Sero-Prevalence of foot and mouth disease in Kenya

Foot and mouth disease (FMD), a trans-boundary animal disease of major economic importance, is endemic in Kenya and yet there is lack of documentation on the prevalence and serotype distribution of Foot and Mouth Disease. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies against foot-and-mouth disease virus in Kenya using Non-Structural Protein and Liquid Phase Blocking Elisa, as well as the virus serotype distribution. Both Bovine and porcine sera were screened and FMD sero-prevalence along risky zones determined. The national prevalence of FMD in bovine species was 52.5% while that of porcine species was 54.4% and the reported vaccination cover was low at 14.1%. SAT 1 was the most prevalent (50.9%) among the four serotypes present. The study provides deep insights into the prevailing Foot and Mouth disease status and is invaluable to development partners as well as Government agencies keen to enhance livestock production and marketing not only in Kenya but the whole East African region

Autorentext

Prof. George Chege Gitao jest absolwentem Uniwersytetu w Reading i Uniwersytetu w Nairobi. Specjalizuje si w wirusologii i kierowä wieloma projektami w tej dziedzinie. Opublikowä równie wiele prac z zakresu rozwoju hodowli zwierz t gospodarskich w Afryce Wschodniej.