Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP), and foot and
mouth disease (FMD) are highly contagious that can rapidly spread throughout a country. Due
to the many health effects, and potentially high mortality, they have an extensive impact on the
production system. In Zambia, most livestock are kept by small-scale farmers. The poverty
level is high, and many rely on their animals both for generating food and income and suffer
directly if their animals were to fall ill or die. Also, on a national level, major costs arise because
of e.g. campaigns for surveillance and vaccination. For low- and middle-income countries,
controlling and if possible eradicating diseases like PPR, CCPP, and FMD are of vital
importance.
FMD is considered endemic in Zambia with reoccurring outbreaks. The previous research in
Zambia has focused on FMD in cattle and to a lesser extent on smaller ruminants such as goats.
Regarding PPR, seropositive animals have previously been found, but no cases with clinical
disease have been confirmed. No published research has been conducted in Zambia regarding
CCPP. Since both PPR and CCPP have been confirmed in neighboring countries, there is a
significant risk of these diseases being either introduced or already circulating in Zambia
undetected. Further research on these diseases in goats is therefore motivated.
In this study, goats were sampled in the Southern province in the districts of Monze and
Mazabuka, as well as the Central Province in the district of Chibombo. In total, 482 serum
samples were collected from 120 households. The samples were analyzed for serology using
competitive ELISA. Internal factors such as gender, age and origin were noted for each animal.
Each household was interviewed using a questionnaire to collect information on the
management routines, for example, questions regarding grazing, contact with other animals,
trade, signs of disease, medical treatment, and household conformation. Statistical analysis was
conducted to correlate factors to the serological status of the animal and household.
The total, apparent seroprevalence for FMD was 18% (confidence interval (CI) 95% 15; 22)
and for CCPP 4.2 (Cl 95% 2.7; 6.3). The seroprevalence of PPR awaits confirmation before
publication. Contact with wild ruminants was found as a risk factor for PPR (p-value=0.014).
Herds with less than 15 goats had increased risk for PPR seropositivity compared to larger herds
(p-value=0.042). Nasal discharge within the last 12 months increased the risk for FMD
seropositivity (p=0.043).
As a conclusion, to find goats seropositive for the sampled diseases is important, since previous
knowledge of the diseases in Zambia is limited. These are serious diseases, both for the animals
and their owners, and likely cause major socioeconomic consequences. Therefore, the result
motivates effort to further understand the role of the diseases in Zambia and form effective
control programs.