Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics Research Papers/Topics

Sero-epidemiological survey of Coxiella burnetii in livestock and humans in Tana River and Garissa counties in Kenya

Abstract Background Coxiella burnetii is a widely distributed pathogen, but data on its epidemiology in livestock, and human populations remain scanty, especially in developing countries such as Kenya. We used the One Health approach to estimate the seroprevalance of C. burnetii in cattle, sheep, goats and human populations in Tana River county, and in humans in Garissa county, Kenya. We also identified potential determinants of exposure among these hosts. Methods Data were collected through...

Incidence of Brucella infection in various livestock species raised under the pastoral production system in Isiolo County, Kenya

Abstract Background: We implemented a longitudinal study to determine the incidence of Brucella infection in cattle, camels, sheep and goats that were being raised in a pastoral area in Isiolo County, Kenya. An initial cross-sectional survey was implemented to identify unexposed animals for follow up; that survey used 141 camels, 216 cattle, 208 sheep and 161 goats. Sera from these animals were screened for Brucella spp. using the Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT), a modiied RBPT, and an indirec...

Factors influencing loss of household incomes due to livestock diseases in selected sites of Kyuso Sub County, Kitui County.

Abstract: A cross sectional study was conducted in Kyuso Sub County to determine factors influencing household incomes. The broad objective of the study was to determine the factors that influence household income losses due to livestock diseases and document common and prevalent livestock diseases. The study used descriptive and inferential data collection and analysis methods. The data was collected through primary and secondary data methods. Semi-structured questionnaires were administere...

Occurrence of Rift Valley Fever and Associated Risk Factors in Cattle in Ijara District, Kenya

Abstract: Ijara district in Kenya was one of the hotspots of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) during the 2006/2007 outbreak which led to human and animal deaths causing huge economic losses. The main constraint in the control and prevention of RVF is inadequate knowledge on its occurrence during the interepidemic period. This study was aimed at understanding the occurrence of RVF and perceived risk factors by pastoralists in cattle in Ijara to enable the development of improved community-based diseas...

Toxicological assessment of a tsetse repellent developed for smallholder indigenous communities of sub-Saharan Africa, on the health of exposed animals

Abstract: Tsetse and trypanosomosis have been extensively studied and an array of vector and disease control measures have been developed and applied with varying degrees of success. Current trypanosomosis control strategies rely on use of trypanocidal drugs, breeding of trypanotolerant cattle and tsetse control or eradication. Since none of these control options has proved to be a fully viable solution to the control of trypanosomosis, search for more tsetse fly and trypanosomosis control m...