Sero-prevalence Of Pestes Des Petit Ruminants And Occurrence Of Camel Sudden Death In Selected Counties In Kenya

Abstract

Camels are significant livestock species largely kept by pastoral communities to support their socio-economic needs. Peste des petit ruminants (PPR) disease is thought to be of great economic impact, and mainly known to affect sheep and goats. Recent serological surveys have detected Peste des petit ruminants’ virus (PPRV) antibodies in camels in Sudan and Ethiopia. Investigations conducted on fatal disease in camels characterized by sudden death in Sudan and Ethiopia gave positive results for PPR. Cases of Camel sudden death (CSD) outbreak have been reported in Kenya, with the first outbreak reported in 2007. Therefore, in an effort to find out the status of CSD in Kenya, a cross-sectional study was conducted to assess pastoralists’ knowledge on CSD and determine previous exposure to PPRV; as the health of livestock and the household and community economic welfare are closely linked in livestock-dependent pastoralists the study was completed by determining the socio-economics of camels in the northern region of Kenya (Isiolo, Marsabit, Wajir and Mandera counties). A total of 36 questionnaires were administered for socio-economics and pastoralists knowledge assessment, and 398 serum samples were collected for serology. The socio-economics issues examined were; household characteristics, livelihood activities, livestock production and benefits, camel and camel product sales and income. The results showed camels were the major source of livelihood and nutrition in the pastoral community. Sale of camel milk and camels were cited to be major benefits derived from camels, 92% and 86% respectively. The study also indicated rising of market price for camel products because of increasing demand for the products. Issues assessed regarding pastoralists’ knowledge included; CSD awareness, Age group and sex of camels affected by CSD and actions taken when camels die of CSD. The results indicated that a significant number of the local pastoralists (89%) in the region were aware of existence of xiii CSD. The study showed that CSD mostly affected camels less than 2 years old (indicated by 36% of the respondents), followed by 2-4 years old camels (stated by 32% of the respondents). Camels older than 4 years and pregnant ones were the least affected by CSD. CSD affected both males and females, with female camels being the most affected (52%) than the male camels (44%). Most pastoralists (63.3%) reportedly were eating carcasses of camels that died of CSD. Competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (C-ELISA-) technique was used to determine PPR sero-prevalence, using INGEZIM PPR COMPAC, 13.PPR, K3 kit from Spain. The study revealed camels are susceptible to PPRV; the results gave overall sero-prevalence of 3.02% with sero-prevalence by county ranging from 0% to 7%. Sex (P=0.013) and location (P=0.068) by county showed to be significant risk factor for PPR sero-prevalence. The study established existence of relationship between CSD and PPR; the camel keepers indicated CSD mostly affected camels less than 4 years old which compares with serology findings that adult camels were the least affected compared to middle aged camels and calves. Presence of PPRV antibodies in camels suggests camels may be involved in the circulation of PPRV and PPR might be possible cause of CSD; therefore, underscoring the need for more research to determine the epidemiological role of camels in a multi-host environment and to confirm causative agent of CSD paying attention to