Prevalence of East Coast fever and associated risk factors in cattle in Bulambuli district, Eastern Uganda.

Abstract

East Coast fever (ECF) is a disease of cattle caused by haemo protozoan parasite Theileria parva transmitted by Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (brown ear tick). Bulambuli District is one of the districts in Eastern Uganda whose livestock production is affected by tick borne diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of ECF and associated risk factors in Bulambuli District. The animals were selected randomly and both the local and cross breeds of cattle were sampled in various sub counties located in both. the upper and lower zones of the District. Blood samples and lymph node smears were- collected from each of the 80 animals sampled for this study. A structured questionnaire was administered to the 80 farmers to capture farmer characteristics, breed, and age of cattle and risk-factors of ECF infection. Giemsa.staining technique a method that involves microscopic examination was used to observe Theileria Parva piroplasms in the blood and lymph node smears. The findings showed that a total of 24 (30.0%) blood samples tested positive and 28(35.0%) lymph node smears tested positive. The theileria Parva prevalence of lymph node smear testing were 35%, of animals sampled. 24 (28.9%) were local breed and 56 (70.9) cross breeds. The prevalence showed that 21(26.3%) of the local animals tested positive and 7(8.8%) cross breed tested positive. However, 5(6.3%), of the animals sampled were found sick with clinical signs of ECF which included nasal discharge, high body temperature, swollen lymph nodes with brown ticks on the body. The prevalence was higher in the lower zone 24(30.0%) compared to the upper zone Elgon 4(5.0%), 24(29.1%) animals were. raised on Communal grazing and 56(70.9) were on Zero grazing, 21(26J%) animals on communal grazing tested positive and 7(8.8%) on zero grazing tested positive 47(58.8%) respondents were not aware about ECF in cattle and the causative factor. 70(85.5%.) cannot differentiate ticks and cannot tell which one-exactly causes ECF. However, 33(41.3%) were aware about ECF and its causative agent and 10 (12.3%) we're able to differentiate ticks and could identify the one that causes ECF as brown ear ticks. About control measures, 46(57.5%) farmers spray their animals 34(42.5%) do not spray, 8 (10.0%) know about other control means of ECF apart from dipping means like treatment when sick .and 72(90.0%) do not know other means of control.