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Roger Pelle - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Detection of African swine fever virus genotype XV in a sylvatic cycle in Saadani National Park, Tanzania
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2020Co-Authors: Emma Peter, Eunice M. Machuka, Dedan Githae, Edward Okoth, Sarah Cleaveland, Gabriel Shirima, Lughano Kusiluka, Roger PelleAbstract:African swine fever (ASF) is a severe hemorrhagic disease of domestic pigs caused by ASF virus (ASFV). ASFV is transmitted by soft ticks (Ornithodoros moubata complex group) and by direct transmission. In Africa, ASF is maintained in transmission cycles of asymptomatic infection involving wild suids, mainly Warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus). ASF outbreaks have been reported in many parts of Tanzania; however, active surveillance has been limited to pig farms in a few geographical locations. There is an information gap on whether and where the sylvatic cycle may occur independently of domestic pigs. To explore the existence of a sylvatic cycle in Saadani National Park in Tanzania, blood and serum samples were collected from 19 Warthogs selected using convenience sampling along vehicle-accessible transects within the national park. The ticks were sampled from Warthog burrows. Blood samples and ticks were subjected to ASFV molecular diagnosis (PCR) and genotyping, and Warthog sera were subjected to serological (indirect ELISA) testing for ASFV antibody detection. All Warthog blood samples were PCR-negative, but 16/19 (84%) of the Warthog sera were seropositive by ELISA confirming exposure of Warthogs to ASFV. Of the ticks sampled, 20/111 (18%) were positive for ASFV by conventional PCR. Sequencing of the p72 virus gene fragments showed that ASF viruses detected in ticks belonged to genotype XV. The results confirm the existence of a sylvatic cycle of ASFV in Saadani National Park, Tanzania that involves ticks and Warthogs independent of domestic pigs. Our findings suggest that genotype XV previously reported in 2008 in Tanzania is likely to be widely distributed and involved in both wild and domestic infection cycles. Whole-genome sequencing and analysis of the ASFV genotype XV circulating in Tanzania is recommended to determine the phylogeny of the viruses.
Edward Okoth - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Detection of African swine fever virus genotype XV in a sylvatic cycle in Saadani National Park, Tanzania
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2020Co-Authors: Emma Peter, Eunice M. Machuka, Dedan Githae, Edward Okoth, Sarah Cleaveland, Gabriel Shirima, Lughano Kusiluka, Roger PelleAbstract:African swine fever (ASF) is a severe hemorrhagic disease of domestic pigs caused by ASF virus (ASFV). ASFV is transmitted by soft ticks (Ornithodoros moubata complex group) and by direct transmission. In Africa, ASF is maintained in transmission cycles of asymptomatic infection involving wild suids, mainly Warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus). ASF outbreaks have been reported in many parts of Tanzania; however, active surveillance has been limited to pig farms in a few geographical locations. There is an information gap on whether and where the sylvatic cycle may occur independently of domestic pigs. To explore the existence of a sylvatic cycle in Saadani National Park in Tanzania, blood and serum samples were collected from 19 Warthogs selected using convenience sampling along vehicle-accessible transects within the national park. The ticks were sampled from Warthog burrows. Blood samples and ticks were subjected to ASFV molecular diagnosis (PCR) and genotyping, and Warthog sera were subjected to serological (indirect ELISA) testing for ASFV antibody detection. All Warthog blood samples were PCR-negative, but 16/19 (84%) of the Warthog sera were seropositive by ELISA confirming exposure of Warthogs to ASFV. Of the ticks sampled, 20/111 (18%) were positive for ASFV by conventional PCR. Sequencing of the p72 virus gene fragments showed that ASF viruses detected in ticks belonged to genotype XV. The results confirm the existence of a sylvatic cycle of ASFV in Saadani National Park, Tanzania that involves ticks and Warthogs independent of domestic pigs. Our findings suggest that genotype XV previously reported in 2008 in Tanzania is likely to be widely distributed and involved in both wild and domestic infection cycles. Whole-genome sequencing and analysis of the ASFV genotype XV circulating in Tanzania is recommended to determine the phylogeny of the viruses.
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african swine fever viruses with two different genotypes both of which occur in domestic pigs are associated with ticks and adult Warthogs respectively at a single geographical site
Journal of General Virology, 2011Co-Authors: Carmina Gallardo, Edward Okoth, V Pelayo, Raquel Anchuelo, Elena Martin, Alicia Simon, Alicia Llorente, Raquel Nieto, Alejandro Soler, Raquel MartinAbstract:The role of the ancestral sylvatic cycle of the African swine fever virus (ASFV) is not well understood in the endemic areas of eastern Africa. We therefore analysed the ASF infection status on samples collected from 51 free-ranging Warthogs (Phacocherus africanus) and 1576 Ornithodorus porcinus ticks from 26 independent Warthog burrows at a single ranch in Kenya. Abattoir samples from 83 domestic pigs without clinical symptoms, originating from specific locations with no recent reported ASF outbreaks were included in this study. All samples were derived from areas of central Kenya, where ASF outbreaks have been reported in the past. Infection with ASFV was confirmed in 22 % of O. porcinus pools, 3.22 % of adult Warthog serum samples and 49 % of domestic pig serum samples by using p72-based PCR. All of the Warthog sera were positive for anti-ASFV antibodies, investigated by using ELISA, but none of the domestic pig sera were positive. Twenty O. porcinus-, 12 domestic pig- and three Warthog-derived viruses were genotyped at four polymorphic loci. The ASFV isolates from ticks and domestic pigs clustered within p72 genotype X. By contrast, ASF viruses genotyped directly from Warthog sera, at same locality as the tick isolates, were within p72 genotype IX and genetically similar to viruses causing recent ASF outbreaks in Kenya and Uganda. This represents the first report of the co-existence of different ASFV genotypes in Warthog burrow-associated ticks and adult wild Warthogs. The data from this and earlier studies suggest transfer of viruses of at least two different p72 genotypes, from wild to domestic pigs in East Africa.
Louwrens C. Hoffman - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Profile of Back Bacon Produced From the Common Warthog
Foods (Basel Switzerland), 2020Co-Authors: Louwrens C. Hoffman, Monlee Rudman, Alison J LeslieAbstract:The common Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) has historically been hunted and consumed by rural communities throughout its distribution range in Africa. This study aims to develop a processed product from Warthog meat in the form of back bacon (Longissimus thoracis et lumborum) as a healthy alternative meat product and to determine its chemical and sensory characteristics derived from adult and juvenile boars and sows. The highest scored attributes included typical bacon and smoky aroma and flavor, and salty flavor, as well as tenderness and juiciness. Neither sex nor age influenced the bacon's chemical composition; the bacon was high in protein (~29%) and low in total fat (
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Gastrointestinal helminths from the common Warthog, Phacochoerus africanus (Gmelin) (Suidae), in KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, with comments on helminths of Suidae and Tayassuidae worldwide.
Parasitology, 2019Co-Authors: Kerstin Junker, Monlee Swanepoel, Andrea Spickett, Boris R. Krasnov, J. Boomker, Louwrens C. HoffmanAbstract:Thirty Warthogs, Phacochoerus africanus, were collected in the Pongola Game Reserve, South Africa and examined for helminths. Gastrointestinal helminth assemblages comprised Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus, the cestode genus Moniezia and seven species of nematodes. A single Warthog harboured a metacestode of Taenia hydatigena in the mesenteries. No helminths were found in the heart, lungs or liver of the Warthogs. Probstmayria vivipara and Murshidia spp. were the most prevalent as well as abundant helminth species, followed by Physocephalus sexalatus. The incidence of Moniezia did not differ between hosts of different sex or age. Numbers of Murshidia spp. were not affected by host sex, but were higher in adults than in juveniles. Conversely, burdens of Trichostrongylus thomasi were not affected by host age, but were higher in males than in females. While not highly significant, helminth assemblages in male Warthogs were more species rich than in females. Helminth communities in the three genera of wild sub-Saharan suids are largely unique, but Ph. africanus and Hylochoerus meinertzhageni share more worm species with each other than with Potamochoerus larvatus, possibly because the former two are more closely related. Overlap between helminth communities of African wild suids and those of other suids and Tayassuidae worldwide is limited.
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Quality characteristics of Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) meat.
Meat science, 2018Co-Authors: Monlee Rudman, Alison J Leslie, Marieta Van Der Rijst, Louwrens C. HoffmanAbstract:Warthogs are hunted for trophies and damage reprisal whilst the meat is consumed. Little is known about the quality profile of the meat, therefore, this study investigated the effect of age (yearlings and adult) and sex on the sensory, physical, and chemical attributes of cooked meat. The meat was high in protein (~32%) and low in total fat (< 2%), while the meat from yearlings tended to be tenderer than adults. Age appeared to have a more pronounced influence than sex on the sensory attributes. Warthog meat had a pork aroma and flavour. Undesirable odours and flavours were described as sour/sweaty and fishy, and adults differed from yearlings regarding sour/sweaty (P = .025) and fishy aromas (P = .006), and fishy flavours (P = .045). Small differences (< 0.5 mg/g) in palmitoleic (P = .047) and arachidonic (P = .038) acids were found between adults and yearlings. Warthog meat can be regarded as a lean and healthy source of protein.
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Farmers' perceptions of the extra‐limital common Warthog in the Northern Cape and free state provinces, South Africa
Wildlife Society Bulletin, 2016Co-Authors: Monlee Swanepoel, Alison J Leslie, Louwrens C. HoffmanAbstract:The common Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) has been extra-limitally introduced onto various farms and reserves in parts of the Northern Cape and Free State provinces of South Africa. Warthogs are considered as a game animal for wildlife tourism and hunting but are a known agricultural pest in their natural range. We investigated the perceptions, attitudes, and actions of farmers and landowners toward the common Warthog on their farms. We identified participants using the Snowball technique and interviewed them during semistructured personal interviews, conducted from June to October 2012, using a standardized questionnaire. Most farmers and landowners were of the opinion that Warthogs were introduced to the area and considered Warthog populations to be increasing. Warthogs were held responsible for causing damage to aspects of the natural and agricultural environment, and respondents were increasingly negative toward Warthogs as the levels of perceived damages increased. There were, however, also a number of respondents who regarded and utilized the species as a game animal. The majority of respondents hunted Warthogs and utilized their meat for consumption; therefore, the study proposes that scientifically based hunting efforts for meat production be implemented to control population numbers and mitigate negative impacts experienced. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
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The influence of season and sex on the carcass yield of common Warthog ( Phacochoerus africanus )
South African Journal of Wildlife Research, 2014Co-Authors: Monlee Swanepoel, Alison J Leslie, Louwrens C. HoffmanAbstract:The carcass yield and dress out percentage of the common Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) was investigated as influenced by season and sex. Season did not have a significant impact on carcass weight (P = 0.64) and dress out percentages (P = 0.28) of adult Warthogs (n = 46). Males (n = 21) had heavier carcasses (35.24 kg ± 2.59) than females (n = 25) (27 kg ± 0.96) (P = 0.03) and had a higher dress out percentage (57.14% ± 0.91) than females (52.14% ± 0.91) (P < 0.01). Due to the imbalance in sampled populations age was not included as a variable in the final analyses. Warthogs have a favourable carcass yield and can be utilized for commercial game meat production.
Emma Peter - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Detection of African swine fever virus genotype XV in a sylvatic cycle in Saadani National Park, Tanzania
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2020Co-Authors: Emma Peter, Eunice M. Machuka, Dedan Githae, Edward Okoth, Sarah Cleaveland, Gabriel Shirima, Lughano Kusiluka, Roger PelleAbstract:African swine fever (ASF) is a severe hemorrhagic disease of domestic pigs caused by ASF virus (ASFV). ASFV is transmitted by soft ticks (Ornithodoros moubata complex group) and by direct transmission. In Africa, ASF is maintained in transmission cycles of asymptomatic infection involving wild suids, mainly Warthogs (Phacochoerus africanus). ASF outbreaks have been reported in many parts of Tanzania; however, active surveillance has been limited to pig farms in a few geographical locations. There is an information gap on whether and where the sylvatic cycle may occur independently of domestic pigs. To explore the existence of a sylvatic cycle in Saadani National Park in Tanzania, blood and serum samples were collected from 19 Warthogs selected using convenience sampling along vehicle-accessible transects within the national park. The ticks were sampled from Warthog burrows. Blood samples and ticks were subjected to ASFV molecular diagnosis (PCR) and genotyping, and Warthog sera were subjected to serological (indirect ELISA) testing for ASFV antibody detection. All Warthog blood samples were PCR-negative, but 16/19 (84%) of the Warthog sera were seropositive by ELISA confirming exposure of Warthogs to ASFV. Of the ticks sampled, 20/111 (18%) were positive for ASFV by conventional PCR. Sequencing of the p72 virus gene fragments showed that ASF viruses detected in ticks belonged to genotype XV. The results confirm the existence of a sylvatic cycle of ASFV in Saadani National Park, Tanzania that involves ticks and Warthogs independent of domestic pigs. Our findings suggest that genotype XV previously reported in 2008 in Tanzania is likely to be widely distributed and involved in both wild and domestic infection cycles. Whole-genome sequencing and analysis of the ASFV genotype XV circulating in Tanzania is recommended to determine the phylogeny of the viruses.
Raquel Martin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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african swine fever viruses with two different genotypes both of which occur in domestic pigs are associated with ticks and adult Warthogs respectively at a single geographical site
Journal of General Virology, 2011Co-Authors: Carmina Gallardo, Edward Okoth, V Pelayo, Raquel Anchuelo, Elena Martin, Alicia Simon, Alicia Llorente, Raquel Nieto, Alejandro Soler, Raquel MartinAbstract:The role of the ancestral sylvatic cycle of the African swine fever virus (ASFV) is not well understood in the endemic areas of eastern Africa. We therefore analysed the ASF infection status on samples collected from 51 free-ranging Warthogs (Phacocherus africanus) and 1576 Ornithodorus porcinus ticks from 26 independent Warthog burrows at a single ranch in Kenya. Abattoir samples from 83 domestic pigs without clinical symptoms, originating from specific locations with no recent reported ASF outbreaks were included in this study. All samples were derived from areas of central Kenya, where ASF outbreaks have been reported in the past. Infection with ASFV was confirmed in 22 % of O. porcinus pools, 3.22 % of adult Warthog serum samples and 49 % of domestic pig serum samples by using p72-based PCR. All of the Warthog sera were positive for anti-ASFV antibodies, investigated by using ELISA, but none of the domestic pig sera were positive. Twenty O. porcinus-, 12 domestic pig- and three Warthog-derived viruses were genotyped at four polymorphic loci. The ASFV isolates from ticks and domestic pigs clustered within p72 genotype X. By contrast, ASF viruses genotyped directly from Warthog sera, at same locality as the tick isolates, were within p72 genotype IX and genetically similar to viruses causing recent ASF outbreaks in Kenya and Uganda. This represents the first report of the co-existence of different ASFV genotypes in Warthog burrow-associated ticks and adult wild Warthogs. The data from this and earlier studies suggest transfer of viruses of at least two different p72 genotypes, from wild to domestic pigs in East Africa.
