scholarly journals Dynamics of Rodent-Borne Zoonotic Diseases and Their Reservoir Hosts: Invasive Rattus in South Africa

2012 ◽  
Vol 25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rolanda , S. Julius ◽  
Armanda , D. Bastos ◽  
Christian , T. Chimimba ◽  
Helene Brettschneider
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Zoonotic Diseases ◽  
Reservoir Hosts

Research Activities of Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 818-822
Author(s):  
Hideaki Higashi ◽  
◽  
Hiroshi Kida
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Emerging Infectious Diseases ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Zoonotic Diseases ◽  
University Research ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Level 3 ◽  
The University ◽  
Biosafety Level

The Hokkaido University Research Center for Zoonosis Control (CZC) established the Hokudai Center for Zoonosis Control in Zambia (HUCZCZ) at the School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of Zambia, in 2007 to control zoonotic diseases in the areas of South Africa, where various emerging infectious diseases have occurred. The CZC promotes epidemiological studies and basic researches of infectious diseases caused by viruses, protozoa, and bacteria by using the biosafety level 3 facility in the HUCZCZ. This article introduces research activities of the HUCZCZ in Zambia.

scholarly journals Assessing the potential of plains zebra to maintain African horse sickness in the Western Cape Province, South Africa

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thibaud Porphyre ◽  
John D. Grewar
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
African Horse Sickness ◽  
Western Cape Province ◽  
Tariff Barrier ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Stochastic Vector ◽  
Reservoir Hosts ◽  
Plains Zebra

AbstractAfrican horse sickness (AHS) is a disease of equids that results in a non-tariff barrier to the trade of live equids from affected countries. AHS is endemic in South Africa except for a controlled area in the Western Cape Province (WCP) where sporadic outbreaks have occurred in the past 2 decades. There is potential that the presence of zebra populations, thought to be the natural reservoir hosts for AHS, in the WCP could maintain AHS virus circulation in the area and act as a year-round source of infection for horses. However, it remains unclear whether the epidemiology or the ecological conditions present in the WCP would enable persistent circulation of AHS in the local zebra populations.Here we developed a hybrid deterministic-stochastic vector-host compartmental model of AHS transmission in plains zebra (Equus quagga), where host populations are age- and sex-structured and for which population and AHS transmission dynamics are modulated by rainfall and temperature conditions. Using this model, we showed that populations of plains zebra present in the WCP are not sufficiently large for AHS introduction events to become endemic and that coastal populations of zebra need to be >2500 individuals for AHS to persist >2 years, even if zebras are infectious for more than 50 days. AHS cannot become endemic in the coastal population of the WCP unless the zebra population involves at least 50,000 individuals. Finally, inland populations of plains zebra in the WCP may represent a risk for AHS to persist but would require populations of at least 500 zebras or show unrealistic duration of infectiousness for AHS introduction events to become endemic.Our results provide evidence that the risk of AHS persistence from a single introduction event in a given plains zebra population in the WCP is extremely low and it is unlikely to represent a long-term source of infection for local horses.

scholarly journals ADVANZ: Establishing a Pan-African platform for neglected zoonotic disease control through a One Health approach

2014 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher F.L. Saarnak ◽  
Maria V. Johansen ◽  
Samson Mukaratirwa
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
One Health ◽  
Zoonotic Diseases ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Framework Programme ◽  
Pan African ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
And Control

Advocacy for neglected zoonotic diseases (ADVANZ) is a One Health Neglected Zoonotic Diseases (NZDs) project, funded by the European Commission through its 7th framework programme. The initiative aims at persuading decision makers and empowering stakeholders at local, regional, and international levels towards a coordinated fight against NZDs. ADVANZ is establishing an African platform to share experiences in the prevention and control of NZDs. The platform will compile and package existing knowledge or data on NZDs and generate evidence-based algorithms for improving surveillance and control with the ultimate aim of eliminating and eradicating these diseases. The platform will serve as a forum for African and international stakeholders, as well as existing One Health and NZD networks and harness and consolidate their efforts in the control and prevention of NZDs. The platform had its first meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa in March 2013.

scholarly journals ‘Preventing the next pandemic’ – A 2020 UNEP Frontiers Series Report on zoonotic diseases with reflections for South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 116 (7/8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianca Wernecke ◽  
Danielle A. Millar ◽  
Michele Walters ◽  
Andre Ganswindt ◽  
Luthando Dziba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Zoonotic Diseases ◽  
Series Report

scholarly journals Ectoparasitic community of the Mahali mole-rat, Cryptomys hottentotus mahali: potential host for vectors of medical importance in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dina M. Fagir ◽  
Nigel C. Bennett ◽  
Eddie A. Ueckermann ◽  
Alexandra Howard ◽  
Daniel W. Hart
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Host Preference ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Mite Species ◽  
Zoonotic Diseases ◽  
African Region ◽  
Mole Rat ◽  
Host Sex ◽  
Medical Importance

Abstract Background The endemic rodent family of Bathyergidae in Africa, particularly South Africa, are understudied as reservoirs of diseases of significant medical importance. Considering the diversity and wide distribution of African mole-rats in South Africa, many of these bathyergids could act as carriers of zoonoses. Methods The present study assessed the ectoparasite community of the Mahali mole-rat (Cryptomys hottentotus mahali). We aimed to identify possible parasitic arthropods that may infest this mole-rat species and explore host preference, contributions of seasonality, host sex and body mass as well as social class and colony size on ectoparasite assemblage prevalence and abundance. Results A limited number of ectoparasite species were found on C. h. mahali belonging to two significant taxa: mites (Acari) and fleas, with mites being the most prevalent and abundant. We recorded the presence of X. philoxera, a flea well known as the principal reservoir of plague in the southern African region on the Mahali mole-rats. Only three mite species were collected: Androlaelaps scapularis, Androlaelaps capensis and Laelaps liberiensis. Seasonal peaks in prevalence and abundance of X. philoxera and A. scapularis were observed during summer. Xenopsylla philoxera abundance and A. scapularis loads significantly increased on reproductive mole-rat individuals in comparison to non-reproductive individuals. Conclusion Despite the wide distribution of the subterranean African mole-rats, studies investigating their parasitic fauna remain limited and scarce. This dearth in knowledge raises the concern regarding their potential role as an endemic reservoir for zoonotic diseases. Consequently, additional sampling of their ectoparasitic community throughout their distributional range and research addressing their role as a reservoir for zoonotic diseases in southern Africa are urgently needed.

scholarly journals Identification and molecular characterization of novel viruses in Ugandan cattle

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Balinandi ◽  
Juliette Hayer ◽  
Harindranath Cholleti ◽  
Julius Lutwama ◽  
Michelle Wille ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Zoonotic Diseases ◽  
Virus Family ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Molecular Approaches ◽  
Reservoir Hosts ◽  
First Time ◽  
Family Rhabdoviridae

The risk for the emergence of novel viral zoonotic diseases in animals and humans in Uganda is high given its geographical location with high biodiversity. We aimed to identify and characterize viruses in 175 blood samples from cattle selected in Uganda using molecular approaches. We identified 8 viral species belonging to 4 families (Flaviviridae, Peribunyaviridae, Reoviridae and Rhabdoviridae) and 6 genera (Hepacivirus, Pestivirus, Orthobunyavirus, Coltivirus, Dinovernavirus and Ephemerovirus). Four viruses were novel and tetantively named as Zikole virus (Family: Flaviviridae), Zeboroti virus (Family: Reoviridae), Zebtine virus (Family: Rhabdoviridae) and Kokolu virus (Family: Rhabdoviridae). In addition, Bovine hepacivirus, Obodhiang virus, Aedes pseudoscutellaris reovirus and Schmallenberg virus were identified for the first time in Ugandan cattle. We report a broad range of viruses including novel ones in the blood of cattle likely as reservoir hosts for emergence of novel viruses with serious public health implications.

scholarly journals Host Diversity and Origin of Zoonoses: The Ancient and the New

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1672
Author(s):  
Judith Recht ◽  
Verena J. Schuenemann ◽  
Marcelo R. Sánchez-Villagra
Keyword(s):  
Dna Analysis ◽  
Economic Cost ◽  
Zoonotic Diseases ◽  
Research Progress ◽  
Animal Origin ◽  
Bone Lesions ◽  
Domestic Species ◽  
Global Priority ◽  
Ancient Dna Analysis ◽  
Reservoir Hosts

Bacterial, viral, and parasitic zoonotic diseases are transmitted to humans from a wide variety of animal species that act as reservoir hosts for the causative organisms. Zoonoses contribute an estimated 75% of new or reemerging infectious diseases in humans. All groups of mammals have been shown to act as hosts for transmission of different organisms that cause zoonoses, followed in importance by birds; with both wild and domestic species identified as hosts in specific cases. There has been considerable research progress leading to a better understanding of the host range, animal origin, evolution, and transmission of important zoonoses, including those caused by the ingestion of food and products derived from animals. Paleopathology studies of ancient human bone lesions, in combination with ancient DNA analysis of the causative pathogen, have contributed to our understanding of the origin of zoonotic diseases, including brucellosis and mycobacterial zoonoses. However, there are still knowledge gaps and new confirmed and potential hosts are reported locally with some frequency. Both the economic cost and burden of disease of zoonoses are substantial at local and global levels, as reflected by recent coronavirus pandemics that spread rapidly around the world. Evidence-based prevention strategies are currently a global priority increasingly recognized, especially in zoonoses-affected regions.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Selected Zoonotic Diseases and Risk Factors at a Human-Wildlife-Livestock Interface in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 303-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory J.G. Simpson ◽  
Vanessa Quan ◽  
John Frean ◽  
Darryn L. Knobel ◽  
Jennifer Rossouw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Zoonotic Diseases ◽  
Mpumalanga Province

scholarly journals Rodents as Hosts of Pathogens and Related Zoonotic Disease Risk

Pathogens ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Handi Dahmana ◽  
Laurent Granjon ◽  
Christophe Diagne ◽  
Bernard Davoust ◽  
Florence Fenollar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Bacterial Communities ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Zoonotic Diseases ◽  
Global Changes ◽  
Invasive Rodents ◽  
Reservoir Hosts ◽  
Rodent Communities ◽  
Host Body Mass ◽  
Trapping Sites

Rodents are known to be reservoir hosts for at least 60 zoonotic diseases and are known to play an important role in their transmission and spread in different ways. We sampled different rodent communities within and around human settlements in Northern Senegal, an area subjected to major environmental transformations associated with global changes. Herein, we conducted an epidemiological study on their bacterial communities. One hundred and seventy-one (171) invasive and native rodents were captured, 50 from outdoor trapping sites and 121 rodents from indoor habitats, consisting of five species. The DNA of thirteen pathogens was successfully screened on the rodents’ spleens. We found: 2.3% of spleens positive to Piroplasmida and amplified one which gave a potentially new species Candidatus “Theileria senegalensis”; 9.35% of Bartonella spp. and amplified 10, giving three genotypes; 3.5% of filariasis species; 18.12% of Anaplasmataceae species and amplified only 5, giving a new potential species Candidatus “Ehrlichia senegalensis”; 2.33% of Hepatozoon spp.; 3.5% of Kinetoplastidae spp.; and 15.2% of Borrelia spp. and amplified 8 belonging all to Borrelia crocidurae. Some of the species of pathogens carried by the rodents of our studied area may be unknown because most of those we have identified are new species. In one bacterial taxon, Anaplasma, a positive correlation between host body mass and infection was found. Overall, male and invasive rodents appeared less infected than female and native ones, respectively.

scholarly journals African Lions and Zoonotic Diseases: Implications for Commercial Lion Farms in South Africa

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1692
Author(s):  
Jennah Green ◽  
Catherine Jakins ◽  
Eyob Asfaw ◽  
Nicholas Bruschi ◽  
Abbie Parker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Captive Breeding ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Zoonotic Diseases ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Commercial Farms ◽  
Risk Of Disease ◽  
African Lions

African lions (Panthera leo) are bred in captivity on commercial farms across South Africa and often have close contact with farm staff, tourists, and other industry workers. As transmission of zoonotic diseases occurs through close proximity between wildlife and humans, these commercial captive breeding operations pose a potential risk to thousands of captive lions and to public health. An understanding of pathogens known to affect lions is needed to effectively assess the risk of disease emergence and transmission within the industry. Here, we conduct a systematic search of the academic literature, identifying 148 peer-reviewed studies, to summarize the range of pathogens and parasites known to affect African lions. A total of 63 pathogenic organisms were recorded, belonging to 35 genera across 30 taxonomic families. Over half were parasites (35, 56%), followed by viruses (17, 27%) and bacteria (11, 17%). A number of novel pathogens representing unidentified and undescribed species were also reported. Among the pathogenic inventory are species that can be transmitted from lions to other species, including humans. In addition, 83 clinical symptoms and diseases associated with these pathogens were identified. Given the risks posed by infectious diseases, this research highlights the potential public health risks associated with the captive breeding industry. We recommend that relevant authorities take imminent action to help prevent and manage the risks posed by zoonotic pathogens on lion farms.

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