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Item Immunogenicity of the Oral Rabies vaccine strain SPBN GASGAS in dogs under field settings in Namibia(Frontiers in Veterinary Medicine, 2021-10-25) Molini, Umberto; Hassel, Rainer; Ortmann, Steffen; Vos, Ad; Loschke, Malaika; Shilongo, Albertina; Freuling, Conrad; Müller, ThomasDog-mediated rabies is endemic throughout Africa. While free-roaming dogs that play a crucial role in rabies transmission are often inaccessible for parenteral vaccination during mass dog vaccination campaigns, oral rabies vaccination (ORV) is considered to be a promising alternative to increase vaccination coverage in these hard-to-reach dogs. The acceptance of ORV as an efficient supplementary tool is still low, not least because of limited immunogenicity and field trial data in local dogs. In this study, the immunogenicity of the highly attenuated 3rd-generation oral rabies vaccine strain SPBN GASGAS in local free-roaming dogs from Namibia was assessed by determining the immune response in terms of seroconversion for up to 56 days post-vaccination. At two study sites, free-roaming dogs were vaccinated by administering the vaccine either by direct oral administration or via a vaccine-loaded egg bait. Pre- and post-vaccination blood samples were tested for rabies virus neutralizing as well as binding antibodies using standard serological assays. A multiple logistic regression (MLR) analysis was performed to determine a possible influence of study area, vaccination method, and vaccine dose on the seroconversion rate obtained. About 78%of the dogs vaccinated by the oral route seroconverted (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA), though the seroconversion as determined by a rapid fluorescence focus inhibition test (RFFIT) wasmuch lower. None of the factors examined had a significant effect on the seroconversion rate. This study confirms the immunogenicity of the vaccine strain SPBN GASGAS and the potential utility of ORV for the control of dog-mediated rabies in African dogs.Item The oryx antelope (Oryx gazella): An unexpected host for Porcine Circovirus-2 (PCV-2)(Pathogens, 2021-10-29) Molini, Umberto; Coetzee, Lauren Michelle; Hemberger, Maria Yvonne; Khaiseb, Siegfried; Cattoli, Giovanni; Dundon, William G.; Franzo, GiovanniFor several years after its discovery, Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV-2) represented a major threat to the swine industry through economic losses due to the associated clinical syndromes, decreased production performances in both symptomatic and asymptomatic animals and disease management costs. Widespread vaccination administration has largely reduced the impact of this infection and represents the most effective control measure. The efficacy of vaccination is threatened by the emergence of novel (or uncommon) PCV-2 genotypes. In addition to domestic pigs, PCV-2 has been detected in several other species, a fact which could have an impact on new variant emergence and maintenance. Considering this, the present study assessed the distribution of the minor PCV-2c genotype in non-Suidae ungulates in Namibia. Red hartebeests (Alcelaphus buselaphus caama) (n = 44), kudus (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) (n = 10) and oryxes (Oryx gazella) (n = 54), whose mediastinal lymph nodes were sampled after slaughtering during the period 2019–2021, were included in the study. Two oryxes (3.7%; 95% CI = 0.45–12.75%) were PCV-2-positive by PCR. Complete genome sequence was obtained for the two samples identifying them as PCV-2c genotype. The sequences were identical and shared a high percentage of identity (~99.9%) with those recently obtained from warthogs living in the same area. The present study confirms the presence of the PCV-2c genotype (previously considered extinct) in Namibian wild animal populations and demonstrates greater than expected PCV-2 host plasticity. Because of the role these niches can have in the maintenance and evolution of minor PCV-2 genotypes, more extensive and dedicated studies should be performed to prepare authorities to promptly react to potential emerging threats from these viruses.Item West Nile virus Seroprevalence in a selected donkey population of Namibia(Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 2021-06-18) Molini, Umberto; Franzo, Giovanni; Nel, Hannah; Khaiseb, Siegfried; Ntahonshikira, Charles; Chiwome, Bernard; Baines, Ian; Madzingira, Oscar; Monaco, Federica; Savini, Giovanni; D'Álterio, NicolaWest Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus enzootically maintained in birds. However, it can incidentally infect other species, leading to sometimes severe clinical consequences like in horses and especially human beings. Despite the topic relevance, the presence and distribution of WNV are currently unknown in Namibia. Several countries implement surveillance systems based on virus detection in birds, mosquitoes, and vertebrate species including horses. The present study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by serologically evaluating WNV exposure in Namibian donkeys, whose population is remarkably bigger than the horse one. Forty-seven out of 260 sampled animals showed neutralizing antibodies against WNV (18.07% [95% CI = 13.59-23.30%]), demonstrating its circulation in all country territory, although, with apparent regional differences. On the contrary, no association with animal age or sex could be identified. The present study demonstrates the widespread presence of WNV in Namibia as well as the practical utility and effectiveness of donkeys as sentinels for infection surveillance. Due to clinical relevance, vaccination campaigns should be considered for horses of high economic or genetic value. Additionally, the burden of WNV infection on human health should be carefully evaluated.Item Molecular investigation of Porcine Circovirus type 3 infection in pigs in Namibia(Pathogens, 2021-05-11) Molini, Umberto; Marruchella, Giuseppe; Matheus, Frieda; Hemberger, Maria Yvonne; Chiwome, Bernard; Khaiseb, Siegfried; Cattoli, Giovanni; Franzo, GiovanniPorcine circovirus type 3 (PCV-3) infection is widely distributed in domestic pig populations in America, Europe, and Asia. However, no data is currently available about its presence and distribution in Africa. This study investigated the presence of PCV-3 in pigs (n = 122) in Namibia, by means of biomolecular methods. The pig samples collected (n = 122) were representative of the swine industry in Namibia, covering the major pig production facilities in the country. All of the samples tested were negative for PCV-3, and this indicated that the virus was either not present in the country or was circulating at low levels. Further studies are needed to better understand the distribution, if any, of PCV-3 in Namibia.Item Genomic diversity of Rift Valley fever strains circulating in Namibia in 2010 and 2011(Viruses, 2020-12-16) Cosseddu, Gian Mario; Magwedere, Kudakwashe; Molini, Umberto; Pinoni, Chiara; Khaiseb, Siegfried; Scacchia, Massimo; Marcacci, Maurilia; Capobianco Dondona, Andrea; Valleriani, Fabrizia; Polci, Andrea; Monaco, FedericaOutbreaks of Rift Valley fever (RVF) occurred in Namibia in 2010 and 2011. Complete genome characterization was obtained from virus isolates collected during disease outbreaks in southern Namibia in 2010 and from wildlife in Etosha National Park in 2011, close to the area where RVF outbreaks occurred in domestic livestock. The virus strains were sequenced using Sanger sequencing (Namibia_2010) or next generation sequencing (Namibia_2011). A sequence-independent, single-primer amplification (SISPA) protocol was used in combination with the Illumina Next 500 sequencer. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences of the small (S), medium (M), and large (L) genome segments of RVF virus (RVFV) provided evidence that two distinct RVFV strains circulated in the country. The strain collected in Namibia in 2010 is genetically similar to RVFV strains circulating in South Africa in 2009 and 2010, confirming that the outbreaks reported in the southern part of Namibia in 2010 were caused by possible dissemination of the infection from South Africa. Isolates collected in 2011 were close to RVFV isolates from 2010 collected in humans in Sudan and which belong to the large lineage containing RVFV strains that caused an outbreak in 2006–2008 in eastern Africa. This investigation showed that the RVFV strains circulating in Namibia in 2010 and 2011 were from two different introductions and that RVFV has the ability to move across regions. This supports the need for risk-based surveillance and monitoring.Item Causes, dynamics and financial losses associated with red offal condemnation at a beef abattoir in Namibia(Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety, 2020-12-01) Kandiwa, Erick; Mbiri, Pricilla; Samkange, Alaster; Madzingira, Oscar; Kamwi, Jessey Alice; Mushonga, BordenThere are limited studies on red offal condemnations and financial implications at high throughput abattoirs in Namibia. Causes of condemnation, temporal distributions and financial losses associated with red offal condemnations at a beef abattoir in Namibia from 2016 to 2018 were investigated. A total of 39157 red offal valued at N$6 422 586.00 (US$364 805) were condemned following the slaughter of 251697 cattle. Condemnations were dependent on year [X2(14) = 587.13, p<0.001], month [X2(77) = 1898.72, p<0.001] and season [X2(7) = 111.12, p<0.001] of study. Overall, 2016 had the most and 2018 the least condemnation of red offal (38.73% and 23.22%, respectively; p<0.05). Most red offal condemnations (13.34%, p<0.001) were recorded in June, with livers and lungs as the most condemned organs (54.32% and 29.88%, respectively; p<0.001). The highest condemnations were caused by miscellaneous causes (abscesses and hematomas) followed, in descending order, by inflammatory, parasitic and bacterial causes and contaminations (38.3%, 29.4%, 16.6% and 15.8%, respectively, p<0.05). Liver condemnations varied with the year and season of study [X2(20) = 1834.02, p<0.001 and X2(9) = 1010.43, p<0.001; respectively], as were lung condemnations according to pathological condition [X2(12) = 492.43, p<0.001 and X2(6) = 45.84, p<0.001; respectively]. The occurrence of hydatidosis in the summer and pneumonia in winter was greater than expected (15.1% and 4.3%; respectively, p<0.05). A substantial loss of revenue to the abattoir due to the condemnation of livers and lungs was determined. Meat inspection served as a control point for hydatidosis.Item Causes, patterns, and economic implications of carcass condemnation of cattle slaughtered at Oshana region, North of Namibia based on post-mortem inspection(Journal of Food Quality and Hazards Control, 2020-12-01) Mbiri, Pricilla; Mushonga, Borden; Madzinga, Charles; Madzingira, Oscar; Samkange, Alaster; Hikufe, Emmanuel H.; Kandiwa, Erick; Kamwi, Jessey AliceBackground: Meat inspection is one of the essential tools for ensuring good quality and safe meat. The objective of this study was to evaluate carcass condemnation of cattle slaughtered in Oshana region, North of Namibia. Methods: In this 4-year retrospective study, causes, patterns, and economic implications of carcass condemnation of cattle slaughtered in Oshana region, North of Namibia were evaluated based on post-mortem inspection procedure. The SPSS software version 25 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Overall, 0.37% (120 out of 32 648) beef carcasses were condemned during the period of this study. The major causes of condemnation of carcasses were bruising (60 out of 120; 50%), followed by pus contamination. The condemnation rate in female cattle (65%) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than male cattle (35%). Overall, a significantly greater number (p<0.05) of carcasses were condemned in summer (74.2%) than in winter (25.8%). Conclusion: This study identified bruising, pus contamination, and cachexia as the major causes of bovine carcass condemnation in North of Namibia and showed that carcass condemnation rate varied with the year, season, and age. (11) (PDF) Causes, Patterns, and Economic Implications of Carcass Condemnation of Cattle Slaughtered at Oshana Region, North of Namibia Based on Post-Mortem Inspection. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347958128_Causes_Patterns_and_Economic_Implications_of_Carcass_Condemnation_of_Cattle_Slaughtered_at_Oshana_Region_North_of_Namibia_Based_on_Post-Mortem_Inspection [accessed Jun 25 2021].Item Chronic lymphoplasmacytic villonodular proliferative synovitis in a 10-year-old Jack Russell Terrier dog(International Journal of Veterinary Science and Medicine, 2020-11-01) Mapuvire, Tafara; Kandiwa, Erick; Mbiri, Pricilla; Samkange, Alaster; Madzingira, Oscar; Mushonga, BordenWe describe a case of chronic lymphoplasmacytic villonodular synovitis (CLPVNS) associated with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) disease in a 10-year-old spayed Jack Russell Terrier bitch. The bitch was presented to a veterinary clinic with severe, non-weight bearing, acute left hindlimb lameness. The bitch had previously been treated surgically for stifle CCL disease of the same joint, using the lateral fabellar suture (LFS) technique. Since the treatment, the patient had a history of intermittent left hindlimb non-weight bearing lameness that was manageable with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Palpation and manipulation of the affected stifle elicited severe pain. There were no other clinical or orthopaedic abnormalities. Orthogonal radiographs of the affected stifle revealed moderate degenerative joint disease and osteolytic lesions on the lateral aspect of the lateral femoral condyle and the head of the fibula. A fluid aspirate from this joint was negative for bacterial growth on culture. Cytology results were suspicious for CLPVNS. Exploratory arthrotomy, synovectomy, debridement and lavage of the affected joint were performed. Bone and synovial membrane biopsy samples of the joint were obtained and submitted to a laboratory for a histopathological confirmatory diagnosis. CLPVNS was tentatively diagnosed by cytology, and confirmed by histopathology of biopsy samples. This case report highlights the importance of checking for CLPVNS in dogs with lameness associated with CCL disease, as reports show it to be underreported or misdiagnosed (11) (PDF) Chronic lymphoplasmacytic villonodular proliferative synovitis in a 10-year-old Jack Russell Terrier dog. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/346003151_Chronic_lymphoplasmacytic_villonodular_proliferative_synovitis_in_a_10-year-old_Jack_Russell_Terrier_dog [accessed Jun 25 2021].Item Cadmium and lead levels in three freshwater fish species from the Zambezi region, Namibia(African Journal of Aquatic Science, 2020-09-01) Madzingira, Oscar; Mushonga, Borden; Kandiwa, Erick; kandjengo, LeneekelaMuscle tissue from three-spotted tilapia (Oreochromis andersonii) (n = 11), sharp tooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) (n = 14) and tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus) (n = 12) were sampled from a market in the Zambezi region, Namibia in June 2018 and analysed for cadmium and lead. Cadmium was not detected in the three fish species. Mean lead levels in all three fish species (0.09–0.19 mg kg−1) were below the recommended safe level of 0.3 mg kg−1. Catfish had the highest mean lead concentrations, followed by tigerfish and tilapia in descending order. However, the differences in mean lead concentrations between the three fish species were not statistically significant (ANOVA, p = 0.18). These results show that the fish tested were safe for human consumption with respect to the metals tested. It is recommended that more metals and other contaminants, such as pesticides, be monitored robustly in water, sediment and fish, using the recommended protocols, in order to generate data that can be reliably used for human health risk assessments in the future.Item Avian influenza H5N8 outbreak in African penguins (Spheniscus demersus), Namibia, 2019(2020) Molini, Umberto; Aikukutu, Gottlieb; Roux, Jean-Paul; Kemper, Jessica; Ntahonshikira, Charles; Marruchella, Giuseppe; Khaiseb, S.; Cattoli, Giovanni; Dundon, William G.In January 2019, high mortalities were reported among African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus) in a breeding colony on Halifax Island, Namibia, Africa. Analysis of samples by reverse transcription quantitative PCR indicated the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype H5N8. Sequence analysis of the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes confirmed the presence of the virus in the birds and its high similarity to HPAI subtype H5N8 identified in South Africa in 2017. There have been no previous reports of HPAI H5N8 in Namibia.Item Molecular characterisation of infectious bursal disease virus in Namibia, 2017(2019) Molini, Umberto; Aikukutu, Gottlieb; Kabajani, Juliet; Khaiseb, S.; Cattoli, Giovanni; Dundon, William G.Between July and September 2017, samples collected from six unvaccinated chickens in Namibia were shown to be positive for infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) by RT-PCR. Partial sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the VP1 and VP2 genes from six viruses revealed that they all belong to the very virulent pathotype (Genogroup 3) and are genetically very similar to IBDVs identified in neighbouring Zambia. This is the first molecular characterisation of IBDV in Namibia and has implications on the control and management of the disease in the country.Item Investigation of infectious laryngotracheitis outbreaks in Namibia in 2018(2019) Molini, Umberto; Aikukutu, Gottlieb; Khaiseb, S.; Kahler, Barbara; Van der Westhuizen, Jolandie; Cattoli, Giovanni; Dundon, William G.Between July and August 2018, two outbreaks of infectious laryngotracheitis caused the death of over 116,000 commercial poultry (layers and broilers) near the city of Windhoek, Namibia. A third outbreak occurred in September 2018 in the north of the country approximately 800km from the original outbreaks. Sample collection and molecular epidemiological analyses revealed that the outbreaks were most likely caused by poor vaccination practices leading to the reversion to virulence of an ILT vaccine strain. The analyses also indicate that inaccurate declarations were made by one of the farms involved and that illegal movement of animalsmost likely occurred.Item Molecular characterization of African swine fever virus from outbreaks in Namibia in 2018(2019) Molini, Umberto; Mushonga, Borden; Settypalli, Tirumala B. K.; Dundon, William G.; Khaiseb, S.; Jago, Mark; Cattoli, Giovanni; Lamien, Charles E.Five samples were collected from four suspected outbreaks of African swine fever in Namibia in 2018. Sequencing of the C‐terminus of the B646L gene (p72 protein), the central hypervariable region (CVR) of the B602L gene, the E183L gene (p54 protein) and the CD2v (used to determine the serogroup) was performed on DNA isolated from the samples. Phylogenetic analyses of the B646L (p72) revealed that one of the samples belonged to genotype I while the remaining samples could not be assigned to any currently known genotype. In contrast, by using the E183L gene three of the samples were shown to belong to genotype Id and only two were of unknown genotype. Based on the analysis of the partial CD2v amino acid sequences of four of the samples, one of the viruses clustered with serogroup 2 while the other three did not cluster within any of the eight known serogroups. Examination of the CVR identified three variants with 8, 18 and 24 tetrameric tandem repeat sequences. This study indicates that at least three different genetically distinct ASFV are currently present in Namibia.Item Complete coding sequences of lumpy skin disease virus strains isolated from cutaneous lesions in Namibian cattle during 2016 outbreaks(2020) Di Felice, Elisabetta; Pinoni, Chiara; Khaiseb, S.; Camma, Cesare; Dondona, Andrea Capobianco; Polci, Andrea; Molini, Umberto; Monaco, FedericaBetween September and October 2016, an outbreak of lumpy skin disease (LSD) was monitored in the Okakarara veterinary district of Namibia. The complete coding sequences were obtained for LSD virus isolates from skin nodules from two symptomatic animals.Item ‘‘SILAB for Africa’’: An innovative information system supporting the veterinary African laboratories(2018) Colangeli, Patrizia; Del Negro, Ercole; Molini, Umberto; Malizia, Sara; Scacchia, MassimoTo support African veterinary laboratory services, the Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell’Abruzzo e del Molise puts in place an operational system called ‘‘SILAB for Africa’’ (SILABFA); this is a web application used by a laboratory information management system to support laboratory diagnostic activities and to meet the needs of various African countries. SILABFA was designed to collect and manage all necessary information on samples, tests, and test results. The system involves the entry of sample data on arrival, the tracking of samples through the various sections of the laboratory, and the collection of test results. It automates the generation of test reports and monitors outbreaks through data interrogation functions and eliminates multiple registrations of the same data on paper records. SILABFA is currently installed in Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Cameroon, and installation in Senegal and Ivory Coast is planned for the next few months. After some years of SILABFA usage, it was natural to want to utilize more and more data collected in a homogeneous and consistent way for epidemiological purposes and to cover informative debts toward ministries and other organizations. To improve the availability of good, detailed, and reliable data, as the epidemiological information, SILABFA has been linked to the local animal identification, registration, and traceability system and other relevant national information systems.Item Incidence of contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia in the northern regions of Namibia(2020) Mbiri, Pricilla; Kandiwa, Erick; Mushonga, Borden; Samkange, Alaster; Bishi, Alec S.; Madzingira, Oscar; Chitate, FrankA 25-year retrospective study investigated the incidence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in the northern communal areas of Namibia. Throughout the study period, the proportion of bovine animals that clinically recovered following treatment of suspected CBPP infection were greater than those that died from suspected CBPP infection (71.6% and 28.4%, respectively, N=4743; z=42.16, p<.001). The proportion of unconfirmed CBPP diagnoses was greater than that of confirmed cases (65.4% and 34.6%, respectively, z=30.04, p<.001). More animals died from confirmed CBPP infection in the North Central Regions (NCR) and Zambezi region (5.4% and 4.1%, respectively) than in Kavango (East and West) and Kunene regions (2.1% and 0.5%, respectively; p<.05). Kavango regions had the greatest proportion of animals (7.9%; p<.05) that clinically recovered following treatment of confirmed CBPP infection whilst more animals in NCR and Kunene region recovered following treatment of unconfirmed CBPP (41.6% and 1.0%, respectively; p<.05). The NCR and Kunene region had greater proportions of animals that died from unconfirmed CBPP infections (9.1% and 1.0%, respectively; p<.05). More animals than expected died of confirmed CBPP in 1990, 1995, 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2004 (p<.05) whereas more animals than expected died of suspected CBPP in 1990, 1991, 1993 and 2004 (p<.05). Overall, the majority of animals died of confirmed CBPP in April, August and December (2.8%, 1.9% and 0.7%, respectively, p<.05). The highest CBPP vaccination coverage was achieved in 2003, 2004, 2009, 2011 and 2012 (96.6%, 82.6%, 84.8%, 90.1% and 90.1%; respectively). The greatest CBPP incidence rates (per 100 000) occurred in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2003 (54.1, 43.4, 75.3, 106.2 and 25.5, respectively). The highest CBPP-related mortalities (per 100 000) occurred in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2004 (25.3, 11.1, 17.2, 11.9 and 15.6, respectively). Although the incidence of CBPP cases has decreased, control of the disease remains a challenge because of cross-border livestock movements between northern Namibia and southern Angola.Item A survey of the common small animal surgical procedures at a regional state veterinary clinic in Namibia(2020) Segwagwe, Basiamisi; Jacobs, Eugene; Chinyoka, Simbarashe; Yule, Justin; Mushonga, Borden; Samkange, Alaster; Kandiwa, ErickA retrospective study to investigate the nature of surgical cases presented to Katima Mulilo State Veterinary Office in Namibia was conducted on 167 small animals between 2011 and 2016. Overall, significantly more dogs (87.4%) than cats (12.6%) were presented for surgical procedures (p<0.05). Significantly more non-elective (58.7%) than elective (41.3%) procedures were performed (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the proportion of castrations (23.4%) and ovariohysterectomies (18.0%), the two main elective procedures performed during the study period (p>0.05). A greater proportion of male (58.2%) than female dogs (41.8%) were presented for surgical treatment (p<0.05). Significantly more non-elective (65.8%) than elective procedures (34.2%) were performed in dogs (p<0.05; n=146); however, significantly more elective (90.5%) than non-elective procedures (9.5%) were performed in cats (p<0.05; n=21). All the adult cats were presented for elective procedures (n=16). A significantly greater proportion of adult dogs were presented for non-elective (60%) than for elective (40%) procedures (p<0.05). A significantly greater proportion of pure breed dogs were presented for non-elective (71.4%) than for elective (28.6%) procedures (p<0.05; n=14). The results of the study revealed that state veterinarians in rural/semi-urban state offices should better stock their clinics more for dogs than cats. As for dogs, these clinics should be more stocked for bite wounds, castrations, bone fractures and ovariohysterectomies and to prepare for castrations and ovariohysterectomies when they prepare surgical materials for cats.Item Incidence of contagious Bovine pleuropneumonia in the northern regions of Namibia(2020) Mbiri, Pricilla; Kandiwa, Erick; Mushonga, Borden; Samkange, Alaster; Bishi, Alec S.; Madzingira, Oscar; Chitate, FrankA 25-year retrospective study investigated the incidence of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in the northern communal areas of Namibia. Throughout the study period, the proportion of bovine animals that clinically recovered following treatment of suspected CBPP infection were greater than those that died from suspected CBPP infection (71.6% and 28.4%, respectively, N=4743; z=42.16, p<.001). The proportion of unconfirmed CBPP diagnoses was greater than that of confirmed cases (65.4% and 34.6%, respectively, z=30.04, p<.001). More animals died from confirmed CBPP infection in the North Central Regions (NCR) and Zambezi region (5.4% and 4.1%, respectively) than in Kavango (East and West) and Kunene regions (2.1% and 0.5%, respectively; p<.05). Kavango regions had the greatest proportion of animals (7.9%; p<.05) that clinically recovered following treatment of confirmed CBPP infection whilst more animals in NCR and Kunene region recovered following treatment of unconfirmed CBPP (41.6% and 1.0%, respectively; p<.05). The NCR and Kunene region had greater proportions of animals that died from unconfirmed CBPP infections (9.1% and 1.0%, respectively; p<.05). More animals than expected died of confirmed CBPP in 1990, 1995, 2000, 2002, 2003 and 2004 (p<.05) whereas more animals than expected died of suspected CBPP in 1990, 1991, 1993 and 2004 (p<.05). Overall, the majority of animals died of confirmed CBPP in April, August and December (2.8%, 1.9% and 0.7%, respectively, p<.05). The highest CBPP vaccination coverage was achieved in 2003, 2004, 2009, 2011 and 2012 (96.6%, 82.6%, 84.8%, 90.1% and 90.1%; respectively). The greatest CBPP incidence rates (per 100 000) occurred in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2003 (54.1, 43.4, 75.3, 106.2 and 25.5, respectively). The highest CBPP-related mortalities (per 100 000) occurred in 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 2004 (25.3, 11.1, 17.2, 11.9 and 15.6, respectively). Although the incidence of CBPP cases has decreased, control of the disease remains a challenge because of cross-border livestock movements between northern Namibia and southern Angola.Item A feather cyst causing vertebral bone lysis and spinal cord compression in a Lohmann Brown layer(2020) Samkange, Alaster; Mushonga, Borden; Kandiwa, Erick; Bishi, Alec S.; Segwagwe, Basiamisi; Muradzikwa, ErdwinA feather cyst in the cervical region which, through complications of inward growth, resulted in compression of the cervical spinal cord of a Lohmann Brown layer is described. It is postulated that expansion of the cyst exerted pressure on the adjacent cervical vertebra and through bone lysis created an opening through which the cyst protruded, thereby exerting pressure on the spinal cord. The affected spinal cord segment was reduced to a fifth of its normal diameter. The bird most likely died of starvation because of limb and neck paralysis and disorientation. Although the cause of the feather cyst was not conclusively identified, moulting and trauma could have triggered its formation and subsequent growth.Item Production performance of sheep and goat breeds at a farm in a semi-arid region of Namibia(University of Namibia, 2020) Kandiwa, Erick; Nguarambuka, Utjiuasane; Chitate, Frank; Samkange, Alaster; Madzingira, Oscar; Mbiri, Pricilla; Bishi, Alec S.This study retrospectively investigated the effect of breed and season on the lambing/kidding dynamics, growth performance, neonatal viability, and weaning dynamics of sheep (Damara, Dorper, and Swakara) and goats (Boer goat and Kalahari Red) at a farm in the Khomas Region of Namibia between 2004 and 2015. Litter size was dependent on breed (X2(12, N = 3388) = 796,p < 0.001), with twinning more frequent in Dorper sheep and Kalahari Red and Boer goats than in the Damara and Swakara sheep (p < 0.05), while triplets were more prevalent in the Dorper sheep and Kalahari Red goats (2.8% and 1.0%, respectively; p < 0.05). Distribution of birth weight categories was dependent on breed. There was a significant difference in the proportions of birth weight categories between breeds (X2(12, N = 3388) = 467, p < 0.001)whereby Dorper lambs weremostly bornweighing below 3 kg (2.6%, p < 0.05); Boer goat kids, Kalahari Red kids, and Damara lambs were mostly born weighing 3 to < 4 kg (4.3%, 6.3% and 19.9%, respectively; p < 0.05); Swakara lambs were mostly born weighing 4 to < 5 kg (12.2%, p < 0.05), and Swakara lambs were mostly born weighing ≥ 5 kg (3.3% and 2.3%, respectively, p < 0.05). Weaning age categories were dependent on breed (X2(12, N = 3388) = 241, p < 0.001) whereby Dorper lambs were mostly weaned at below 3 months of age (2.8%, p < 0.05); Damara lambs were mostly weaned at 3 to < 5 months of age (12%, p < 0.05), and Boer goat kids were mostly weaned at ≥ 5 months of age (0.9%, p < 0.05). Neonatal viability was dependent on breed (X2(8, N = 3388) = 49.2, p < 0.001) whereby Dorper lambs were more susceptible to abortions and neonatal deaths (0.6% and 1.5%, respectively; p < 0.05) than the rest of the breeds. Breed and lambing season interacted to produce effects on the birth weight of offspring although lambing season alone did not have a significant effect on Boer goat and Kalahari Red kids’ birth weights.
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