School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Resources (SVAR) Collection
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ItemAssessing the bioaccumulation of lead by black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae from contaminated hotel waste from urban areas of Kampala(Makerere University, 2026)Urban organic waste streams in Kampala pose a growing challenge for sustainable waste management and safe feed production. This study aimed to assess the bioaccumulation of lead in Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae reared on hotel waste substrates spiked with varying concentrations of lead, simulating contamination levels typical of urban environments. A composite organic waste sample from three hotels in Kampala with codes HO1, H02 and H03 was characterized and it revealed background lead level of 5.75mk/kg. Using a controlled laboratory experiment, four substrate treatments were prepared: control (0 g), low-level spike (5 g), mediumlevel spike (10 g), and high-level spike (45 g). The larvae were then analyzed for lead content using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results revealed a clear dosedependent accumulation pattern, with larval lead concentrations increasing from 374.35 ± 1.50 mg/kg in the low-level spike group to 595.20 ± 11.25 mg/kg in the high-level spike group. In comparison, the control group showed minimal accumulation (5.77 ± 1.5 mg/kg). Statistical analysis confirmed significant variation across treatments (F = 436.06, P < 0.001), indicating that substrate contamination directly influences larval lead uptake. The study concludes that although H. illucens demonstrates resilience to lead exposure, current waste handling practices in Kampala compromise the safety of BSF larvae for food and feed applications. To mitigate these risks, the study recommends mandatory waste pre-sorting, prioritization of safer substrate sources, establishment of community-level treatment hubs, integration of lead monitoring into insect farming standards, and targeted public awareness campaigns to reduce lead-containing waste at the source.
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ItemPrevalence of campylobacter species in mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda(Makerere University, 2026)Campylobacter species cause Campylobacteriosis which is an important zoonotic bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals and poses a potential threat to endangered wildlife populations. Mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) inhabiting Bwindi Impenetrable National Park are increasingly exposed to human activities through ecotourism, research and interaction with surrounding communities creating opportunities for pathogen transmission. However contemporary information on the prevalence of Campylobacteriosis in mountain gorillas has remained limited with most available studies conducted more than two decades ago. This study aimed to determine the current prevalence of Campylobacter species infection in habituated mountain gorillas in BINP and identify the Campylobacter species isolated from infected gorillas together with their antimicrobial susceptibility. A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2026 across the four sectors (Buhoma, Ruhija, Rushaga and Nkuringo) of BINP. Fresh fecal samples were collected from night nests of habituated mountain gorillas and analyzed using standard Campylobacter isolation and identification, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing following Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Out of the 99 gorilla fecal samples analysed, three (3) tested positive for Campylobacter species giving an overall prevalence of 3.03%. The highest occurrence was observed among juveniles (8.3%), followed by subadults (7.1%) and adult females (2.7%). Two Campylobacter species were identified; C. jejuni (n=2) and C. coli (n=1). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that C. jejuni was resistant to erythromycin but susceptible to tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and ampicillin while C. coli was susceptible to all the antibiotics tested. The findings indicate that although the prevalence of Campylobacteriosis among habituated mountain gorillas in Bwindi is currently low compared with previous reports, Campylobacter species continue to circulate within the population. The detection of erythromycin-resistant C. jejuni highlights the importance of continuous antimicrobial surveillance and strengthened one health approaches involving wildlife, humans, livestock and the forest to safeguard mountain gorilla conservation and public health.
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ItemSeroprevalence and associated risk factors of bovine brucellosis in dairy cattle in Butemba Town Council, Kyankwanzi District, Uganda(Makerere University, 2026)Bovine brucellosis is a zoonotic disease of significant economic and public health importance, particularly in agro-pastoral systems within Uganda’s cattle corridor. However, localized data on its seroprevalence or specific risk factors is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis and identify associated risk factors among dairy cows in Butemba Town Council, Kyankwanzi District, Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2026 to April 2026 and 144 cattle were sampled randomly from selected farms. Blood samples were collected and tested for antibodies against Brucella abortus using the Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT). Data on animal-level, farm-level, and environmental factors were collected using a structured questionnaires and analysed using Stata version 14.2. The overall seroprevalence of bovine brucellosis among the screened cows was 10.4% (15/144, 95%CI; 5.9-16.6) and did not vary by ward in the town council. History of abortion (cOR = 7.0, p-value = 0.001), retained placenta (cOR = 10.3, p-value = 0.003) and proximity to wildlife (cOR = 0.26, pvalue = 0.045) were associated with brucella seropositivity among cows. However, grazing system, breeding method, age, and breed were not associated with brucella seropositivity in cows (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that bovine brucellosis is present among dairy cows in the study area and this may pose a public health risk to cattle handlers. Strengthening farmer awareness on proper and safe handling of abortuses and afterbirth; encouraging farmers to report abortions to the area veterinarians and enhancing routine surveillance for bovine brucellosis are recommended. Future research should employ sensitive techniques on larger samples to investigate the relationship between animal and human brucellosis.
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ItemAssessment of adherehence to recommended acaricide use practices among cattle farmers in Pallisa County of Pallisa District(Makerere University, 2024)Tick-borne illnesses (TBDs) affect 80% of cows worldwide and reduce livestock productivity. Most tick populations are controlled by the use of acaricides however, inappropriate acaricide use practices have led to their failure rendering it very hard for farmers to economically benefit from their animal husbandry practices in Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Pallisa County across five representative sub counties to assess the farmer’s adherence to the recommended tick control practices. Responses from a total of 116 farmers were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire where the data regarding social demographic characteristics, production and the brands of acaricides was gathered and punched into Microsoft excel and summarized into graphs, tables and pie charts. Using Stata statistical tool, associations between Sociodemographic factors and farmers adherence to manufacturers guidelines were obtained using Pearson’s chi square test at p value < 0.05. Results indicated that hand spraying was the most commonly used method of chemical tick control at 92.5%, ivermectin injection followed with 3.2% and the least used was spray race with 1.6%. Farmers in Pallisa mostly preferred Amidines and coformulated organophosphates both at 33.33% followed by Synthetic Pyrethroids at 22.22% and the least used were Endectocides at 11.11%. The acaricide brands used were Norotraz (26.98%), DuoDipp 55% EC (23.81%), Taktick (15.87%), Sypertix (12.70%), Sangatraz (9.52%), decatix (4.76%), supona extra (2.38%), ivermectin (2.38%) and ivermectin/Tectin (1.59%). Farmers also reported making concoctions of different acaricides in attempt to overcome ticks which could possibly lead to more acaricide failure with some using dilution rates above or lower the recommended coupled with altering the application routines in an attempt to defeat ticks. Majority of the cattle farmers were not complying with manufacturer’s recommendations and there was no significant association between Sociodemographic factors and level of adherence to manufacturer’s recommendations except for marital status. In conclusion, extension initiatives should be guided by the study's insights about farmers' adherence to manufacturer's recommendations. These initiatives must to be created such that they are accessible to all farmers. Because there is still a deficiency, farmer trainings on appropriate acaricide use and rotation should be a focus of action.
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ItemPrevalence and load of helminths in free ranging Giraffes in Lake Mburo conservation area(Makerere University, 2026)Gastrointestinal helminth infections pose significant threats to the health and conservation of free-ranging giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis). This cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence and intensity of fecal helminths in Nubian giraffes at Lake Mburo Conservation Area, Uganda. Fresh fecal samples were collected from 47 individuals across two sites: Miriti Valley and Kabushaara. Samples were analyzed using the modified McMaster flotation technique for nematodes and sedimentation for trematodes and cestodes. Only strongyle-type nematodes were detected.The overall prevalence was 29.8%. Site-specific prevalence was 33.3% in Miriti Valley and 26.1% in Kabushaara. Age-stratified analysis revealed a markedly higher prevalence in young giraffes (87.5%) compared to older individuals (17.9%). The mean strongyle egg count (eggs per gram of feces, epg; mean ± SE) was 39.36 ± 12.72 overall, with 47.92 ± 20.74 in Miriti Valley and 30.43 ± 14.66 in Kabushaara. The difference between sites was not statistically significant (t = 0.688, p = 0.752). In contrast, young giraffes had significantly higher mean epg (175 ± 50) than older giraffes (11.54 ± 4.67; t = 3.254, p = 0.007). The exclusive presence of strongyles suggests that these parasites are well adapted to the semi-arid savanna ecosystem, where moisture-dependent parasites may be limited. The elevated parasite burdens observed in juveniles highlight potential impacts on recruitment and warrant targeted monitoring. These baseline findings provide essential data for the ongoing health surveillance of translocated giraffes in Lake Mburo Conservation Area.