Publications by authors named "A A Chengula"
Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is an extremely contagious and deadly virus that affects numerous bird species, posing serious threats to poultry production on a global scale. In addition to implementing biosecurity practices in farming systems, vaccination remains the most effective means of controlling Newcastle disease (ND). However, while existing commercial vaccines provide some level of protection, the effectiveness of these vaccines can be questionable, particularly in field settings where the complexity of vaccination program implementation poses significant challenges, especially against virulent genotypes of NDV.
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- Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a significant threat to the cattle industry, particularly affecting regions in sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania, where there is limited information about the disease and its causative agents.
- A study collected samples from suspected LSD outbreaks in Tanzania and used real-time PCR and high-resolution multiplex melting assays to confirm the presence of LSDV and other poxviruses, identifying 10 positive samples for Capripoxvirus and 1 for Parapoxvirus.
- Genetic analysis revealed that Tanzanian LSDV isolates are highly similar to other circulating LSDVs but have unique characteristics, emphasizing the need for effective control and monitoring programs for LSD and highlighting the presence of a previously unreported strain of BPSV
Article Synopsis
- - Rift Valley fever (RVF) was first confirmed in Rwanda's livestock in 2012, with significant outbreaks occurring in 2018 and 2022, showcasing its ongoing presence in the region.
- - Genetic analysis of virus samples from these outbreaks revealed that a single lineage, C, was responsible, with connections to previous outbreaks in Uganda and East Africa.
- - Detection of the RVFV Clone 13 vaccine strain in slaughterhouse animals suggests an occupational risk for workers in the meat industry, highlighting the need for a collaborative One Health approach to manage RVF outbreaks.
Article Synopsis
- * A systematic analysis identified several NDV genotypes (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, XI, XIII, XIV, XVII, XVIII, XX, and XXI) in Africa, with Nigeria exhibiting the highest diversity and genotype VII being the most widespread.
- * Only 26 out of 54 African countries report NDV outbreaks regularly, indicating potential underreporting, and a call for regional collaboration has been made to enhance NDV risk management across the continent.
Background: Cholera outbreaks are a recurrent issue in Tanzania, with Ilemela and Nkasi districts being particulary affected. The objective of this study was to conduct a socio-ecological system (SES) analysis of cholera outbreaks in these districts, identifying potential factors and assessing the preparedness for cholera prevention and control.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Ilemela and Nkasi districts of Mwanza and Rukwa regions, respectively in Tanzania between September and October 2021.