European Journal of Animal Health

THE IMPACT OF ANIMAL HEALTH ON HUMAN HEALTH IN EAST AFRICA.A CRITICAL LITERATURE REVIEW

DANSON NGETHE — 2022-07-01

Purpose: Human health is inexplicably connected to animal health and will continue to do so. However, because of the continued effects they have on each other, there is a need to continually find out the adverse effects this comes with. The general objective of the study was to understand impact of animal health on human health in East Africa and possible strategies to mitigate them.

Methodology: The paper used a desk study review methodology where relevant empirical literature was reviewed to identify main themes and to extract knowledge gaps.

Findings: There is need for concerted efforts to build not only on adopted human adaptation strategies but also help them reduce current vulnerability as well as build future resilience.

Unique Contribution to Theory and Practice: There is need to engage communities to understand their levels of vulnerability and design their own sustainable adaptation action plans. The one health paradigm is gaining currency among natural and social scientists, practicing health professionals and, increasingly, wider society. The concept essentially is that the health of humans, animals and also the environment are inextricably interlinked. It follows therefore that research that impacts on one of these components has the potential to influence all

Clinical and Epidemiological Aspect of Canine Gastroenteritis in Lubumbashi, DR Congo.

Kasereka Bourgeois Syaghuswa — 2022-09-10

Introduction: Gastroenteritis is a disease known for its high morbidity and mortality in dogs. It shows wide variations in causes and prevalence throughout the world. No study in Lubumbashi has mentioned it to date.

Purpose: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to provide veterinary clinicians in Lubumbashi with data on the prevalence, seasonality associated with canine gastroenteritis and to assess the clinical diagnostic capacity of veterinary clinicians in the city of Lubumbashi.

Methodology: The retrospective 5-year clinical records of 762 dogs were consulted where only 455 clinical cases had completed records. These clinical records were collected from 14 veterinary practices and 4 veterinary clinics. A pre-populated survey form was distributed to all veterinary practices and clinics that did not complete clinical records during the study period.

Results: The prevalence of canine gastroenteritis was 47.5% [(95% CI):44.5-53.3] of ill dogs. This prevalence was influenced by vaccination status, breed, age and period of year (p<0.05). The sex did not show any influence (p>0.05). The highest prevalence was found in dogs between 0 and 6 months of age (80%). The most prevalent month was July, corresponding to the peak of the dry season in Lubumbashi. On the other hand, the least prevalent month was February, corresponding to the peak of the rainy season. Dogs in all communes were affected with the highest prevalence in the Commune of Lubumbashi 43.1% [(95% CI): 36.4-49.6] followed by the Annex commune 47 cases or 21.7% [(95% CI): 16.2-27.2]. During clinical consultations, three gastrointestinal diseases were suspected, including canine parvovirus enteritis, helminthiasis and non-specific gastroenteritis.

Unique contribution to theory and practice: This study was the first to record epidemiological data on canine gastroenteritis treated in veterinary practices and clinics in the city of Lubumbashi. It is therefore part of the objective to improve the epidemiological and clinical knowledge of canine gastrointestinal pathologies. Based on these results, the authors recommend to the dog breeders of Lubumbashi on the usefulness of vaccination and deworming of dogs especially during the dry season and to the veterinarians, rational management of the clinical records of the patients while encouraging them to practice autopsy and paraclinical examinations.

Conditions Responsible for Meat Condemnations in Cattle Slaughtered in Bugesera, Gicumbi and Rwamagana districts of Rwanda

Bertine Dukundane — 2022-01-14

Introduction: Records obtained from slaughterhouses on the causes of meat condemnation is vital in contributing to the surveillance of disease prevalence and for promoting food security by protecting the community from consuming infected or unhygienic meat.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of conditions that lead to organs and/or carcass condemnation.

Methodology: A retrospective study design was used to collect data by using a structured questionnaire. The study reviewed three years (October 2018 to October 2021) postmortem inspection records of cattle slaughtered at abattoirs located in Bugesera, Gicumbi, and Rwamagana districts of Rwanda.

Findings: Of the 9256 cattle slaughtered, 26.3% had at least one condition leading to total condemnation of organs or carcasses. The results of the study also revealed that the fasciolosis was the main cause of the liver (41.1%, 90.0%, and 65.5%) condemnation in the three districts respectively, while the kidney (4.7%, 0.8%, and 6.4%) was condemned due to urinary calculi. The leading causes of condemnation of lungs and intestine were insufficient bleeding (50.1%) and pimply gut (0.7%), respectively. In decreasing order of probability of being more prevalent, the top four conditions were: fasciolosis (9.2%), insufficient bleeding (3.2%), urinary calculi (0.9%), and hydronephrosis (0.6%).

Recommendations: These results highlight the need for improved meat inspection practices at abattoirs, awareness of stakeholders involved in cattle trading value chain, and implementing control and prevention measures against these conditions. This will help improving meat safety at abattoirs while ensuring food security and profitability of meat value chain.