Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

ECF is a tick-borne disease caused by the protozoan parasite Theileria parva parva. It is responsible for many cattle falling ill and dying each year in Africa, affecting the farmers both financially and emotionally. The number of cattle dying due to ECF is estimated to be about 1 million head each year and the disease causes an economic burden of about half a billion U.S. dollars. To reduce the occurrence of ECF prophylactic treatment directed towards the ticks is used. Understanding what factors primarily affect the ticks and secondarily the disease is of great importance to prevent and fight the disease. In this study precipitation, biomass, dew and humidity was analysed together with mortality data for ECF. The environmental factors were chosen due to their likelihood to affect ticks crucial for spreading ECF. This study was conducted at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya with data from the years 2016-2023. By examining these parameters, the goal was to identify environmental risk factors that can be used in the work to fight and prevent the disease. Results obtained by analysing the data showed a positive connection between precipitation, humidity, dew and biomass. Higher values of these environmental factors were connected to cattle dying due to ECF. Daily minimum, mean and maximum temperatures were also analysed, but no connections to death due to ECF were found.