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International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology

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Articles 31 - 60 of 147

Full-Text Articles in Animal Sciences

Occurrence, Diversity And Distribution Of Trypanosoma Infections In Cattle Around The Akagera National Park, Rwanda, S. Richard Gashururu, Ndichu Maingi, Samuel M. Githigia, Methode N. Gasana, Peter O. Odhiambo, Dennis O. Getange, Richard Habimana, Giuliano Cecchi, Weining Zhao, James Gashumba, Joel L. Bargul, Daniel K. Masiga Dec 2021

Occurrence, Diversity And Distribution Of Trypanosoma Infections In Cattle Around The Akagera National Park, Rwanda, S. Richard Gashururu, Ndichu Maingi, Samuel M. Githigia, Methode N. Gasana, Peter O. Odhiambo, Dennis O. Getange, Richard Habimana, Giuliano Cecchi, Weining Zhao, James Gashumba, Joel L. Bargul, Daniel K. Masiga

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Background African Trypanosomiases threaten the life of both humans and animals. Trypanosomes are transmitted by tsetse and other biting flies. In Rwanda, the African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT) endemic area is mainly around the tsetse-infested Akagera National Park (NP). The study aimed to identify Trypanosoma species circulating in cattle, their genetic diversity and distribution around the Akagera NP. Methodology A cross-sectional study was carried out in four districts, where 1,037 cattle blood samples were collected. The presence of trypanosomes was determined by microscopy, immunolog-ical rapid test VerY Diag and PCR coupled with High-Resolution Melt (HRM) analysis. A parametric test (ANOVA) was …

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The Dilemma Of Guinea Grass (Megathyrsus Maximus): A Valued Pasture Grass And A Highly Invasive Species, Aaron C. Rhodes, Robert M. Plowes, John A. Goolsby, John F. Gaskin, Boaz Musyoka, Paul André Calatayud, Massimo Cristofaro, Eric D. Grahmann, Dino J. Martins, Lawrence E. Gilbert Dec 2021

The Dilemma Of Guinea Grass (Megathyrsus Maximus): A Valued Pasture Grass And A Highly Invasive Species, Aaron C. Rhodes, Robert M. Plowes, John A. Goolsby, John F. Gaskin, Boaz Musyoka, Paul André Calatayud, Massimo Cristofaro, Eric D. Grahmann, Dino J. Martins, Lawrence E. Gilbert

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On a global scale, invasive grasses threaten biodiversity and ecosystem function. Nevertheless, the importation of forage grasses is a significant economic force driven by globalization. Pastureland and rangeland are of critical economic and ecological importance, but novel grass species may lead to invasion. Recognizing that economically important species can also be ecologically damaging creates a contentious debate for land managers, policymakers, and ecologists alike. Many Afrotropical perennial grass species have been intentionally introduced pantropically given their high forage production and resistance to stress. However, these traits may also confer competitive ability, increasing the possibility of unintended escape and invasion. Further, …

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Molecular Prevalence And Risk Factors Associated With Tick-Borne Pathogens In Cattle In Western Kenya, Tatenda Chiuya, Jandouwe Villinger, Daniel K. Masiga, Dickens O. Ondifu, Maurice K. Murungi, Lillian Wambua, Armanda D.S. Bastos, Eric M. Fèvre, Laura C. Falzon Dec 2021

Molecular Prevalence And Risk Factors Associated With Tick-Borne Pathogens In Cattle In Western Kenya, Tatenda Chiuya, Jandouwe Villinger, Daniel K. Masiga, Dickens O. Ondifu, Maurice K. Murungi, Lillian Wambua, Armanda D.S. Bastos, Eric M. Fèvre, Laura C. Falzon

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Background: Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are of global importance, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where they represent a major constraint to livestock production. Their association with human disease is also increasingly recognized, signalling their zoonotic importance. It is therefore crucial to investigate TBPs prevalence in livestock populations and the factors associated with their presence. We set out to identify TBPs present in cattle and to determine associated risk factors in western Kenya, where smallholder livestock production is important for subsistence and market-driven income. Results: Tick-borne pathogen infections in blood samples collected from cattle at livestock markets and slaughterhouses between May 2017 and …

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An Update On The Distribution Of Glossina (Tsetse Flies) At The Wildlife-Human-Livestock Interface Of Akagera National Park, Rwanda, Richard S. Gashururu, Samuel M. Githigia, Methode N. Gasana, Richard Habimana, Ndichu Maingi, Giuliano Cecchi, Massimo Paone, Weining Zhao, Daniel K. Masiga, James Gashumba Dec 2021

An Update On The Distribution Of Glossina (Tsetse Flies) At The Wildlife-Human-Livestock Interface Of Akagera National Park, Rwanda, Richard S. Gashururu, Samuel M. Githigia, Methode N. Gasana, Richard Habimana, Ndichu Maingi, Giuliano Cecchi, Massimo Paone, Weining Zhao, Daniel K. Masiga, James Gashumba

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Background: Glossina (tsetse flies) biologically transmit trypanosomes that infect both humans and animals. Knowledge of their distribution patterns is a key element to better understand the transmission dynamics of trypanosomosis. Tsetse distribution in Rwanda has not been well enough documented, and little is known on their current distribution. This study determined the current spatial distribution, abundance, diversity, and seasonal variations of tsetse flies in and around the Akagera National Park. Methods: A longitudinal stratified sampling following the seasons was used. Biconical traps were deployed in 55 sites for 6 consecutive days of each study month from May 2018 to June …

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Prevalence Of Trypanosome Species In Cattle Near Ruma National Park, Lambwe Valley, Kenya: An Update From The Historical Focus For African Trypanosomosis, Shewit Kalayou, Michael Nyang Anga Okal, Peter Otieno Odhiambo, Kawira Mathenge, Daniel Ochieng Gamba, Edward Kariuki, Francis Mcodimba, Daniel Masiga Nov 2021

Prevalence Of Trypanosome Species In Cattle Near Ruma National Park, Lambwe Valley, Kenya: An Update From The Historical Focus For African Trypanosomosis, Shewit Kalayou, Michael Nyang Anga Okal, Peter Otieno Odhiambo, Kawira Mathenge, Daniel Ochieng Gamba, Edward Kariuki, Francis Mcodimba, Daniel Masiga

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The effective control of diseases in areas shared with wildlife depends on the validity of the epidemiologic parameters that guide interventions. Epidemiologic data on animal trypanosomosis in Lambwe valley are decades old, and the recent suspected outbreaks of the disease in the valley necessitate the urgent bridging of this data gap. This cross-sectional study estimated the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis, identified risk factors, and investigated the occurrence of species with zoonotic potential in Lambwe valley. The area is ~324 km2, of which 120 km2 is the Ruma National Park. Blood was sampled from the jugular and marginal ear veins of …

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Evaluating Livestock Farmers Knowledge, Beliefs, And Management Of Arboviral Diseases In Kenya: A Multivariate Fractional Probit Approach, Paul Nyamweya Nyangau, Jonathan Makau Nzuma, Patrick Irungu, Menale Kassie Sep 2021

Evaluating Livestock Farmers Knowledge, Beliefs, And Management Of Arboviral Diseases In Kenya: A Multivariate Fractional Probit Approach, Paul Nyamweya Nyangau, Jonathan Makau Nzuma, Patrick Irungu, Menale Kassie

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Globally, arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) infections continue to pose substantial threats to public health and economic development, especially in developing countries. In Kenya, although arboviral diseases (ADs) are largely endemic, little is known about the factors influencing livestock farmers’ knowledge, beliefs, and management (KBM) of the three major ADs: Rift Valley fever (RVF), dengue fever and chikungunya fever. This study evaluates the drivers of livestock farmers’ KBM of ADs from a sample of 629 respondents selected using a three-stage sampling procedure in Kenya’s three hotspot counties of Baringo, Kwale, and Kilifi. A multivariate fractional probit model was used to assess the …

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Molecular Characterization Of Trypanosoma Vivax In Tsetse Flies Confirms The Presence Of The Virulent Tvv4 Genotype In Kenya: Potential Implications For The Control Of Trypanosomiasis In Shimba Hills, Faith I. Ebhodaghe, Armanda D.S. Bastos, Kevin O. Kidambasi, Shewit Kalayou, Daniel K. Masiga, Michael N. Okal Sep 2021

Molecular Characterization Of Trypanosoma Vivax In Tsetse Flies Confirms The Presence Of The Virulent Tvv4 Genotype In Kenya: Potential Implications For The Control Of Trypanosomiasis In Shimba Hills, Faith I. Ebhodaghe, Armanda D.S. Bastos, Kevin O. Kidambasi, Shewit Kalayou, Daniel K. Masiga, Michael N. Okal

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Trypanosoma vivax is a vector-borne protozoan parasite of livestock endemic to Africa and South America. To date, fifteen genotypes of the parasite have been described in vertebrate and insect hosts in East Africa. However, information regarding T. vivax diversity remains limited in many endemic countries in the sub-region, including Kenya. Such information could deepen insight into the local epidemiology of animal trypanosomiasis in Shimba Hills, a wildlife area in southeast Kenya where T. vivax is endemic and infects livestock. We employed two-gene conventional-PCR-sequencing and phylogenetic analysis to characterize T. vivax genotypes in tsetse flies collected between November 2018 and September …

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Farmer Perceptions And Willingness To Pay For Novel Livestock Pest Control Technologies: A Case Of Tsetse Repellent Collar In Kwale County In Kenya, Beatrice W. Muriithi, Nancy G. Gathogo, Gracious M. Diiro, Michael M. Kidoido, Michael Nyangánga Okal, Daniel K. Masiga Aug 2021

Farmer Perceptions And Willingness To Pay For Novel Livestock Pest Control Technologies: A Case Of Tsetse Repellent Collar In Kwale County In Kenya, Beatrice W. Muriithi, Nancy G. Gathogo, Gracious M. Diiro, Michael M. Kidoido, Michael Nyangánga Okal, Daniel K. Masiga

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Tsetse-transmitted Animal African Trypanosomosis (AAT) is one of the most important constraints to livestock development in Africa. Use of trypanocides has been the most widespread approach for the management of AAT, despite the associated drug resistance and health con-cerns associated with drug metabolites in animal products. Alternative control measures that target tsetse fly vectors of AAT, though effective, have been hard to sustain in part because these are public goods applied area-wide. The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) and partners have developed and implemented a novel tsetse repellent collar (TRC) applied on animals to limit contact of …

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A Survey Of Mosquito-Borne And Insect-Specific Viruses In Hospitals And Livestock Markets In Western Kenya, Tatenda Chiuya, Daniel K. Masiga, Laura C. Falzon, Armanda D.S. Bastos, Eric M. Fèvre, Jandouwe Villinger May 2021

A Survey Of Mosquito-Borne And Insect-Specific Viruses In Hospitals And Livestock Markets In Western Kenya, Tatenda Chiuya, Daniel K. Masiga, Laura C. Falzon, Armanda D.S. Bastos, Eric M. Fèvre, Jandouwe Villinger

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Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens complex mosquitoes are prolific vectors of arboviruses that are a global threat to human and animal health. Increased globalization and ease of travel have facilitated the worldwide dissemination of these mosquitoes and the viruses they transmit. To assess disease risk, we determined the frequency of arboviruses in western Kenyan counties bordering an area of high arboviral activity. In addition to pathogenic viruses, insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFs), some of which are thought to impair the transmission of specific pathogenic arboviruses, were also evaluated. We trapped mosquitoes in the short and long rainy seasons in 2018 and 2019 …

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Spatial Acuity-Sensitivity Trade-Off In The Principal Eyes Of A Jumping Spider: Possible Adaptations To A ‘Blended’ Lifestyle, Ana M. Cerveira, Ximena J. Nelson, Robert R. Jackson May 2021

Spatial Acuity-Sensitivity Trade-Off In The Principal Eyes Of A Jumping Spider: Possible Adaptations To A ‘Blended’ Lifestyle, Ana M. Cerveira, Ximena J. Nelson, Robert R. Jackson

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Jumping spiders (Salticidae) are diurnal visual predators known for elaborate, vision-mediated behaviour achieved through the coordinated work of four pairs of camera-type eyes. One pair (‘principal’ eyes) is responsible for colour and high spatial acuity vision, while three pairs (‘secondary’ eyes) are mostly responsible for motion detection. Based on its unusual capacity to visually discriminate specific prey in very low, but also under bright light settings, we investigated the structure of the principal and one pair of secondary eyes (antero-lateral eyes) of Cyrba algerina to determine how these eyes achieve the sensitivity, while maintaining spatial acuity, needed to sustain behaviour …

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Mice Pups Breastfed By Foster Mothers Whose Breast Milk Contains Plasmodium Falciparum Recombinant Se36 Antigen Develop Specific Antibodies, Margaret Mendi Njoroge, Victor Irungu Mwangi, Tonny Jimmy Owalla, Hastings Ozwara, Thomas G. Egwang Mar 2021

Mice Pups Breastfed By Foster Mothers Whose Breast Milk Contains Plasmodium Falciparum Recombinant Se36 Antigen Develop Specific Antibodies, Margaret Mendi Njoroge, Victor Irungu Mwangi, Tonny Jimmy Owalla, Hastings Ozwara, Thomas G. Egwang

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Intranasal instillation of SE36, a malaria vaccine candidate antigen, in lactating BALB/c strain (derived from the Bagg and albino laboratory inbred mice) female mice resulted in the appearance of the antigen in breast milk as demonstrated by sandwich ELISA and Western blot. Pups born of immunologically naive mice and breastfed on lactating foster mothers exposed intranasally to SE36 developed IgG anti-SE36 antibodies. These data demonstrate that maternal immunization in mice by this route in lactating mothers can result in active immunization of offspring via ingestion of breast milk containing antigen. If confirmed in a nonhuman primate model and in human …

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Are The Current Animal Trypanosomiasis Management Methods In Kenya Complementary Or Substitutes? Evidence From Kwale County, Arnold Lumumbah Musungu, David Jakinda Otieno, Beatrice Wambui Muriithi, Rose Nyikal, Daniel Masiga, Michael Nyanganga Okal Mar 2021

Are The Current Animal Trypanosomiasis Management Methods In Kenya Complementary Or Substitutes? Evidence From Kwale County, Arnold Lumumbah Musungu, David Jakinda Otieno, Beatrice Wambui Muriithi, Rose Nyikal, Daniel Masiga, Michael Nyanganga Okal

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African animal trypanosomiasis (AAT) and its vectors, mainly tsetse, are a major constraint to livestock production in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Control efforts have been ongoing for decades, but finding a sustainable solution remains a major concern. This paper assessed the complementarity and substitutability of existing AAT management methods to inform policies toward an integrated approach. A multivariate probit (MVP) analytical technique was used to model interrelationships in the control methods from 308 randomly selected livestock keepers. The results show that the current AAT control methods are complementary and not substitutes. Furthermore, the number of years of formal education, household size, …

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Push-Pull Strategy Combined With Net Houses For Controlling Cowpea Insect Pests And Enhancing Crop Yields, Seydou Diabate, Thibaud Martin, Lucy Kananu Murungi, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, John Wesonga, John M. Kimani, Emilie Deletre Mar 2021

Push-Pull Strategy Combined With Net Houses For Controlling Cowpea Insect Pests And Enhancing Crop Yields, Seydou Diabate, Thibaud Martin, Lucy Kananu Murungi, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, John Wesonga, John M. Kimani, Emilie Deletre

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Net houses can be used in tropical environments to protect crops such as cowpea against large insect pests, thereby avoiding pesticide treatments while sustainably mitigating the effects of climate change. We investigated a push-pull strategy to prevent small insect pest outbreaks in a net house. The push component consisted of two stimulus plants, i.e. Cymbopogon citratus and Tagetes minuta, and the pull stimuli consisted of visual cues from blue and yellow sticky traps. Field experiments were set up in central Kenya and conducted during a rainy and a dry season, involving an open field control treatment, and three management treatments …

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Can Black Soldier Fly Desmodium Intortum Larvae-Based Diets Enhance The Performance Of Cobb500 Broiler Chickens And Smallholder Farmers' Profit In Kenya?, Mary M. Mutisya, Mawufe K. Agbodzavu, John N. Kinyuru, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Mathew Gicheha, Girma Hailu, Daisy Salifu, Zeyaur Khan, Saliou Niassy Feb 2021

Can Black Soldier Fly Desmodium Intortum Larvae-Based Diets Enhance The Performance Of Cobb500 Broiler Chickens And Smallholder Farmers' Profit In Kenya?, Mary M. Mutisya, Mawufe K. Agbodzavu, John N. Kinyuru, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Mathew Gicheha, Girma Hailu, Daisy Salifu, Zeyaur Khan, Saliou Niassy

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This study aimed to evaluate the performance of broiler chickens fed on 3 black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) (Hermetia illucens) and Greenleaf desmodium (Desmodium intortum)-based meals. We evaluated growth performance, carcass quality, and profitability under various commercial pathways (doorstep, retail, whole, and assorted). Desmodium and BSFL powders were formulated into 3 ratios: T1 25:75, T2 50:50, and T3 75:25. A commercial feed was used as a control. One hundred and twenty mixed-sex 1-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb) were reared in pens for 42 d in a completely randomized design. The chickens were weighed weekly to monitor their growth rate. After the …

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Tsetse Blood-Meal Sources, Endosymbionts And Trypanosome-Associations In The Maasai Mara National Reserve, A Wildlife-Human-Livestock Interface, Edward Edmond Makhulu, Jandouwe Villinger, Vincent Owino Adunga, Maamun M. Jeneby, Edwin Murungi Kimathi, Enock Mararo, Joseph Wang’Ang’A Oundo, Ali Abdulahi Musa, Lillian Wambua Jan 2021

Tsetse Blood-Meal Sources, Endosymbionts And Trypanosome-Associations In The Maasai Mara National Reserve, A Wildlife-Human-Livestock Interface, Edward Edmond Makhulu, Jandouwe Villinger, Vincent Owino Adunga, Maamun M. Jeneby, Edwin Murungi Kimathi, Enock Mararo, Joseph Wang’Ang’A Oundo, Ali Abdulahi Musa, Lillian Wambua

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African trypanosomiasis (AT) is a neglected disease of both humans and animals caused by Trypanosoma parasites, which are transmitted by obligate hematophagous tsetse flies (Glossina spp.). Knowledge on tsetse fly vertebrate hosts and the influence of tsetse endo-symbionts on trypanosome presence, especially in wildlife-human-livestock interfaces, is limited. We identified tsetse species, their blood-meal sources, and correlations between endosymbionts and trypanosome presence in tsetse flies from the trypanosome-endemic Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR) in Kenya. Among 1167 tsetse flies (1136 Glossina pallidipes, 31 Glossina swynnertoni) collected from 10 sampling sites, 28 (2.4%) were positive by PCR for trypanosome DNA, most (17/28) …

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How To Turn Collectors Of Edible Insects Into Mini-Livestock Farmers: Multidimensional Sustainability Challenges To A Thriving Industry, Sarah Nischalke, Ingo Wagler, Chrysantus Tanga, David Allan, Chama Phankaew, Christian Ratompoarison, Andrianantenaina Razafindrakotomamonjy, Elizabeth Kusia Sep 2020

How To Turn Collectors Of Edible Insects Into Mini-Livestock Farmers: Multidimensional Sustainability Challenges To A Thriving Industry, Sarah Nischalke, Ingo Wagler, Chrysantus Tanga, David Allan, Chama Phankaew, Christian Ratompoarison, Andrianantenaina Razafindrakotomamonjy, Elizabeth Kusia

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Edible insects reared under suitable climatic conditions are an efficient and ecological food source. However, most of the insects come from wild collection and not from farms (FAO, 2013). To establish insects as part of a sustainable food environment, collectors, farmers or small entrepreneurs need to be transformed into mini-livestock farmers, but people who eat or collect insects do not necessarily want to rear them. This paper presents four case studies from Kenya, Madagascar, Myanmar and Thailand, which are in different stages of sector development to show pathways for establishing insect rearing, and the associated economic, resource/ecological and social challenges …

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Socio-Economic And Environmental Implications Of Replacing Conventional Poultry Feed With Insect-Based Feed In Kenya, Zewdu Abro, Menale Kassie, Chrysantus Tanga, Dennis Beesigamukama, Gracious Diiro Aug 2020

Socio-Economic And Environmental Implications Of Replacing Conventional Poultry Feed With Insect-Based Feed In Kenya, Zewdu Abro, Menale Kassie, Chrysantus Tanga, Dennis Beesigamukama, Gracious Diiro

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The growing scarcity of resources for feed production and environmental concerns highlight the unsustainability of conventional feed sources. Insect farming is considered as an alternative feed due to its low land and water requirements, its low ecological footprint, and circular economy contribution by converting biowaste into high-quality feed ingredients. While there is growing research on the technical feasibility and nutritional performance of insect-based feed, its potential beneifts are not quanitified. Using experimental and secondary data, we assess the potential socio-economic benefits of black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) to the Kenyan poultry sector. We find that replacing 5–50% of the …

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Tropical Forage Technologies Can Deliver Multiple Benefits In Sub-Saharan Africa. A Meta-Analysis, Birthe K. Paul, Jessica Koge, Brigitte L. Maass, An Notenbaert, Michael Peters, Jeroen C.J. Groot, Pablo Tittonell Aug 2020

Tropical Forage Technologies Can Deliver Multiple Benefits In Sub-Saharan Africa. A Meta-Analysis, Birthe K. Paul, Jessica Koge, Brigitte L. Maass, An Notenbaert, Michael Peters, Jeroen C.J. Groot, Pablo Tittonell

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Scarcity of quantity and quality feed has been a key constraint to productivity of smallholder crop-livestock systems. Tropical forages include a variety of annual and perennial grasses, herbaceous and dual-purpose legumes, and multipurpose trees and shrubs. They have been promoted in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) for increasing livestock productivity and household income through higher quantity and quality of herbage, while contributing to soil improvement and higher food crop yields. For the first time, we quantitatively reviewed 72 experimental studies from across SSA to take stock of geographical distribution and forage technology focus of past research; quantify magnitudes of multidimensional impacts of …

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Integrated Management Of Aphis Craccivora In Cowpea Using Intercropping And Entomopathogenic Fungi Under Field Conditions, Allan Mweke, Komivi Senyo Akutse, Christian Ulrichs, Komi Kouma Mokpokpo Fiaboe, Nguya Kalemba Maniania, Sunday Ekesi Jun 2020

Integrated Management Of Aphis Craccivora In Cowpea Using Intercropping And Entomopathogenic Fungi Under Field Conditions, Allan Mweke, Komivi Senyo Akutse, Christian Ulrichs, Komi Kouma Mokpokpo Fiaboe, Nguya Kalemba Maniania, Sunday Ekesi

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Cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora, is a major cowpea pest. Cowpea–cereal intercrop alone does not effectively manage the pest. Use of pesticides in intercrop leads to health and environmental risks. Fungal-based biopesticides offer a better option because they are environment-and consumer-friendly. This study assessed the combined effect of Metarhizium anisopliae ICIPE 62 and cowpea–maize intercrop against A. craccivora under six treatments: (1) untreated cowpea monocrop, (2) untreated cowpea–maize intercrop, (3) cowpea monocrop + ICIPE 62, (4) cowpea–maize intercrop + ICIPE 62, (5) cowpea monocrop + Duduthrin insecticide, and (6) cowpea–maize intercrop + Duduthrin during three seasons (long rainy/cold and dry/short rainy). …

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Performance Of Elite Maize Genotypes Under Selected Sustainable Intensification Options In Kenya, Leonard Rusinamhodzi, Dan Makumbi, James M. Njeru, Fred Kanampiu Apr 2020

Performance Of Elite Maize Genotypes Under Selected Sustainable Intensification Options In Kenya, Leonard Rusinamhodzi, Dan Makumbi, James M. Njeru, Fred Kanampiu

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Combining different cropping and tillage systems with different genotypes across several cropping seasons can reveal opportunities for sustainable intensification (SI). The objective of this study was to assess the performance of six maize genotypes under intercropping with conservation tillage (no-till) – two promising options for SI. The experiment was carried out over three years (or six cropping seasons) at Kiboko Research Station, Kenya with sole cropping and mouldboard ploughing as baseline production systems. Results showed that maize genotypes and cropping systems had a significant effect on yield, but the effect of tillage was not significant. Moreover, there was no significant …

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High Risk For Human Exposure To Rift Valley Fever Virus In Communities Living Along Livestock Movement Routes: A Cross-Sectional Survey In Kenya, Caroline Tigoi, Rosemary Sang, Edith Chepkorir, Benedict Orindi, Samuel Okello Arum, Francis Mulwa, Gladys Mosomtai, Samson Limbaso, Osama A. Hassan, Zephania Irura, Clas Ahlm, Magnus Evander Feb 2020

High Risk For Human Exposure To Rift Valley Fever Virus In Communities Living Along Livestock Movement Routes: A Cross-Sectional Survey In Kenya, Caroline Tigoi, Rosemary Sang, Edith Chepkorir, Benedict Orindi, Samuel Okello Arum, Francis Mulwa, Gladys Mosomtai, Samson Limbaso, Osama A. Hassan, Zephania Irura, Clas Ahlm, Magnus Evander

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Introduction Multiple outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) with devastating effects have occurred in East Africa. These outbreaks cause disease in both livestock and humans and affect poor households most severely. Communities living in areas practicing nomadic livestock movement may be at higher risk of infection. This study sought to i) determine the human exposure to Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) in populations living within nomadic animal movement routes in Kenya; and ii) identify risk factors for RVFV infection in these communities. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. Samples were collected from the year 2014 to 2015 in …

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Essential Oils Of Tagetes Minuta And Tithonia Diversifolia Affect Host Location Behaviour And On-Host Attachment Site Preference Of The Brown Ear Tick, Rhipicephalus Appendiculatus In The Semi-Field Studies, Wycliffe Wanzala, Ahmed Hassanali, Wolfgang Richard Mukabana, Willem Takken, Sheila Iminza Minyoso Jan 2020

Essential Oils Of Tagetes Minuta And Tithonia Diversifolia Affect Host Location Behaviour And On-Host Attachment Site Preference Of The Brown Ear Tick, Rhipicephalus Appendiculatus In The Semi-Field Studies, Wycliffe Wanzala, Ahmed Hassanali, Wolfgang Richard Mukabana, Willem Takken, Sheila Iminza Minyoso

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Effects of essential oils of Tagetes minuta and Tithonia diversifolia (Asteraceae) on orientation behaviour and on-host attachment site preference of newly hatched adult Rhipicephalus appendiculatus were evaluated. Host animals were treated at the ear pinna (by smearing the oil directly on the ear or suspending a tube containing the oil on the ear pinna) and legs + tail in semi-field plots. The legs + tail sites of the essential oil application showed the lowest mean percentage of ticks observed on host body (16.5 ± 1.9% and 26.0 ± 2.8%) and the highest mean percentage reduction of attaching ticks (76.5 ± …

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Gendered Analysis Of The Demand For Poultry Feed In Kenya, John Njenga Macharia, Gracious Malton Diiro, John Rono Busienei, Kimpei Munei, Hippolyte D. Affognon, Sunday Ekesi, Beatrice Muriithi, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Chrysantus Mbi Tanga, Komi K.M. Fiaboe Jan 2020

Gendered Analysis Of The Demand For Poultry Feed In Kenya, John Njenga Macharia, Gracious Malton Diiro, John Rono Busienei, Kimpei Munei, Hippolyte D. Affognon, Sunday Ekesi, Beatrice Muriithi, Dorothy Nakimbugwe, Chrysantus Mbi Tanga, Komi K.M. Fiaboe

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This paper uses a translog cost function approach to study the farm-level demand for poultry feed in Kenya. The study estimates the demand elasticities of the three common types of poultry feed; mixed feed, grain, and leafy vegetables. The estimated model was used to obtain estimates of Marshallian demand elasticities for poultry feed in Kenya for male-headed and female-headed households. The elasticities reported can be used by researchers and policy analysts to evaluate policy effects of changes in feed demand quantities within the livestock economy in Kenya. Moreover, these parameters can provide more reliable estimates of the total change in …

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Effect Of Dietary Replacement Of Fishmeal By Insect Meal On Growth Performance, Blood Profiles And Economics Of Growing Pigs In Kenya, Shaphan Y. Chia, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Isaac M. Osuga, Alphonce O. Alaru, David M. Mwangi, Macdonald Githinji, Sevgan Subramanian, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Sunday Ekesi, Joop J.A. Van Loon, Marcel Dicke Oct 2019

Effect Of Dietary Replacement Of Fishmeal By Insect Meal On Growth Performance, Blood Profiles And Economics Of Growing Pigs In Kenya, Shaphan Y. Chia, Chrysantus M. Tanga, Isaac M. Osuga, Alphonce O. Alaru, David M. Mwangi, Macdonald Githinji, Sevgan Subramanian, Komi K.M. Fiaboe, Sunday Ekesi, Joop J.A. Van Loon, Marcel Dicke

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Pig production is one of the fastest growing livestock sectors. Development of this sector is hampered by rapidly increasing costs of fishmeal (FM), which is a common protein source in animal feeds. Here, we explored the potential of substituting FM with black soldier fly larval meal (BSFLM) on growth and blood parameters of pigs as well as economic aspects. At weaning, 40 hybrid pigs, i.e., crossbreeds of purebred Large White and Landrace were randomly assigned to five iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic dietary treatments: Control (0% BSFLM and 100% FM (T0)), and FM replaced at 25% (T25), 50% (T50), 75% (T75) and …

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Comparative Genomic Analysis Of Six Glossina Genomes, Vectors Of African Trypanosomes, Geoffrey M. Attardo, Adly M.M. Abd-Alla, Alvaro Acosta-Serrano, James E. Allen, Rosemary Bateta, Joshua B. Benoit, Kostas Bourtzis, Jelle Caers, Guy Caljon, Mikkel B. Christensen, David W. Farrow, Markus Friedrich, Aurélie Hua-Van, Emily C. Jennings, Denis M. Larkin, Daniel Lawson, Michael J. Lehane, Vasileios P. Lenis, Ernesto Lowy-Gallego, Rosaline W. Macharia, Anna R. Malacrida, Heather G. Marco, Daniel Masiga, Gareth L. Maslen, Irina Matetovici, Richard P. Meisel, Irene Meki, Veronika Michalkova Sep 2019

Comparative Genomic Analysis Of Six Glossina Genomes, Vectors Of African Trypanosomes, Geoffrey M. Attardo, Adly M.M. Abd-Alla, Alvaro Acosta-Serrano, James E. Allen, Rosemary Bateta, Joshua B. Benoit, Kostas Bourtzis, Jelle Caers, Guy Caljon, Mikkel B. Christensen, David W. Farrow, Markus Friedrich, Aurélie Hua-Van, Emily C. Jennings, Denis M. Larkin, Daniel Lawson, Michael J. Lehane, Vasileios P. Lenis, Ernesto Lowy-Gallego, Rosaline W. Macharia, Anna R. Malacrida, Heather G. Marco, Daniel Masiga, Gareth L. Maslen, Irina Matetovici, Richard P. Meisel, Irene Meki, Veronika Michalkova

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Background: Tsetse flies (Glossina sp.) are the vectors of human and animal trypanosomiasis throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Tsetse flies are distinguished from other Diptera by unique adaptations, including lactation and the birthing of live young (obligate viviparity), a vertebrate blood-specific diet by both sexes, and obligate bacterial symbiosis. This work describes the comparative analysis of six Glossina genomes representing three sub-genera: Morsitans (G. morsitans morsitans, G. pallidipes, G. austeni), Palpalis (G. palpalis, G. fuscipes), and Fusca (G. brevipalpis) which represent different habitats, host preferences, and vectorial capacity. Results: Genomic analyses validate established evolutionary relationships and sub-genera. Syntenic analysis of Glossina relative …

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Experimental Feeding Studies With Crickets And Locusts On The Use Of Feed Mixtures Composed Of Storable Feed Materials Commonly Used In Livestock Production, P. Straub, C. M. Tanga, I. Osuga, W. Windisch, S. Subramanian Aug 2019

Experimental Feeding Studies With Crickets And Locusts On The Use Of Feed Mixtures Composed Of Storable Feed Materials Commonly Used In Livestock Production, P. Straub, C. M. Tanga, I. Osuga, W. Windisch, S. Subramanian

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Insects such as the Mediterranean field cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus and the Desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria, are emerging as potential sources of human food and feed for livestock. High nutritive value and efficient feed conversion make them attractive for commercial production as novel livestock, but these properties strongly vary with the insects´ diet. Current mass-rearing protocols are based on fresh, non-storable feed materials. This requires constant supply and makes the systems sensitive to fluctuations regarding nutritional quality and safety. Hence there is a need to find storable, readily available feeds. Therefore, experimental diets were composed from the five different feed materials, …

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Perception And Awareness Of Insects As An Alternative Protein Source Among Fish Farmers And Fish Feed Traders, G. Ssepuuya, C. Sebatta, E. Sikahwa, P. Fuuna, M. Sengendo, J. Mugisha, K. K.M. Fiaboe, D. Nakimbugwe Jan 2019

Perception And Awareness Of Insects As An Alternative Protein Source Among Fish Farmers And Fish Feed Traders, G. Ssepuuya, C. Sebatta, E. Sikahwa, P. Fuuna, M. Sengendo, J. Mugisha, K. K.M. Fiaboe, D. Nakimbugwe

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The perception of key players in the fish farming sector towards the use of insects is important for their acceptance to adopt insects as an alternative protein source to the expensive fish meal. Perception was established through a cross-sectional study of 208 fish farmers and 71 fish feed traders and/or processors conducted in Gulu, Tororo and Masaka districts in Uganda, using descriptive, Chi-square, correlation and factor statistical analysis of the data collected. Males dominated the fish farming and fish feed trading and/or processing enterprises. Youths were involved to almost the same extent as adults. Fish farmers majorly practiced pond fish …

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Transcriptomics Reveal Potential Vaccine Antigens And A Drastic Increase Of Upregulated Genes During Theileria Parva Development From Arthropod To Bovine Infective Stages, Triza Tonui, Pilar Corredor-Moreno, Esther Kanduma, Joyce Njuguna, Moses N. Njahira, Steven G. Nyanjom, Joana C. Silva, Appolinaire Djikeng, Roger Pelle Oct 2018

Transcriptomics Reveal Potential Vaccine Antigens And A Drastic Increase Of Upregulated Genes During Theileria Parva Development From Arthropod To Bovine Infective Stages, Triza Tonui, Pilar Corredor-Moreno, Esther Kanduma, Joyce Njuguna, Moses N. Njahira, Steven G. Nyanjom, Joana C. Silva, Appolinaire Djikeng, Roger Pelle

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Theileria parva is a protozoan parasite transmitted by the brown ear tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus that causes East Coast fever (ECF) in cattle, resulting in substantial economic losses in the regions of southern, eastern and central Africa. The schizont form of the parasite transforms the bovine host lymphocytes into actively proliferating cancer-like cells. However, how T. parva causes bovine host cells to proliferate and maintain a cancerous phenotype following infection is still poorly understood. On the other hand, current efforts to develop improved vaccines have identified only a few candidate antigens. In the present paper, we report the first comparative transcriptomic …

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Lateral Eyes Direct Principal Eyes As Jumping Spiders Track Objects, Elizabeth M. Jakob, Skye M. Long, Duane P. Harland, Robert R. Jackson, Ashley Carey, Mary Emma Searles, Adam H. Porter, Cristina Canavesi, Jannick P. Rolland Sep 2018

Lateral Eyes Direct Principal Eyes As Jumping Spiders Track Objects, Elizabeth M. Jakob, Skye M. Long, Duane P. Harland, Robert R. Jackson, Ashley Carey, Mary Emma Searles, Adam H. Porter, Cristina Canavesi, Jannick P. Rolland

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One way of circumventing the functional tradeoffs on eye design [1,2] is to have different eyes for different tasks. For example, jumping spiders (Salticidae), known for elaborate, visually guided courtship and predatory behavior [3], view the same object simultaneously with two of their four pairs of eyes: the antero-lateral eyes (ALEs) and the principal eyes (reviewed in [2]; Figure 1A). The ALEs, with immobile lenses and retinas, wide fields of view, and hyperacute sensitivity to moving stimuli [4], are structurally distinct from the principal eyes, which have the best spatial acuity known for terrestrial invertebrates and can discern fine details …

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Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata L. Walp) Hosts Several Widespread Bradyrhizobial Root Nodule Symbionts Across Contrasting Agro-Ecological Production Areas In Kenya, Samuel Mathu Ndungu, Monika M. Messmer, Dominik Ziegler, Hannes A. Gamper, Éva Mészáros, Moses Thuita, Bernard Vanlauwe, Emmanuel Frossard, Cécile Thonar Jul 2018

Cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata L. Walp) Hosts Several Widespread Bradyrhizobial Root Nodule Symbionts Across Contrasting Agro-Ecological Production Areas In Kenya, Samuel Mathu Ndungu, Monika M. Messmer, Dominik Ziegler, Hannes A. Gamper, Éva Mészáros, Moses Thuita, Bernard Vanlauwe, Emmanuel Frossard, Cécile Thonar

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Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) is an important African food legume suitable for dry regions. It is the main legume in two contrasting agro-ecological regions of Kenya as an important component of crop rotations because of its relative tolerance to unpredictable drought events. This study was carried out in an effort to establish a collection of bacterial root nodule symbionts and determine their relationship to physicochemical soil parameters as well as any geographical distributional patterns. Bradyrhizobium spp. were found to be widespread in this study and several different types could be identified at each site. Unique but rare symbionts were …

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