First molecular characterization of poxviruses in cattle, sheep, and goats in Botswana.

Background: Poxviruses within the Capripoxvirus, Orthopoxvirus, and Parapoxvirus genera can infect livestock, with the two former having zoonotic importance. In addition, they induce similar clinical symptoms in common host species, creating a challenge for diagnosis. Although endemic in the country, poxvirus infections of small ruminants and cattle have received little attention in Botswana, with no prior use of molecular tools to diagnose and characterize the pathogens.

First molecular characterization of avian paramyxovirus-1 (Newcastle disease virus) in Botswana.

Avian paramyxovirus-1 (APMV-1), the causative agent of Newcastle disease (ND) in domestic and wild avian species, has recently been reported and characterized in five southern African countries (i.e. Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe).

Rumen impaction in cattle associated with ingestion of the pupal cocoons of Gonometa spp. in Botswana.

Mortality in cattle associated with ingestion of cocoons (matlhoa in Setswana) of both Gonometa postica and Gonometa rufobrunnea is rare and has only previously been reported in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. A case history of gradual weight loss, bloat, dyschezia with dry faeces and laboured gait, resulting in sudden death after drinking water and associated with ingestion of pupal cocoons of Gonometa spp., was reported by keepers at Mmaditau crush in Botswana in 2013.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis: an emerging disease of free-ranging wildlife.

Expansion of ecotourism-based industries, changes in land-use practices, and escalating competition for resources have increased contact between free-ranging wildlife and humans. Although human presence in wildlife areas may provide an important economic benefit through ecotourism, exposure to human pathogens may represent a health risk for wildlife. This report is the first to document introduction of a primary human pathogen into free-ranging wildlife.