Risk factors for Outbreaks of Foot-and-Mouth Disease in

Uganda

H. Kirunda, N. Muwereza, S.D. Kerfua, P.D. Kasaija, R. Sande, R. Azabo, C. Ssekitto , P. Emudong, R.

Alingu, J. Walubengo, T. Kabuuka

African Dairy Conference and Exhibition (ESADA), 24th - 26thSeptember 2014, Kenya Internatinal Conference Centre, Nairobi, Kenya

Introduction Uganda does not have adequate food security, yet

is already weakened by conditions such as: malaria and HIV/AIDS

Livestock plays a major role with cattle accounting for over 60% of the value of edible products in form of milk and meat

Although very gradual, Uganda continue to achieve increase in milk production

Trend of milk production in Uganda

Source: FAOSTAT, 2014

Supply of whole milk in Uganda

Source: FAOSTAT, 2014

Export of fresh milk from Uganda

Source: FAOSTAT, 2014

6Nganda cattleSmall East African Zebu cattle

Ankole cattle

Nganda cattle

Challenge of Foot-and-Mouth Disease

The dairy industry is however highly jeopardized by trans-boundary animal diseases including foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)

FMD is a contagious viral disease that continues to ravage different countries in the world

Economic implications of FMD

The disease causes adverse effects on economies of affected countries in that they are restricted from international trade

Costs are also met through the control measures put in place to curb an outbreak

Average loss per cattle head US$123 (Baluka, 2014)

In cattle sero-prevalence of the different serotypes is:

O = 61%

A = 33%

SAT 1 = 70%

SAT 2 = 34%

SAT 3 = 12%

FMD in Uganda

In goats and sheep the serotype O and SAT were identified with sero-prevalence of;

Goats =14%

Sheep = 22%

Although no information on prevalence FMD is currently available, serotype O has been identified and characterized by molecular methods

FMD in Uganda Cont’d

Although Government has made efforts to control FMD, the disease outbreak have continued to occur across the country

Currently, outbreaks are in 32 out of the 112 districts of Uganda

This study sought to identify the risk factors associated with outbreaks of FMD in Uganda

Control of FMD

Study areas

The 2-month cross-sectional study was carried out in seven districts with recent FMD outbreaks in the country

These included;

2 districts in central

1 district in western

4 districts in eastern

A structured questionnaire was administered to heads or animal attendants in 384 farm households

Materials and methods

Sera were taken and data captured from 516 study cattle with observed FMD clinical signs recorded

Sera analysis was done by cELISA for functional proteins to ascertain exposure

Analysis was done using FMDV Non-Structural protein ELISA Kit

The kit detects antibodies directed against the non structural 3ABC proteins of FMDV.

Statistical analysis was done at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels for proportions, relationships and strength of associations (at 95% CI)

Materials and methods Cont’d

Results: Demographic characteristics

Region Freq Age<6m-1 1-2 Yrs 2-3 Yrs 3-5 Yrs 6>5yr

Central 111 9.9% 11.7% 19.8% 54.1% 4.5%East 364 5.8% 8.0% 8.2% 33.5% 44.5%West 41 17.1% 7.3% 31.7% 43.9% 0.0%Total 516 7.6% 8.7% 12.6% 38.8% 32.4%

Region Frequency BreedLocal Cross

Central 111 33.3% 66. 7%East 364 72.2% 27.7%West 41 53.7% 46.3%Total 516 62.4% 37.6%

Results: Demographic characteristics

Region Frequency Sex Female Male

Central 111 93.7% 6.3%East 364 79.9% 20.1%West 41 97.6% 2.4%Total 516 84.3% 15.7%

Region Freq Herd size (%)1-20 cattle

20-40 cattle

40-60 cattle

60-80 cattle

>80 cattle

Central 111 4.5% 33.4% 26.1% 22.5% 13.5%East 364 20.6% 36.8% 20.6% 0.0% 22.0%West 41 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 100%Total 516 15.5% 33.1% 20.2% 4.8% 26.4%

Results: Demographic characteristics

Average sero-prevalence was 27.5% (CI: 23.8 - 31.5) Herds of cattle moved for more 2 km per day (OR=4.4,

95% CI: 1.21 - 16.0)

Cattle allowed frequent assess to slaughter sites (OR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.13 - 4.70)

Keeping cattle in kraals in muddy condition for months

(OR=5.1, 95% CI: 0.63 – 41.4) Introduction of new animal in the herd (OR=0.1, 95% CI:

0.03 - 0.35)

Results: Risk Factors

There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of introduction to and spread of FMD in cattle

Conclusion

Recommendation

Study results could be used in development of improved strategies for control of FMD in the country

Information on the identified risk factors could be useful in improving veterinary and livestock management practices

National Animal Diseases Diagnostic and Epidemiology Cetre (NADDEC)/MAAIF

District Veterinary staff

Farmers in participating districts

Acknowledgments

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