Browsing by Author "Waiswa, Charles"
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Item Diatomaceous Earth Usage in The Agriculture Sector in Uganda And Its Characterization: Current Status and Anticipated Developments(Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology, 2019) Isabirye, Robert Alex; Waiswa, Charles; Kabi, Fred; Nanyeenya, William N.; Biryomumaisho, Savino; Acai-Okwee, James; Okello, Samuel; Omonuk Akello, Beatrice; Mwesigwa, Moses; Lumu, Richard; Nasinyama, George WilliamThe study was conducted in the districts of Nebbi, Wakiso and Gomba in Uganda to characterize Diatomaceous Earth (DE) from the 3 major deposits in Uganda; explore status of exploitation and usage in agriculture, and anticipate associated effects. DE aka diatomite originated from fossilized remains of diatom shells. In agriculture, it’s used in controlling livestock internal and external parasites; post-harvest crop insect pests; and aflatoxins in stored feeds. DE has silica, Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, and other trace minerals making it valuable. Unlike synthetic drugs, DE is safer to consumers. Data collection employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Most respondents (94.6%) didn’t know of any agricultural DE usage, and the remaining (5.4%) knew it as a remedy against post-harvest weevils in stored grains. Residents in the mining area used DE in painting houses; craved by pregnant women; and relieving diarrhea in humans. Characterization revealed that Ugandan DE deposits were premium for various purposes. No commercial DE exploitation had started however when it’s due, the government would guide regulatory framework. Additionally, the socio-economic transformation was anticipated through employment creation; and foreign exchange. Since DE’s availability in Uganda is confirmed, more research and programs to promote its exploitation are needed.Item Economic cost of bovine trypanosomosis in pastoral and ago pastoral communities in Buliisa district, Uganda(Research Square, 2022) Kizza, Daniel; Ocaido, Michael; Mugisha, Anthony; Azuba, Rose; Nalule, Sarah; Onyuth, Howard; Musinguzi, Simon Peter; Nalubwama, Sylvia; Waiswa, CharlesAnimal diseases that are endemic like tsetse transmitted trypanosomosis cause continuous expenditure of financial resources of livestock farmers and loss of productivity of livestock. Estimating the cost of controlling animal trypanosomosis can provide evidence for priority setting and targeting cost effective control strategies. Methodology A cross sectional survey to estimate the economic cost of bovine trypanosomosiswas conducted in cattle keeping communities living around Murchision falls National Park, in Buliisa district Uganda. Data was collected on herd structure, the cost of treatment and control, prevalence of morbidity and mortality rates due to trypanosomosis, salvage sales losses in cattle herd in the last one year. Results- In this study, 55.4% (n= 87) of the households reported their cattle had been affected by trypanosomosis during the previous last year. There was a high economic cost trypanosomosis (USD 653) per household in cattle keeping communities in Buliisa district of which 83% and 9% was due to mortality and milk loss respectively/ High mortality loss was due to low investment in treatment. The study showed that prophylactic treatment 3 times a year of the whole herd of cattle using Samorin ® (Isometamidium chloride) at a cost of USD 110 could drastically reduce cattle mortality loss due to trypanosomosis due to trypanosomosis with return on investment of USD 540 annually per herd. This could be coupled with strategic restricted insecticide spraying of cattle with deltamethrin products. Conclusions. The results show a high economic cost of trypanosomosis in cattle keeping communities in Buliisa district with mortality of cattle contributing the largest proportion of the economic cost. The high mortality loss was due to low investment in treatment of sick cattleItem Efficacy of Diatomaceous Earth on Ascaridia galli, Blood Parameters: And on Ectoparasites In Chicken(Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology, 2019) Isabirye, Robert Alex; Waiswa, Charles; Kabi, Fred; Nanyeenya, William N.; Biryomumaisho, Savino; Acai-Okwee, James; Okello, Samuel; Omonuk Akello, Beatrice; Mwesigwa, Moses; Lumu, Richard; Nasinyama, George WilliamThe efficacy of diatomaceous earth (DE) in the treatment of chicken against Ascaridia galli and ectoparasites; and its effect on blood parameters in chicken was investigated. Four hundred hens were divided into 5 treatment groups, A, B, C, D and E (n = 80 per group). Groups C, D and E were orally infected with 250 embryonated A. galli eggs while groups A and B were not. Meanwhile, groups A and C fed diets with 2% DE and group D was fed with piperazine; and groups B and E was neither fed with DE nor piperazine. Fecal samples and blood samples were analyzed at week 16 to 22 and; 16 and 36, respectively for fecal egg counts (FEC) and blood parameters (erythrocyte count, hemoglobin content and hematocrit value), respectively. In another experiment, to assess efficacy of DE in treating poultry ectoparasites (fleas, mites and lice) DE was topically applied. Results from biweekly fecal analyses showed significant differences in FEC (P<0.05); and treatment by group (P<0.05) implying that DE had a significant effect in treating A. galli. No significant effects on hematological values were noted (P>0.05). Findings from ectoparasite trials indicated that at certain time points DE eliminated all targeted parasites (efficacy =100%). This study concludes that DE has the potential to control A. galli; and ectoparasites in chicken. Further studies should target effect of DE on internal parasite dynamics for longer periods in chicken. Additionally, to quicken the action of DE against ectoparasites, organic approaches should be studied.Item Heterogeneity in Prevalence of Bovine Trypanosomosis and its Associated Risk Factors in Pastoral and Agro Pastoral Communities Surrounding Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda.(Research Square, 2021) Kizza, Daniel; Ocaido, Michael; Mugisha, Anthony; Azuba, Rose; Nalule, Sarah; Onyuth, Howard; Musinguzi, Simon Peter; Okwasiimire, Rodney; Waiswa, CharlesBovine trypanosomosis transmitted by tsetse flies is a major constraint to cattle health and productivity in sub- Saharan countries including Uganda. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and its associated risk factors and the species of trypanosomes associated with the disease. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted around Murchision Falls National Park, Uganda from January 2020 to April 2020. Blood samples were collected from 460 cattle and were screened for trypanosomes using ITS-PCR. Results: From 460 samples collected, 136 (29.6%) of the samples were positive for trypanosomosis infections while 324 (70.4%) samples were negative. The overall trypanosome prevalence was 29.6% (95% CI 25.4-33.8). T. vivax (n = 130, 28.3%) was the most prevalent trypanosome specie detected and two mixed infection types (T.vivax + T. congolense (n = 2, 0.4%) and T.vivax + T. brucei (n = 1.0, 0.2%) were detected during the analysis. There was a significant difference when Trypanosome prevalence was compared with sex, age, breed of the sampled animals (P < 0.05 for sex), (P = 0.0043 for age) and (P = 0.001 for breed). Conclusion; Trypanosomosis is still a major limitation to cattle production around Murchision Falls National Park and interventions are urgently needed .The prevalence of trypanosomosis was high and T.vivax was identified as the major trypanosome species in the cattle herd.Item Knowledge Attitude and Practices (KAPs) on Control of Bovine African Trypanosomosis in Pastoral Communities Surrounding Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda(Research Square, 2020) Kizza, Daniel; Ocaido, Michaeal; Mugisha, Anthony; Nalule, Sarah; Onyuth, Howard; Musinguzi, Simon Peter; Waiswa, CharlesA survey was done among pastoral communities surrounding Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda to assess knowledge, attitude and practices about the control of bovine traypanosomosis. Methods: This was done using participatory methods and structured questionnaire. Results: The majority of the participants had ever seen tsetse flies and had ever heard about trypanosomosis with no significant difference (P > 0.05) across the five sub counties About 116 participants (73.9%) stated that trypanosomosis was a major disease in their area and across the five sub counties significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed. Farmers grazing near national parks and animals sharing grazing land and watering points with wild life respectively were considered the main causes of Bovine trypanosomosis. A significant difference (P < 0.01) in knowledge of farmers about the causes and signs of trypanosomosis in the study sub counties was observed. There was a high significant difference (P < 0.01) in control practices of trypanosomosis used in the study sub counties with the majority of farmers (58.6%) using insecticide treated cattle and significantly differed across the sub counties. Conclusion: The majority of participants had ever heard/seen tsetse flies and had ever heard about Nagana. Grazing near national parks and animal sharing grazing land and watering points with wildlife were the main causes of trypanosomosis. Insecticide treated cattle and not grazing in areas infested with tsetse flies were the major control practices of trypanosomosis. Knowledge about the disease, farmers’ attitude and control practices have overtime contributed to the pastoral communities and their cattle developing the needed resilience for survival in this high risk area.Item Knowledge, attitudes and practices on bovine trypanosomosis control in pastoral and agro pastoral communities surrounding Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda(Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2021) Kizza, Daniel; Ocaido, Michael; Mugisha, Anthony; Azuba, Rose; Nalule, Sarah; Onyuth, Howard; Musinguzi, Simon Peter; Nalubwama, Sylvia; Waiswa, CharlesA mixed method survey was conducted among pastoral and agro pastoral communities surrounding Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices about control of bovine trypanosomosis. A total of 96.8% (n = 152) of the participants had seen tsetse flies, and close to 91.7% (n = 116) of the participants had heard about bovine trypanosomosis. Bovine trypanosomosis was reported as a major disease in their area by about 73.9%(n = 116). There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the level of awareness and perception about tsetse and bovine trypanosomosis across the study sub counties. The majority of the farmers (60.5%) stated that grazing near national parks was the main cause of bovine trypanosomosis. A small proportion of farmers associated sharing grazing land and watering points with wildlife (19.1%) and grazing cattle in tsetse flyinfested areas (8.3%) as the causes of trypanosomosis. The communities in the study sub counties were aware of at least one or two clinical signs of bovine trypanosomosis. Spraying cattlewith insecticide and avoiding grazing animals in tsetse-infested areas were the control practices. Curative trypanocides were mainly used to treat their cattle against trypanosomosis. Bush clearing, targets and traps as tsetse fly control measures were less practiced by the farmers. Treatment of cattle was based on observation of clinical signs due to absence of blood diagnostic facilities. Implementing regular tsetse fly population monitoring surveys and promotion of disease rapid diagnostic tools at farm level as long-term strategies are key for effective control of the disease.Item Prevalence and risk factors for trypanosome infection in cattle from communities surrounding the Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda(Parasites & Vectors, 2021) Kizza, Daniel; Ocaido, Michael; Mugisha, Anthony; Azuba, Rose; Nalule, Sarah; Onyuth, Howard; Musinguzi, Simon Peter; Okwasiimire, Rodney; Waiswa, CharlesBovine trypanosomosis transmitted by tsetse flies is a major constraint to cattle health and productivity in all sub-Saharan countries, including Uganda. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and identify its associated risk factors and the species of trypanosomes associated with the disease. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted around Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda from January 2020 to April 2020. Trypanosomes were detected in blood samples by PCR analysis targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-PCR assays), and trypanosomes in positive blood samples were sequenced. Results: Of 460 blood samples collected and tested, 136 (29.6%) were positive for trypanosome infections and 324 (70.4%) were negative. The overall trypanosome prevalence was 29.6% (95% confidence interval 25.4–33.8%), attributed to three trypanosome species. Of these three species, Trypanosoma vivax was the most prevalent (n = 130, 28.3%) while the others were detected as mixed infections: T. vivax + Trypanosoma congolense (n = 2, 0.4%) and T. vivax + Trypanosoma evansi (n = 1, 0.2%). There were significant differences in trypanosome prevalence according to sex (χ2 = 62, df = 1, P < 0.05), age (χ2 = 6.28, df = 2, P = 0.0043) and cattle breed (χ2 = 10.61, df = 1, P = 0.001). Conclusions: Trypanosomosis remains a major limitation to cattle production around Murchison Falls National Park and interventions are urgently needed. In our study, the prevalence of trypanosome infections was high, with T. vivax identified as the most prevalent species. Age, sex and breed of cattle were risk factors for trypanosome infection.Item Seasonal Monitoring of Glossina Species Occurrence, Infection Rates, and Trypanosoma Species Infections in Pigs in West Nile Region, Uganda(Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 2022) Maxamhud, Sadiya; Lindahl, Johanna F.; Mugenyi, Albert; Echodu, Richard; Waiswa, Charles; Roesel, KristinaTrypanosomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by the protozoa Trypanosoma. It is exclusively associated with Glossina species habitats and, therefore, restricted to specific geographical settings. It affects a wide range of hosts, including humans. Animals may carry different Trypanosoma spp. while being asymptomatic. They are, therefore, potentially important in unpremeditated disease transmission. Aim: The aim of this study was to study the potential impact of the government tsetse fly control program, and to elucidate the role of pigs in the Trypanosoma epidemiology in the West Nile region in Uganda. Methods: A historically important human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) hotspot was selected, with sampling in sites with and without a government tsetse fly control program. Pigs were screened for infection with Trypanosoma and tsetse traps were deployed to monitor vector occurrence, followed by tsetse fly dissection and microscopy to establish infection rates with Trypanosoma. Pig blood samples were further analyzed to identify possible Trypanosoma infections using internal transcribed spacer (ITS)-PCR. Results: Using microscopy, Trypanosoma was detected in 0.56% (7/1262) of the sampled pigs. Using ITSPCR, 114 of 341 (33.4%) pig samples were shown to be Trypanosoma vivax positive. Of the 360 dissected tsetse flies, 13 (3.8%) were positive for Trypanosoma under the microscope. The difference in captured tsetse flies in the government intervention sites in comparison with the control sites was significant ( p < 0.05). Seasonality did not play a substantial role in the tsetse fly density ( p > 0.05). Conclusion: This study illustrated the impact of a government control program with low vector abundance in a historical HAT hotspot in Uganda. The study could not verify that pigs in the area were carriers for the causative agent for HAT, but showed a high prevalence of the animal infectious agent T. vivax.Item Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Knowledge Attitude and Practices on African Animal Trypanocide Resistance(Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 2022) Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; MacLeod, Ewan Thomas; Waiswa, Charles; Mahero, Michael; Ntulume, Ibrahim; Welburn, Susan ChristinaAfrican trypanocide resistance is an emerging public health emergency whose control requires a revisit on farmer’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices in developing countries. African animal trypanocide resistance (AATr) is rife in an environment where drug use and policy decisions are disjointed. The objective of the study was to identify community factors responsible for the development of AATr. This was important since diminazene aceturate (DA), isometamidium chloride (ISM), and homidium bromide (HB) have existed for over 30 years and no new drugs have been provided to farmers. Methods: An electronic keyword search across 12 databases was conducted using a search criterion from 1806 to June 2022. This generated a total of 24 publications, but after removing duplicates, review articles, and nonrelated articles, a total of eight papers were included in the analysis by following the PRISMA checklist. A meta-analysis was conducted on the data extracted and the risk ratio and inverse variance at 95% confidence interval were calculated using RevMan®. Results: All the eight articles in the study showed that DA was the most preferred trypanocide in both West and Eastern Africa. Poor farmer knowledge of AATr and limited drug options were major drivers for trypanocide resistance. In addition, farmer treatments, use of untrained personnel, poor administration, poor dosing, and preparation of trypanocides were major drivers for the development of AATr and similarities were identified in DA and ISM practices (P = 0.13). Conclusions: AATr is spread in developing countries due to a lack of community knowledge, attitudes, and drug-use practices. This situation could be reversed through interdisciplinary collaborations in endemic communities by promoting effective treatments and responsible drug handling.