Climate change and cattle vector-borne diseases: Use of participatory epidemiology to investigate experiences in pastoral communities in Northern Tanzania

Publication date: 1 November 2017 Source:Preventive Veterinary Medicine, Volume 147 Author(s): Esther G. Kimaro, Jenny-Ann L.M.L. Toribio, Siobhan M. Mor Climate change is predicted to increase incidence of vector-borne diseases in humans, however, little is known about the impact of such diseases in livestock. In the absence of historical data with which to examine the inter-relation between climate and disease, participatory epidemiological (PE) methods were used with Maasai pastoralists of Monduli District, northern Tanzania to establish local observations on two major vector-borne diseases of cattle, namely East Coast fever (ECF) and African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT). Data collection involving gender segregated groups (10 men groups and 9 women groups) occurred in 10 randomly selected villages between November 2014 and March 2015. ECF and AAT were ranked amongst the top 5 most important cattle diseases with strong agreement across informant groups (Kendall’s W = 0.40 for men and 0.45 for women; p< 0.01). Matrix scoring for both men and women groups confirmed that Masaai easily recognize these diseases. All groups associated ECF with the wet and cool dry seasons. AAT was more variable throughout the year, with more cases reported in the long dry season. Likewise, pastoralists reported differences in seasonal occurrence of disease vectors (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and Glossina spp.) by village. Comparing 2014–1984, participant groups consistently repo...
Source: Preventive Veterinary Medicine - Category: Veterinary Research Source Type: research