One Health Research, Education and Outreach Centre in Africa (OHRECA)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10568/110005
The goal of the One Health Research, Education and Outreach Centre in Africa is to improve the health of humans, animals and ecosystems through capacity building, strengthening of local, regional and global networks and provision of evidence-based policy advice on One Health in sub-Saharan Africa. The centre has four thematic areas: control of neglected tropical zoonotic diseases, emerging infectious diseases, food safety and informal markets, and prevention and control of antimicrobial resistance.
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Item Genetic diversity and population structure of Fasciola gigantica isolated from cattle in Malawi(Journal Article, 2025-04-01) Mogha, L.; Kainga, H.; Kamanga, N.; Kapalamula, T.F.; Wood, C.; Thomas, Lian F.; Mutua, Florence K.; Sargison, N.; Hayashida, K.; Tsutsumi, T.; Hayashi, N.; Nonaka, N.; Nakao, R.; Chatanga, E.Fasciola gigantica is an important trematode that affects the health of animals and humans in tropical and subtropical countries, including Malawi. Information on the genetic diversity and population structure of F. gigantica is important to understanding the parasite's transmission patterns/ and in monitoring the development of resistance to commonly used anthelmintic agents. This study aimed to analyze the genetic diversity and population structure of Fasciola species collected from cattle at slaughter slabs and abattoirs in selected districts of Malawi. A total of 27 adult liver flukes were collected from cattle at slaughter slabs and abattoirs in the northern region (n = 12), central region (n = 5), and southern region (n = 10). The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase 1 (ND1) gene were amplified and the amplicons were sequenced for all samples. The sequences obtained were used to investigate genetic diversity through median-joining networks and phylogenetic analysis. Tajima’s D test and Fu’s Fs statistics were used to determine the population structure. Based on the analyzed COI and ND1 sequences, all samples were identified as F. gigantica. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified at 18 and 17 positions for COI and ND1 genes, resulting in 10 and 5 haplotypes, respectively. The haplotype diversities were 0.867 and 0.479 for COI and ND1 gene sequences, respectively. The population genetic structure indices showed a population that has undergone a recent expansion. This study provides baseline epidemiological data on the genetic diversity and population structure of F. gigantica in Malawi; which is important for its control.Item Limited knowledge of health risks along the illegal wild meat value chain in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area (NMA)(Journal Article, 2025-03-26) Masudi, Sherril P.; Hassell, J.; Cook, Elizabeth A.J.; Hooft, P. van; Langevelde, F. van; Buij, R.; Otiende, M.Y.; Ochieng, J.W.; Santangeli, A.; Happi, A.; Akpan, S.N.; Thomas, Lian F.Consumption of and trade in wild meat could result in infectious pathogen spillover into human populations. Such spillovers could propagate into sustained outbreaks in major cities where human aggregations potentially catalyze their spread. A better understanding of how urban wild meat value chains operate could assist in mitigating spillover events. We used key informant interviews and literature review to understand the structure and operations, actors, their practices, and health risk perceptions along a wild meat value chain supplying a rapidly urbanizing city in Africa, the Nairobi Metropolitan Area (NMA). The value chain operates via three main nodes: harvester, trader, and consumer nodes. We found wild meat to be harvested from peri-urban areas of the NMA, consumed or sold locally, or supplied to distant urban markets. Actors reported increased participation along the value chain during the dry season, and over the Christmas period. The value chain operated informally, creating a ‘rules in use’ framework focusing on sanction avoidance, while ignoring food safety concerns. Consequently, respondents reported slaughtering wild animals on the bare ground, handling wild meat with unwashed hands and uncleaned utensils. No value chain actors reported wearing personal protective equipment when handling wild meat. At the distant markets’ trader node where wild meat was sold as livestock meat, meat vendors engaged in similar unsafe practices. Actors had limited awareness of the specific health risks from wild meat. We speculate that the observed limited health risk awareness, and sanction avoidance attempts promotes unsafe practices during exploitation of wild animals for food, income and for medicinal purposes. Multisectoral efforts at the conservation and public health nexus, as well as community education on the potential health risks from wild meat are key in reducing potential spillovers.Item Demography of owned dogs across an East African continuum of high-low human density(Journal Article, 2025-06) Murungi, Maurice K.; Thomas, Lian F.; Bor, Nicholas; Masaku, Ian; Anyango, Mercy; Munywoki, Peterkin N.; Glazer, Camille; Muloi, Dishon M.; Fèvre, Eric M.Understanding the demographics of domestic dogs is essential for effective disease control strategies, particularly in areas where dogs are key reservoirs of diseases such as rabies. In this study, conducted in a region proximate to Nairobi, Kenya, we aimed to address the lack of current data on dog demographics. This area spans a high-to-low human density continuum, providing a unique setting for examining the relationship between human and dog populations. We used a household (HH) survey approach, stratifying the area by human population density and selecting sub-locations for every 10th percentile of the population density stratum. Households were randomly selected across the strata to estimate the owned dog population, which was then extrapolated to the county level. Additionally, a negative binomial regression model was used to analyse the factors influencing the number of dogs owned by households. We found a human-to-owned dog ratio of 3.3:1, indicating an estimated owned dog population of 421,079 (95% CI: 408,702–424,950) in a county with 1,414,022 humans in the last census, with 65% of the households owning a mean of 2.45 dogs. Multivariable analysis revealed that the presence of a female dog had the strongest association with owning more dogs (OR = 3.08, CI: 2.71 - 3.50). Wealthier households (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.12–2.49), those keeping livestock (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.36–2.02), and larger households (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.03–1.07) were significantly more likely to own more dogs. These findings suggest that actual human-dog ratios may be higher than estimated in sub-Saharan Africa. Accurate dog demographic data is important for dog-mediated disease and conditions control strategies due to its important logistical and financial implications for implementing targeted control initiatives to improve public health and animal welfare.Item Spatial and temporal risk factor mapping of Taenia solium infections in Malawi(Poster, 2024-09-23) Ngwili, Nicholas; Kachepa, U.; Ahimbisibwe, S.; Korir, Max; Chavula, M.; Wood, C.; Kafanikhale, H.; Chiphwanya, J.; Musaya, J.; Thomas, Lian F.; Dixon, M.Item “Without a man’s decision, nothing works”: Building resilience to Rift Valley fever in pastoralist communities in Isiolo Kenya(Journal Article, 2025-01-28) Mutambo, Irene N.; Bett, Bernard K.; Bukachi, S.A.Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic disease that affects both livestock and humans. Men and women in pastoralist communities are vulnerable to RVF risk exposure because of their different roles and reliance on livestock products. This study sought to understand how ownership and decision-making in pastoralist male and female-headed households influence coping mechanisms and resilience to Rift Valley fever (RVF), using the three resilience capacities of absorptive, adaptive, and transformative. This study was conducted in two sub-counties (Garbatulla) and Merti), Isiolo County, Kenya. Data were collected through 16 focus group discussions and 13 key informant interviews with pastoralists and animal and human health stakeholders. The findings indicate that traditionally, men have the final say on decisions related to livestock ownership and make overall household decisions. Pastoralist men and women employ different approaches, including hygiene practices and mosquito nets, community knowledge dissemination, establishment of new businesses, utilization of healthcare, and indigenous medicines, to reduce the effects of RVF in both humans and livestock. They also collaborated with community disease surveillance initiatives to strengthen disease surveillance networks and gain access to county government support. This process fosters resilience, community empowerment, and transformative and sustainable adaptation responses to RVF.Item A framework for quantifying the multisectoral burden of animal disease to support decision making(Journal Article, 2025-01-23) Lysholm, Sara; Chaters, G.L.; Di Bari, C.; Hughes, E.C.; Huntington, B.; Rushton, J.; Thomas, Lian F.Animal diseases have wide-ranging impacts in multiple societal arenas, including agriculture, public health and the environment. These diseases cause significant economic losses for farmers, disrupt food security and present zoonotic risks to human populations. Additionally, they contribute to antimicrobial resistance and a range of environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emissions. The societal and ecological costs of livestock diseases are frequently underrepresented or unaddressed in policy decisions and resource allocations. Social cost–benefit analysis (SCBA) offers a comprehensive framework to evaluate the broad impacts of animal diseases across different sectors. This approach aligns with the One Health concept, which seeks to integrate and optimize the health of humans, animals and the environment. Traditional economic evaluations often focus narrowly on profit maximization within the livestock sector, neglecting wider externalities such as public health and environmental impacts. In contrast, SCBA takes a multi-sectoral whole-system view, considering multiple factors to guide public and private sector investments toward maximizing societal benefits. This paper discusses three separate sector specific (Animal health, Human health, Environmental health) methodologies for quantifying the burden of animal diseases. It then discusses how these estimates can be combined to generate multisectoral estimates of the impacts of animal diseases on human societies and the environment using monetary values. Finally this paper explores how this framework can support the evaluation of interventions from a One Health perspective though SCBA. This integrated assessment framework supports informed decision-making and resource allocation, ultimately contributing to improved public health outcomes, enhanced animal welfare, and greater environmental sustainability.Item Spatial analysis and risk mapping of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in sub-Saharan Africa(Journal Article, 2025-01-17) Ilboudo, Abdoul K.; Oloo, Stephen O.; Sircely, Jason; Nijhof, A.M.; Bett, Bernard K.Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a re-emerging tick-borne zoonosis that is caused by CCHF virus (CCHFV). The geographical distribution of the disease and factors that influence its occurrence are poorly known. We analysed historical records on its outbreaks in various countries across the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to identify hotspots and determine socioecological and demographic factors associated with these outbreaks. We used data from historical outbreaks that were reported between 1981 and 2022 in various countries in SSA. To develop a common framework for merging the outbreak data and potential explanatory variables, we generated a common shapefile that combined Level 2 administrative units in all the countries. Several climatic, environmental, socioecological data were obtained from on-line GIS databases and extracted using the shapefile. The data were analysed using an approximate Bayesian hierarchical model using the R-INLA package. The outcome was a Boolean variable which indicated whether an administrative unit in the shapefile was affected in a given year or not. A neighborhood structure was also generated and used to account for spatial autocorrelation in the analysis. The final model that was obtained from the analysis was used to build a CCHF risk map. A total of 54 CCHF outbreaks were compiled across 414 districts in nine SSA countries. Factors that were positively associated with CCHF outbreaks included human population density, land area under grassland, bare soil cover and shrub cover. Conversely, high precipitation during wet months, elevated mean temperature and slope had negative effects. The risk map generated shows that CCHF occurrence risk is higher in arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) of West Africa, the Sahelian region, Central Africa, and the Eastern and Southern Africa region. The analysis identified ecological and demographic factors that are associated with CCHF outbreaks in SSA. This finding suggests the need to improve surveillance for the disease especially in the grasslands where the human population is increasing.Item A qualitative exploration of the enablers of and barriers to conformance with antibiotic withdrawal periods on smallholding, peri-urban pig farms in Kiambu County, Kenya(Journal Article, 2025-01-10) Scott, C.; Bor, Nicholas; Reyher, K.K.; Tasker, A.J.; Buller, H.; Bueno, I.; Thomas, Lian F.Non-conformance with antibiotic withdrawal period guidelines represents a food safety concern, with potential for antibiotic toxicities and allergic reactions as well as selecting for antibiotic resistance. In the Kenyan domestic pig market, conformance with antibiotic withdrawal periods is not a requirement of government legislation and evidence suggests that antibiotic residues may frequently be above recommended limits. In this study, we sought to explore enablers of and barriers to conformance with antibiotic withdrawal periods for pig farms supplying a local independent abattoir in peri-urban Nairobi. We drew upon semi-structured interviews with farmers and government animal health professionals as well as focus groups which involved private animal health professionals. We also explored farmers’ engagement with antibiotic withdrawal periods by visiting thirteen pig farms (supplying one of two local independent abattoirs) weekly for one month in order to capture instances of antibiotic use. We analysed data using reflexive thematic analysis. All farmers participating in the study demonstrated an awareness of the concept of antibiotic withdrawal periods and described intentions to conform, motivated by caring for others, wanting to prevent harm or a perception that regulation around antibiotic withdrawal periods existed for local independent abattoirs. The antibiotic use practices that we identified showed limited opportunities for non-conformance with antibiotic withdrawal periods. Farmers and veterinarians reported that instances of antibiotic use were uncommon, especially in slaughter-weight pigs, and were mainly restricted to the treatment of clinical signs under the supervision of an animal health professional. Local factors presented barriers to antibiotic withdrawal period conformance including farmers’ economic constraints, lack of formal medicine recording, an absence of consistent abattoir monitoring and resource emergency, such as water scarcity on farms. This study demonstrates the importance of these contextual factors to conformance with antibiotic withdrawal periods. We highlight the need to account for farm-level influences when planning future research and interventions aimed at reducing the presence of antibiotic residues in meat from smallholding pig farms in peri-urban Nairobi.Item Gender considerations in One Health(Presentation, 2024-09-23) Campbell, Zoe; Thomas, Lian F.; Galiè, Alessandra; McLeod, A.; Ngwili, Nicholas; Terfa, ZelalemAn overview on the application of gender issues in One Health research design and implementation, with a case study on Rift Valley fever vaccination of livestock in East Africa.Item Integrated community-based reporting and field diagnostics for improved rabies surveillance in rural Laikipia, Kenya(Journal Article, 2025-03) Odinga, Christian O.; Thomas, Lian F.; Wambugu, E.; Ferguson, A.W.; Fèvre, Eric M.; Gibson, A.; Hassell, James M.; Muloi, Dishon M.; Murray, S.; Surmat, A.; Mwai, P.M.; Woodroffe, R.; Ngatia, D.; Gathura, P.M.; Waitumbi, J.; Worsley-Tonks, Katherine E.L.Rabies vaccination in domestic dog populations has increased globally in a bid to protect human health. Surveillance efforts, however, are inconsistent in endemic regions such as in sub-Saharan Africa, due to fragmented reporting and limited diagnostic capacity for suspected cases, limiting successful monitoring and evaluation of vaccination campaigns. Here, we conducted a pilot study aiming to strengthen rabies surveillance by combining community-based surveillance with field-based diagnostic testing in pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in central Kenya; communities which are frequently marginalised from health systems. During the 6-month pilot study, there were 14 alerts of suspected rabid dogs in the community, of which eight were tested and five diagnostically confirmed as rabid. Two positive samples processed successfully for whole genome sequencing indicated that the rabies variant circulating in central Kenya during the study period belonged to the Africa 1b subclade, which is similar to variants identified in eastern Kenya and Tanzania, suggesting regional transmission. This pilot study indicates that rabies continues to circulate in the region and that community-based surveillance, when combined with enhanced diagnostic testing, can help alleviate underreporting and guide vaccination campaigns.Item Kenya’s experience in operationalizing One Health to tackle zoonoses(Presentation, 2024-10-16) Muloi, Dishon; Muturi, M.; Bett, Bernard K.Item Empowering consumers to purchase safe ready-to-eat chicken from street restaurants in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso: impact of a multi-media behavior change campaign(Journal Article, 2024-10-21) Madjdian, D.S.; Asseldonk, M. van; Talsma, E.F.; Dione, Michel M.; Ilboudo, Guy; Roesel, Kristina; Grace, Delia; Knight-Jones, Theodore J.D.; Vet, E. deFoodborne disease resulting from food sold at urban informal markets is a major public health challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study assessed the impact of an innovative nine-months multi-media campaign engaging a key influencer, aimed at empowering consumers to choose safer ready-to-eat chicken meat at informal street restaurants in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. A two-wave panel study assessed associations between recall of TV, radio, billboard, and social media advertisements, and self-reported behavior regarding purchasing and consumption of ready-to-eat chicken at outlets, consumer intentions, knowledge, attitudes, norms, and agency. A panel of randomly selected adult consumers (n = 852) were interviewed pre- and post-campaign, 12 months apart. 60% recalled at least one of the campaign channels when prompted. Mixed-effects models showed associations between prompted recall and feeling better informed about food safety (aOR 1.449) and increased knowledge (0.132 unit increase on total score). Social media recall was associated with higher perceived access to information (aOR 1.449) and knowledge. Billboard recall increased odds of higher perceived health benefits of paying attention to food safety behaviors when purchasing chicken (aOR 2.046). TV ad recall was associated with a 0.159 unit decrease in the gap between consumers’ intentions and behavior. An engaging consumer food safety multimedia campaign that engages key influencers improved food safety awareness and knowledge, ultimately supporting consumers to choose safer chicken at markets.Item Creating a strategy and design process to address prudent use of antibacterials in the Ugandan poultry sector(Report, 2024-03-15) International Livestock Research Institute; Seventeen Triggers; Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Germany; Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, UgandaItem Designing nudge interventions to increase hygiene and food safety for Ugandan pork joints(Report, 2022-06-30) International Livestock Research InstituteItem Eating wild animals: Rewards, risks and recommendations(Brief, 2024-09-18) Grace, Delia; Bett, Bernard K.; Cook, Elizabeth A.J.; Lam, Steven; MacMillan, Susan; Masudi, Phyllis; Mispiratceguy, M.; Ha Thi Thanh Nguyen; Hung Nguyen-Viet; Patel, Ekta; Slater, Annabel; Staal, Steven J.; Thomas, Lian F.Key messages- ‘Wild meat’ eaten for food and perceived medicinal properties, is neglected both as a pathway for zoonosis transmission and emergence and a pathway out of poverty in Africa and Southeast Asia.
- Wild meat makes substantial contributions to nutrition in Africa and to satisfying food preferences in Asia. In at least 60 countries, wild meat makes up at least 20% of dietary protein. At least 15 countries would risk food insecurity if not able to utilize wild meat.
- More than 91 disease spillover events have been documented from wild meat consumption leading to 25 different zoonotic disease outbreaks. Wild meat consumption is directly and substantially responsible for transmission of neglected zoonoses and the emergence of new diseases.
- Wildlife farming is intrinsically high in risk, low in animal welfare, and deleterious for biodiversity: it is unlikely to be safe or sustainable.
- Domesticated animal farming is an attractive alternative especially in Africa. Shifting cultural attitudes towards non-consumptive use is attractive especially in Southeast Asia.
- Community engagement is crucial to the sustainable management of wild meat resources.
- Approaches for improving food safety in informal markets can be extended to de-risking wild meat value chains.
Item Exposure patterns and the risk factors of Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus amongst humans, livestock and selected wild animals at the human/livestock/wildlife interface in Isiolo County, upper eastern Kenya(Journal Article, 2024-09-13) Mukhaye, Eugine; Akoko, James M.; Nyamota, Richard; Mwatondo, Athman; Muturi, Mathew; Nthiwa, D.; Kirwa, Lynn J.; Bargul, J.L.; Abkallo, Hussein M.; Bett, Bernard K.Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a tick-borne zoonotic disease caused by CCHF virus (CCHFV). The disease has a complex transmission cycle that involves a wide range of hosts including mammalian and some species of birds. We implemented a sero-epidemiological study in Isiolo County, Kenya, to determine relative seroprevalences of CCHFV in humans, livestock and in wild animals. A seropositive herd was defined as having at least one seropositive animal. In addition, we identified subject and environment level factors that could promote exposure to CCHFV. Humans (n = 580) and livestock species (n = 2,137) were recruited into the study through a multistage random sampling technique, and in addition, various species of wild animals (n = 87) were also sampled conveniently. Serum samples from all recruited humans and animals were collected and screened for CCHFV antibodies using ID Screen multispecies, double-antigen IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall anti-CCHFV IgG seroprevalences in humans, cattle, goats, sheep and camels were 7.2% [95% CI: 3.1–15.8%], 53.9% [95% CI: 30.7–50.9%], 11.6% [95% CI: 7.2–22.5%], 8.6% [95% CI: 3–14%] and 89.7% [95% CI: 78–94%], respectively. On average, the sampled wild animals had CCHFV seroprevalence of 41.0% [95% CI: 29.1–49.4%]; giraffes had the highest mean CCHF seroprevalence followed by buffaloes, while impala had very low exposure levels. Statistical analyses using mixed effects logistic regression models showed that CCHFV exposure in humans was significantly associated with male gender, being over 30 years of age and belonging to a household with a seropositive herd. In livestock, a combination of animal- and environment level factors including older animals, high normalized difference vegetation indices (NDVI) and high vapour pressure deficit were significantly associated with CCHFV infection. Age, sex and species of wild animals were considered the key risk factors in the analysis, but none of these variables was significant (P-value = 0.891, 0.401 and 0.664, respectively). Additionally, RT-qPCR analysis revealed the presence of CCHFV RNA in camels (30%), cattle (14.3%), and goats (3.8%), but not in humans, sheep, or wild animals. This study demonstrates that environmental factors, such as NDVI and vapor pressure deficit, affect CCHFV exposure in livestock, while the presence of infected livestock is the key determinant of human exposure at the household level. These findings underscore the importance of using One Health approaches to control the disease in human-livestock-wildlife interfaces. For instance, the existing CCHF surveillance measures could be enhanced by incorporating algorithms that simulate disease risk based on the environmental factors identified in the study. Additionally, tick control in livestock, such as the use of acaricides, could reduce CCHFV exposure in livestock and, consequently, in humans.Item Practices and risks in wild meat consumption: Insights from communities along the Kenya-Tanzania border(Brief, 2024-09-15) Patel, Ekta; Martin, A.; Funk, S.M.; Yongo, M.; Compton, J.; Lauridsen, M.; Fa, J.E.Understanding the complex interplay between cultural practices and potential disease risks from wild meat consumption is critical for developing effective One Health and biodiversity conservation strategies. This knowledge brief sheds light on how communities at the Kenya-Tanzania borderlands perceive and manage these risks post COVID-19 as well as assessing the impact of the pandemic on wildmeat consumption, providing valuable insights for policymakers and local leaders aiming to balance human and animal health, biodiversity conservation, and local livelihoods in a region where these factors are intricately linked.Item Eating wild animals: Rewards, risks and recommendations(Report, 2024-09-20) Grace, Delia; Bett, Bernard K.; Cook, Elizabeth A.J.; Lam, Steven; MacMillan, Susan; Masudi, Phyllis; Mispiratceguy, M.; Ha Thi Thanh Nguyen; Hung Nguyen-Viet; Patel, Ekta; Slater, Annabel; Staal, Steven J.; Thomas, Lian F.During the COVID-19 pandemic, prominent calls were made in the Global North to end the hunting, selling and eating of meat from wild animals. This report is a partial response to such calls, arguing that such a ban would be both impossible and arguably immoral to enforce due to the benefits wild meat provides for many millions of mostly poor communities. It also acknowledges the risks inherent in eating wild meat and recommends reshaping the wild meat trade in ways that 1) ensure it is sustainable and fair to poor and under-nourished populations of the Global South; 2) do not harm biodiversity or put endangered species at increased risk; 3) are safer for human, animal and environment health; and 4) are more humane. The importance of meat from wild animals to human diets has long been studied as has the human health risks from consuming it. Based on literature reviews, this report seeks to understand wild meat consumption by people and the value chains that supply it—including hunting, harvesting, marketing and consumption—and the implications of consuming wild meat for both human nutrition and zoonotic risks in Africa and East and Southeast Asia regions where wildlife is an abundant especially abundant renewable resource and widely consumed and where ILRI has been researching use of wild meat for many decades. The report synthesizes the available evidence on wild meat and recommends practices and research priorities to mitigate the biodiversity conservation and zoonotic risks related to its consumption, particularly for use by organizations working in the health, veterinary, environment and wildlife sectors.Item Food safety and hygiene knowledge, attitudes and practices in street restaurants selling chicken in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso(Journal Article, 2024-09-06) Gemeda, Biruk A.; Dione, Michel M.; Ilboudo, Guy; Assefa, Ayalew; Lallogo, Valerie; Grace, Delia; Knight-Jones, Theodore J.D.Introduction: Chicken is the most commonly consumed animal source food in street restaurants in Burkina Faso. In most of these restaurants, slaughtering, processing, and cooking practices are carried out under poor hygienic conditions. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using a semi-structured interview was carried out to assess food safety knowledge, attitude, and hygienic practices of food handlers in street restaurants selling chicken in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou. One hundred chicken restaurants were randomly selected, and food handlers were interviewed. Results and discussion: Most restaurants served eat-in and takeaway chicken (66%); the remaining 34% were takeaway only; restaurants served grilled, flamed or roasted chicken. Only 11% of the food handlers had training on food hygiene and safety. Half the outlets were not regularly inspected by the authorities. Less than half (40%) slaughtered their own chickens at the restaurant: of these 85% bled chickens on bare earth. About 80% cleaned the bleeding surface immediately after slaughter with water but only 20% used water with either soap or disinfectant detergent. Eighty-two percent of them used the same cloth during slaughtering and food preparation stages. Many used the same knife in all stages of the slaughtering process. Two-thirds kept carcasses unrefrigerated at ambient temperature until cooking started. Around a quarter buried slaughter waste on-site whereas 20% disposed of it on the street near the restaurant. Only 20% had taken steps to improve food safety, and about 80% of food handlers stated that cleanliness and hygiene were not important to their customers when choosing where to eat. Almost half (42%) the food handlers continued to work when they were ill. The poor standards of hygiene observed are typical for street food and small-scale eateries in LMICs in sub-Saharan Africa. An integrated approach is required to improve the situation, including staff training, introduction of food-grade equipment and appropriate technology, behavior-change approaches, as well as worker and consumer awareness campaigns on good food safety practices. However, significant, sustained improvement in food safety will also require major upgrading of infrastructure and facilities including power and water supply, and cold chain.Item Genome characterization of Rift Valley fever virus isolated from cattle, goats and sheep during interepidemic periods in Kenya(Journal Article, 2024-08-23) Onwong'a, A.A.; Oyola, Samuel O.; Juma, John; Konongoi, S.; Nyamota, Richard; Mwangi, Reuben; Muli, Collins; Dobi, Paul; Bett, Bernard K.; Ongus, J.R.Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne RNA virus of the Phlebovirus genus in the phenuviridae family. Its genome is trisegmented with small (S), medium (M) and large (L) fragments. In nature, the virus exists as a single serotype that is responsible for outbreaks of Rift Valley fever (RVF), a zoonotic disease that often occurs in Africa and the Middle East. RVFV genomes are thought to undergo both recombination and reassortment and investigations of these events is important for monitoring the emergence of virulent strains and understanding the evolutionary characteristics of this virus. The aim of this study was to characterize the genomes of RVFV isolates from cattle, sheep, and goats collected during an interepidemic period in Kenya between June 2016 and November 2021. A total of 691 serum samples from cattle (n = 144), goats (n = 185) and sheep (n = 362) were analysed at the Central Veterinary Laboratories. The competitive IgM-capture ELISA, was used to screen the samples; 205 samples (29.67%) tested positive for RVFV. Of the 205 positive samples, 42 (20.5%) were from cattle, 57 (27.8%) from goats, and 106 (51.7%) from sheep. All the IgM-positive samples were further analyzed by qPCR, and 24 (11.71%) tested positive with Ct values ranging from 14.788 to 38.286. Two samples, 201808HABDVS from sheep and 201810CML3DVS from cattle, had Ct values of less than 20.0 and yielded whole genome sequences with 96.8 and 96.4 coverage, respectively. There was no statistically significant evidence of recombination in any of the three segments and also phylogenetic analysis showed no evidence of reassortment in the two isolated RVFV segments when compared with other isolates of different lineages from previous outbreaks whose genomes are deposited in the GenBank. No evidence of reassortment leaves room for other factors to be the most probable contributors of change in virulence, pathogenicity and emergence of highly virulent strains of the RVFV.