What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Cross-Sectional. Population: Foot-and-mouth disease (n=1073). Primary outcome: Overall FMD seroprevalence (95% CI 24.5-29.9).

What question did this study set out to answer?

The study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of foot-and-mouth disease and the associated risk factors in cattle around Massif Bale Mountain, Ethiopia.

April 27, 2026BMC Veterinary Research0 citationsOpen Access

Seroprevalence of foot-and-mouth disease and its association with animal-level and agroecological factors in cattle around Massif Bale Mountain, Ethiopia

DGDaniel GizawAnimal Health Institute TWTakele WorkuEthiopian Public Health Institute FWFentahun WondmnehEthiopian Public Health Institute

Key Result

Foot-and-mouth disease seroprevalence was 27.1% in cattle around the Massif Bale Mountain, showing significant geographical variation but no association with individual animal demographics.

Key Points

The study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of foot-and-mouth disease and the associated risk factors in cattle around Massif Bale Mountain, Ethiopia.
Cross-sectional study conducted from May to June 2024
1073 cattle serum samples tested for FMD virus nonstructural protein antibodies
Multivariate logistic regression analysis used to identify risk factors including sex, age, breed, and geographical location.
Overall FMD seroprevalence was 27.1% (95% CI: 24.5–29.9%)
District Kokosa showed lower odds of seroprevalence (OR = 0.28, p = 0.011)
Kebele Gerba Hurfa had higher odds of FMD seroprevalence (OR = 4.94, p = 0.001).

Study Design

Type

Cross-Sectional (n=1,073)

Multicenter

Yes

Structured PICO

Population

1,073 cattle of both sexes aged greater than six months from districts surrounding the Massif Bale Mountain in Ethiopia.

Outcome

Seroprevalence of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) non-structural proteins (NSP) antibodies

Foot-and-mouth disease is highly prevalent in cattle around the Massif Bale Mountain with significant geographical variations, highlighting the need for targeted, localized control strategies.

Limitations

Cross-sectional design establishes only associations, not causal relationships
Inability to gather detailed information on animal movement history or vaccination status for all individuals
Perfect or quasi-perfect separation for some Kebeles resulted in undefined coefficients in the multivariable model

Abstract

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) poses a significant economic threat to livestock producers because of its highly contagious nature. This study aimed to determine FMD seroprevalence and identify associated risk factors in cattle across districts surrounding the Massif Bale Mountain in Ethiopia. From May to June 2024, a cross-sectional study was conducted in which 1073 cattle serum samples were collected and tested for FMD virus nonstructural protein (NSP) antibodies. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with seroprevalence, including sex, age, breed, district, and kebele. Our findings revealed an overall FMD seroprevalence of 27.1% (95% CI: 24.5–29.9%). This varied geographically; Dodola presented the highest district-level prevalence at 37.0%, whereas Dinsho presented the lowest at 13.0%. The multivariable analysis revealed significant associations: District Kokosa had notably lower odds of FMD seroprevalence (OR = 0.28, p = 0.011), whereas Kebele Gerba Hurfa had significantly higher odds (OR = 4.94, p = 0.001). Interestingly, individual animal factors such as sex, age, and breed were not significantly associated with FMD seroprevalence in our study. FMD is prevalent in the study area, with critical geographical variations at both the district and kebele levels. These results underscore the importance of understanding localized factors in FMD epidemiology and provide valuable insights for developing targeted control strategies.

Ask AI

Helpful

Bookmark

View Full Paper