Browsing by Author "Kimera, S. I."

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Knowledge, perceptions and practices regarding brucellosis in pastoral communities of Kagera Region, Tanzania
(TANZANIA VETERINARY ASSOCIATION, 2017) Ntirandekura, J. B.; Matemba, L. E.; Ngowi, H. A.; Karimuribo, E. D.; Kimera, S. I.
A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2017 to assess the knowledge, perception and practices of brucellosis by pastoralists of Kagera ecosystem, Tanzania using qualitative methods. Five focus group discussions of six participants were conducted with livestock farmers, administration leaders, religious representatives and youth. In addition, discussions with three key informants were conducted, involving officials of livestock, wildlife and public health department in each district. Data were analyzed using content analysis with inductive and deductive methods. This study revealed low knowledge regarding brucellosis by interviewees. Although participants recognized brucellosis as a zoonotic disease, they seemed to consider it of less importance. In addition, participants had low knowledge on causes, symptoms and mode of transmission of this disease. However, they perceived the interactions between humans, livestock and wildlife together with the neighborhood with other countries to be potential risks for introduction of brucellosis in their communities. Moreover, their habit of drinking unpasteurized milk, the lack of protective gears assisting animals giving birth and poor vaccination program need to be improved by community health education. A coordinated one Health approach is needed and further studies are suggested to reveal the status of brucellosis in Kagera ecosystem to guide its control and prevention.
Knowledge, perceptions and practices regarding brucellosis in pastoral communities of Kagera Region, Tanzania
(TANZANIA VETERINARY ASSOCIATION, 2017) Ntirandekura, J. B.; Matemba, L. E.; Ngowi, H. A.; Kimera, S. I.; Karimuribo, E. D.
A cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2017 to assess the knowledge, perception and practices of brucellosis by pastoralists of Kagera ecosystem, Tanzania using qualitative methods. Five focus group discussions of six participants were conducted with livestock farmers, administration leaders, religious representatives and youth. In addition, discussions with three key informants were conducted, involving officials of livestock, wildlife and public health department in each district. Data were analyzed using content analysis with inductive and deductive methods. This study revealed low knowledge regarding brucellosis by interviewees. Although participants recognized brucellosis as a zoonotic disease, they seemed to consider it of less importance. In addition, participants had low knowledge on causes, symptoms and mode of transmission of this disease. However, they perceived the interactions between humans, livestock and wildlife together with the neighborhood with other countries to be potential risks for introduction of brucellosis in their communities. Moreover, their habit of drinking unpasteurized milk, the lack of protective gears assisting animals giving birth and poor vaccination program need to be improved by community health education. A coordinated one Health approach is needed and further studies are suggested to reveal the status of brucellosis in Kagera ecosystem to guide its control and prevention.
Rabies trends and surveillance capabilities in Zambia
(Tanzania Veterinary Journal, 2015) Kabaso, J.; Kimera, S. I.; Muma, J. B.; Lupindu, A. M.
The main objective of this study was to assess the trends, distribution and positivity rate of rabies cases in Zambia. A retrospective study for the period of 10 years between 2004 and 2014, was conducted by using rabies case reports. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and geo- coded in Quantum Geographical Information System (QGIS) with the help of shape files. The geo- referenced data were then used to map the trend and spatial distribution of the disease on maps in a Geographical Information System (GIS) platform. The findings showed that 61.5% (462/751, 95% CI=57.9- 65.0) of the samples were positive. Canines accounted for 81.6% (95%, CI=77.7- 85) of the total positive samples followed by Bovines 9.1% (95%, CI= 6.7- 12.2). A mean monthly occurrence of canine rabies was 2.9. The average provincial positivity rate was 0.7. Positivity rates equal to or closer to one indicate poor surveillance; with rates equal to or closer to zero indicate good surveillance. One on one in-depth interview was conducted with one officer from each of these institutions i.e. The University of Zambia (UNZA), National Livestock and Epidemiological Information Center (NALEIC) and Central Veterinary Research Institute (CVRI) in order to familiarize with the current rabies surveillance systems in Zambia. The findings were that; sample submission is done by veterinarians and livestock officers and only UNZA and CVRI have capability for rabies diagnosis with NALEIC as a data storage institution. Rabies is endemic in Zambia and the dog is maintenance host for the disease in human and livestock populations. Therefore, controlling rabies in dogs indirectly overcomes the problem in human and livestock.