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Movement data could help control cattle diseases, study finds
Agriculture forms a major part of Uganda's econony.
Researchers analysed cattle movements in Uganda.

An international team of researchers has analysed the movement of cattle in Uganda, identifying critical hubs that could be targeted for disease surveillance.

An estimated 15.5 million cattle are kept in the East African country. Transboundary animal diseases (TADs) such as foot-and-mouth disease, bluetongue, and contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, can have a major impact on livelihoods as well as animal health.

The research team, which included researchers from the Roslin Institute and the University of Makerere in Uganda, analysed cattle movement data sourced from Uganda’s Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.

The analysis identified major trading hubs and seasonal patterns in cattle movements, information that could help authorities to manage TADs and optimise disease control measures. Based on the findings, the researchers have piloted a disease surveillance system using environmental and animal samples collected at livestock markets.

As well as publishing the results of their analysis, the researchers have also published detailed steps on how to gather and map the data, to help policymakers and other researchers.

Lina Gonzalez Gordon, first author of the study, said: “We have been contacted by groups interested in using this approach, as the analysis can be easily conducted by veterinary epidemiologists who may not have access to advanced technology and resources, but want to enhance the value of their existing data for strategic decision-making, as well as to identify gaps in their monitoring systems for livestock movements.

“By leveraging this knowledge, authorities can better safeguard livestock populations and protect the nation's agricultural economy through targeted, risk-based approaches.”

The study has been published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports.

Image © Shutterstock

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BEVA gives RVNs right to vote

News Story 1
 The British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) is to allow its registered veterinary nurse (RVN) members the right to vote.

RVN members will now be able to take part in key decision-making processes and stand for BEVA council.

Marie Rippingale, chair of BEVA's Nurse Committee, said: "I am very proud to be a part of BEVA.

"This change will help to empower nurses to speak up and contribute, but more importantly, it will give them an opportunity to collaborate with other members of the equine veterinary profession to bring about change that is positive for all." 

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News Shorts
Farmer survey to reveal on-farm impact of bluetongue

A nationwide survey has been launched to better understand how the bluetongue virus is affecting UK farms.

Results will inform the support that farmers receive for bluetongue, as well as preparing the livestock industry for the future.

The short online survey is open to all livestock farmers, regardless of whether they've had a confirmed case of bluetongue on their farm. It asks how many animals have been affected, the severity of their clinical signs and how it has impacted farm business.

The survey takes five minutes to complete and is fully anonymous.

It is led by Fiona Lovatt, of Flock Health Limited, and the Ruminant Health & Welfare bluetongue working group, in collaboration with AHDB and the University of Nottingham.

Dr Lovatt says: "We need to find out what level of clinical signs farmers are seeing in their animals, whether they are experiencing mortality with BTV-3 cases, and what their appetite is to vaccinate in future for bluetongue serotype 3."

The survey can be found here.