Browsing by Author "Mellau, L. S. B."
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Item Epidemiological investigation into the introduction and factors for spread of Peste des Petits Ruminants, southern Tanzania(2012) Muse, E. A.; Karimuribo, E. D.; Gitao, G. C.; Misinzo, G.; Mellau, L. S. B.; Msoffe, P. L. M.; Swai, E. S.; Albano, M. O.A study was carried out to confirm and identify sources and elucidate factors associated with the introduction of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in southern Tanzania. This study was conducted in Tandahimba and Newala districts of Mtwara region following suspected outbreak of PPR in the area. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews of key informants who included goat and sheep owners with suspected cases of PPR and animal health service providers as well as local administrative authority. Additionally, 216 serum samples and 28 swabs were collected for serological and virological laboratory disease confirmation. The results show that PPR was first introduced in Likuna village of Newala district in February 2009 through newly purchased goats from the Pugu livestock market located about 700 km in the outskirts of Dar es Salaam city. Factors which contributed to spread of PPR included communal grazing and the cheap prices of sick animals bought by livestock keepers for slaughtering in other villages. Laboratory findings confirmed presence of PPR in the area by RT-PCR and serological analysis revealed that seroprevalence was 31%. These findings have confirmed, for the first time, introduction of PPR in southern Tanzania. The presence of PPR poses high risk of southward spread of the disease to other southern African countries in the SADC region thus calling for concerted and collaborative efforts in prevention and control of the disease to avoid losses. Further elaborate studies on the spread, prevalence and risk factors associated with the disease should urgently be investigated.Item Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) outbreak in southern, Tanzania(RUFORUM, 2012) Muse, E. A.; Matondo, R. B.; Karimuribo, E. D.; Misinzo, G.; Mellau, L. S. B.; Msoffe, P. L. M.; Albano, M. O.; Gitao, G. C.Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) was first confirmed in Tanzania in 2008, however description of clinical or pathological signs was not carried out although this is important to assist quick identification and reporting of PPR cases by both livestock keepers and field-based animal health workers. A study was therefore conducted to investigate and describe clinical signs and pathological lesions associated with suspected PPR cases in southern Tanzania. It involved history taking and clinical examination of suspected cases of 25 goats and 3 sheep. Post- mortem examination of some cases was performed followed by collection of specimens for histopathological examination. Swabs were also collected for confirmation of PPR by detecting ribonucleic acid using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Serum samples were analysed using competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Severe depression, high fever, anorexia, muco-pulurent nasal discharge, erosive and necrotic stomatitis, mild diarrhoea and skin nodules were major signs suggestive of PPR. Post mortem examination showed evidence of pneumonia including lung congestion and consolidation. RT-PCR confirmed presence of the PPR virus in samples and serum antibodies showed seroprevalence of 31%.Item Prevalence and economic significance of bovine fasciolosis in slaughtered cattle at Arusha abattoir, Tanzania(2009) Mwabonimana, M-F; Kassuku, A. A.; Ngowi, H. A.; Mellau, L. S. B.; Nonga, H. E.; Karimuribo, E. D.The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence and economic significance of fasciolosis in cattle slaughtered at Arusha abattoir in Tanzania. A 3-year database (2005-2008) from the abattoir was retrieved and analysed. In addition, meat inspection was carried out for one month (July 2008) with focus on Fasciola infection and its associated economic loss due to liver condemnation. Results from the retrospective study revealed that 8302 (6.7%) livers out of 123790 examined livers were condemned due to fasciolosis. Analysis of primary data (meat inspection) showed that 150 of 469 cattle livers condemned were due to fasciolosis, a relative condemnation rate of 32.0% per month. Based on the current local price of liver, the economic loss per month due to liver condemnation was estimated at Tanzania shillings (TZS) 1,800,000/- (approximately US $1,500), which summed to TZS 21,600,000/- (US $18,000) per annum. The specific cause of liver fasciolosis was Fasciola gigantica. These results indicate that F. gigantica infection is an important condition that leads to high liver condemnation rates in cattle slaughtered, resulting into high financial loss. This merits for more extensive epidemiological investigations to better determine the prevalence, economic impact and public health importance of the disease.