School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources (SVAR)

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    Stakeholders perceptions of effectiveness of community based animal health workers in Kotido district
    (Makerere University, 2018-10-12) Ongok, George Olanya
    This study aimed at documenting stakeholder perceptions of effectiveness of CAHWs in Kotido district in Karamoja region. It was a qualitative cross-sectional study that targeted the CAHW service consumers (Pastoralists and Kraal leaders) and their supervisors (Veterinarians and CAHW leaders. The various stakeholders in the study had different opinions on the effectiveness of CAHWs in livestock health management in Kotido district. Most of the pastoralists, CAHW leaders and Kraal leaders said the CAHWs are effective in contrary to what the veterinarians in the district local government production department said that the CAHWs are not effective because of limited range of services they offer to the pastoralists either by regulations or limited knowledge about animal health management. The various stakeholders also had different opinions about the quality of services offered by the CAHWs. The pastoralists, CAHW leaders and the kraal leaders said the CAWHs offered good quality services as they are readily available, accessible and affordable to them in AHSD contrary to the DVO and the veterinary officers. A total of 60 pastoralists who were interviewed in the study using semi structured questioners revealed gender inequality in gender roles played in livestock production as most of the respondents were males 90.0% and only 10.0% were females. There was also high demand for the CAHWs as they were rated effective and most of the pastoralists are satisfied with the services of the CAHWs while the rest were not satisfied. The study concluded that there is high demand for the CAHWs, they are effective and provide good quality services to the pastoralist. CAHWs activities are key in animal health in remote areas where there are few veterinarians. Their activities and practices should be closely monitored and improved through conducting regular refresher trainings and training of more CAHWs for better professional development. The government, development agencies and institutions like COVAB should help in designing standard and uniformed training curricula for the CAHWs.
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    Assessing the plant and mammalian species diversity and abundance in dichrostachys cinerea invaded and non-invaded areas of Queen Elizabeth National Park, Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2019) Okia, Lazarus
    Ecosystems supporting biodiversity are declining at an unprecedented rate, mainly being driven by anthropogenic activities. Such disturbances regimes exposes most ecosystems to invasion by either native plants or alien plant species. Dichrostachys cinerea, a native plant in Uganda, has invaded most areas of Queen Elizabeth National Park where it’s causing massive alteration of habitat structure or ecosystem structure of the protected area. A baseline study was therefore undertaken to assess the plant and mammalian species diversity and abundance in Dichrostachys cinerea invaded and non-invaded areas of the park. Both qualitative and quantitative studies were undertaken, with stratified and systematic sampling techniques used to undertake vegetation inventory. Scan sampling observations along 200 by 2km transects were made to assess medium and large sized mammalian diversity and abundance. Statistical analysis of data collected was done using Microsoft word excel, 2013. The results indicate that the diversity of mammals differ significantly between the two strata. Despite having a high Simpsons diversity Index of 0.7163, the Dichrostachys cinerea invaded habitat had a lower number of individuals encountered than the non-invaded site. This is attributed to the variations in vegetation structure between the invaded and non-invaded areas which highly determines the community structure, diversity and abundance of mammals in the different strata. However, other factors such as effects of human activities that were not considered during this study could have an effect on the distribution and abundance of medium and large sized mammals. Finally, the vegetation structure of Dichrostachys cinerea invaded site studied differed significantly from that of the non-invaded study site, with the former having a higher woody density and higher percentage of bare ground than the non-invaded study area.
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    Prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal helminths in goats in Kihungya Sub-County Buliisa District
    ( 2019-07) Katusiime, Phiona
    Small ruminants are a major source for cash for many rural populations especially in semi-arid and arid regions of developing countries. The contribution of small ruminants would be greater if it was not due to diseases . Among them is gastrointestinal helminths, which often cause chronic infestations leading to economic losses. Humans also tend to be victims of some of the helminths like fasciola, teania species and many other zoonotic parasites. A cross sectional study was done in January 2019 to determine the prevalence,and risk factors of gastrointestinal helminths in goats in Kihungya subcounty, Buliisa district. A total of 100 fecal samples from (Male and female goats) were examined for helminths eggs. Fresh faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum with a gloved hand and placed in fecal collection bags, with 10% formalin , labelled and were transported to Makerere university parasitology laboratory. Sedimentation and Floatation techniques were done to identify helminth eggs. Questionnaires were also used to obtain information related to the transmission and spread of gastrointestinal helminths. The individual animal prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths was found to be 90% and herd prevalence was 100%. Strongyles (Trichostrongyloidea, Oxuroidea,Spiruroidea and Trichuroidea) were the most prevalent family followed by the ascarids. The prevalence was higher in younger goats , goats with poor body condition and goats with watery feaces. It can be concluded from this study that nematode infections are the most prevalent and that farmers should be advised to do tactical deworming to combat helminthosis in their goats.
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    Porcine cysticercosis : Prevalence at Ediofe pig slaughter slabs and its risk factors at Pajulu Sub-County Arua District
    ( 2019-07) Agopiyo, Emmanuel
    Porcine cysticercosis is an important zoonosis in many developing countries. Cysticercosis poses a serious public health risk and causes economic losses to pig production/ pig farmers. There was no available data on the prevalence and risk factors associated with porcine cysticercosis at Ediofe pig slaughter slabs and Pajulu Sub-county respectively. This was a cross-sectional study that aimed at determining the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis based on macroscopic meat inspection at slaughter at Ediofe slaughter slabs and risk factors associated with porcine cysticercosis in Pajulu Sub-county, Arua District. The study aimed at determining the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis at slaughter at Ediofe pig slaughter slabs and risk factors inPajulu Sub-county. A total of 64 pigs were examined for Cysticercus cysts at ante-mortem and postmortem at Ediofe pig slaughter slabs. The risk factors for occurrence of porcine cysticercosis was assessed and evaluated through semi structured questionnaires, interviews and by direct observation in homesteads in selected villages of Pajulu Sub-county. Of the 64 pigs inspected at ante-mortem and postmortem 03 had cysticerci giving a percentage of 4.69% of the inspected pigs. The cysts were found under the tongue, thoracic wall and in the gluteal muscles. Pig Husbandry was observed to be a factor as 80% of the farmers tethered their pigs, 89% kept pigs at a distance of about 10 metres for safety reasons, 80% of the farmers fed pigs on vegetation where contamination of vegetation/vegetables with Teania solium eggs was a possibility, 88% of the farmers did not provide water for their pigs, Latrine coverage was found to be lacking in some sections of the communities as 28% respondents and their 24% neighbours did not have latrines, Veterinary attention like deworming was lacking in some communities as 76% admitted they did not deworm their pigs, Slaughter of pigs in un-gazetted areas where meat inspection was not carried out was common, 80% slaughters were done within the villages without any inspection, 63% of the respondents stated there was no inspection of pork done before pork was taken for sale in the markets and knowledge about Cysticercosis in pigs was also lacking in some communities as 72% were not aware that Cysticercosis infection occurs in pork. The prevalence was 4.69% and there was traditional husbandry system practiced characterized by tethering and scavenging, inadequate pit latrine coverage, illegal slaughter places were used for slaughter of pigs, inadequate pork inspection services were registered, inadequate veterinary attention and inadequate knowledge about cysticercosis was registered in Pajulu Sub-county.
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    Assessment of performance potential of local chicken on selected farms in Busukuma Sub-County, Wakiso District, Central Uganda
    ( 2019-07) Mukungu, Samuel
    A study was conducted to assess local chicken performance in Busukuma sub-county in Wakiso district. Data was captured using a semi-structured questionnaire administered to 37 respondents. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistical methods, having been collated as absolute figures or percentages. Chicken flock ranged from 2 to 69 and birds of interest were those aged 6 months and above. The majority of respondents kept chicken mainly for home consumption (83.3%), both commercial and subsistence (16.7%). Indigenous chicken ranking as a source of income was tertiary (83.3%), secondary (16.7%) and primary (0%). Majority of the farmers had spent above 20 years in farming (41.7%), 5-10 years (33.3%), less than 5 years (19.4%) and 11-20 years (5.6%). Adult male chicken have a mean weight of 1651g compared to 1253g for adult female. Most cocks reached sexual maturity at 7.94 months and 7.64 months for hens, with age at first mating for cocks at 8.14 month and age at first egg laying of 7.98 month with a mean clutch size of 9 eggs per hen having 3 clutches per year and laying an average of 50 eggs per hen per year. The hatchability was high (91.2) and chick survival to weaning was moderate (55.7%), majority of hens weaned chicks at the age of 4.97 weeks. The mean egg weight was 1.77oz with egg breadth and length averaging 3.83cms and 5.38cm respectively.
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    Factors influencing adoption to biosecurity activities on broiler farms in Kahoora Division in Hoima Municipality
    (Makerere University, 2019-08) Alinaitwe, Elly
    The aim of the study was to find out factors influencing adoption of bio security activities on broiler farms in Kahoora division in Hoima municipality. Data was collected using open and close ended questionnaires. In the study, 16% of the farmers carried out vaccination of their broiler birds and they vaccinate against Marek’s, Gumboro and Newcastle diseases as one of the biosecurity measures farmers use on their farms. On the factors that influence biosecurity adoption on the broiler farms, 25% of the farmers were influenced by distance from other farms as they adopt to biosecurity activities. On the constraints farmers face while adopting to biosecurity measures, 36.4% said they lack extension workers Famers should have minimal biosecurity measures schedule at their farms and should contain Vaccination program, Hand-washing, Specific facility clothing, Proper disposal of wastes and farm fencing
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    Assessing the pre-disposing factors for tick borne diseases in dairy cattle in Gayaza Nangabo Sub County
    (Makerere University, 2019-08) Nowayesu, Peace
    The purpose of this study was to assess the predisposing factors for tick borne diseases in dairy cattle in Gayaza. The data was collected through observation and interviewing in face to face interviews among 45 dairy farmers of Gayaza Nangabo Sub County. Radom sampling was used to select farms in the study area. Using descriptive characteristics, the results showed that (42.2%) of the farmers had TBD cases in the last month. Majority of the farmers had cross breeds (80%), Most of the farmers used accaricide application as a method of control (82.2%), farmers were predominantly using spraying as their method for accaricide application and most of the farmers sprayed their animals once a week (68.89%), majority of the farmers used a knapsack sprayer as the equipment for spraying their animals. The main grazing system was zero grazing (42.2%) The results also showed that majority of the farmers did not have fences on their farms (71.1%) This study recommends that farmers need to be sensitized more about the pre disposing factors for TBD’s and the effective control measures such as proper accaricide application, ensuring high frequency of spraying et.al
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    Prevalence and risk factors of cryptosporidiosis among HIV/AIDS patients presenting with diarrhea at Nakasongola Health Centre IV, Nakasongola District, Uganda
    ( 2019-08-27) Namakula, Lydia
    Cryptosporidium is one of the most common diarrhea-causing parasitic genera in the world. It is one pathogen, which in immunocompromised HIV-positive individuals can cause chronic diarrhea. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis and its associated risk factors among HIV/AIDS patients presenting with diarrhea at Nakasongola Health Center IV. A cross sectional study was performed and 150 HIV/AIDS patients were recruited from January to March 2019. Stool samples were collected from study participants, wet saline preparations made and examined, stool samples concentrated using formal ether Neelsen technique. Structured questionnaires were used to collect demographic data and hygienic malpractices that predisposed study participants to cryptosporidiosis infection. Of the 150 participants, there were 66% females and 34% males. Majority (88.7%) were above 18 years of age. Regarding education level, the highest percentage 52.7% had not attained formal education. Majority (68%) of the participants were married. The overall prevalence of cryptosporidium was 18.7% (28/150). On multivariate analysis, a statistically significant association was found between the prevalence of cryptosporidiosis and mode of waste disposal (P=0.005) , keeping of animals (p=0.00) source of water (p=0.001). A higher prevalence of cryptosporidiosis, 35.3% (12/34) was obtained among participants who did not use toilets as compared to 13.8% (16/116) prevalence found among those who used toilets. Similarly, this study included most participants who did not keep animals 82/150 (54.7%), however a 30.9% (21/68) prevalence was recorded among participants who used to keep animals as compared to 8.5% (7/82) prevalence recorded among those that did not keep animals. There was no significant association (P>0.05) between occupation, age, sex, marital status and education with prevalence of cryptosporidium at 0.05 level of significance. The prevalence reported in this study is high as compared to many different studies. Therefore use of toilets, sensitization to the mass and provision of clean drinking water within the community may reduce the spread of cryptosporidium infections.
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    Assessing on farm feed storage and possible sources of contamination among selected farms in Gayaza,Wakiso District
    ( 2019-09) Arinaitwe, Samson
    The resolution for taking up this study was owing to the fact that nowadays most livestock farmers are complaining of serious losses resulting from over expenditure on feed input and less or no returns on output. Animal feed takes the largest portion as compared to other inputs. And it has been brought to attention that one of the major problems related with animal feeds is their storage and high rate of contamination. There for, I found it wise to carry out a research on on farm animal feed storage and the possible sources of contamination among selected farms in Gayaza, Wakiso district. The data was collected using questionnaires and interviewing methods. A total of 45 livestock farmers who dealing in different animal production line I.e. poultry farmers, cattle farmers(cows), piggery farmers plus goat and sheep farmers were interviewed. The collected data from the field was analyzed using SPSS software and descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies, distribution tables and mean were used to display the different proportions of the results that were collected from the field. It was discovered from the field that male are the most owners of the livestock farms with 73% this due to culture where by a man is considered to be head and owner of resource at home. Most people who were involved in farming were between age of 35-50 with 40% and most type of animals kept were poultry with 28.9%, piggery with 24.4%, cattle with 26.7%, goats with 11.1% and sheep with 8.9%. The cause of that kind of distribution was hoped to be due to limited space because of urban setting. Most kept animal feeds were mash with 33.3%, fresh leaves with 24.4%, food leftovers with 11.1%, silage and hydroponics with 6.7%, pellets and hay with 6.7%. Most animal feed contaminants were found to be water/moisture with 28.9%, environment with 28.9%, rodents and insects with13.3% air with 8.9 and animals with 6.7%.
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    Spatial and temporal patterns of priority bacterial zoonoses between 2009-2018 in Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2019-09) Baliyana, Resty
    Anthrax and brucellosis remain a significant burden to the public and veterinary health globally. By far, the biggest challenge is faced in the rural communities, in developing nations. In Uganda, anthrax and brucellosis are endemic despite the great strides in eradicating these diseases. To date, limited information is available on the trend of these diseases among livestock in Uganda and yet such information could be used to guide the appropriate control strategy. This retrospective study investigated the spatial and temporal patterns of anthrax and brucellosis from January 2009 to December 2018. Secondary data of anthrax and brucellosis outbreaks reported to the Department of Livestock health and entomology MAAIF/ NADDEC for the period of 10 years from 2009 to 2018 was used for this study. Data was analyzed using geospatial analytical techniques and a geographic information system (GIs) to assess the presence of hotspots i.e. areas of outbreak clustering and the trends of their emergence over time. Also, SPSS was used to evaluate the annual numbers of outbreaks as a function of time. Thereafter, a robust picture of the spatial and temporal distributions was produced. Disease incidence and the space-time analysis approach enabled visualization of areas with statistically significant increasing and decreasing trends of outbreak clustering providing a practical opportunity to inform decision makers and allowing the veterinary services to concentrate their efforts on monitoring the possible risk factors in the identified locations. Both anthrax and brucellosis were found to be endemic in Uganda following a seasonal trend. The number of brucellosis cases reported in cattle was higher than that of anthrax. Outbreaks were high in the cattle corridor areas of Uganda except for the Eastern region that had no anthrax cases and only a few brucellosis cases. Areas of concern identified as clusters by the spatial-temporal statistical analyses can provide a starting point for implementing targeted intervention efforts. There is need to improve surveillance, to develop a differential vaccination strategy, other control measures and preventive recommendations to reduce anthrax and brucellosis in high risk areas. In the low-risk districts / areas, maintenance of effective surveillance systems and development of awareness is very important to detect and contain outbreaks early.
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    Seroprevalence of hepatitis e in domestic swine from Amuria and Napak Districts
    (Makerere University, 2019-09) Okello, Pius
    Hepatitis E (HEV) is a zoonotic disease and cross-species infection occurs for example between humans and pigs. Swine are regarded as the major reservoirs of zoonotic HEV and there is a high prevalence in developing countries with poor hygiene and inadequate sources of water. The main aim was to find out the seroprevalence of HEV in serum of pigs from Napak district where an outbreak of human HEV has ever occurred and one neighboring district of Amuria and to find out the farmers’ level of awareness and knowledge about livestock hepatitis. A total of 400 blood samples were collected, and 352 were tested, 302 from Amuria and 50 from Napak using a commercial indirect ELISA kit (ID vet, Grabels, France). A total of 139 pretested structured questionnaires were administered at every site of sample collection to assess level of knowledge about livestock hepatitis and treatment. The study revealed HEV sero-prevalence of 84% from Napak and 14.6% from Amuria and an overall prevalence 24% (86/352) and an average prevalence of 49.3%. The sero-prevalence was significantly higher in Napak than Amuria (p < 0.05, X2 value = 112.0056). In addition, 8.6% of the individuals knew of hepatitis in livestock and 7.9% knew that it can spread to humans and 1.4% were aware of its control in humans by vaccination. This study reported a high seroprevalence of HEV than that reported by previous studies in Uganda and a very low level of awareness about hepatitis in livestock. The study therefore recommends other studies to be done in the same area or in other areas to identify risk factors of infection, genotyping of the HEV and sensitization of people about viral hepatitis in livestock.
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    Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among livestock farmers on anthrax in Buremba Sub - county, Kiruhura Ddistrict
    (Makerere University, 2019-09) Musiime, Victor
    Several anthrax outbreaks in animals and humans have been reported in Kiruhura district in the recent times, and a few sporadic cases in Buremba Sub County. These may be attributed to paucity of information on knowledge, attitudes and practices among livestock farmers regarding anthrax. This study was therefore conducted to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices among livestock farmers on Anthrax disease outbreaks. The study was aimed at assessing knowledge on anthrax, describing attitudes towards anthrax, and determining risk practices towards Anthrax disease among livestock farmers in Buremba sub-county, Kiruhura district A cross sectional study was conducted among heads of household, and veterinary workers of Buremba Sub-county in June and July, 2019. Semi-structured interviews and structured questionnaires were used to collect data from households. The study showed that the overall level of knowledge on Anthrax in both humans and animals was 82%. This was found to be high due to increasing awareness campaigns by NGOs as well veterinary and human health departments at district level. Practices towards anthrax control and prevention were poor. Consumption of meat from infected carcasses was noted since the farmers found burying dead carcasses a big economic loss to them. Attitudes towards important practices in managing anthrax like vaccination of livestock were poor. Some livestock farmers had negative attitudes towards vaccination and cited financial difficulties, inaccessible veterinary workers and failure of vaccines. Respondents also noted that most outbreaks happen during the onset of the rainy seasons. Results revealed that all the respondents perceived anthrax as a deadly disease and nearly half, (45%) of the respondents perceived it as the most important disease in their area. Respondents also perceived herdsmen to be the most at-risk persons of contracting Anthrax (74.8%) and this is because these spend most of the day in contact with the livestock. 26 % of the interviewed respondents, had their animals (mostly cattle) suffer from anthrax with 9.6% of these reporting that a friend or family member also suffered from anthrax. The risk of acquiring anthrax in humans was significantly associated with having an animal infected (, P=0.001).Most of the livestock farmers were found very knowledgeable about anthrax and had a positive attitude towards taking up good practices in managing anthrax. Veterinary and medical workers should maintain and increase anthrax awareness. More trainings and demonstrations maybe done to show people good practices towards anthrax as well as strict implementation of annual anthrax livestock vaccination programs.
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    Assessing the awareness of selected veterinary drugs' stakeholders regarding veterinary drug counterfeits in Luwero District, Central Uganda
    ( 2019-09) Kisitu, William
    Treatment of animals with different forms of veterinary drugs has always been the major approach to prevention and control of various animal diseases and parasites in livestock farming. However, there are many media reports on the ineffective treatments that are claimed to be due to the presence of counterfeits/ substandard veterinary drugs in central Uganda. Such drugs have been reported to cause mortality, morbidity, adverse reactions and encourage development of resistant pathogens. This study therefore assessed the level of awareness of key actors in the veterinary drug supply chain on veterinary drug counterfeits and their forms in Luwero district. A qualitative and descriptive cross- section study was conducted between December 2018 and March 2019. A total of 150 selected veterinary drug stakeholders including 13 drug shop operators (DSOs), 17 veterinary practitioners (VPs) and 120 farmers subdivided into three categories of cattle (40), poultry (40) and piggery (40) farmers, were purposefully selected and interviewed. The results indicated that a greater proportion of respondents 55% (82/150) had come across Counterfeit Veterinary Drugs (CVDs). Cattle farmers were more knowledgeable at 62.5% (25/40) among the three categories of farmers. However, a substantial proportion of VPs 92.5% (12/13) and DSOs 76.5% (13/17) had the greatest knowledge about CVDs. Majority 86.6% (130/150) of the participants showed a negative attitude towards the act of counterfeiting veterinary drugs. High demand for a given drug was perceived by the majority (77.8%) of farmers as the driver for counterfeiting practice (χ2= 5.9, p= 0.05). Among the various classes of veterinary drugs, acaricides were strongly claimed by a substantial proportion 52% (61/117) of respondents as the most commonly counterfeited drugs (χ2= 54.0, p< 0.001). Fake labels were the most common forms of CVDs reported by 64% (47/73) of the study respondents and encountered during the study. Overall, awareness of respondents about CVDs was higher among VPs 92.3% (12/13) and DSOs 76.5% (13/17) and lower for farmers 55% (66/120). In conclusion, stakeholders in the veterinary drug supply chain in Luwero district recognized that CVDs were widespread with acaricides, dewormers and poultry care antimicrobials being most affected. Therefore, multi-stakeholders awareness campaigns should be heightened and post market quality surveillance embraced as a sustainable approach to combating CVDs in Luwero district.
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    Analysis on rural chicken performance under free range system in Kapchorwa district, Eastern Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2019-09) Namisi, Alex
    The traditional understanding that chicken production can only be produced through exotic systems like constant vaccination and boosters being given all time around forgetting that natural medication can raise birds properly and more healthier with high value products than exotic ones have led to low production of local chicken and this study analyzed rural chicken performance under free range system in Kapchorwa district with a case study of Chema sub-county. This was done to examine production rate, performance and challenges faced in local chicken production in Chema sub-county hence forth propose ways of improving their production. A quantitative study was carried out and the target population were households in Chema sub-county. A sample of 30 households were selected using simple random sampling and interviewed using questionnaires and data collected was captured using Microsoft excel and analyzed using SPSS. Univariate analysis of variables was carried out to examine each individual variable in detail. Frequency tables were being used at univariate level. At bivariate level, chi square test and cross tables were used to compare and establish existence of relationships between variables. Study findings showed that there was poor performance of local chicken production among households in Chema sub-county with 50% being affected by chicken diseases,30% predationand17% lack supplementary feeds. Hens hatch an average of 7-10 chicks andchicks dying before weaning being the major challenge facedbecause 60% of chicken wean an average of 4-6chicks per clutch, lack of good management skills also showed to be a serious factor leading to their poor performance. The study recommended that the district production officer should through extension workers and community development officers provide information/sensitize the community on proper management of local chicken under free range system in order to achieve good performance, such as vaccination, providing supplementary feeds and trainings.
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    Assessing the performance of broiler day old chicks from day one to week six on selected farms in Wakiso district Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2019-09) Kagezi, Brian David
    This study was designed to assess the performance of broiler day old chicks from day one to week six on selected farms in Wakiso district and to document broiler management practices done by the farmers in the district, to establish the percentage weight gain at time of sale of the broilers and to determine the mortality, rate up to time of sale on selected farms. Random sampling method was used to select the poultry farms and respondents in the study and a total of 20 farms were sampled from Wakiso district. The results showed that (85%) of the farms visited farmers reared their broilers under the deep litter system. (85%) of the poultry farmers practiced the all in-all out broiler rearing system. (65%) of the respondents’ farms separated their birds by age. 65% of the respondents used brooding pots as their main heat source during brooding. 80% of the farms mix feeds for their birds. 65% of the poultry famers give marsh feed as their main feed structure. 70% of the respondents keep all types of records on their farms. 92%was the percentage weight gain overall at time of sale of the broilers on the selected farms in Wakiso district. The mortality rates ranged between 5%-40%. The study showed that, the performance of broiler day old chicks was fairly good. Therefore, it was recommended that, farmers always attend workshops and exhibitions where they can go and learn more on how to maintain the good performance of their broilers and also to acquire new skills.
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    Prevalence of faecal entamoeba, microsporidium and cryptosporidium in habituated mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
    ( 2019-09) Tamale, Wasswa Auther
    Infectious diseases pose one of the major threats to endangered species such as mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) and a risk of gastrointestinal parasites transmission from humans to wildlife has been considered a major concern of habituation for tourism thus the continued need to monitor their health. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of fecal Entamoeba, Microsporidium and Cryptosporidiumin habituated mountain gorillas of BINP. Eighty-one fecal samples were collected non-invasively from overnight nests from 8 gorilla groups in BINP between November – December 2018 and examined for the presence of Entamoeba cyst/trophozoites, microsporidia spores and Cryptosporidium cysts using trichrome staining technique, chromotrope staining technique and Acid fast (Ziehl-Nelseen) technique respectively. Overall sixty percent of the samples were positive for one or more of the tested organisms.Cryptosporidium (29.1%) had the highest prevalence followed by Microsporidium (17.3%) and Entamoeba (11.1%). The adult age group had the highest prevalence among all the age categories (Entamoeba-12.9%, Microsporidium-19.4% and Cryptosporidium-25.8%). However, there was no statistically significant association observed between the prevalence of Entamoeba, Microsporidium and Cryptosporidium and the gorilla group, age group and location of the gorilla groups. Although this study was able to determine the prevalence of these organisms, there is need carryout further research using more sensitive tests such as PCR. Regular screening of gorilla fecal matter for selected pathogens is important in order to maintain the health the endangered mountain gorillas.
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    Exploring market opportunities, current practices and uses of propolis ("Bee glue") in western Uganda
    (Makerere University, 2019-09) Atwiine, Medius
    In Uganda one 1% of the population is reported to have ventured into production and processing of propolis. This is low compared to the level of exploitation in Europe and Asia. Therefore, there is need to promote utilization of these beneficial products. Currently, there is limited knowledge of propolis production, processing, distribution, uses and practices. In order to develop strategies for increased commercialization of the non-conventional products, this study assessed the current uses, current practices/methods used and the market potential of propolis and its related products. This was aimed at understanding market potential, current practices and uses of propolis in human and animal health. A cross sectional survey using a semi-structured questionnaire was conducted .A total of 36 participants from Bunyangabu district were interviewed. Propolis was mainly used as a cough and flue treatment (41.7%) and wound care product (30.6%). Few used it as an immune booster (27.8%). Beekeepers mainly harvested propolis by scrapping from the hive openings (80.6%).Propolis tinctures were the dominant product (36.1%) with varied methods and concentrations. All respondents did not know the market potential of propolis. Product storage methods, handling and hygiene varied greatly. Most of the storage containers used were against proposed guidelines i.e. transparent instead of dark brown. From our profitability analysis it was established that a processor could make up to 126,750UShs per kg of propolis. Meaning there is potential for increased incomes through propolis but farmers and processors need to the trained on proper production, handling and processing of propolis.
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    Comparison of gastrointestinal nematode infestation in sheep and cattle grazed together in Makulubita Sub County, Luwero District
    ( 2019-09-09) Kigoonya, Rogers
    A cross-sectional study was carried out between cattle and sheep that are grazed together with the major aim of determining and comparing the prevalence and burden of gastrointestinal nematode infestation while characterizing the dynamics of worm species. Five farms where cattle and sheep are grazed together in Makulubita Sub County Luwero District were identified and purposely selected. A total of 64 and 41 fecal samples were collected per rectum in cattle and sheep respectively. The bio-data of individual animals as well as clinical examination findings were recorded. The samples were transported via a cold chain to Central Diagnostic Laboratory (CDL) at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resource and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University for analysis. The presence and number of nematode eggs were determined using floatation and McMaster techniques respectively. Meanwhile, nematode species identification was done through the Baermann technique of copro-culturing. The results indicated a general high gastrointestinal nematode prevalence of which cattle represented more than sheep existing at 62.2% and 31.1% respectively. However the difference in infestation was not statistically significant with P=0.54. The nematode species identified included; Trichuris and Nematodirus spp were specific to sheep while Oesophagostomum spp were specific to cattle. Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus axei, Ostertergia ostertergi, Toxocara, Strongyloid spp were found in both cattle and sheep. Therefore, the results show that there was cross infestation /sharing of some nematodes in cattle and sheep.
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    Bacterial contaminants and associated risk factors for contamination of ready-to-eat roasted meat vendored at Busunju and Lwamata markets along Hoima-Kampala road
    (Makerere University, 2019-10) Kugonza, Immaculate
    Roasted ready-to-eat meat sold along routes of transit is source of nourishment to passengers, vendors and people in the neighboring areas. It is a common accepted perception that heat treatment gets rid of microbial contaminants. But the meat may get re-contaminated after heat treatment/roasting when it becomes cool hence can serve as a vehicle transmitting pathogens especially bacteria to the consumers. This study was aimed at detecting indicator bacterial contaminants of ready-to-eat roasted meat sold at Busunju and Lwamata markets along Hoima-Kampala road plus the associated risk factors for contamination. Samples were collected from the vendors of the roasted ready-to-eat meat. Questionnaires and observations were used to determine the associated risk factors for the contamination. Questionnaires were administered to all meat vendors present on the day of sample collection. Standard laboratory procedures were used to detect bacterial growth and two indicator bacterial contaminants, i.e. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Bacterial growth was observed on all the samples of meat collected from both sites of study. But at bacterial species level, contamination levels were different for the two study sites i.e. samples collected from Lwamata were more contaminated than those collected from Busunju i.e. Samples from Busunju had 15% positive for E. coli and 25% for S. aureus, while samples from Lwamata 15% tested positive for E. coli and 66.7% for S. aureus.Risk factors that would lead to contamination of the ready-to-eat roasted meat according to the study include; poor personal hygiene; time lag between preparation and consumption; swinging of the meat in open from place to place to lure customers; handling of money while preparing and selling the meat by the same person; coughing or sneezing during meat handling. Therefore, the meat gets bacterial contamination and is capable of causing food borne infections to the consumers. There is need to put and enforce standards that should be followed by the food vendors to carry out a safe-health food trade for health human population.
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    Assessment of factors influencing farmer's attitude towards crossbreeding in selected dairy farms in Gayaza, Wakiso district
    (Makerere University, 2019-10) Mukhwana, Levi
    The main objective of this study was to establish the attitude of dairy farmers towards crossbreeding. The study further shows that a significant percentage of the farmers are positive towards crossbreeding technologies (92.31%). However the adoption is still slow because of high costs that are necessary in the starting process and management. Whereas many of the farmers were positive to the general practice of crossbreeding, further interviewing was conducted on the basis of which breeds (exotic and indigenous dairy). Many farmers had a positive attitude towards crossing exotic breeds between themselves (90.77% of farmers) than crossing exotic breeds with indigenous (72.31% of farmers) since the production would increase slightly compared to a drastic increase for the former. The study also found out that of as many of the exotic breeds kept by the farmers on their farms, the Holstein Friesian was the main breed given its characteristic to high milk production and lactation and its adaptability to the tropical climates was registered on highly on their herds. The Holstein Friesian is known to easily crossedwith the local because of the reasons earlier stated but on the other hand because of size. Such factors have been considered for farm survivability and increase production. Some benefits have been registered by the 65 farmers responding positively in the order of endemic disease resistance (37), high milk production (35), climatic tolerance (30), efficient feed conversion (20), reduced calf birth hardships (15), efficient growth rate (12) and less susceptible to lameness (10). And economic benefits were also registered by same number of farmers in the order of increased milk for sell (45), livelihood improvement (40), reduced expenditure on vet drugs (39) and income opportunities(31). However challenges were registered as well in the order of high cost of drugs and management (50), High cost of feeds (48), endemic diseases (39), low productivity (28) and reproductive problems (5) by 65 of the farmers interviewed. Main of these challenges identified are investments in form of cash, labour and resources. Lack of access to external breeding expertise and breeding inputs (AI, stock) are risk factors threatening the sustainable success of the local crossbreeding system. Farmers would benefit from increased exposure to external expertise as they are not aware of their wrong expectations on performance development. However comprehensive solutions can be established by farmers being brought into consistent awareness of crossbreeding strategies like management, A.I services, the science of attaining better results due to crossbreeding by facilitating extension workers who can offer services to the farmers in as regard to such practices and strategies. And Government and partner institutes like nonprofit organizations, should be of help to farmers in as regard to buying high milking, purebred dairy animals and high quality semen at lower costs by meeting a given percentage of costs on animals and semen brought into the country and also subsidies the prices of feeds and veterinary drugs by building on suitable policies that are favourable to farming and promoting by establishing a policy on soft interests to be levied by commercial banks to agricultural farmers.