a ILRI Health of Animals, People and Ecosystems theme outputs (2025–)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/169325

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Prevalence and antimicrobial-resistant Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in free-range chickens in northwest Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2025) Worku, M.; Tessema, B.; Ferede, G.; Ochieng, Linnet; Leliso, S.A.; Mutua, Florence; Moodley, Arshnee; Gelaw, B.; Grace, Delia
Campylobacter enteritis is the most common bacterial foodborne disease in humans. Long-term use of antibiotics in chicken production may result in antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter strains. Information on the antimicrobial resistance profile of Campylobacter species among free-range chickens in Ethiopia is scarce. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli among free-range chickens in Amhara National Regional state, northwest Ethiopia from November 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023. Cloacal swabs were collected from free-range backyard chickens, directly inoculated onto modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar, and incubated at reduced O₂ concentration at 42°C for 48 hours. Suspected colonies were confirmed at the species level using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The associated factors were analyzed using the Fisher exact test. A P <0.05 at 95% CI was considered statistically significant. Among the 286 cloacal samples, 15.0% (n = 43/286; CI: 10.2–19.5) were positive for Campylobacter species. C. jejuni (60.5%) was more frequent than C. coli (39.5%). Of the total isolates, 62.8% (n = 27/43), 51.2% (n = 22/43), and 16.3% (n = 7/43) of the Campylobacter species were resistant to tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, and erythromycin, respectively. Of the total Campylobacter species isolates, 9.3% (n = 4/43) were multidrug resistant. Campylobacter species resistance to tetracycline and ciprofloxacin was high in general among backyard chickens. Multidrug-resistant Campylobacter species were also identified, and they require special attention to prevent the potential dissemination of the strains to humans in the community.
Harnessing community conversations for gender-responsive engagement in livestock management in Ethiopia: a methodological reflection
(Journal Article, 2025-06-25) Lemma, Mamusha; Alemu, Biruk; Knight-Jones, Theodore J.D.
Background: Participatory approaches are increasingly employed to design context-specific interventions that are more inclusive, responsive, and effective. The Community Conversation (CC) approach has been tailored to Ethiopia’s livestock management context. As part of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research Program on Livestock (CRP Livestock), gender-responsive CC materials on livestock management have been developed and implemented across various rural communities to raise awareness and derive community-led actions. This paper explores how CCs were harnessed through improvisation and provides insights for practitioners to strategically adapt the approach in diverse contexts to foster gender-responsive community engagement. Methods: Between 2018 and 2019, CCs were conducted at five communities to address different livestock management issues. We selected and trained local facilitators in the CC methodology and documentation process. They used structured facilitation guides and documentation tools to lead conversations. After each session, we held reflection meetings with facilitators to review the process, interpret the discussions, and gain contextual insights. The results were captured in field reports and later analyzed thematically to provide evidence for the approach’s community engagement value. Results: Findings suggested that CCs hold potential for facilitating collaborative analysis and dialog among rural communities and local service providers regarding gender norms and different livestock management aspects. Gender-inclusive discussions allowed women and men to participate in livestock management decisions. The approach demonstrated adaptability across various contexts and thematic areas. A key strength was its emphasis on collaborative learning and community-driven actions, which helped promote sustained engagement and strengthened partnerships. Conclusion: The CC approach has shown potential to foster collaboration among rural communities and service providers, enabling them to jointly analyze livestock management challenges and implement locally tailored solutions. Its application in participatory research, training, intervention planning, and partnership building demonstrates its potential to foster collective dialog and action across diverse contexts. Integrating gender perspectives into this approach enhances inclusivity, ensuring that both women and men contribute to decision-making.
Poster #27 - One Health surveillance for influenza A viruses in Vietnamese live bird markets from January 2019 to April 2021
(Journal Item, 2025-06-18) Tung D. Dao; Coleman, K.K.; Vuong N. Bui; Anh N. Bui; Long H. Tran; Quy D. Nguyen; Son T. Than; Pulscher, L.A.; Marushchak, L.V.; Robie, E.R.; Hung Nguyen-Viet; Phuc Pham-Duc; Christy, N.C.; Brooks, J.S.; Huy C. Nguyen; Rubrum, A.; Webby, R.J.; Gray, G.C.
Background: The recent detections of H5N1 viruses among avian and mammalian species worldwide highlight the panzootic nature of influenza A viruses. There is specific concern that some influenza A viruses, such as H5N1, which are more generalist in nature and may be more prone to crossing the species barrier, causing disease in humans. Active surveillance for influenza A viruses among poultry, humans, and their shared environment is paramount to understanding their transmission potential and provides information on currently circulating avian strains. Purpose: In this study, we employed a One Health approach for the surveillance of influenza A viruses in Vietnamese live bird markets. Methods: Over a two-year period, oropharyngeal and environmental fecal swabs from birds, nasal washes from poultry market workers, and bioaerosol samples were prospectively collected monthly at four live bird markets in Vietnam in 5 provinces including Lang Son, Lao Cai and Quang Ninh that share the border with China, and Hanoi city. Influenza A viruses were studied using qRT-PCR and cell or egg culture, followed by Sanger sequencing for positive cases. Findings: Among the 3493 samples collected, 37.5% (n = 314) of oropharyngeal swabs, 34.9% (n = 438) of fecal swabs, 25.1% (n = 144) of bioaerosol samples, and 1.9% (n = 16) of the human samples had evidence of influenza A viruses by qRT-PCR or egg culture. Of the poultry and environmental (fecal and bioaerosol) isolates tested, 83 (18.3%) had evidence of H5 influenza viruses and 70 (84.3%) of these were characterized as highly pathogenic avian influenza, including H5N2 and H5N6 strains. Of the human samples tested, one sample returned good Sanger sequence results for the PB1 gene. Phylogenetic analysis of this sample showed clustering with PB1 genes from H9N2 viruses isolated from chickens and ducks in Vietnam. Conclusion: Together these data suggest that Vietnamese live bird markets continue to have a high prevalence of influenza A viruses circulating, many of which are highly pathogenic A/H5 strains. Additionally, the identification of an H9N2 avian-like PB1 gene in a poultry market worker suggests avian influenza viruses may be spilling over into the human population. These results set the stage for continued One Health surveillance for influenza A viruses in live bird markets to identify currently circulating strains and better understand the potential for cross-species transmission of such viruses to humans.
Poster #22 - Wild animals can be a food source in Vietnam: Results from a mixed – method cross-sectional survey
(Journal Item, 2025-06-18) Thang Nguyen-Tien; Ha Nguyen Thi Thanh; Hu Suk Lee; Sinh Dang-Xuan; Unger, Fred; Bett, Bernard K.; Hung Nguyen-Viet
Background: Although wildlife farming has been promoted as a measure to enhance biodiversity conservation and as an alternative source of food and income, wild animals harbor many infectious pathogens, many of which can infect humans and livestock. In Vietnam, wildlife farming has become a major socioeconomic activity given its major contributions to income generation, food (meat) production, job creation, and economic growth. Purpose: This study investigates wild animal consumption of wildlife value chain actors in two provinces in Vietnam. Methods: Following a One Health approach, we collaborated with multiple institutions from Animal Health, Forestry Protection and Public Health sectors to implement a cross-sectional survey in Lao Cai - Northern region and Dong Nai - Southern region. To gain a comprehensive understanding of wild animal consumption, we employed both quantitative and qualitative methods in this study. In total, 347 participants (consumers and farmers) in the wildlife value chain were interviewed using the structured questionnaire. 30 IDIs and 5 FGDs with wildlife value chain actors (farmers, traders, butcherers and consumers) were also conducted. Findings: Quantitative results indicated that 75.5% participants had consumed the wild animal in the past year, of whom, 34.6% of them were wild animal farm owners. Among 262 consumers, there were 58% male and 42% female with the mean age of 45.7. The most consumed wild animals in study sites were farmed wild boar (54.2%), natural and farmed snakes (33.2%), farmed bamboo rats (29%) and others such as farmed deer, natural squirrel, natural rats, Lonchura/Centropus birds, wild cocks… (43.9%). Especially, some consumers reported eating blood pudding (45 people) and internal organs from (86 people) from from farmed bamboo rats, farmed wild boars, farmed civets, snakes, porcupines and others (deers, squirrel…). Qualitative results also showed that bamboo rats, snakes were among the most consumed wild animals in study sites. Men consumed wild animal meat more than women, especially the male farm owners and those with middle or above middle-incomes. Interestingly, over 40% of consumers reported experiencing at least one health symptom within the past year. The most severe reported illness were vomiting (7 people) and diarrhea (13 people) and all of them attributed these symptoms to the flu, not from wild meat consumption. Conclusion: There were a variety of wild animals that were consumed by the wildlife value chain actors. This highlights the need for targeted intervention to improve the awareness of the risks associated with wild animal consumption.
Poster #21 - Development and use of mobile application for transboundary animal and emerging zoonotic diseases surveillance – a One Health project for improving human, animal health and food security in Vietnam
(Journal Item, 2025-06-18) Thang Nguyen-Tien; Hu Suk Lee; Park, M.; Luong Hung Nam; Sinh Dang-Xuan; Unger, Fred; Hung Nguyen-Viet
Background: Vietnam has been identified as a “hotspot” for Transboundary Animal and Emerging Zoonotic Diseases (TAEZDs) in South East Asia. In the framework of the “Improving human health through sustainable value chains in human-animal-environmental interactions using ICT in Vietnam (ICT4HEALTH)” project funded by Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs, we developed and used a mobile application, named Farmvetcare, to improve the timeliness and accuracy of surveillance and response to TAEZDs in two pilot provinces (Hoa Binh and Lao Cai) in Vietnam. Methods: We adopted a One Health approach, involving stakeholders from animal, human, and environmental sectors. Along with the mobile application development, testing and piloting to combat the TAEZDs effectively. From 2024, farmers will be trained to use this application to exchange and report information (inquiries by messages, photos, calls) about TAEZDs (focusing on African swine fever, Foot-and-mouth disease, Leptospirosis, Avian Influenza, and Streptococcosis) with local vets/provincial department of animal health. We also will provide trainings about One Health principles to veterinary, health staff and trainings about diseases management, biosecurity for farmers and vets; risk communication management for traders, slaughterhouse workers and wet market workers as well as will support awareness creation campaigns at the community level on food safety and human/animal health as the intervention activities. Besides, blood and swab samples will be collected from animals, farmers, and their family members. Expected results: At least 1000 farms and 40 local vets in the selected sites will actively participate. The vets are required to answer the inquiries within 24 h. This process will help local authorities and vets to be well informed of potential emerging disease outbreaks in their monitoring areas and will respond in a timely manner. Laboratory test results will be used to evaluate disease surveillance, assess the risk and prevalence of TAEZDs in the selected livestock value chains. Users' data will be stored and analyzed to provide better evidence for the development of TAEZDs prevention and control strategies for targeted livestock value chains. Finally, these datasets will contribute to the creation of prediction models, risk maps, and comprehensive risk assessments for TAEZDs in Vietnam. Conclusion: The findings of the project will provide data and evidences to strengthen using One Health approach along with developing digital extension services and agriculture technology to prevent TAEZDs. This project will also inform policy formulation to improve the management of TAEZDs and improve human/animal health and food security in Vietnam.
One Health & food systems research from CGIAR
(Journal Item, 2025-06-18) Hung Nguyen-Viet
Background: CGIAR is a global research partnership dedicated to transforming food, land, and water systems in a climate crisis. CGIAR is implementing a portfolio of 32 research initiatives (2022–24) including CGIAR One Health initiative to address zoonotic and foodborne diseases and antimicrobial resistance in food systems in LMIC settings. In addition, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), as a member of CGIAR implements a One Health program that aims to manage effectively or eliminate livestock, zoonotic and foodborne diseases that matter to poor people through generation and utilization of new knowledge, technologies and products. Purpose: In this paper, we will present the ILRI One Health strategy, and findings of One Health projects implemented with partners across Asia and Africa, and discuss the learnings of development and implementation of the One Health research program for food system transformation. Findings: These One Health research program includes CGIAR One Health Initiative, One Health Center for Africa (OHRECA), Capacitating One Health in East and Southern Africa (COHESA), rangeland management, food safety, zoonoses and AMR projects in Southeast and South Asia. All projects generated One Health evidence on hazards and risks, developed solutions / interventions to reduce risks and built the capacities in One Health for different actors as well as advocated for One Health investment at central and local level and translated research into policy and action. For example, we have developed a strong understanding of zoonotic diseases risks as well as sought to address them by developing an integrated zoonotic diseases surveillance system at the interface of animals (livestock and wildlife), humans, and the environment, in the context of wildlife farming. A decade of One Health incentive-based & behavior change interventions in traditional markets & meat processing sectors in Vietnam, Cambodia, Kenya, & Uganda is cultivating an environment of improved food safety & reduced foodborne diseases. We also informed policy by supporting the integration of the existing technical working group (TWG) for food safety into the national One Health mechanism in Vietnam, as well as supporting the establishment of a new TWG for food safety in Ethiopia and supported the national One Health platforms. On the ground, we are collaborating with local authorities to implement the One Health concept, supporting the development of laboratories and establishing One Health research sites, particularly in Vietnam and Kenya. Conclusions: One Health program at CGIAR demonstrates how integrating One Health principles and tools into food systems can help reduce and contain zoonotic disease outbreaks; to improve food and water safety and reduce anti-microbial resistance, benefiting human, animal and environmental health; and to encourage countries to adopt a One Health approach.
Secondary schools One Health training of trainers: One Health education initiative for pastoralist students in Somalia
(Report, 2025-06-17) Hared, Y.A.; Abdullahi, S.
The One Health Education Initiative for pastoralist students in Somalia aims to address critical health education gaps within Somali pastoralist communities by incorporating One Health principles into secondary school curricula in the Awdal and Benadir regions. The initiative focuses on equipping teachers with the necessary knowledge and tools to educate students on vital health topics such as hygiene, disease prevention, and safe human-animal interactions. It will achieve this by developing a comprehensive facilitator manual tailored to pastoral settings, organizing teacher training workshops, and creating a monitoring framework to track the integration of One Health concepts over six months. The workshops, held in Borama (October 30–November 3, 2024) and Mogadishu (January 15–19, 2025) trained 35 teachers who turn educated over 2,000 students. Through this process, the program seeks to empower students to improve the health and well-being of their communities. The initiative also aims to overcome challenges such as limited One Health knowledge. Plans are in place to scale up the program, secure policy support, and ensure its sustainability through ongoing training, collaboration with ministries, and robust monitoring and evaluation.
One Health surveillance: linking human and animal rabies surveillance data in Kenya
(Journal Article, 2025-06-16) Kahariri, Samuel; Thomas, Lian F.; Bett, Bernard K.; Mureithi, M.; Njuguna, B.; Mutono, N.; Mwangi, T.
Introduction: Rabies poses a significant public health and economic challenge in Kenya. The Kenya rabies elimination strategy identifies surveillance as a key pillar to achieve the targets of ending human deaths from rabies by 2030. Here we investigated the utility of the national human and animal rabies surveillance data to provide robust surveillance data to guide the Kenya rabies elimination program. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the official rabies data obtained from the national human and animal health surveillance systems between 2017 and 2023. We obtained data on bites, cases, and deaths in dogs and humans due to rabies. We estimated incidences and tested the relationships between rabies variables in human and dogs as a proxy for robust data availability. Results: On average, there were 162 cases and 84 deaths in dogs, while in humans, there were 53 cases and 6 deaths. We found positive correlations between dog bites and cases of dog rabies [RR = 1.33, 95% credible interval (CI): 1.16, 1.54], deaths and rabies cases in dogs (RR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.14) and death cases and dog bites (RR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.98). However, relationships between rabies cases and dog bites in humans were not statistically significant (RR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.03), whereas rabies cases in dogs and humans were negatively correlated (RR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.94). Discussion: The findings indicate that Kenya’s rabies surveillance system effectively captures trends in dog rabies but has gaps in human rabies case reporting. The weak relationship between rabies cases and dog bites in humans and the negative correlation between rabies cases in dogs and humans point to potential underreporting of human cases, that could be possibly driven by misdiagnosis or limited access to healthcare, or effective post-exposure treatment. Conclusion: Understanding these relationships is critical for improving the surveillance systems that can effectively support the rabies elimination program.
Ambient environmental conditions and active outdoor play in the context of climate change: A systematic review and meta-synthesis
(Journal Article, 2025-10-15) Lee, E.-Y.; Park, S.; Kim, Y.-B.; Liu, H.; Mistry, P.; Nguyen, K.; Oh, Y.; James, M.E.; Lam, Steven; Lannoy, L. de; Larouche, R.; Manyanga, T.; Morrison, S.A.; Prince, S.A.; Ross-White, A.; Vanderloo, L.M.; Wachira, L.-J.; Tremblay, M.S.
Background: Ambient environmental conditions, both influenced by and contribute to climate change, is affecting many aspects of daily life, including active and playful lifestyle activities. This systematic review and qualitative synthesis investigated the association(s) between ambient environmental conditions and active outdoor play across the lifespan. Methods: Seven databases were used to identify studies measuring ambient environmental conditions (meteorological conditions, atmospheric pressure, land-use/environmental factors) and its associations (null, favorable, unfavorable) with active outdoor play. Narrative synthesis and meta-synthesis were performed. Results: Results across 44 studies encompassed 74,423 individuals, 530,142 observations/counts, and 2,029 households. 91% of studies were derived from high-income countries. The average duration of active outdoor play varied by age groups of early years (0–5 years,133.2 min/day), children (6–12 years, 153.2 min/day), adults (18–64 years, 97.2 min/day), and older adults (65+ years, 47.1 min/day). Meteorological (null), atmospheric (unfavorable), and land-use/environmental (unfavorable) factors were associated with active outdoor play (n = 33 studies). Three studies indicated the potential negative impact of active outdoor play on the environment (unfavorable). Grounded in social-ecological resilience theory, deductive coding was applied to categorize outdoor type, play type, impact of climate change on active outdoor play or vice versa, adaptation, and resilience. Conclusion: This review provides a comprehensive overview of current evidence on associations between ambient environmental conditions and active outdoor play in the context of climate change. The findings offer insights into how a changing climate may influence opportunities for active outdoor play and inform strategies to promote resilient outdoor play practices.
Village chickens can strengthen community resilience in the face of insecurity and climate change in Burkina Faso
(Abstract, 2025-03-12) Dione, Michel M.; Ilboudo, Guy; Ouedraogo, Brice; Ima, S.A.; Kagambèga, A.; Ganser, C.; Boz, Z.; Knight-Jones, Theodore J.D.; Alders, R.
In countries like Burkina Faso where climate change and political insecurity are causing displacement of communities to safer areas, village chickens are commonly raised by rural households. Indigenous chickens are well-adapted to local conditions due to their heat tolerance, ability to scavenge when access to feed is limited, and the relative ease of transport to market or to relocate during instability. Chicken production is a potential avenue to strengthen community resilience. To assess the roles and production practices for chickens in the communities, we carried out focus group discussions with 98 men and 99 females in 10 villages and a household survey in 483 chicken keeping households across 23 villages in Boussouma commune, a typical rural setting in Burkina Faso. Results show that the chicken production system is mainly extensive scavenging. The mean size of flocks was 42 birds (min= 1 bird, max=155 birds). However, most farmers (81%) keep 5 to 50 birds with little or no supplementary feeding and rudimentary housing. Seventy-six percent of farmers said that the main reason for keeping chicken is for sale to generate household income; a few indicated they kept chicken for household consumption (9%), and even fewer for egg consumption (2%). There is a significant association between the purpose of chicken keeping and the farmer’s main income generating activity. Most revenue from chicken sales is spent on household health (29%), food (21%) and education (20%). While men spent more revenue from chicken production on agriculture and household equipment, women spent more on food for the household, education and medical expenses. Chicken ownership is not restricted by gender and sex; however, women are more involved in the day-to-day flock husbandry with limited decision-making on chicken sales. Most producers indicated that Newcastle disease (ND) is the main cause of chicken mortality, with 59% of farmers saying their birds had been affected by disease compatible with ND in the three months prior to the survey. Poor or absence of adequate chicken housing, poor feeding and limited access to veterinary services were cited as key challenges. Village chicken plays a major role in strengthening resilience for communities that face high poverty with fragile production systems due to recurrent drought, heat stress and insecurity. This is largely through low-input, flexible means of household income generation, yet this could be greatly enhanced. With locally adapted interventions that employ a One Health approach, production of village chicken has the potential to secure and greatly improve smallholder livelihoods and household food security, while preserving public health in Burkina Faso.
Gaps and opportunities for data systems and economics to support priority setting for climate-sensitive infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa: A rapid scoping review
(Journal Article, 2025-06-11) Delight, E.A.; Brunn, A.A.; Ruiz, F.; Gerard, J.; Falconer, J.; Liu, Y.; Bah, B.; Bett, Bernard K.; Uzochukwu, B.; Oloko, O.K.; Njuguna, E.; Murray, K.A.
Climate change alters risks associated with climate-sensitive infectious diseases (CSIDs) with pandemic potential. This poses additional threats to already vulnerable populations, further amplified by social factors such as gender inequalities. Currently, critical evidence gaps, along with inadequate institutional and governance mechanisms, hinder African states’ ability to prevent, detect and respond to CSIDs. Effective responses require transparent and evidence-based decision-making processes, supported by fit-for-purpose data systems and robust economic analyses. The aim of this study was to explore the role of data systems and economics in priority setting for CSID pandemic preparedness in sub-Saharan Africa. We conducted a rapid scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A literature search was performed across six bibliographic databases in November 2023. A list of 14 target CSIDs was produced, informed by the World Health Organization’s Public Health Emergencies of International Concern and R&D Blueprint Pathogen lists, and a database of CSIDs. Studies were included if published between 2010 and 2023, were relevant to sub-Saharan Africa, pandemic preparedness, and a target CSID, and applied or assessed economic evaluations or data systems. Extracted data were synthesised using bibliometric analysis, topic categorisation, and a narrative synthesis including the application of a gender lens. We identified 68 relevant studies. Data system studies (n = 50) showed broad coverage across target CSIDs and the WHO AFRO region but also a high degree of heterogeneity, which may indicate a lack of clearly defined standards or research priorities. Economic studies (n = 18) primarily focused on COVID-19 or Ebola and mostly originated from South Africa. Both data system and economic studies identified limited interoperability across sectors and showed a notable absence of gendered considerations. These gaps present important opportunities to strengthen priority setting during pandemics and may contribute to improved and equitable health outcomes.
Using the microbiota to study connectivity at human–animal interfaces
(Journal Article, 2025) Muloi, Dishon M.; Caron, Alexandre; Berkley, J.A.; Hassell, James M.; Brito, I.L.; King, K.; Moodley, Arshnee; Fèvre, Eric M.
Interfaces between humans, livestock, and wildlife, mediated by the environment, are critical points for the transmission and emergence of infectious pathogens and call for leveraging the One Health approach to understanding disease transmission. Current research on pathogen transmission often focuses on single-pathogen systems, providing a limited understanding of the broader microbial interactions occurring at these interfaces. In this review, we make a case for the study of host-associated microbiota for understanding connectivity between host populations at human–animal interfaces. First, we emphasize the need to understand changes in microbiota composition dynamics from interspecies contact. Then, we explore the potential for microbiota monitoring at such interfaces as a predictive tool for infectious disease transmission and as an early-warning system to inform public health interventions. We discuss the methodological challenges and gaps in knowledge in analyzing microbiota composition dynamics, the functional meaning of these changes, and how to establish causality between microbiota changes and health outcomes. We posit that integrating microbiota science with social-ecological systems modeling is essential for advancing our ability to manage health risks and harness opportunities arising from interspecies interactions.
Developing a food safety consumer experience scale: Qualitative insights from Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Vietnam
(Journal Article, 2025-05-29) Isanovic, S.; Alonso, Silvia; Frongillo, E.A.; Parvin, A.; Gazu, Lina; Nguyen, Phuong Hong; Leroy, Jef L.
Objectives: Unsafe food contributes to 600 million cases of foodborne illness and 420,000 deaths annually. Existing methods used to evaluate food safety risks overlook consumers’ perspectives coming from their everyday experiences that influence their food choices. Our objective was to develop a cross-culturally appropriate and user-friendly scale to assess consumers’ experiences related to food safety in low- and middle-income countries. This study identified the constructs that constitute the experiences of food safety that the scale should reflect. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with urban households in Bangladesh (n=51), Ethiopia (n=50), and Vietnam (n=41). Eligible households had children aged 2–5 years and members serving as primary food purchasers, preparers, and caregivers. Interviews explored attitudes, perceptions, and lived experiences related to food safety. Data were analyzed using a constant comparative method. Results: Respondents expressed awareness of biological and chemical contaminants in foods. Concerns about chemical additives and food adulteration were common, fueled by beliefs that these hazards cause chronic illnesses. Personal and familial experiences with foodborne illness reinforced caution when buying foods. Religious and cultural beliefs shaped how respondents explained and responded to food safety concerns, with some attributing illness symptoms to spiritual causes. Trust in food vendors was rooted in reputation, visible cleanliness, and willingness to rectify issues (e.g., exchange items). Respondents differentiated their extent of scrutinizing safety based on food type: staples such as rice and pulses were assessed more by vendor credibility, whereas perishables such as fish and meat underwent direct, detailed inspections. Low transparency in food sourcing and how vendors prepared foods were persistent concerns. Conclusions: Trust, perceived transparency, risk perceptions, and past incidents shaped consumers’ mental representations and behaviors related to food safety. Interviews underscored the centrality of context and sensory-based quality indicators, suggesting that scenario-based assessments are more appropriate than generic risk-reduction items.
Eating wild meat carries serious health risks—why it still happens along the Kenya-Tanzania border
(Blog Post, 2025-06-08) Patel, Ekta; Fa, J.E.
Vietnam Food Safety Working Group E-bulletin, 7 June 2025
(Newsletter, 2025-06-07) Food Safety Technical Working Group in Vietnam
Economic burden of foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks on farmers and national economies
(Presentation, 2025-06-03) Knight-Jones, Theodore J.D.; Jemberu, Wudu T.; Rushton, J.
Farm-level livestock loss and risk factors in Ethiopian livestock production systems
(Journal Article, 2025-06-03) Yin Li; Jemberu, Wudu T.; Mayberry, D.
This study aims to explore farm-level losses of cattle, goats and sheep and relevant risk factors in the mixed crop-livestock and pastoral production systems in Ethiopia. Data from 1,528 cattle farms, 868 goat farms and 749 sheep farms, spanning the year 2018/19, were analysed in this study. A farm was defined as a case farm if it lost at least one cattle/goat/sheep in the past 12 months. The 12-month incidence of livestock loss was calculated for each region and production system. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess risk factors contributing to livestock loss in the farms. Forty-five percent of goat farms, 36% of sheep farms and 23% of cattle farms reported losing at least one animal in the past 12 months. Cattle loss in the pastoral system was associated with not using vaccines (Odds Ratio = 7, P < 0.01). In the mixed crop-livestock system cattle loss was associated with the absence of a roofed house (Odds Ratio = 1.40, P < 0.05). Risk factors for goat loss in the mixed crop-livestock system were selling live goats in the past 12 months (Odds Ratio = 1.58, P < 0.05). For sheep loss in the pastoral system, the identified risk factor was having cattle on farm (Odds Ratio = 2.40, P < 0.05). These findings provide valuable insights into the scale and the drivers of livestock loss within the major cattle and small ruminants production systems in Ethiopia.
Preventing the next pandemic: One Health researcher calls for urgent action
(Blog Post, 2025-06-03) Hung Nguyen-Viet
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus transmission among smallholder pig farms in Western Uganda
(Journal Article, 2025-09) Niwandinda, E.; Hasahya, Emmanuel; Bugenyi, A.W.; Bogere, P.; Byaruhanga, J.; Alarcón, P.; Kirunda, H.; Heo, J.; Masembe, C.
Pig production is a rapidly growing sector in Uganda, especially among smallholder farmers to whom it provides a vital source of income. However, the burden of productivity-limiting diseases such as Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) poses a significant challenge. This is exacerbated by the paucity of information on the occurrence of these pathogens within the country, highlighting the need to study their transmission dynamics for effective control. Here, we modelled the transmission of PRRS in western Uganda and evaluated its control under strategies targeting closure of biosecurity gaps related to practices such as equipment sharing, free ranging, boar sharing, farm visits, and restocking. We used data from 398 pig-farming households to assess husbandry practices, and to estimate contact rates and distances for simulating the spread of PRRS among the 44,125 farms in the study area. Biosecurity measures were found to be low among pig farms in the region, with only 0.8% of them keeping their entire herd confined all-year round, limiting access to unauthorized persons, and using disinfectants. Under the current state of biosecurity, a PRRS outbreak would result in 17. 57% of the pig farms in the region being infected within two years, with the medium and large-scale smallholder farms being most affected. The outbreak would persist beyond 2 years (with a 67.80% likelihood), stabilizing around 700 days post-introduction; reaching a prevalence of 5.15%; and with a median of 17 farms being infected daily during this endemic phase. However, eliminating visitor traffic could entirely halt PRRS spread, while eliminating risks associated with boar sharing, restocking, and scavenging would lead to reductions of 99.85%, 99.44%, and 40.67%, respectively. Furthermore, even a moderate adoption of improved biosecurity measures related to farm visits or boar sharing, could significantly reduce the effects of PRRS in the region. For instance, reducing the frequency of farm visits or boar sharing by 25% across all pig farms could reduce PRRS transmission by 99.61% or 73.95% respectively. This outcome could also be achieved through a targeted adoption rate of 50% within large-scale smallholder farms coupled with a 25% rate for medium-scaled ones. Our results highlight the necessity of promoting enhanced on-farm biosecurity practices in smallholder pig farms, given the challenges posed by productivity-limiting diseases such as PRRS, in Uganda’s rapidly growing piggery industry.
Towards a one health approach to WASH to tackle zoonotic disease and promote health and wellbeing
(Journal Article, 2025-05-29) Dickin, S.; Dagerskog, L.; Dione, Michel M.; Thomas, Lian F.; Arcilla, J.
There is increasing awareness that exposure to animal faeces contributes to the global burden of diarrheal disease, as well as other zoonotic diseases. This recognition has prompted a re-evaluation of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions to address animal-related transmission pathways. However, current efforts focus primarily on animal faeces within household environments, neglecting other critical human-animal interactions that favour contamination such as animal handling. We advance growing efforts to link One Health and WASH from a risk perspective, reviewing implications for humans, animals, as well as the environment, which has been overlooked. We then discuss how a comprehensive OH-WASH approach can move beyond risks to also enable opportunities to promote health, equity, climate resilience, and other benefits. This framing offers possibilities to reduce disease transmission and enhance biosecurity, while addressing interconnected challenges facing low- and middle-income countries including food insecurity and agricultural livelihoods, animal health and welfare, and ecosystem degradation from excessive nutrients found in excreta.

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