Patterns, risk factors and characteristics of reported and perceived foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Uganda

Abstract

Patterns of outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Uganda were elucidated from spatial and temporal retrospective data retrieved from monthly reports from District Veterinary Officers (DVOs) to the central administration for the years spanning 2001-2008. An assessment of perceived FMD occurrence, risk factors and the associated characteristics was made based on semi-structured questionnaires administered to the DVOs. During this period, a total of 311 FMD outbreaks were reported in 56 (70%) out of Uganda's 80 districts. The number of reported FMD outbreaks changed over time and by geographical regions. Occurrence of FMD was significantly associated with the dry season months (p = 0.0346), the time when animals movements are more frequent. The average number of FMD outbreaks was higher for some sub-counties adjacent to national parks than for other sub-counties, whilst proximity to international border only seemed to play a role at the southern border. DVOs believed that the major risk factor for FMD outbreaks was animal movements (odds ratio OR 50.8, confidence interval CI 17.8-144.6) and that most outbreaks were caused by introduction of sick animals.

Patterns of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Distribution in Africa

“…In contrast to buffalo populations that show consistently high levels of exposure (Thomson et al, 1992Bronsvoort et al, 2008;Ayebazibwe et al, 2010), seroprevalence in other wild ungulates, for example impala (Aepyceros melampus), giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), eland (Taurotragus oryx), tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus), kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), sable antelope (Hippotragus niger), bushbuck (Tregelaphus sylvaticus), nyala (Nyala angasii), warthog (Phacochoerus africanus), bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus), redbuck (Redunca spp.) In contrast to buffalo populations that show consistently high levels of exposure (Thomson et al, 1992Bronsvoort et al, 2008;Ayebazibwe et al, 2010), seroprevalence in other wild ungulates, for example impala (Aepyceros melampus), giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis), eland (Taurotragus oryx), tsessebe (Damaliscus lunatus), kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), sable antelope (Hippotragus niger), bushbuck (Tregelaphus sylvaticus), nyala (Nyala angasii), warthog (Phacochoerus africanus), bushpig (Potamochoerus larvatus), redbuck (Redunca spp.)…”

“…However, in the wildlife-rich rangelands of East Africa, the degree to which SAT 2 outbreaks are sustained by re-introduction from buffalo is still unclear. Conversely, although maintenance hosts for SAT serotypes, buffalo are not believed to be reservoirs of Eurasian FMDV serotypes (Anderson, 1979;Ayebazibwe et al, 2010) (Figure 2.2C). Conversely, although maintenance hosts for SAT serotypes, buffalo are not believed to be reservoirs of Eurasian FMDV serotypes (Anderson, 1979;Ayebazibwe et al, 2010) (Figure 2.2C).…”

A retrospective study on the epidemiology of foot-and-mouth disease in Bhutan

“…The first step in the control of any disease is the analysis of available data to understand the distribution and patterns of spread of the disease (Ayebazibwe et al 2010;Bhattacharya et al 2005;Khounsy et al 2008;Verma et al 2008). The epidemiology of FMD in Bhutan in terms of temporal and spatial patterns, species susceptibility, serotype prevalence, and risk factors has not been previously investigated.…”

Epidemiology of foot and mouth disease in Karnataka state, India: a retrospective study

“…Progressive risk reduction of FMD can help in progressive market access of livestock commodities. However, the success of any disease control program depends on a clear understanding of the epidemiology of the disease, especially the analysis of the distribution and patterns of spread [2,3,8,12,19]. In India, FMD was first documented in 1864 during extensive outbreaks in many parts of the country (Government of India 1868).…”