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Differences in the epidemiology of theileriosis on smallholder dairy farms in contrasting agro-ecological and grazing strata of highland Kenya

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Gitau, G. K., McDermott, J. J. (John J.), Katende, J. M., O'Callaghan, C. J., Brown, R. N. and Perry, B. D. (Brian D.), 1946-. (2000) Differences in the epidemiology of theileriosis on smallholder dairy farms in contrasting agro-ecological and grazing strata of highland Kenya. Epidemiology and Infection, Vol.124 (No.2). pp. 325-335. ISSN 0950-2688

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0950268800003526

Abstract

A prospective cohort study was conducted in five purposively-sampled agro-ecological zone (AEZ)-grazing system strata in Murang’a District, Kenya, between March 1995 and June 1996. The study strata were selected based on a preliminary characterization study to represent the widest range of risks to East Coast fever (ECF) in the District and included zero-grazing and open-grazing farms. In total, 225 calves from 188 smallholder farms were examined from birth to 6 months of age and visited within the first 2 weeks of life and thereafter at bi-weekly intervals for up to 14 visits. The purpose of the study was to characterize the differences in epidemiology (risks of infection, morbidity and mortality) and potential control of ECF between the selected strata. Evidence of Theileria parva infection was assessed by increased antibody levels as measured in an indirect ELISA assay by the percent positivity (PP) of serum samples relative to a strong positive reference serum. Sero-conversion risks of T. parva were highest in the open-grazing strata. Antibody prevalence in adult cattle and ECF morbidity and mortality risks were also highest in open-grazing strata. While different, all five AEZ-grazing strata were considered to be endemically unstable for ECF. East Coast fever challenge was low in all zero-grazing strata and this challenge is likely to remain low due to continuing intensification of smallholder farming in the central highlands. In the open-grazing strata, there was higher challenge and a greater impact of ECF. ILRI publication no.: 99017.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	S Agriculture > SF Animal culture
Divisions:	Faculty of Science > Life Sciences (2010- ) > Biological Sciences ( -2010)
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Theileriosis -- Epidemiology -- Kenya, Tick-borne diseases in animals, Cattle -- Diseases -- Epidemiology, Dairy farming -- Kenya, East Coast fever -- Kenya
Journal or Publication Title:	Epidemiology and Infection
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
ISSN:	0950-2688
Date:	April 2000
Volume:	Vol.124
Number:	No.2
Page Range:	pp. 325-335
Identification Number:	10.1017/S0950268800003526
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access
Funder:	International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/846