Characterisation of recent foot-and-mouth disease viruses from African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and cattle in Kenya is consistent with independent virus populations
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Date
2015
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMC veterinary research
Abstract
Understanding the epidemiology of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), including roles played by different
hosts, is essential for improving disease control. The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a reservoir for the SAT serotypes
of FMD virus (FMDV). Large buffalo populations commonly intermingle with livestock in Kenya, yet earlier studies have
focused on FMD in the domestic livestock, hence the contribution of buffalo to disease in livestock is largely unknown.
This study analysed 47 epithelia collected from FMD outbreaks in Kenyan cattle between 2008 and 2012, and 102
probang and serum samples collected from buffalo in three different Kenyan ecosystems; Maasai-Mara (MME)
(n = 40), Tsavo (TSE) (n = 33), and Meru (ME) (n = 29).
Results: Antibodies against FMDV non-structural proteins were found in 65 of 102 (64%) sera from buffalo with
44/102 and 53/102 also having neutralising antibodies directed against FMDV SAT 1 and SAT 2, respectively.
FMDV RNA was detected in 42% of the buffalo probang samples by RT-qPCR (Cycle Threshold (Ct) ≤32). Two
buffalo probang samples were positive by VI and were identified as FMDV SAT 1 and SAT 2 by Ag-ELISA, while
the latter assay detected serotypes O (1), A (20), SAT 1 (7) and SAT 2 (19) in the 47 cattle epithelia. VP1 coding
sequences were generated for two buffalo and 21 cattle samples. Phylogenetic analyses revealed SAT 1 and
SAT 2 virus lineages within buffalo that were distinct from those detected in cattle.
Conclusions: We found that FMDV serotypes O, A, SAT 1 and SAT 2 were circulating among cattle in Kenya
and cause disease, but only SAT 1 and SAT 2 viruses were successfully isolated from clinically normal buffalo.
The buffalo isolates were genetically distinct from isolates obtained from cattle. Control efforts should focus
primarily on reducing FMDV circulation among livestock and limiting interaction with buffalo. Comprehensive
studies incorporating additional buffalo viruses are recommended.
Description
Keywords
African buffalo, Cattle, Control, Epidemiology, Foot-and-mouth disease, Lineages
Citation
Wekesa, S. N., Sangula, A. K., Belsham, G. J., Tjornehoj, K., Muwanika, V. B., Gakuya, F., ... & Siegismund, H. R. (2015). Characterisation of recent foot-and-mouth disease viruses from African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and cattle in Kenya is consistent with independent virus populations. BMC veterinary research, 11(1), 1-15.DOI 10.1186/s12917-015-0333-9