalus, inhibition percentages of 95.24±0.54, 90.00±1.00, 88.24±0.66 and 96.55±0.45, 85.71±0.79, 82.14±0.76 at 50mg/ml, 25mg/ml and 12.5 mg/ml respectively was achieved with no significant difference (P<0.05) in egg hatchability with the positive control. The highest larvicidal mean percentage of 100.00±0.00 was achieved by R. apetalus and H. abyssinica across the three dosages with no significant difference between them and albendazole. GC-MS analysis revealed compounds such as terpenoids were conspicuously present which accounted for some of the activity. Conclusion. This observation lenders support to the traditional use of the plant extracts for the treatment of suspected helminthic infections.Item Prevalence of Bovine Mastitis and Antimicrobial Sensitivities of the Bacterial Causes in Smallholder Farms of Kisumu County, Kenya(Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics (JARTS), 2022) Ndirangu, P.N.; Kipronoh, A.K.; Mungube, E.O.; Ogali, I.N.; Omwenga, S.G.; Ndung'u, D.N.; Maichomo, M.W.; Kenya Agricultural Research and Livestock Organization (KALRO)Prevalence of bovine mastitis in Kisumu County, risk factors and antibiotic sensitivities of the causative bacteria were determined in this cross-sectional study. Sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) was diagnosed using California Mastitis Test (CMT). Risk factors were identified through the administration of 64 questionnaires and assessment of 134 lactating cows. Bacteria were identified by culturing 72CMT-positive udder quarter milk samples and their sensitivities to antibiotics investigated using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test. Only SCM was detected and had cow level prevalence of 33%(44/134). Prevalence of SCM was significantly (p< 0.05) higher in cows under complete and semizero grazing systems, at mid lactation, those pregnant and with parity of 1–3. Staphylococcus species was the most common (63.8%, n= 58) isolate. Other isolates were E. coli (13.8%), Streptococcus species (12.1%) and Pseudomonas (5.2%). Staphylococcus and Streptococcus isolates were 100% sensitive to streptomycin, kanamycin, gentamycin and chloramphenicol. Additionally, Streptococcus species were 100% sensitive to ampicillin, tetracycline and cotrimoxazole. Staphylococcus species had developed varying levels of resistance against sulfamethoxazole, cotrimoxazole, ampicillin and tetracycline. Streptococcus species was 100% resistant to sulfamethoxazole. A significantly high SCM prevalence was reported in this study thus an appropriate control strategy is needed that consists of awareness creation, good milking hygiene practices, teat disinfection, regular screening for SCM and preventing spread of mastitis in the herd by milking infected cow (s) last.Item Evaluation of Protective Efficacy of Inactivated Thermostable Vaccine Against Nairobi Sheep Disease Virus(Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 2023-05) Muriuki, N.P.; Ithinji, G.D.; Nyamache, A.K.; Ateya, L.; Binepal, Y.S.; Wasonga, C.; Lutomiah, J.; Kiraithe, M.M.; Kenyatta University ; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) ; University of Nairobi ; Kenya Medical Research Institute ; Kenya Veterinary Vaccine Production Institute (KEVEVAPI)Sheep and goats (n= 4/group) were inoculated with thermos-stabilized inactivated Nairobi sheep disease virus vaccine. Four unvaccinated animals for each group were kept as control. Vaccinated groups were given a booster vaccine dose 21 days later. Immune response was monitored by neutralizing antibody titers were determined by micro-plaque reduction neutralization test and confirmed by immunofluorescence assay. Two doses of the inactivated vaccine stimulated a strong immune response in the vaccinated animals. The vaccinated and mock group were challenged with virulent 1473 strain of the Nairobi sheep disease virus. All animals developed fever and viremia with varying degrees between sheep and goats post challenge. Mock vaccinated sheep developed high viremia levels relative to the vaccinated group and developed severe disease. In contrast, mock vaccinated goats showed a slight temperature compared to vaccinated goats. After challenge, two control sheep died from the disease whereas the vaccinated sheep survived. Vaccinated sheep suffered mild to moderate clinical reactions with pyrexia. Formalin inactivated vaccine fully protected the animals against the lethal 1473 challenge virus.Item Development and Validation of Rapid Colorimetric Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for Detection of Rift Valley Fever Virus(WILEY, 2023-01-30) Wekesa, F.; Wamalwa, M.; Oduor, R.; Binepal, Y.; Ateya, L.; Okumu, N.; M’kwenda, A.; Masaba, C.; Mukhaye, E.; Kenyatta University ; Kenya Agricultural Livestock and Research OrganizationRift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a high‐priority zoonotic pathogen with the ability to cause massive loss during its outbreak within a very short period of time. Lack of a highly sensitive, instant reading diagnostic method for RVFV, which is more suitable for on‐site testing, is a big gap that needs to be addressed. The aim of this study was to develop a novel one‐step reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP) method for the rapid detection of RVFV. To achieve this, the selected RVFV M segment nucleotide sequences were aligned using Multiple Sequence Comparison by Log‐Expectation (MUSCLE) software in MEGA11 version 11.0.11 program to identify conserved regions. A 211 pb sequence was identified and six different primers to amplify it were designed using NEB LAMP Primer design tool version 1.1.0. The specificity of the designed primers was tested using primer BLAST, and a primer set, specific to RVFV and able to form a loop, was selected. In this study, we developed a single‐tube test based on calorimetric RT‐LAMP that enabled the visual detection of RVFV within 30 minutes at 65°C. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the newly developed kit were compared with RVFV qRT‐PCR, using total RNA samples extracted from 118 blood samples. The colorimetric RT‐LAMP assay had a sensitivity of 98.36% and a specificity of 96.49%. The developed RT‐LAMP was found to be tenfold more sensitive compared to the RVFV qRT‐PCR assay commonly used in the confirmatory diagnosis of RVFV.Item Effects of Long Acting Oxytetracycline on Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia Experimentally Infected Cattle(Tanzania Journal of Science, 2022-12) Otina, B.; Kitala, P.; Bebora, L.; Olum, M.; Kipronoh, A.; Chesang, L.; Stuke, K.; Wesonga, H.; University of Nairobi ; KALRO-Veterinary Science Research Institute ; GALVmed (Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines)Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia is an important disease of cattle. Many strategies employed for its eradication and control have had shortcomings. This study was conducted to determine the effects of long acting Oxytetracycline on its course. The study involved 30 indigenous zebu cattle sourced from an area free of the disease, infected by contact transmission and randomly allocated to Oxytetracycline or saline treatment groups. Clinical observations were recorded on the two groups concurrently. Cattle were tested for the disease using complement fixation test. The mean clinical scores of the groups for each observation was compared post treatment on GENSTAT using unpaired t-test for single sample in groups. Full post-mortem was conducted on the cattle and samples collected for Mmm SC isolation. The clinical scores were worse in the control treatment group; there was no fever in the Oxytetracycline-treated group post treatment. Lesions were observed in 93% of the control and 27% of the Oxytetracycline-treated group. In this study, as in others, Oxytetracycline was shown to lower the severity of the clinical signs of the disease. This is important at slaughter houses meat inspection where decision on whether to pass or condemn the animal is based on the clinical signs and post-mortem findings.Item Mortality in Galla Goat Production System in Southern Rangelands of Kenya: Levels and Predictors(Journal of Agricultural Production, 2022-12-15) Manyeki, J.K.; Kidake, B.; Mulei, B.; Kuria, S.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationHerd health and adaptability are of concern in animal production in the tropics because of the persistent exposure to multiple stresses of low quality and quantity feeds, heat stress, high disease, and parasite incidences, poor husbandry, and breeding practices; the combined effects of these factors is high livestock mortality. High health-related mortality has been frequently reported as the major impediment to livestock production and thus the aim of this article is to investigate the vital infectious diseases and non-infectious factors that account for the majority of deaths which is crucial in determining mortality control strategies. The study applies a descriptive, Kaplan-Meier method, and truncated regression analysis using an eight-year retrospective data spanning from 2014 to 2021 was applied for this analysis. The results indicate infectious diseases as the most important cause of Galla goat mortality. The mean monthly and annual mortality rates are higher and the pre-weaning mortality of Galla goat appeared to be one of the major constraints hampering the development of replacement stock. The risk factors considered for high mortality were the age and sex of the kids. Among the infectious diseases analyzed, bacterial, parasitic, and non-specific infectious diseases were identified as the important causes of Galla goat mortality, while the non-infectious conditions included malnutrition and thermal/cold shock. The analysis provided an improved insight into animal-health-related factors which once addressed could reduce mortality and hence optimize animal husbandry performance in Galla goat production systems. Interventions in Galla goat health and husbandry are recommended to control kids' mortality.Item Seroprevalence of Peste des Petits Ruminants and Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia Coinfections in Goats in Kwale County, Kenya(Hindawi, 2023-07-14) Lugonzo, G.; Gitao, G.; Bebora, L.; Lutta, H.O.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization ; University of NairobiGoats are among the most important small ruminants afected by Peste des Petits ruminants (PPR) and contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) diseases, two of the most signifcant constraints worldwide to the production of small ruminant species. Herein, the competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) and the latex agglutination test (LAT) were used to determine the coinfections of PPR and CCPP in goats in Kwale County on Kenya’s South Coast. A total of 368 serum samples were collected from goats of various ages and sexes exhibiting respiratory distress in the four subcounties of Kwale County (Kinango, Lunga Lunga, Matuga, and Msambweni) and screened for PPR and CCPP antibodies. Of the 368 goats sampled, 259 (70.4%) were females and 109 (29.6%) were males, and 126 (34.2%), 71 (19.3%), 108 (29.3%), and 63 (17.1%) samples were collected from Kinango, Matuga, Lunga Lunga, and Msambweni, respectively. Te overall PPR seropositivity rate was 48.6% (179/368); rates in Kinango, Lunga Lunga, Matuga, and Msambweni were 70.6%, 29.6%, 49.3%, and 36.5%, respectively. Te overall CCPP se-ropositivity rate was 45.4% (167/368), while rates in Kinango, Lunga Lunga, Matuga, and Msambweni were 51.6%, 49.1%, 36.6%, and 36.5%, respectively. Notably, the seropositivity of PPR was higher in male (53.3%) than in female (46.72%) goats, though not statistically signifcant. In addition, the CCPP seropositivity rates were not signifcantly diferent between male (44.0%) and female (45.9%) goats. Regarding age, the PPR seropositivity rates were 45.9%, 55.8%, and 52.3% in adults, kids, and weaners, respectively. For CCPP, the seropositivity rates were 48.3%, 40.4%, and 42.3% in adults, kids, and weaners, respectively. Te coinfection rate of PPR and CCPP was 22.3% (82/368). Despite the high coinfection, univariate analysis revealed no relationship between PPR and CCPP infections. However, given the high PPR and CCPP infection rates, as a result of separate or coinfection, there is a need to upscale or intensify vaccination in the county.Item Use of Interactive 3-Module Integrated Livestock Health Service Mobile Application-Livestock Diseases Adaptive Capacity and Capability Building(International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 2023-05) Muriuki, N.P.; Ndung’u, D.N.; Ongalo, S.; Ngotho-Esilaba, R.N.; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) ; University of NairobiIntegrated veterinary service mobile applications provides a faster, nearly real-time, and accurate reporting of livestock diseases. Active participatory epidemiological data collection using an online platform forms a prerequisite for early detection and response which prevents the spread of the disease outside the foci of the outbreak. Compared to the traditional pen and paper method, the use of mobile applications was faster and reliable and connected farmers to animal healthcare service providers more reliably. In the backend, the disease data was aggregated by animal species and to farmer biodata and geolocation. Animal health care provider module allowed a quick response focusing on spatial location. Detailed list of signs and symptoms as described by the farmer allowed a putative disease diagnosis and follow-up at all administrative levels. Researchers, we are able to collect current epidemiological data of the most prevalent diseases of cattle, sheep, and goats. Most of the diseases reported through the app were classified as notifiable diseases in Kenya which impose international livestock trade restrictions. Initially, heavy losses are occasioned in livestock due to lack of reliable reporting to facilitate faster response. The tool was also able to map and assess the disease burden and potential zoonotic disease risk. Although reporting through the e-platform resulted in much more timely and reliable reporting and feedback, limited connectivity and lack of smartphones in some regions delayed the process. However, in the long run, with the widespread use of smartphones, the approach will greatly improve animal disease reporting and surveillance, enhance data integrity, and enhance disease response strategies. Field data collection, transmission, and analysis allowed dissemination of validated feedback prompting an immediate response, and served as an early warning response.Item Agro-Pastoralists’ Awareness and Knowledge on Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia in Two Selected Counties in Kenya(Taylor & Francis Online, 2022-11-01) Ouya, F.O.; Bett, E.; Nguhiu, P.; Makokha, S.; Mwirigi, M.K.; Kenyatta University ; International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology ; Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research OrganizationPoor identification of Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia diseases from its signs and symptoms is a major problem to goat farmers which leads to use of wrong method of disease control. The uptake of control strategies like vaccination by farmers depends on many factors while awareness and knowledge become the foundation of the technology adoption processes. This therefore necessitated a study to understand the level of awareness and knowledge of Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia, which is a highly infectious goat disease. The study analysed and used cross-sectional data collected from 342 households interviewed in October, November, and December 2020 in Kajiado County and Taita Taveta County in Kenya. These two counties are dominated by agro pastoralists and goat keeping is predominant. The study examines the factors influencing the agro pastoralists’ knowledge and level of awareness on the six major signs and symptoms of Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia disease differentiating it from other goat diseases. Multivariate probit model was the main data analysis method used. Results show that agro pastoralists’ level of knowledge and awareness on Contagious Caprine Pleuropnemonia disease depend significantly on other factors such as the gender of household head, age, education level, household size, access to extension services, and group dynamics. The findings imply that policymakers and agricultural development partners should increase public and private investment on agro pastoralists’ training and education programmes which is one of the main pathways for increasing public awareness in livestock dominated areas.Item Determinants of Agro-Pastoralists’ Willingness to Pay for Improved Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia Vaccine in Kenya(Springer Open, 2023-12) Ouya, F.O.; Bett, E.; Nguhiu, P.; Makokha, S.; Lutta, H.; Abwao, W.A.; Mwirigi, M.; Kenyatta University ; International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe) ; KALRO - Biotechnology Research InstituteAnimal health care is critical for livestock production especially in arid and semi-arid areas where majority are agro-pastoralists. Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) is a highly contagious and fatal disease which commonly affects goats in arid and semi-arid areas. The government has been the major provider of CCPP vaccine and few large-scale farmers who are licensed and able to purchase directly from the vaccine producer. Although the vaccine is sold to farmers at a subsidized price by the government, its distribution has been characterized by scarcity, irregular and late administration by the authority concerned. It is envisioned that if the willingness to pay for the CCPP vaccine among the agro-pastoralists was high, the sustainability for the vaccine availability and accessibility to everyone will be assured. This study was conducted in Kajiado and Taita Taveta counties where 323 households were sampled; thus, 276 households who were aware of the CCPP were considered for the analysis. Double-bounded dichotomous choice contingent valuation model was used to elicit agro-pastoralists’ willingness to pay for the improved CCPP vaccine with new attributes. The model revealed that off-farm income, membership to a group, previous experience on CCPP attack on goats and access to extension services positively influenced households’ willingness to pay for the improved CCPP vaccine. The results implied that provision of extension services by the government through promotion of public awareness on CCPP and on the benefit of vaccination will motivate farmers to willingly pay for vaccination services. This can be done through enhanced trainings, seminars and demonstrations to the village level, encouraging formation of groups which facilitates information sharing between agro-pastoralists as awareness and knowledge can drive the demand for the improved CCPP vaccine.Item KARI Gastro Intestinal Nemade Nov 1991(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 1991) Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteAt the National Animal Husbandry Centre (NAHRC) in Naivasha a research program on calf rearing is going on. The emphasis of this program is on nutrition but health control is also a part of the program. Gastro-intestinal nematode infections in calves are common in Kenya as reported by the extension service and the National Dairy Development Project (NDDP). They recommend that the calves should be dewormed after every three months. It seems that also a large number of the dairy farmers are aware of the problem. Straat (1970 - 1975) reported already in the seventies that curative and prophylactic use of Anthelmintics was rather common in Kenya. Van der Valk (1990) reported that the in the NDDP project included farmers, at least 50% used anthelmintics for their calves. For the milking cows, this percentage was even higher with 86%. It is not clear which data the recommended deworming scheme is based on.Item Gastro Intestinal Nemade Nov 1991(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 1991) Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteAt the National Animal Husbandry Centre (NAHRC) in Naivasha a research program on calfrearing is going on. The emphasis of this program is on nutrition but health control is also a part of the program. Gastro-intestinal nematodes infections in calves are common in Kenya as reported by the extension service and the National Dairy Development Project (NDDP). They recommend that the calves should be dewormed after every three months. It seems that also a large number of the dairy farmers are aware of the problem. Straat (1970 - 1975) reported already in the seventies that curative and prophylactic use of Anthelmintics was rather common in Kenya. Van der Valk (1990) reported that the in the NDDP project included farmers, at least 50% used anthelmintics for their calves. For the milking cows, this percentage was even higher at 86%. It is not clear which data the recommended deworming scheme is based on.Item Review of Kenyan Agricultural Research Vol. 40 Trypanosomiasis and East Coast Fever(Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 1996) Kenya Agricultural Research Institute; Mbogo, S.These reviews have been produced as part of the Kenyan Agricultural Research Database Project which was funded by the Netherlands government over the years 1992 to 1995. The aim of the project was to document all investigations and research related to agriculture in Kenya undertaken since the end of the last century, especially those items which had not been published. The computerized database now contains around 40,000 records, most of which contain abstracts or summaries, full bibliographic details, and information about where the documents can be found. We are conscious however, that many items have not yet been included especially the earlier material and many consultancy reports produced by foreign and international donor, development, and research organizations. Specialists who read the reviews may be aware of important topics which have been omitted by the reviewer.If this is be case, we would ask that both the reviewer and KARI's Library and Information Services be informed so that the topic can be included in future revisions.Constant up-date will be required as new research information becomes available with the National Agricultural Research System in Kenya.Item Foot-And-Mouth Disease(1954) Reid, J.The need for greater understanding of foot and- mouth disease is so great that we make no apology for devoting much more space to this subject than is our usual practice.'.' In these words, the Editor of the British Agricultural Bulletin justifies the inclusion in the issue quoted above of a long well-illustrated article by a member of the Headquarters staff of the Animal Health Division of the British Ministry of Agriculture.Item Safety and Efficacy of a Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia Inactivated Vaccine Formulated With Different Adjuvants(Harrison Osundwa Lutta, 2013) Lutta, H.O.Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a respiratory disease of cattle caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides Small Colony (MmmSC) and is mainly controlled by quarantine and vaccination using live MmmSC T1/44 and T1-SR strains. These vaccines while requiring cold chain for delivery, only provide protection for short durations, are unstable after reconstitution and are associated with post-vaccinal site reactions. This study assessed the safety, and protection threshold of an inactivated T1/44 MmmSC vaccine formulated in different adjuvants. Cattle were randomly assigned into 7 groups of 10 animals and the experimental group vaccinated with different inactivated formulations. Animals in the negative control group were vaccinated with either adjuvant alone or Phosphate Buffered Saline, while the positive control group received the current live attenuated T1/44 vaccine. Twenty additional cattle were intubated and served as pathogen donors during the challenge experiment. After vaccination, no animal recorded fever, while the number of animals with swellings at the vaccination site were significantly higher (P<0.001) in the groups vaccinated with the inactivated vaccine formulations compared to the positive control group (T1/44 vaccine). Sero-conversion rates following vaccination were higher in groups that received the inactivated vaccine (KE2 and KE6). After challenge, a significant proportion of animals which received the inactivated vaccine formulations, developed fever and gross pathological lesions characteristic of CBPP, this compared to the live attenuated vaccine. Overall, the protection rate for animals which received the live attenuated T1/44 vaccine was higher. The results demonstrated that inactivated vaccine formulations although safe, did not provide protection levels similar to the current live attenuated T1/44 vaccine. There is need to explore alternative vaccine formulations and booster immunization regimes.Item Immune Colostrum Induces Trypanotolerance in Goats Kids Challenged With Trypanosoma Congolense(Derrick M M, 1987) Mwamachi, D.M.The course of infection and the humoral immune response to Trypanosoma congolense clone ILNat 3.1 were studied in test goat kids receiving colostrum from dams immunized with the surface coat of ILNat 3.1 and control kids that received colostrum from nonimmunized dams. At 24-48 hrs after birth all test kids had detectable serum antibodies to the trypanosome clone . There was no difference in the prepatent period between the test and control kids when they were challenged with 10 3 I. congolense ILNat 3.1 trypanosomes 8 days after birth. Except for the first 7 days a significantly lower parasitemia was recorded in test kids than in control kids . The mean packed ce ll vo l ume of test kids was not significantly different from that of control kids. The test kids gained as much weight as noninfected kids; both groups gained twice as much weight as infected control kids. Following infection all kids developed antibody to the infecting trypanosome clone. Fifteen test kids had titers equal to or greater than 1280 compared to only two control kids.Item The Epidemiology and Control of East Coast fever and other Vector-borne Diseases: Perceptions of the Pastoral Communities in Northern Rift Valley Province, Kenya(Axendar Kipruto K, 2009) Kipronoh, A.K.A participatory epidemiological study was conducted among the Pokot and Tugen communities in Northern Rift Valley, Kenya, to assess the status of tick-borne infections and obtain livestock keepers' perceptions of how the diseases impact on livelihoods in pastoral and agro-pastoral production systems. In addition a serological survey wa scarried out to assess antibody prevalence of priority vector-borne diseases namely ECF, Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis, as perceived by the livestock keepers and serum samples were collected from 190 animals of all age groups. Only calves over 4 months of age were sampled to avoid confusion with passively transferred colostral antibodies. Thick and thin blood smears were prepared from the marginal ear vein of all the animals bled. Lymph node biopsy smears were also collected from animals suspected to be sick based on symptoms of disease for microscopic examination. Whole body tick counts were carried out on cattle selected for sampling and tick samples were collected for identification and assessment of infection prevalence.Item Assessing Alternative Strategy options for the Delivery of Tick-Borne Disease Control; A case Study of East Coast Fever Control in Uasin Gishu District Kenya.(Daniel Guto Onchoke, 1993) Onchoke, D.G.Lack of effective tick and tick-borne disease (TED) control is among the factors limiting dairy production in Uasin Gishu district in Kenya. Besides constraining productivity through morbidity, TBDs are among the most important causes of death of cattle, most serious being East Coast fever (ECF). In the district ECF is currently controlled largely by controlling ticks using chemicals (acaricides) and by treating sick animals. A new technology which involves immunizing cattle against the disease has been developed and found to be feasible under research conditions. This new method of controlling ECF is intended to be introduced in Uasin Gishu District by the Kenya Government. This study was initiated 'With the main objective of examining the issues associated with the alternative strategy options for the control of ticks and TBDs in Uasin Gishu District. The study examined the current control methods and compared them to alternative strategies based on immunization. Various options of the delivery systems for the control strategies were also examined. Data were gathered from a sample of 120 farmers in two divisions (Ainabkoi and Moiben) and from extension personnel in the district. Other sources of data included published and unpublished research papers, government reports and opinions from experts and researchers. The data were Computerized and analyzed using relevant statistical procedures and a spreadsheet analytical model.
