DePuy W, Benka V, Massey A, Deem SL, Kinnaird M, O'Brien T, Wanyoike S, Njoka J, Butt B, Foufopoulos J, Eisenberg JNS, Hardin R. Q fever risk across a dynamic, heterogeneous landscape in Laikipia County, Kenya.
Ecohealth 2014;
11:429-433. [PMID:
24604546 DOI:
10.1007/s10393-014-0924-0]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2013] [Revised: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Two hundred fourteen serosamples were collected from four livestock species across five ranches in Laikipia County, Kenya. Serological analysis for Coxiella burnetii (the causative agent for Q fever) showed a distinct seroprevalence gradient: the lowest in cattle, higher in sheep and goats, and the highest in camels. Laikipia-wide aerial counts show a recent increase in the camel population. One hundred fifty-five stakeholder interviews revealed concern among veterinary, medical, ranching, and conservation professionals about Q fever. Local pastoralists and persons employed as livestock keepers, in contrast, revealed no knowledge of the disease. This work raises questions about emerging Q fever risk in Laikipia County and offers a framework for further integrative disease research in East African mixed-use systems.
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