scholarly journals Circulating Brucella species in wild animals of the Serengeti ecosystem, Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R. M. Sambu ◽  
C. Mathew ◽  
H. E. Nonga ◽  
A. S. Lukambagire ◽  
R. B. Yapi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Strategies ◽  
Domestic Animals ◽  
Wild Animal ◽  
Contact Network ◽  
Human Brucellosis ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Serengeti Ecosystem ◽  
Dead End ◽  
Surveillance Programs

Abstract Background Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonosis of public health and economic importance worldwide. It affects a number of domestic animals, wild animals and humans. Human brucellosis originates from either livestock or wildlife. The species of Brucella circulating in wild animals in Tanzania is largely unknown due to insufficient surveillance. This study was carried out to identify Brucella species found in selected wildlife hosts in the Serengeti ecosystem. Methodology The study used a total of 189 archived samples that were obtained from cross-sectional studies previously conducted between 2000 and 2017 in the Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania. Whole blood, serum and amniotic fluid collected from buffalos, lions, wildebeest, impala, zebra and hyena were available for DNA extraction. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction for B. abortus, B. melitensis, B. ovis and B. suis (AMOS PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) targeting the bcsp31 and IS711 genes for Brucella genus detection and the IS711 targets alkB for B. abortus and BMEI1162 for B. melitensis were used to detect Brucella strains. Results Out of the 189 samples tested, 12 (6.35 %) and 22 (11.6 %) were positive to AMOS-PCR and qPCR, respectively. Most of the positive samples were from lions (52.6 %) and buffaloes (19.6 %). Other animals that were positive included: wildebeest (13.6 %), impala (13.6 %), zebra (4.5 %) and hyena (4.5 %). Out of 22 positive samples, 16 (66.7 %) were identified as B. abortus and the other six samples did not amplify for neither B. abortus nor B. melitensis. Conclusions The detection of Brucella DNA in archived wild animal samples shows testing potential of samples collected from this population. The zoonotic species B. abortus and B. melitensis detected in wild animals have previously been reported in livestock and humans in the region. The findings suggest that, due to the contact network, some of the identified wild animal hosts in this study could be reservoirs for infections in domestic animals and humans within the Serengeti ecosystem while others are likely dead-end hosts. One Health control strategies and continuous surveillance programs in other wildlife reserved areas should be implemented to help predicting transmission in livestock and humans in the region.

HIV/AIDS Knowledge and Risk-Taking Behaviours among Youths at a University in Enugu, Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ada C. Nwaneri ◽  
Okwudili Callistus Ezike ◽  
Agnes N. Anarado ◽  
Ifeoma Ndubisi ◽  
Jane-Lovena Onyia-Pat
Keyword(s):  
Risk Taking ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Analysis Of Covariance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Risky Behaviours ◽  
Aids Knowledge ◽  
The University ◽  
Hiv Aids

 A national sentinel survey of 2006 shows that Enugu State in south-eastern Nigeria is the worst hit by HIV infections. Despite numerous control strategies having been implemented, the state was still reported by another national HIV sentinel survey in 2010 as the worst hit by HIV/AIDS within the zone, and that youths are the most affected. The researchers conducted a cross-sectional descriptive survey to assess the HIV/AIDS knowledge and risk-taking behaviours of youths at a federal university in Enugu, south-eastern Nigeria. They adopted a multistage sampling method to recruit 460 unmarried, consenting students between 15 and 30 years of age, from three faculties of the university. Almost 90 per cent of the university youths had a sound knowledge of key concepts related to HIV/AIDS; despite this, a subset (7.39%) still engaged in risk-taking behaviours. The major risky behaviours identified include having premarital sex, having multiple sexual partners, the sharing of shaving or razor blades, the use of public clippers and tribal marking. Although an analysis of variance demonstrated no significant relationship (t = −0.036) between university youths’ knowledge of HIV/AIDS and their related risk-taking behaviour, risky behaviours were found to be more (13%) among respondents who had insufficient or incorrect knowledge of the disease. An analysis of covariance, however, showed that gender and socio-economic backgrounds were not determinants of the HIV/AIDS risk-taking behaviours of these youths. Therefore, factors such as attitude or culture are areas that should be focused on, and should then, along with educational awareness campaigns, help to reduce the spread and prevalence of the disease.

Validation of mathematical model of electrothermal calculation of DC catenary on the basis of scale model

2018 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 222-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. V. Paranin ◽  
A. B. Batrashov
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Scale Model ◽  
Contact Network ◽  
Scaled Model ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Current Collection ◽  
Topological Features ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Real Physical Process

The article compares the results of calculation of the finite element simulation of current and temperature distribution in the scale model of the DC catenary with the data of laboratory tests. Researches were carried on various versions of the structural design of catenary model, reflecting the topological features of the wire connection, characteristic of the DC contact network. The proportions of the cross-sectional area of the scaled model wires are comparable to each other with the corresponding values for real DC catenary. The article deals with the operating conditions of the catenary model in the modes of transit and current collection. When studying the operation of the scale catenary model in the transit mode, the effect of the structural elements on the current distribution and heating of the wires was obtained. Within the framework of the scale model, theoretical assumptions about the current overload of the supporting cable near the middle anchoring have been confirmed. In the current collection mode, the experimental dependences of the current in the transverse wires of the scale model are obtained from the coordinate of the current collection point. Using the model it was experimentally confirmed that in the section of the contact wire with local wear, not only the temperature rise occurs but also the current redistribution due to the smaller cross section. Thus, the current share in other longitudinal wires of the scale model increases and their temperature rises. Scale and mathematical models are constructed with allowance for laboratory clamps and supporting elements that participate in the removal of heat from the investigated wires. Obtained study results of the scale model allow to draw a conclusion about the adequacy of the mathematical model and its correspondence to the real physical process. These conclusions indicate the possibility of applying mathematical model for calculating real catenary, taking into account the uneven contact wear wire and the armature of the contact network.

scholarly journals Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus Infection at the Wildlife–Livestock Interface in the Greater Serengeti Ecosystem, 2015–2019

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 838
Author(s):  
Bryony A. Jones ◽  
Mana Mahapatra ◽  
Daniel Mdetele ◽  
Julius Keyyu ◽  
Francis Gakuya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Viral Disease ◽  
Global Strategy ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Weighted Estimate ◽  
Peste Des Petits Ruminants ◽  
African Buffalo ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Serengeti Ecosystem

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a viral disease of goats and sheep that occurs in Africa, the Middle East and Asia with a severe impact on livelihoods and livestock trade. Many wild artiodactyls are susceptible to PPR virus (PPRV) infection, and some outbreaks have threatened endangered wild populations. The role of wild species in PPRV epidemiology is unclear, which is a knowledge gap for the Global Strategy for the Control and Eradication of PPR. These studies aimed to investigate PPRV infection in wild artiodactyls in the Greater Serengeti and Amboseli ecosystems of Kenya and Tanzania. Out of 132 animals purposively sampled in 2015–2016, 19.7% were PPRV seropositive by ID Screen PPR competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA; IDvet, France) from the following species: African buffalo, wildebeest, topi, kongoni, Grant’s gazelle, impala, Thomson’s gazelle, warthog and gerenuk, while waterbuck and lesser kudu were seronegative. In 2018–2019, a cross-sectional survey of randomly selected African buffalo and Grant’s gazelle herds was conducted. The weighted estimate of PPRV seroprevalence was 12.0% out of 191 African buffalo and 1.1% out of 139 Grant’s gazelles. All ocular and nasal swabs and faeces were negative by PPRV real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Investigations of a PPR-like disease in sheep and goats confirmed PPRV circulation in the area by rapid detection test and/or RT-qPCR. These results demonstrated serological evidence of PPRV infection in wild artiodactyl species at the wildlife–livestock interface in this ecosystem where PPRV is endemic in domestic small ruminants. Exposure to PPRV could be via spillover from infected small ruminants or from transmission between wild animals, while the relatively low seroprevalence suggests that sustained transmission is unlikely. Further studies of other major wild artiodactyls in this ecosystem are required, such as impala, Thomson’s gazelle and wildebeest.

scholarly journals Mosquito Control Priorities in Florida—Survey Results from Florida Mosquito Control Districts

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 947
Author(s):  
Rishi Kondapaneni ◽  
Ashley N. Malcolm ◽  
Brian M. Vazquez ◽  
Eric Zeng ◽  
Tse-Yu Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
State Government ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Research Priorities ◽  
Current Control ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Common Control ◽  
Surveillance Programs ◽  
Research Questions

Florida lies within a subtropical region where the climate allows diverse mosquito species including invasive species to thrive year-round. As of 2021, there are currently 66 state-approved Florida Mosquito Control Districts, which are major stakeholders for Florida public universities engaged in mosquito research. Florida is one of the few states with extensive organized mosquito control programs. The Florida State Government and Florida Mosquito Control Districts have long histories of collaboration with research institutions. During fall 2020, we carried out a survey to collect baseline data on the current control priorities from Florida Mosquito Control Districts relating to (1) priority control species, (2) common adult and larval control methods, and (3) major research questions to address that will improve their control and surveillance programs. The survey data showed that a total of 17 distinct mosquito species were considered to be priority control targets, with many of these species being understudied. The most common control approaches included truck-mounted ultra-low-volume adulticiding and biopesticide-based larviciding. The districts held interest in diverse research questions, with many prioritizing studies on basic science questions to help develop evidence-based control strategies. Our data highlight the fact that mosquito control approaches and priorities differ greatly between districts and provide an important point of comparison for other regions investing in mosquito control, particularly those with similar ecological settings, and great diversity of potential mosquito vectors, such as in Florida. Our findings highlight a need for greater alignment of research priorities between mosquito control and mosquito research. In particular, we note a need to prioritize filling knowledge gaps relating to understudied mosquito species that have been implicated in arbovirus transmission.

scholarly journals Insight into One Health Approach: Endoparasite Infections in Captive Wildlife in Bangladesh

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 250
Author(s):  
Tilak Chandra Nath ◽  
Keeseon S. Eom ◽  
Seongjun Choe ◽  
Shahadat Hm ◽  
Saiful Islam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
One Health ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Limited Resource ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cox1 Gene ◽  
Parasite Control ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Zoo Animals ◽  
Health Concept ◽  
Control Knowledge

Introduction: Endoparasites in captive wildlife might pose a threat to public health; however, very few studies have been conducted on this issue, and much remains to be learned, especially in limited-resource settings. This study aimed to investigate endoparasites of captive wildlife in Bangladesh. Perception and understanding of veterinarians regarding one health and zoonoses were also assessed. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to August 2020. A total of 45 fecal samples from 18 different species of wild animals (i.e., 11 species of mammals: herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores, six birds, and a single reptile species) were collected randomly. Parasitological assessments were done by modified formalin ether sedimentation technique and rechecked by Sheather’s sugar floatation technique. Molecular identification of Spirometra spp. was conducted by amplifying the cytochrome c oxidase 1 (cox1) gene. Questionnaire surveys among 15 veterinarians and an in-depth interview (IDI) with a zoo officer were conducted. Results: Helminths (Spirometra sp., Capillaria sp., Ascaridia/Heterakis, opisthorchiid, strongyles, acuariid, hookworms, roundworms, and unidentified nematode larvae) and protozoa (coccidian oocyst) were identified, and the overall prevalence was 48.9% (22/45). The cox1 sequences (341 bp) of the Bangladesh-origin Spirometra species from lion showed 99.3–99.7% similarity to the reference sequences of Spirometra decipiens (GenBank No: KJ599679.1; MT122766). The majority of study participants (86.6%) agreed about the importance of endoparasite control in zoo animals, and 73.3% expressed that the one health concept should be promoted in Bangladesh. Only 6.7% of veterinarians perceived confidence in diagnosing parasitic diseases and preventing antiparasiticidal resistance. Conclusions: In the present survey, we found a considerable prevalence of endoparasites in captive wildlife. For the first time, zoonotically important S. decipiens from lion was molecularly characterized in Bangladesh. Veterinarian training is required to improve parasite control knowledge and practice. This study highlights the need for routine parasitological assessment, promotion of one health, and improvement of the implementation of current parasite control strategies in zoo animals.

scholarly journals Risk factors associated with Ctenocephalides felis flea infestation of peri-urban goats: a neglected parasite in an under-appreciated host

2021 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Rose Dahm ◽  
Jordana Burdon Bailey ◽  
Robert F. Kelly ◽  
Patrick Chikungwa ◽  
Julius Chulu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Urban Communities ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Animal Husbandry ◽  
Ctenocephalides Felis ◽  
Disease Spread ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Flea Infestation

AbstractGoats are critical in mixed smallholder agricultural systems in lower and middle-income countries, while fleas are important human and animal health concerns around the world. Convenience sampling was used to describe and consider risk factors for flea infestations of peri-urban goats, with the aim of informing the iterative development of animal husbandry and management based control strategies. Seven hundred and ninety-two goats were examined in 228 households across 10 peri-urban communities surrounding Blantyre in southern Malawi. The prevalence of Ctenocephalides felis fleas was 18.3, 37.1 and 100% at the levels of individual goats, households and communities, respectively, highlighting a neglected human and animal health concern. Constant introduction of new livestock coupled to a lack of biosecurity within communities, the ubiquitous presence of dog and cat hosts for C. felis, the frequency and thoroughness of cleaning overnight goat accommodation, and goat age less than 12 months old were identified as risk factors for flea infestation. This focal cross-sectional study highlights the significance of fleas in peri-urban communities and uncovers trends and commonalities that are needed to inform sustainable disease management. The majority of the peri-urban goat keepers were female, had resided in the same community throughout their whole life and had primary level education. Advice on the planned management of fleas in livestock needs to be tailored towards this demographic group. This approach affords an opportunity to promote public health measures to address household flea infestations and zoonotic disease spread.

scholarly journals Chasing the genes that control resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes

2003 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.M. Behnke ◽  
F. Iraqi ◽  
D. Menge ◽  
R.L. Baker ◽  
J. Gibson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Allelic Variation ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Domestic Animals ◽  
Gastrointestinal Nematodes ◽  
Comparative Genomic ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Signalling Molecules ◽  
Mhc Genes

AbstractThe host-protective immune response to infection with gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes involves a range of interacting processes that begin with recognition of the parasite's antigens and culminate in an inflammatory reaction in the intestinal mucosa. Precisely which immune effectors are responsible for the loss of specific worms is still not known although many candidate effectors have been proposed. However, it is now clear that many different genes regulate the response and that differences between hosts (fast or strong versus slow or weak responses) can be explained by allelic variation in crucial genes associated with the gene cascade that accompanies the immune response and/or genes encoding constitutively expressed receptor/signalling molecules. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes have been recognized for some time as decisive in controlling immunity, and evidence that non-MHC genes are equally, if not more important in this respect has also been available for two decades. Nevertheless, whilst the former have been mapped in mice, only two candidate loci have been proposed for non-MHC genes and relatively little is known about their roles. Now, with the availability of microsatellite markers, it is possible to exploit linkage mapping techniques to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) responsible for resistance to GI nematodes. Four QTL for resistance to Heligmosomoides polygyrus, and additional QTL affecting faecal egg production by the worms and the accompanying immune responses, have been identified. Fine mapping and eventually the identification of the genes (and their alleles) underlying QTL for resistance/susceptibility will permit informed searches for homologues in domestic animals, and human beings, through comparative genomic maps. This information in turn will facilitate targeted breeding to improve resistance in domestic animals and, in human beings, focused application of treatment and control strategies for GI nematodes.

scholarly journals China's Legal Response to Trafficking in Wild Animals: The Relationship between International Treaties and Chinese Law

AJIL Unbound ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 111 ◽  
pp. 408-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiwen Chang
Keyword(s):  
Raw Materials ◽  
Wild Animal ◽  
Food Culture ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
International Treaties ◽  
Ecological Civilization ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Wild Fauna ◽  
The Government ◽  
Bear Bile

In China, the wild animals and animal products that are sold through illegal trafficking are mainly those that can be made into medicines; are raw materials in the form of ivory, rhinoceros horns, and turtle shells; and are edible or have ornamental value, such as birds, monkeys, turtles, and lizards. Due to its rapid economic development over the past decade, China has become one of the world's largest wildlife markets. The main reasons for trafficking are a lack of viable substitutes for raw materials used in traditional Chinese medicines (e.g., bear bile, bear bile powder, pangolin, and other products); a preference in traditional food culture for delicacies made from wildlife; and of the private consumption by some rich and corrupt government officials of tiger's meat, bear's paw, pangolin and other wild animal products—bear's paw and pangolin being the most popular. This type of wild animal trafficking endangers the safety of animal species protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and damages the international image of the government and people of China. Since 2013, under the frame of construction of ecological civilization, China has taken stricter measures on legislation, administrative enforcement, judicial adjudication, and international cooperation on prevention and punishment of illegal trafficking.

scholarly journals A voice for wild animals: Collaborative governance and human–wildlife conflict

2018 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 257-262
Author(s):  
Katie Woolaston
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Natural Resource Management ◽  
Regulatory Mechanism ◽  
Collaborative Governance ◽  
Wild Animal ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
New Governance ◽  
Collaborative Processes ◽  
The World ◽  
Human Wildlife Conflict

Animal lawyers in Australia and around the world often struggle to find room in law to participate in decision-making and give animals a voice. Collaborative governance is a regulatory mechanism that has the potential to overcome this struggle. This ‘new governance’ is of growing importance in environmental and natural resource management, premised on decentralised decision-making and removal of permanent hierarchies. This article will utilise two case studies to outline the benefits of legally integrated collaborative processes for wild animal welfare, including the allocation of a permanent voice in regulation for animal advocates and the ability to promote internalisation of animal-friendly norms.

scholarly journals The Impact of ‘Selfie’ Tourism on the Behaviour and Welfare of Brown-Throated Three-Toed Sloths

Animals ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gemma Carder ◽  
Tinka Plese ◽  
Fernando Machado ◽  
Suzanne Paterson ◽  
Neil Matthews ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Welfare ◽  
Future Study ◽  
Average Duration ◽  
Wild Animal ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Bradypus Variegatus ◽  
Focal Observation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Physical Manipulation

The use of wild animals as photo props is prevalent across the globe and is widely recognised to represent a potential animal welfare concern. However, detailed information regarding the specific impacts of such activity on wild animal behaviour is currently lacking. Herein, we investigated how brown-throated three-toed sloths (Bradypus variegatus) were handled by tourists, and how sloths behaved during wildlife ‘selfies’ taken in Manaus, Brazil and Puerto Alegria and Iquitos in Peru. In total, we observed 17 sloths (during 70 focal observations) that were provided for use in wildlife selfies on 34 different tours. We found that an average number of 5 people held each sloth during each focal observation. For 48.6% of the time the sloths were handled in a way which involved physical manipulation of the sloths’ head and/or limbs and/or being held by the claws. From the eight different types of sloth behaviour observed, we found that the two types performed for the longest average duration of time were surveillance (55.3%) and limb stretching (12.6%). Our findings show that when being handled sloths were frequently held in ways that may compromise their welfare. Although to date the behaviour of sloths while being handled has not been reported in any published literature, in this study we document certain behaviours which may act as indicators of compromised welfare. We suggest that our data provides a potential baseline for future study into the behaviour and welfare of sloths.

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