160 research outputs found
Biosecurity and Salmonella-related food safety challenges in poultry value chains in central Ethiopia
No full textEthiopia's poultry production sector, predominantly centered on chickens, is experiencing significant growth, especially in urban and peri-urban regions. However, this expansion is hampered by several constraints, notably diseases linked to inadequate biosecurity practices. This thesis investigates these challenges, with a particular focus on the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella, and examines the broader implications for public health, biosecurity practices, and policy interventions. The study reveals that biosecurity practices in Ethiopian poultry farms are considerably below global standards. An assessment of 226 poultry farms in central Ethiopia showed an overall biosecurity score of 43.1%, compared to the global average of 64.3%. This inadequate biosecurity is consistent across different scales of poultry farms, highlighting a systemic issue. The biosecurity practices were also highly compromised in the poultry farm supporting facilities which are otherwise known as off farm facilities that include feed processing plants, hatcheries and slaughter houses. The research disclosed a high prevalence of Salmonella in both poultry farms and retail environments. An overall prevalence of 50.6% at the farm level and 14.4% at the sample level was observed. Additionally, the occurrence of Salmonella in poultry products from farms and retailer shops was 11.3%, indicating a significant food safety hazard. Furthermore, this study underscored a critical public health threat posed by antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella. The findings showed multi-drug resistance in Salmonella isolates to 10 out of the 12 tested antibiotics. This resistance can complicate treatment options and highlights the need for stringent antimicrobial stewardship in the poultry sector
Global risk mapping for major diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus
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Milk processing in East Africa
No full textThis booklet explains the milk processing methods in East Africa
Editorial: Antimicrobial resistance in food-producing environments: a One Health approach
No full textThe One Health High-Level Expert panel comprised of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH; founded as OIE) defines One Health as “an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems. It recognizes that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent. The approach mobilizes multiple sectors, disciplines and communities at varying levels of society to work together to foster well-being and tackle threats to health and ecosystems, while addressing the collective need for clean water, energy and air, safe and nutritious food, taking action on climate change, and contributing to sustainable development.” (Mettenleiter et al., 2023). There is nothing more fitting than antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to the principles of One Health, which provides a framework for an interdisciplinary approach to dealing with this global challenge (FAO, 2016; Robinson et al., 2016; Lancet, 2023)
Updating the global occurrence of Culicoides imicola, a vector for emerging viral diseases
No full textMolecular detection and assessment of the epidemiological risk factors associated with equine herpesvirus 2 and 5 in working equids in central Ethiopia
No full textAbstract Background Respiratory disease is the most common presenting complaint at veterinary clinics and a priority concern for equid owners and veterinary practitioners in Ethiopia. Objectives This study aimed to report the molecular detection of EHV‐2 and EHV‐5 and to assess the risk factors associated with infection in working equids in central Ethiopia. Methods Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from 58 horses and donkeys to detect EHV‐2 and EHV‐5 using PCR targeting the conserved region of glycoprotein B (gB) genes. Results From 58 equids, EHV‐5 and EHV‐2 were detected in 20 (34.5%) and 19 (32.8%) equids, respectively. Concurrent infection with EHV‐2 and EHV‐5 was found in 6 (10.3%) equids who exhibited respiratory clinical signs. EHV‐2 was detected in a significantly higher (p = 0.002) proportion of horses (54.5%; n = 18) than donkeys (4%; n = 1). In contrast, EHV‐5 was detected in a significantly higher (p = 0.004) proportion of donkeys (56%; n = 14) compared to horses (18.2% n = 6). EHV‐2‐positive equids were seven times more likely to display clinical signs of respiratory disease than EHV‐2‐negative equids (Odds ratio (OR) = 6.9; 95%CI: 1.72‐27.60). However, statistically significant (p = 0.832) difference was not observed for EHV‐5. EHV‐2 was detected in a significantly higher (p = 0.004) proportion of female (50%; n = 16) compared to male equids (11.5%; n = 3). Conclusions This study revealed the molecular detection of EHV‐2 and EHV‐5 in horses and donkeys residing in central Ethiopia. The association between EHV‐2‐test‐positive equids and displaying of clinical signs of respiratory disease was observed, which suggests EHV‐2 involvement in the development of respiratory disease; however, it deserves further investigation
Milk handling practices and consumption behavior among Borana pastoralists in southern Ethiopia
No full textBackground Safety and wholesomeness of milk intended for human consumption are influenced by various interlinked factors. However, information on what these factors are, especially in the pastoral traditional communities of Ethiopia, is largely lacking. The objective of this study is to assess the hygienic milk production, processing and consumption practices, and behaviors of Borana pastoralists. Methods The study used qualitative participatory research methods. Individual semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, informal discussions, and observations were carried out on (1) milk handling practices, (2) perceptions of quality and safety of milk, including perceived criteria for good milk, (3) awareness of milk-borne diseases, and (4) perception towards milk boiling practices. The interviews and discussions were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by identifying themes. Results Some risky behaviors related to milk handling and consumption were identified. These include unhygienic conditions in handling milk and milk products, consumption behaviors such as consuming raw milk purchased from markets, and children directly consuming milk from the udder of animals (e.g., goats). There was a very strong reluctance to boil milk before consumption mainly because of the misconception that nutrients in the milk are destroyed when milk is boiled and “boiled milk is dead”. On the other hand, potential risk mitigation practices were identified such as smoking of milk containers (which may help reduce microbial growth), processing milk through fermentation, consuming milk in boiled tea, and a recent trend towards boiling milk for babies. However, the latter was not motivated by concern over microbial hazards but the belief that raw milk could form curds in children’s stomach which might then suffocate them. Conclusion The findings highlight the need to promote hygienic handling practices of milk and closely engage with local communities to improve their understanding of milk safety to facilitate change in practices. Educating pastoralists on good milk production practices should be given priority. One of the ways to do this could be by strengthening the integration of milk hygiene in research and development programs as an entry point for behavioral change towards the safe handling and consumption of milk and milk products
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