Geographic distribution of non-clinical Theileria parva infection among indigenous cattle populations in contrasting agro-ecological zones of Uganda: implications for control strategies
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Date
2014
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Parasites & vectors
Abstract
Non-clinical Theileria parva infection among indigenous cattle occurs upon recovery from primary
disease during the first year of life. Continuous exposure to infection through contaminated tick infestations with
absence of clinical disease gives rise to endemic stability. Endemic stable populations may become sources of
infection if contaminated tick vectors are shared with susceptible exotic cattle. This study aimed at establishing a
nationwide distribution of non-clinical T. parva infection among indigenous cattle populations to inform novel
control strategies.
Methods: The occurrence of non-clinical T. parva infection among apparently healthy 925 indigenous cattle from
209 herds spread out in 10 agro-ecological zones (AEZs) was determined using a nested PCR assay. The influence
of AEZ, breed, sex, age and farmers’ ranking of ECF importance were interrogated for influence of non-clinical
parasite occurrence.
Results: The overall prevalence of non-clinical T. parva infection was 30% (278/925). A gradual increase of non-clinical
T. parva infection was observed ranging from 17% (95% CI: 0.03 – 0.23) to 43% (95% CI: 0.3 – 0.55) in the North Eastern
Savannah Grasslands (NESG) to the Western Highland Ranges (WHR) respectively. A similarly associated 18% (95% CI:
0.07 – 0.28) and 35% (95% CI: 0.3 – 0.39) non-clinical parasite prevalence was observed among the East African shorthorn
Zebu (EASZ) and Ankole cattle respectively. Average herd level non-clinical T. parva prevalence was 28%, ranging from
zero to 100%. The likelihood of non-clinical T. parva infection was 35.5% greater in the western highlands compared to
the northeastern semi-arid AEZs.
Conclusions: Non-clinical T. parva occurs countrywide, structured along patterns of AEZ and breed gradients. These
findings may guide policy formulation, deployment of integrated control strategies and local cattle improvement
programs.
Description
Keywords
Agro-ecological zones, East Coast Fever, Endemic stability, Non-clinical T. parva AEZ gradient, Indigenous cattle, Uganda
Citation
Kabi, F., Masembe, C., Muwanika, V., Kirunda, H., & Negrini, R. (2014). Geographic distribution of non-clinical Theileria parva infection among indigenous cattle populations in contrasting agro-ecological zones of Uganda: implications for control strategies. Parasites & vectors, 7(1), 1-9.