Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Tick Species Infesting Cattle in South Africa.

Ticks are a significant threat to livestock globally, with certain species displaying distinct host preferences at various developmental stages. Accurate species-level identification is essential for studying tick populations, implementing control strategies, and understanding disease dynamics. This study evaluated ticks infesting cattle across six provinces in South Africa using morphological and molecular methods.

A systematic review of ticks and tick-borne pathogens of cattle reared by smallholder farmers in South Africa.

Ticks are important ectoparasites of domestic animals, wild animals and humans. They spread a variety of infective agents such as protozoans, viruses, and bacteria. Cattle reared by smallholder farmers are susceptible to ticks and tick-borne pathogens due to the type of production system practiced by the farmers.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of ticks and tick-borne pathogens from cattle in selected villages of Greater Letaba Municipality in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Ticks are blood ectoparasites that feed on domestic, wild animals and humans. They spread a variety of infections such as protozoa, viruses, and bacteria. Moreover, cattle reared by smallholder farmers are susceptible to ticks and tick-borne pathogens.

Establishing African genomics and bioinformatics programs through annual regional workshops.

The African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP) Open Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics aims to overcome barriers to capacity building through its distributed African regional workshops and prioritizes the exchange of grassroots knowledge and innovation in biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics. In 2023, we implemented 28 workshops on biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics, covering 11 African countries across the 5 African geographical regions. These regional workshops trained 408 African scientists in hands-on molecular biology, genomics and bioinformatics techniques as well as the ethical, legal and social issues associated with acquiring genetic resources.

Identification of low levels of neutral and functional genetic diversity in South African bontebok ().

Bontebok () and blesbok () are classified as separate sub-species. The blesbok has a widespread distribution throughout South Africa and is listed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Bontebok on the other hand is endemic within the Cape Floristic Region of the Western Cape in South Africa and has been listed as near-threatened species on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Interactions between the helminth and intestinal microbiome in smallholder chicken farming systems.

Helminth parasite infections are widespread in smallholder farming systems affecting farmers and livestock animals. There are pathogenic parasites that populate the gut of their host and coexist closely with the gut microbiota. The physical and immunological environment of the gut can be modified by parasites and microbiota creating a wide range of interactions.

Molecular genotyping and epidemiology of equine piroplasmids in South Africa.

Recently reported substantial genetic diversity within Theileria equi 18S rRNA gene sequences has led to the identification of five genotypes A, B, C, D, and E, complicating molecular and serological diagnosis. In addition, T. haneyi has lately been reported as a species closely related to the T.

Molecular characterization in the toll-like receptor 9 gene of Cape Mountain Zebra (Equus zebra zebra) from three populations.

Toll-like receptors (TLR) are a family of proteins that signal activation of the innate immune response through the recognition of a variety of pathogen molecular compounds. Here, we characterized the complete TLR9 gene in Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra) from three populations in South Africa and compared sequences to a variety of horse and donkey breeds. Overall, we identified six single nucleotide polymorpHisms (SNPs).

Lessons for conservation management: Monitoring temporal changes in genetic diversity of Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra).

The Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra zebra) is a subspecies of mountain zebra endemic to South Africa. The Cape mountain zebra experienced near extinction in the early 1900's and their numbers have since recovered to more than 4,800 individuals. However, there are still threats to their long-term persistence.

Translocation a potential corridor for equine piroplasms in Cape mountain zebra ().

Translocation of animals in fragmented habitats is an important means of dispersal and gene flow, however, the movement of animals has led to the spread of various diseases globally and wildlife are often the reservoirs of these diseases. Currently, Cape mountain zebra are translocated within South Africa as a management method for augmentation of isolated and fragmented populations. The movement of pathogens due to translocations in local regions have gone largely unchecked, particularly where there may still be isolated regions that can be negatively affected.