Cage aquaculture in Lake Victoria Tanzania has expanded rapidly increasing from 460 in 2021 to over 1000 in 2025, yet disease outbreaks remain a major constraint to productivity and farmer livelihoods. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate bacterial pathogens affecting Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in cage farms across six districts in the Lake Victoria Basin (LVB), Tanzania. A total of 90 moribund fish were collected from thirty cage fish farm purposively and from each fish liver and kidney were sampled. Bacterial isolates were identified using biochemical profiling and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Three pathogenic bacteria namely Citrobacter freundii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus agalactiae were isolated and identified. Pathogenicity trials demonstrated that P. aeruginosa exhibited the highest mortality rate (86.7%), followed by C. freundii (53.3%) and S. agalactiae (40%). Clinical and post-mortem findings from the trials showed symptoms consistent with haemorrhagic septicaemia, scale loss, fin rot, skin ulcer, Popeye, and eye loss. Phylogenetic analysis grouped sequences of each pathogen into a single cluster, regardless of their geographical origins, suggesting a common source and subsequent dispersal to various locations. The study calls for farmer training and harmonized efforts to strengthen disease control strategies, as farmers are likely dealing with the same bacterial strains.
Non-typical Salmonella, particularly Salmonella enteritidis, is a major zoonotic pathogen. In Zimbabwe, small-scale poultry farms are a critical part of the food supply chain, yet their disease burden and husbandry practices are not well characterised, leading to public health risks. This study compared the prevalence of Salmonella enteritidis and farming practices between small-scale and large-scale broiler farms in the Harare metropolitan region. In a cross-sectional study, 1050 cloacal swabs were collected from 6-week-old broilers across 70 farms (35 small-scale, 35 large-scale) within an 80 km radius of the capital Harare. Samples were cultured and isolates confirmed serologically, with farming practices assessed using a checklist. Prevalence was calculated, and a generalized linear mixed model was used to determine association, accounting for farm-level clustering. The overall prevalence of Salmonella Enteritidis was 10.4% (95% CI: 8.6 – 12.2%), with small-scale farms having a significantly higher prevalence (17.7%) than large-scale farms (2.3%). After adjusting for farm-level clustering, broilers from small-scale farms had 18 times higher odds of infection (OR = 18.95% CI: 5.6 – 90.1, p< 0.001). This disparity was strongly associated with markedly inferior biosecurity protocols, limited veterinary supervision, and higher-risk management practices on small-scale farms. Small-scale broiler production systems near Harare are significantly more vulnerable to Salmonella Enteritidis contamination due to insufficient biosecurity and management practices. This highlights an immediate necessity for focused interventions, such as farmer education and enhanced support for biosecurity measures, to reduce zoonotic risks and improve food safety
In developing countries including Tanzania, the use of draught animal power like donkeys is constrained by inadequate and limited knowledge about their health problems and welfare. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2016 to August 2017 on 400 slaughtered donkeys to establish prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth at Huacheng international abattoir, Dodoma. A total of 1200 gastrointestinal content samples were collected from rectum, caecum and small intestine and examined by using floatation, sedimentation, MacMaster counting techniques for helminths eggs recovery and adult helminths. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and analyzed by Epi-Info version 7.2.6.0. The prevalence of helminth infection was 88.4% and all infected donkeys had nematodes, 55% had trematodes and 0.5% were infected with cestodes. The common types of helminths infections were Strongyle, Paramphistomum, Nematodirus and Parascaris. Moniezia were the least detected. Up to 60.3% of the donkeys were infected with both nematodes and trematodes. Most donkeys had severe levels of Strongyle infection with mean faecal egg count of 1885 ± 1228 per gram. Different parts of GIT influenced helminth colonization and the difference in infection rates was statistically significant p<0.0001) with rectum (88.4%) having highest helminths burden compared to small intestine (43.3%) and caecum (42.9%). Donkeys’ husbandry practices need improvement along with routine veterinary services including routine deworming.
This study was carried out to examine the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes and Eimeria occysts in sheep farms of Northern Cyprus. A total of 356 sheep faecal samples were randomly collected across sheep farms in suburban regions of Northern Cyprus. The feces were tested for parasites using centrifugal flotation method. Eggs of Moniezia, Cooperia, Oesophagosuturom, Trichurus Haemonchus, Nematodirus, Trichostrongylus, Toxocara, Taeniidae, Spirocerca, gastrointestinal nematode (GNI) genera and Eimeria oocysts were recovered from the samples. At least one parasite was present in 321 of the samples, amounting to 90.2% gastrointestinal parasite prevalence. The most encountered parasite in the study was Haemonchus with 45.5% prevalence followed by Monieza with 30.5% whereas Taeniidae was the least encountered (4.2%). As for the age of animals, 92.3 % of sheep under the age of one year were infected with parasites while 48.8% of animals above two years were infected. There was no significant relationship (P value=0.33) between the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and the sex of animals. Out of 356 studied sheep 110 (30.9%) were cross-infected with two parasite genera, and 15 (12.64%) were cross-infected with three parasite genera. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirmed the presence of Cooperia. GINs and Eimeria were extensively distributed and cross-infected in the sheep flocks leading to a higher risk of illness and mortality. This is the first report of the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites across sheep farms in Northern Cyprus.
This study evaluated the effects of in-ovo and post-hatch photo stimulation on the growth performance and survivability of broiler chickens. A total of 800 fertile eggs were incubated under three light treatments: green light (GL, 560 nm), blue light (BL, 480 nm), and dark conditions (DL, control). Eggs were exposed to monochromatic light generated by LED lamps in 15-minute intervals, with standard incubation conditions of 37.8°C and 60% relative humidity. Upon hatching, chicks were assigned to three treatment groups: continuous photo stimulation, early post-hatch photo stimulation, and in ovo photo stimulation effect after hatching, using Green Light (GL), Blue Light (BL), and White light (WL) control to evaluate the effects of light exposure on post-hatch growth and survivability over six weeks rearing period. Results demonstrated significant improvements in hatching performance and growth parameters under GL and BL treatments. GL-treated eggs produced the heaviest hatchlings (37.49 ± 0.19 g), and BL-treated birds achieved the highest final body weights under continuous photo stimulation (2278.40 ± 36.64 g) and in ovo photo stimulation (2409.35 ± 38.32 g). Compared to the dark control, feed conversion ratios (FCR) were low under BL (1.50 ± 0.02), followed by GL (1.63 ± 0.002). Survivability was consistently higher in GL and BL treatments, with BL showing the lowest mortality rates. These findings indicate that photo stimulation, particularly with blue and green light, significantly enhances broiler growth performance, feed efficiency, and survivability, offering a sustainable approach to improving poultry production in tropical environments
Cattle diseases remain a major challenge to production and productivity, livelihoods, public health, and the safe utilization of cattle and their products. A three-year retrospective study (2021–2023) was conducted in nine selected government livestock farms to assess disease burden, trends and distribution. Farm records were reviewed to ascertain cattle herd size, breed, age, disease events, deaths, vaccination and acaricide application. Descriptive statistics were used to evaluate trends and temporal patterns, while negative binomial regression identified significant risk factors for disease occurrence. The study analyzed a total of 18 562 cattle with 3,790 disease cases and 2,251 deaths reported. Crude morbidity and mortality rates were 20.4% and 12.1%, respectively. Black quarter recorded the highest morbidity (16.1%) and mortality (7.6%). Other notable health problems included starvation (4.9%), Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (4.2%), diarrhoea (4.5%) and East Coast Fever (2.2%). The significant risk factors for the occurrence of diseases or conditions included dairy cattle (22.7%), young age (28%), cattle in the central zone (41.8%), and the dry seasons (64.1%). Vaccination and acaricide application were the only disease control methods documented. Vaccination against six diseases namely CBPP, Black quarter, Foot and Mouth Disease, Lumpy Skin Disease, Brucellosis, and Anthrax were recorded, with the highest vaccination coverage in Kongwa and Ruvu farms. Use of acaricide and vaccination in cattle were associated with reduction in disease incidence. Acaricide use and vaccination both had incidence rate ratio of less than 1 (IRR= 0.998, p < 0.05). Diseases and conditions are endemic in Government farms persistently cause of mortality regardless of control measures in place. Therefore, good livestock management practices in farms when integrated with proper vaccination, strategic acaricide use, and adoption of climate-resilient livestock management are the solutions to these health challenges
Effective post-surgery pain management is vital for animal welfare. Chenopodium ambrosioides, known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, was evaluated for its potential antioxidant and post-castration pain ameliorative effects in rabbit. Twenty-five mature bucks were surgically castrated and randomly assigned to five groups: Group A (oral 0.9% normal saline control), Group B (oral meloxicam, 0.1 mg/kg), Group C (oral C. ambrosioides extract, 500 mg/kg), and Group D (topical Ketoprofen 2.5% gel), and Group E (topical C. ambrosioides extract). Blood glucose level was measured immediately after the surgery and 15-, 30-, and 60-minutes post treatment while plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were measured in blood samples collected at 1-, 2-, and 3-hours post treatment in order to evaluate the plasma oxidant and antioxidant level Pain was evaluated using the Grimace scale based on still images extracted from 20-minute video recordings taken one hour after treatment. One-hour post-treatment, glucose levels were significantly higher in the control group (267.67 ± 18.77 mg/dL). At two hours, MDA levels were also significantly elevated in the control group (44696 ± 19071 nMol/mg), indicating greater oxidative stress. Grimace scores for oral meloxicam (0.51), oral C. ambrosioides (0.71), and topical C. ambrosioides (0.55) did not significantly differ from pre-surgical levels, while topical Fastum gel (Ketoprofen) (0.8) and oral C. ambrosioides (0.71) did not differ from the control group (0.92). C. ambrosioides showed antioxidative and analgesic properties, especially in its topical form, which yielded a faster pain-relief response and thereby have high potential in post-surgical pain management.
Bovine brucellosis is a chronic infectious disease of cattle, which poses serious public health and economic impacts. It leads to reproductive failures such as abortion, retained placenta, and infertility. Humans contract the infection through occupational exposure or consumption of contaminated animal products. Brucellosis is endemic in Tanzania, however, its profile in terms of magnitude and distribution is limited. Tanganyika District is one of areas in Tanzania which lacks such information for control purposes. This study, therefore, was designed to determine the magnitude of brucella infection in cattle and assess the associated factors in Tanganyika District. A total 380 cattle sera were screened for brucella antibodies by Rose Bengal Plate Test and confirmed by Fluorescence Polarization Assay. A structured questionnaire was administered to 51 herd owners to assess the potential factors associated with brucella infection. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results showed that out of 380 cattle sera tested, 24 (6.3%, 95%CI=4.3-9.2) were positive for brucella antibodies. Bull sharing (OR=5.2, 95%CI=1.6-17.1) and open disposal of foetal membranes (OR=6.4, 95%CI=1.2-32.5) were associated with sero-positivity. The odds of brucellosis in cattle were higher in farms where farmers were engaged in managing reproduction cases (OR=20.8, 95%CI=7.3-59.5). These findings highlight the presence of bovine brucellosis in Tanganyika district and its occurrence is associated with management practices such as bull sharing, direct contact with and improper disposal of foetal membranes. This call for targeted control strategies including regular screening, public awareness campaigns, and improved animal health management
Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is notifiable disease posing a substantial burden on livestock keepers, including those in the Chamwino District Council. This retrospective study was conducted to determine the prevalence and spatial distribution of CBPP in Chamwino District from 2020 to 2023 using secondary data from district archives. Disease surveillance reports from the 36 wards of Chamwino DC were analyzed, focusing on affected wards, CBPP cases, population at risk, and deaths. Out of 171,424 cattle, 2,874 CBPP clinical cases, and 98 deaths, resulting into a prevalence of 1.68%, a case fatality rate of 3.41%, and a crude mortality rate of 0.06% reported to Zonal Veterinary Center. Zajilwa ward reported the highest number of cases (379), followed by Manda (250), Itiso (242), and Haneti (211). These wards are predominantly inhabited by Sukuma, Maasai, and Gogo communities, who engage in pastoralism and agro pastoralism, managing large herds of cattle under extensive livestock management systems, presence of prominent large livestock markets and bordered with other districts. CBPP cases peaked during the dry (July-October) and rainy (November-January, April) seasons. The study identified livestock movement to markets and extensive herd management as key risk factors in CBPP spread. To effectively control CBPP in Chamwino District, it is crucial to enforce livestock movement regulations and implement vaccination programs targeting pastoral and agro pastoral communities, such measures are essential to reducing the prevalence of CBPP and safeguarding the livelihoods of livestock keepers in the district.
A cross-sectional study on bovine brucellosis was carried out between November 2021 and January 2022 in Kasulu and Kibondo Districts of Kigoma Region, Western Tanzania, to determine the disease prevalence. The Fluorescence Polarization Assay (FPA), a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tool for detecting Brucella antibodies, was employed to enhance diagnostic accuracy. A total of 388 cattle were examined, yielding an overall seroprevalence of 7.73%. The prevalence was significantly higher in Kasulu District (10.98%) compared to Kibondo District (0.81%) (p = 0.002). Female cattle recorded a higher seroprevalence (10.95%) than males (0%) (p = 0.001). Moreover, the Ankole breed exhibited greater susceptibility, with adult Ankole cattle showing a significantly higher prevalence (9.4%) compared to indigenous breeds (4.5%) (p < 0.001). These results indicate that bovine brucellosis remains an important concern in both districts, with Kasulu particularly Kagerankanda village emerging as a hotspot due to its prominence in livestock keeping. Given the zoonotic nature of brucellosis, these findings underscore the urgent need for targeted and strategic control measures to mitigate both animal and public health risks.
Taenia solium cystcercosis/Taeniasis (TSCT) is endemic in many rural areas practicing traditional pig keeping with potential transmission to urban communities in Tanzania. The endemicity of the parasite is associated with low community knowledge and poor sanitation. Community health education intervention was conducted in Nyasa district using a community-based Health Education Package (CHEP) to improve community knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) related to TSCT control. Two wards and one village from each ward were purposively selected based on number of pigs and occurrence of porcine cysticercosis. The CHEP included a leaflet, poster and a practical guidebook. The delivery model involved one-day Training of selected community members who then trained the community for two days. Structured questionnaire involving eighty-eight (88) participants was used to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of the community about TSCT before and immediately post health education intervention. At baseline, about 70% of the participants were aware of the existence of TSCT and the awareness increased to 90% post Health Education (HE) intervention. Forty-three percent of the participants were ignorant about TSCT transmission, risk factors and its effects on human health. There was an improvement in all aspects regarding community KAP about TSCT transmission and control post HE intervention. Education level of the participants had an impact on baseline knowledge but did not affect knowledge acquisition during community health training. The intervention improved community KAP about TSCT prevention and control confirming the efficiency of the CHEP in controlling the parasite. The study recommends long-term impact assessment of the HE interventions to observe the community change in risky behavior and practices in control of TSCT.
This study assessed the prevalence and management of gastrointestinal helminths (GIH) in pigs in three wards of Mpwapwa District, Dodoma, Tanzania. Faecal samples from 160 pigs were analyzed using the saturated sodium chloride flotation method, and eggs per gram (EPG) were quantified with a McMaster counting chamber. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on GIH control practices from 52 smallholder pig farmers. Gastrointestinal helminths were detected in 31.9% of pigs, with strongyle-type helminths showing the highest prevalence (26.9%), followed by Ascaris suum (6.3%) and Trichuris suis (3%). Single-species infections were most common (28.1%), while double infections were less frequent (3.8%). Although the prevalence of infection was higher in female pigs (23.8%) compared to males (8.1%), the difference was not statistically significant. Adult pigs showed a significantly higher prevalence (26.9%) compared to piglets (5%). Among the villages, Gulwe had the highest prevalence (13.7%), followed by Igovu (12.5%) and Ving’hawe (5.6%), although differences were not statistically significant. Effective control practices for GIH identified in this study included deworming using modern drugs, improved sanitation, and water source, and meat inspection. This study highlights the presence of Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, and strongyle-type helminths in pigs in Mpwapwa district. An integrated approach, including enhanced veterinary services, farmer education, and parasite management, is crucial. The zoonotic risk of certain helminths emphasizes the importance of a One Health approach to safeguard animal and human health while improving pig productivity
Calf mortality is among the major problems hindering the success of the dairy industry throughout the world. It has a negative impact on milk production by reducing future milking herds and eroding genetic improvement. A retrospective study was conducted in Iringa and Njombe regions to estimate the magnitude and determinants of mortalities in calves up to 12 months of age. Five years data from 1st July 2017 to 30th June 2022 about calf mortality and related information were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier and Cox Proportional Hazard analysis. It was found that a total of 4,466 calves were born, out of which, 343 died at different times. The crude mortality was 7.68% while the mortality risk was 11.2% and the mortality rate was 11.9 per 100 calf-year at risk. The first month of life registered 36.15% of mortalities and at 90 days of age 63.3% of mortalities occurred. Diarrhea (27.11%), pneumonia (19.53%), and accidents (17.2%) were the most common syndrome/ factors associated with calf mortality. Calf mortality was higher in Jersey calves (HR 1.7, 95% CI 1.37-2.31) compared to other breeds. Calves born during dry season had a lower likelihood of dying (HR=0.647, 95% CI; 0.47 – 0.90) than calves born during rainy season. The major causes of early calf mortalities are managemental related and risk factors are age, breed and season. Improvement in calf management practices during the first month of life, breed selection and breeding program which allow calving in dry season may help to reduce dairy calf mortalities in Iringa and Njombe regions.
Taeniid infection in dogs is of public health concern due to significant losses resulting from their larval stages. Studies conducted in northern Tanzania have determined its prevalence and determinants. Understanding this information from different regions may contribute to informed plans for protecting dogs, intermediate hosts and the public. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for taeniid infections in dogs in Mpwapwa District, Tanzania. Fecal samples were collected from 168 dogs, processed by floatation technique, and examined for taeniid eggs using a light microscope. A structured questionnaire was also administered to 168 dog-owning households to study the associated risk factors. Coproscopic examination revealed a prevalence of 11.3% for taeniid infections in dogs. The difference in prevalence between age groups and breeds were statistically significant. Descriptive data analysis revealed that in the past twelve-month period, only 35.7% of dog-owning households dewormed their dogs while 64.3% did not. The prevalence was high in non-dewormed dogs compared to dewormed dogs. The difference in prevalence between non-dewormed and dewormed dogs was not statistically significant. These findings highlight the need for increased dog owners' awareness of the importance of regular deworming. Also, it emphasizes the need to consider age and breed differences when designing control measures.
Rodents and shrews are important in public health as reservoirs of ectoparasites and zoonotic hemoparasites, which can threaten livestock and human health. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of hemoparasites in rodents and shrews in Arusha Municipal, Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from March to May 2024, where rodents and shrews were captured using live traps in residential and peridomestic areas. Blood samples were collected and examined for hemoparasites through thick and thin smears. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between prevalence and variables such as species, sex, and habitat. A total of 96 small mammals were captured, comprising 85 rodents and 11 shrews. Anaplasma spp. had the highest prevalence, infecting 24.7% of rodents and 36.4% of shrews, with co-infection of Anaplasma spp. and Theileria spp. detected in 4.7% of rodents and 27.3% of shrews. Babesia spp was detected at infection rate of 2.4% in rodents, and 9.1% in shrews. Logistic regression revealed that the odds of Anaplasma spp. infection were significantly higher in shrews compared to rodents (p = 0.023), and animals from peridomestic areas exhibited a higher prevalence (p = 0.017). The study highlights the high prevalence of hemoparasites in rodents and shrews, particularly in peridomestic areas, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Habitat management, vector control, and public health education are crucial for reducing zoonotic disease transmission. Future research should focus on ecological factors influencing hemoparasite transmission and their potential impacts on human and animal health.
A retrospective study was conducted to determine the Spatial and temporal distribution of Foot and Mouth Disease in the Southern Highland Zone Tanzania. The present study used data from archived information of animal disease surveillance reports in form of weekly reports submitted to the Zonal Office from Local Government Authorities (LGAs) for the past five years from January 2019 to December 2023. The present study found that out of 31 Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in the Southern Highland Zone 26 reported the disease in the past five years. Moreover, 25,60 6 cases, and 389 deaths were reported. Therefore, 5.3%, 1.7%, and 0.1% were reported as FMD prevalence, case fatality rate, and mortality rate, respectively. It was also revealed that there was a clear temporal pattern of FMD occurrence, with more cases being reported between January and April which is the rainy season. In conclusion, FMD is a seasonal problem in Southern Highland Zone Tanzania, Therefore Strategic vaccination of animals should start at least a month prior to the onset rainy season to ensure immunity against the virus, together with restrictions on animal movements during rainy season and farmers have to be aware about the risk of unrestricted animal movement.
Semen quality is of paramount importance for the success of any artificial insemination program. The objective of this study was to compare the efficiency of OptiXcell® and Soy-bean milk (SBME) extenders for cryopreservation of semen from Boer and Malya bucks. Semen collection was performed using artificial vagina technique. 144 fresh ejaculates were visually assessed for volume, color and foreign bodies. Eosin-Nigrosin and Giemsa stain techniques used for assessments of sperm morphology and acrosome integrity. CASA used to assess for sperm motions from both fresh and frozen semen samples. Fresh semen assessment revealed breed differences in sperm viability, membrane integrity, curvilinear velocity, beat cross frequency, straightness index, and linearity. Whereas, semen volume, pH, concentration, progressive motility, morphology, acrosomal integrity, velocity straight line, velocity average pathway, and Amplitude of lateral head did not vary between bucks and breeds. Analysis revealed decrease in sperm kinetics after cryopreservation. Cryopreservation using both OptiXcell and SBME resulted into decline in sperm kinetic parameters. However, semen samples extended with OptiXcell had higher post-thawing values for progressive motility, normalcy, viability, velocity average pathway, velocity straight line, curvilinear velocity, amplitude of lateral head, beat cross frequency, straightness and linearity than semen diluted using SBME-Glycerol and SBME-DMSO. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was noted while comparing the effects of cryopreservation between buck breeds on sperm parameters while using OptiXcell and SBME. Although a remarkable decrease in sperm variables was noted after cryopreservation with the two extenders and cryoprotectants, OptiXcell showed superiority in cryopreserving buck semen compared with SBME
Transboundary animal diseases are largely threatening the livestock sector worldwide. A retrospective study using EMA-i data collected from July 2020 to June 2023 was conducted in Same district to assess the reporting trends and their distribution, magnitude and direct financial losses associated with transboundary animal diseases. The distribution of transboundary animal diseases was illustrated using geographical maps and graphs, while reporting trends were analyzed by comparing the number of reported cases to the population of the respective species. Statistical tests were used to assess the spread and magnitude of the diseases, and direct financial losses were estimated based on animal mortalities. The results indicate that Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and Newcastle Disease (ND) were the reported transboundary animal diseases. CBPP, CCPP, and FMD were the most widespread, affecting seven wards, followed by LSD in five wards, ND in three wards, and PPR in two wards. Among the six reported diseases, PPR had the highest relative reporting rate (0.4%), while ND had the lowest (0.03%). The case fatality rate was highest in ND (71.4%) and lowest in FMD and LSD, which had no recorded fatalities. Additionally, the estimated direct financial loss over the four-year period was USD 21,891. The persistent occurrence of transboundary animal diseases underscores the need to explore effective control measures to enhance livestock production and minimize financial losses for farmers.
Brucellosis is a contagious bacterial zoonotic disease that affects both humans and animals. It is one of the most widespread zoonosis in the world which is endemic in most African countries. A cross-sectional study using retrospective data collection was conducted to determine the occurrence of Brucella species infection in bovine in the Rukwa Region for the past five years, from January 2019 to December 2023. The study utilized Laboratory investigation and diagnosis reports for the processed serum samples from the four Local Government Authorities (Sumbawanga, Kalambo, Nkasi District Councils and Sumbawanga Municipality) of Rukwa Region at Tanzania Veterinary Laboratory Agency (TVLA) for five (5) years under review. Over the past five years, a total of 21,403 Bovine sera samples were collected and screened for Brucella species infection using Rose Bengal Plate test (RBPT) and 789 samples were reported Brucella positive resulting into 3.69% seroprevalence. The recorded Brucella seropositivity for the screened samples was higher in Nkasi District Council (61.98%) followed by Kalambo District Council (35.74%) and Sumbawanga Municipality with 1.27%. The lowest seropositivity was recorded from Sumbawanga District Council (1.01%). Also, the study indicated that there was an increase in number of Brucella seropositive cases over years, from 98 cases in year 2019 to 229 in year 2023. The findings of the study indicate the presence of Brucella antibodies in bovine in Rukwa Region especially in Nkasi District Council which reported higher seropositivity. Therefore, strengthening control measures through screening and culling, accompanied by strategic vaccination is important.
Bovine mastitis particularly the subclinical form, poses a significant global challenge to the dairy industry affecting milk yield and quality with high economic losses. A cross-sectional study was conducted between February and May 2023 to determine the prevalence and determinants of subclinical mastitis (SCM) in dairy cows under smallholder dairy farms in Dar es Salaam. A structured questionnaire was administered to 192 households, and 381 cows screened for subclinical mastitis by California Mastitis Test (CMT). Five percent of 1,524 examined teats were blind, the prevalence of SCM was 70.8% at farm, 75.6% at herd and 66.8% at quarter levels. The SCM occurrence based on number of affected quarters per animal was statistically significance (P=0.0001) with 54.17% and 29.86% of cows had four and three-quarters respectively. Friesian and crossbreeds’ cows were more likely to be SCM positive compared (p = 0.0031) to Ayrshire breed. The late-lactation stage and mid-lactation stage were found to be risk factors for SCM. Moreover, farmers' awareness about mastitis, culling mastitic cow, and use of teat lubricants during milking were found to be protective factors. This study found a high prevalence of SCM which might cause economic losses and health public health implication to milk consumers. Thus, suggests on that raising farmers’ awareness about mastitis, use of teat lubricants, and monitoring older and middle-aged cows are the major factors that should be put into consideration for targeted interventions on reducing SCM in dairy cows in small-scale dairy farms in Dar es Salaam.
