African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources

The objective of this study is to evaluate the reproductive performance of locally bred rabbits by comparing the production of females mated 11 days postpartum (semi-intensive R42) with those mated 25 days postpartum (extensive rhythm R56). Females are naturally protruding.120 rabbits selected from a private farm in Bingerville in the district of Abidjan were followed during the experiment. Receptivity and gestation rates were not significantly influenced (p>0.05) by the reproductive rhythm in the breeding females. Fertility in multiparous females showed a higher rate in the extensive rhythm (89-100%). The semi-intensive rhythm had the highest stillbirth rate (5.6%) and pre-weaning morbidity (14.03%). However, after weaning, morbidity was higher in bunnies in the extensive rhythm (13.6%). In the extensive rhythm, the highest values were observed for the number of weaned bunnies and the survival rate of breeding females. The extensive rhythm significantly increases the longevity of does with a high mortality rate of bunny rabbits. These results could be indicators for further investigation in the search for an optimum rate of rabbit reproduction.

Several studies have documented that Africa’s infrastructure construction firms often do not meet defined project objectives regarding; time, budget and functionality. This has often caused; delays, abandonment or disillusionments on the side of investors. Several contributing factors to these failures have been identified. However, very little if at all, seems to have been done on the project management readiness of African construction firms. Accordingly, this paper sought to assess Africa’s construction industry readiness to deliver the priority action projects. Using literature review method, the study established that Africa has a huge technical skills gap which is the main reason for the dismal performance in construction projects’ delivery. A readiness training model was developed for policy planners and educational practitioners to help build Africa’s human capacity in infrastructure project management. The paper strongly recommends for the adoption of the model. And with that, the Africa’s construction stakeholders may gradually improve their project management readiness.

In December 2017, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) emerged in Burundi (East Africa) and rapidly spread to five provinces (Gitega, Kirundo, Mwaro, Muramvya and Karuzi) in the country, causing severe disease and killing more than 4,000 goats in the province of Gitega alone. An initial outbreak investigation was conducted in December 2017 by the Burundi Government Veterinary Services and samples were collected for laboratory confirmation. A competitive Enzyme Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (cELISA: Chinese Patent No. ZL201210278970.9) supplied by the Lanzhou Veterinary Research Institute was used to test 112 sera and results showed around 37.5% positive samples. This high level of PPR positive sera in an animal population where PPR infection and vaccination had not been previously reported indicated the exposure of the animals to PPRV. Subsequently in January 2018, the laboratory tests conducted at the African Union-Pan African Veterinary Vaccine Centre (AU-PANVAC) laboratories following a joint investigative mission by the African Union-Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), AU-PANVAC and the East African Community (EAC) confirmed the presence of PPR in Burundi. Samples tested by conventional RT-PCR indicated the presence of the PPR virus (PPRV). Confirmatory isolation of the virus was also performed. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the virus belongs to lineage III and shows a close relationship with PPRV isolates from Kenya in 2011 and Uganda in 2012. A possible explanation for the outbreaks of PPR in Burundi between December 2017 and February 2018 is presented.

Abstract African swine fever (ASF) is a hemorrhagic disease of domestic swine, with often high mortality rates registered. To date there is still no vaccine produced against ASF, and disease management in countries including Uganda, where the disease is endemic is dependent on accurate and timely diagnosis programs and quarantine. This study aimed at contributing more knowledge towards ASF diagnosis by investigating the serodiagnostic potential of synthetic peptides of an ASF putative protein pCP312R. Antigenic regions of the pCP312R putative protein were identified using Kolaskar and Tongaonkar antigenicity prediction method and twelve (12) peptides were predicted, out of which four (4) peptides were selected and synthesised. An additional peptide derived from the carboxyl end of the ASFV p54 protein was also synthesised and used as a control. Polyclonal rabbit antibodies raised against each of the five peptides was used in immunohistochemistry, and each demonstrated ability to localize viral antigen in pig tissue albeit with slightly varying intensities, at a dilution of 1:200, with antibodies against peptides cpr1, cpr2, cpr3 and cpr4 all accurately staining infected macrophages. However all the peptides evaluated in this study performed moderately when used in indirect ELISA tests giving the following results; CP1; diagnostic sensitivity of 55% (95% CI, 0.3421-0.7418) and specificity of 96% (95% CI, 0.8046-0.9929), CP2; diagnostic sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 0.8389-1) and specificity of 52% (95% CI, 0.335-0.6997), CP3; diagnostic sensitivity of 95% (95% CI, 76.39-99.11) and specificity of 88% (95% CI, 70.04-95.83), CP4; diagnostic sensitivity of 90% (95% CI: 0.699-0.9721) and specificity of 76% (95% CI: 0.5657-0.885) and p54; diagnostic sensitivity of 100% (95% CI, 0.8389-1) and specificity of 56% (95% CI, 0.3707-0.7333). This study presents the first time synthetic peptides have been successfully predicted, designed and evaluated for Serodiagnosis of African swine fever in domestic pigs. This study in addition showed that there is potential for use of polyclonal anti-peptide antibodies in the diagnosis of ASF using immunohistochemistry.

African swine fever (ASF) is a contagious viral disease, which can cause up to 100% mortality among domestic pigs. Pig production is growing rapidly in Uganda among East African countries and is not only a source of food but also an important income for many people living in the rural areas. Field diagnosis of ASF depends only on clinical signs and has to be confirmed in the laboratory since the clinical signs are not pathognomonic. Diagnostic techniques for ASF are focused on serological tests for detection of antigen and antibody, genomic DNA detection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and on virus isolation and localization in clinical samples. There have been many recent reports of ASF outbreaks in Uganda yet laboratory diagnosis is limited due to the high cost and expertise required. This work reports the evaluation and application of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test for detecting African swine fever virus (ASFV) DNA based on the topoisomerase II gene. Thirty (30) tissue samples obtained from suspected ASF outbreaks were collected from different regions of Uganda. The tissue samples were found to have lesions consistent with ASF. One hundred and eighty eight (188) additional blood samples were obtained from the abattoir and field surveillance. Six primers targeting the topoisomerase II gene were used. The sensitivity and specificity of LAMP and OIE recommended diagnostic PCR were compared. The LAMP assay is rapid with results obtained within 1 h (45-60 min). The sensitivity of LAMP for the detection of ASFV was 100% (95% CI: 91.78-100) while the specificity was 44% (95% CI: 36.52-51.69). The Kappa statistic for level of agreement between PCR and LAMP test in the detection of ASFV was 23.7% (95% CI: 16.42-30.91). This Kappa value indicated a fair agreement between the two assays. No cross reaction was observed with Porcine circovirus type 2 virus and E. coli isolated from pigs in Uganda. This is the first study evaluating and applying the LAMP assay in the detection of ASF in domestic pigs in Uganda. The LAMP assay was found to be more sensitive than PCR. Due to its simplicity, sensitivity and specificity, the LAMP assay has the potential for use in the diagnosis and routine surveillance of ASF in Uganda.   Key words: African swine fever virus, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), sensitivity, specificity, topoisomerase II gene.

Strategies to control transboundary diseases have in the past generated unintended negative consequences for both the environment and local human populations. Integrating perspectives from across disciplines, including livestock, veterinary and conservation sectors, is necessary for identifying disease control strategies that optimise environmental goods and services at the wildlife-livestock interface. Prompted by the recent development of a global strategy for the control and elimination of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), this paper seeks insight into the consequences of, and rational options for potential FMD control measures in relation to environmental, conservation and human poverty considerations in Africa. We suggest a more environmentally nuanced process of FMD control that safe-guards the integrity of wild populations and the ecosystem dynamics on which human livelihoods depend while simultaneously improving socio-economic conditions of rural people. In particular, we outline five major issues that need to be considered: 1) improved understanding of the different FMD viral strains and how they circulate between domestic and wildlife populations; 2) an appreciation for the economic value of wildlife for many African countries whose presence might preclude the country from ever achieving an FMD-free status; 3) exploring ways in which livestock production can be improved without compromising wildlife such as implementing commodity-based trading schemes; 4) introducing a participatory approach involving local farmers and the national veterinary services in the control of FMD; and 5) finally the possibility that transfrontier conservation might offer new hope of integrating decision-making at the wildlife-livestock interface.

New distribution records for the desert Warthog (Phacochoerus aethiopicus delamerei – Pallas 1766) Vincent O. Obanda*, Isaac Lekolool, Martha Munyao, Stephen M. Chege, Thomas Manyibe and Francis Gakuya Biodiversity Research and Monitoring Division, Department of Veterinary Services, Kenya Wildlife Service, PO Box, 40241, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya, Biodiversity Research and Monitoring Division, Department of Environmental Planning, Kenya Wildlife Service, PO Box, 40241, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya, Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, University of Nairobi, PO Box, 30197, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya and African Union – Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), PO Box, 30786, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya

Several trap designs have been used for sampling and control of the tsetse fly, Glossina fuscipes fuscipes, Newstead (Diptera: Glossinidae) based on preferences of individual researchers and program managers with little understanding of the comparative efficiency and cost-effectiveness of trap designs. This study was carried out to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of four commonly used trap designs: monoscreen, modified pyramidal and pyramidal, relative to the standard biconical trap. The study was performed under high tsetse challenge on Buvuma Island, Lake Victoria, Uganda, using a 4 × 4 Latin square design replicated 3 times, so as to separate the trap positions and day effects from the treatment effect. A total of 12 trap positions were tested over 4 days. The monoscreen trap caught significantly higher numbers of G. f. fuscipes (P<0.05) followed by biconical, modified pyramidal and pyramidal traps. Analysis of variance showed that treatment factor was a highly significant source of variation in the data. The index of increase in trap catches relative biconical were O.60 (pyramidal), 0.68 (modified pyramidal) and 1.25 (monoscreen). The monoscreen trap was cheaper (US$ 2.61) and required less material to construct than pyramidal trap (US$ 3.48), biconical and the modified pyramidal traps (US$ 4.06 each). Based on the number of flies caught per meter of material, the monoscreen trap proved to be the most cost-effective (232 flies/m) followed by the biconical trap (185 flies/m). The modified pyramidal and the pyramidal traps caught 112 and 125 flies/m, respectively.

HELMINTHES GASTRO-INTESTINAUX DES MOUTONS DANS LES REGIONS DU CENTRE, DE L'EST ET DU NORD DU BURKINA FASO Resume Des necropsies helminthologiques de 60 moutons pendant une annee ont permis d'identifier les parasites de leur cavite abdominale, de leur foie et de leur tube digestif. Treize (13) nematodes, 4 cestodes et 2 trematodes ont ete identifies. Cysticercus cellulosae a ete retrouve dans la cavite abdominale, Dicrocoelium hospes dans le foie, Cotylophoron cotylophoron et Gongylonema verrucosom dans le rumen. Dans la caillette, il y avait Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus axei et T. colubriformis . Dans l'intestin grele ou la diversite parasitaire etait la plus importante, on a retrouve T. colubriformis, T. vitrinus, Cooperia pectinata, C. punctata, Strongyloides papillosus, Gaigeria pachycelis, Avitellina centripunctata, Stilesia globipunctata et Moniezia expansa . Quant au gros intestin, il hebergeait Oesophagostomum columbianum, Skrjabinema ovis, Trichuris ovis et T. gobulosa . Les plus prevalents de ces parasites etaient : Trichostrongylus colubriformis (96,7%), les larves L4 d' Haemonchus contortus (88,3%), Oesophagostomum columbianum (70%), les adultes d' Haemonchus contortus (61,7%), Avitellina centripunctata (58,3%), T. vitrinus (51,7%), Cysticercus tenuicollis (43,3%) et Gaigeria pachyscelis (35%). Les degres moyens d'infestation par les nematodes etaient en general faibles, a l'exception de ceux des larves d' H. contortus dans la caillette et des adultes de T. colubriformis dans l'intestin grele a la fin de la saison des pluies et pendant la periode seche et froide. Summary Helminthological necropsy of 60 sheep for a year allowed the identification of parasites in the abdominal cavity, the liver and the digestive tract. Thirteen (13) nematodes, 4 cestodes and 2 trematodes were identified. Cysticercus cellulosae was found in the abdominal cavity, Dicrocoelium hospes in the liver, Cotylophoron cotylophoron and Gongylonema verrucosum in the rumen. In the abomasa, Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus axei and T. colubriformis were present. The highest diversity of parasites was seen in the small intestines which had T. colubriformis, T. vitrinus, Cooperia pectinata, C. punctata, Strongyloides papillosus, Gaigeria pachycelis, Avitellina centripunctata, Stilesia globipunctata and Moniezia expansa . The large intestines harboured Oesophagostomum columbianum, Skrjabinema ovis, Trichuris ovis and T. gobulosa . The most prevalent of those parasites were: Trichostrongylus colubriformis (96.7%), Haemonchus contortus L4's (88.3%), Oesophagostomum columbianum (70%), Haemonchus contortus adults' (61.7%), Avitellina centripunctata (58.3%), Trichostrongylus vitrinus (51.7%), Cysticercus tenuicollis (43.3%) and Gaigeria pachyscelis (35%). Mean worm numbers of all nematodes collected were few with the exception of H. contortus L4's in the abomasa and T. colubriformis adults in the small intestines which were numerous at the end of the rainy season and during the dry and cold period. Bull Anim. Hlth. Prod. Afr. (2004) 53, 13-23

Des nécropsies pendant une année de 60 chèvres ont permis d’identifier les parasites de la cavité abdominale, du foie et du tube digestif. Au total, 10 nématodes, 4 cestodes et 2 trématodes ont été identifiés. Cysticercus tenuicollis a été trouvé dans la cavité péritonéale, Dicrocoelium hospes dans le foie, et Gongylonema verrucosum et des paramphistomes dans l’ensemble réseau-rumenfeuillet. Dans la caillette, il y avait Haemonchus contortus et Trichostrongylus colubriformis. L’intestin grêle abritait T. colubriformis, T. vitrinus, Strongyloides papillosus, Gaigeria pachyscelis, Avitellina centripunctata, Stilesia globipunctata et Moniezia expansa. Quant au gros intestin, il hébergeait Oesophagostomum columbianum, Skrjabinema ovis, Trichuris ovis et Trichuris globulosa. Les plus prévalents de ces parasites ont été T. colubriformis (98,3 p. 100), Oesophagostomum columbianum (88,3 p. 100), les larves L4 (85 p. 100), puis les adultes (65 p. 100) d’Haemonchus contortus, T. vitrinus (41,7 p. 100), Avitellina centripunctata (30 p. 100) et Cysticercus tenuicollis (30 p. 100). L’abondance moyenne des nématodes a globalement été faible à l’exception de celle des larves d’H. contortus dans la caillette et des adultes de T. colubriformis dans l’intestin grêle à la fin de la saison pluvieuse, et pendant la période sèche et froide. Cette période serait idéale pour l’application du deuxième déparasitage stratégique annuel des chèvres de la région.