Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of acaricide resistance in Rhipicephalus microplus field isolates from South Africa and Brazil.

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus is one of the most successful ticks infesting cattle around the world. This highly-invasive species transmits cattle parasites that cause cattle fever leading to a high socio-economic burden. Tick eradication programs have often failed, due to the development of acaricide resistance.

Control of ticks and tick-borne diseases in Africa through improved diagnosis and utilisation of data on acaricide resistance.

A meeting, sponsored by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and organised by Clinglobal, was held at The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi, Kenya, from 19th - to 21st October 2022. The meeting assembled a unique group of experts on tick control in Africa. Academia, international agencies (FAO and ILRI), the private Animal Health sector and government veterinary services were represented.

Viral dynamics and immune responses to foot-and-mouth disease virus in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer).

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most important livestock diseases restricting international trade. While African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) act as the main wildlife reservoir, viral and immune response dynamics during FMD virus acute infection have not been described before in this species. We used experimental needle inoculation and contact infections with three Southern African Territories serotypes to assess clinical, virological and immunological dynamics for thirty days post infection.

The history of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype C: the first known extinct serotype?

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious animal disease caused by an RNA virus subdivided into seven serotypes that are unevenly distributed in Asia, Africa, and South America. Despite the challenges of controlling FMD, since 1996 there have been only two outbreaks attributed to serotype C, in Brazil and in Kenya, in 2004. This article describes the historical distribution and origins of serotype C and its disappearance.

Colorectal surgical outcomes following implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery programme in Cape Town.

Background: Colorectal surgery is commonly performed for benign and malignant colorectal disease. The aim of this study was to describe length of stay (LOS), complications and its associated factors in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery following implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programme in South Africa (SA).

Methods: Socio-demographic, pre- intra- and postoperative clinical details and compliance to the ERAS guidelines were recorded in all patients undergoing colorectal surgery in a private practice in Cape Town, SA.