Outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF) have been reported in the past from several countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to genotype ASF viruses (ASFVs) from the 2008 outbreak in Morogoro and Dar es Salaam regions of Tanzania. Tissue samples from domestic pigs that died as a result of severe haemorrhagic disease were collected and analysed with PCR and genome sequencing methods using ASFV-specific primer sets. Nucleotide sequence data were obtained for the B646L (p72), E183L (p54) and the variable region of the B602L gene sequences. Phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequences showed that the 2008 Tanzanian isolates belonged to p72 genotype XV and clustered together with those derived from the 2001 outbreak in Tanzania. Analysis of the tetrameric amino acid repeat regions within the variable region of the B602L gene showed that the repeat signature of the 2008 Tanzanian ASFV was unique and contained three novel tetramers (U = NIDT/NTDT and X = NTDI). Epidemiological investigation suggested that transportation of live pigs continues to play an active role in the epidemiology of ASF in Tanzania. It is recommended that future control of ASF spread in Tanzania should focus on the early detection and confirmation of the disease, prompt institution of quarantine measures, culling and proper disposal of infected and in-contact animals and decontamination of affected premises.

No abstract

No abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the presence of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) in different geographic locations of Tanzania. Epithelial tissues and fluids (n = 364) were collected from cattle exhibiting oral and foot vesicular lesions suggestive of FMD and submitted for routine FMD diagnosis. The analysis of these samples collected during the period of 2002 and 2010 was performed by serotype-specific antigen capture ELISA to determine the presence of FMDV. The results of this study indicated that 167 out of 364 (46.1%) of the samples contained FMDV antigen. Of the 167 positive samples, 37 (28.4%) were type O, 7 (4.1%) type A, 45 (21.9%) SAT 1 and 79 (45.6%) SAT 2. Two FMDV serotypes (O and SAT 2) were widely distributed throughout Tanzania whilst SAT 1 and A types were only found in the Eastern zone. Our findings suggest that serotypes A, O, SAT 1 and SAT 2 prevail in Tanzania and are associated with the recent FMD outbreaks. The lack of comprehensive animal movement records and inconsistent vaccination programmes make it difficult to determine the exact source of FMD outbreaks or to trace the transmission of the disease over time. Therefore, further collection and analysis of samples from domestic and wild animals are being undertaken to investigate the genetic and antigenic characteristics of the circulating strains, so that a rational method to control FMD in Tanzania and the neighbouring countries can be recommended.

No abstract