ILRI Research Outputs

Training of trainers on developing effective continuing professional development for veterinary personnel

Lemma, Mamusha — Sat, 30 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

dc.title: Training of trainers on developing effective continuing professional development for veterinary personnel dc.contributor.author: Lemma, Mamusha; Ayledo, G.; Knight-Jones, Theodore J.D.

Investigating the bovine milk value chain of Hyderabad, India, with a focus on child stunting

Häsler, Barbara — Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

dc.title: Investigating the bovine milk value chain of Hyderabad, India, with a focus on child stunting dc.contributor.author: Häsler, Barbara; Ramachandrappa, N.K.; Rotta, S.; Konapur, A.; Ravichandran, T.; Dominguez-Salas, Paula; Foster, D.; Claron, M.; Grace, Delia; Validandi, V.; Moodley, Arshnee; Ochieng, Linnet; Bosire, Caroline; Augustine, L.F.; Heffernan, C.; Banjara, S.K.; Kulkarni, B. dcterms.abstract: Bovine milk has shown a positive association with child growth rates, but access in Hyderabad, India, is variable and milk-borne hazards are of concern. The aim of this study was to investigate how milk value chains (VCs) in urban Hyderabad influence microbiological and toxicological milk safety and their intersection with child stunting. A mixed-methods approach was used, encompassing a thematic reflexive analysis of qualitative interviews conducted with 12 VC key informants and risk-based sampling of 42 milk, 24 animal feed and 20 water samples that were subjected to microbiological and aflatoxin testing. Key themes identified were financial instability, trust-based processes, milk safety concerns and power imbalances in the VCs. The microbiological analysis showed contamination in unpasteurized milk at various nodes, with high levels of total colony count, faecal coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus and yeast/mould, while water used in the VCs also showed microbial contamination. A total of 67% of dairy feed samples tested positive for total aflatoxins; all of them were within Indian regulatory limits. Opportunities for safer and more nutritious milk that could help to reduce child stunting include improved food safety practices, enhanced awareness of milk-borne hazards, institutional accountability and increased agency of VC actors. This article is part of the theme issue 'Biological, biomedical and environmental drivers of stunting'.

Rapid multi-residue screening for veterinary antibiotics in animal feed: validation of existing lateral flow assays and a microbiological inhibition test to assess chicken feed

Njaramba, Jane K. — Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

dc.title: Rapid multi-residue screening for veterinary antibiotics in animal feed: validation of existing lateral flow assays and a microbiological inhibition test to assess chicken feed dc.contributor.author: Njaramba, Jane K.; Broekaert, K.; Reybroeck, W.; Daeseleire, E.; Muloi, Dishon M.; Moodley, Arshnee; Antonissen, G. dcterms.abstract: Undeclared antibiotics in poultry feed contribute to exposure to antimicrobial drug residues, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where routine surveillance is limited by cost and laboratory constraints. Conventional analytical screening requires specialised equipment, making rapid, accessible alternatives valuable. This study evaluated the feasibility of re-purposing qualitative antibiotic screening techniques, originally developed and validated for milk, in rapid, multi-residue antibiotic detection in broiler feed after specialised sample pre-treatment. A microbial inhibition assay and three lateral-flow tests were validated through CCβ determination, stability assessment, and false-positive evaluation. Blank feed samples (pellets, mash, and crumbles) from three Belgian suppliers were spiked using milk detection limits, and 124 Kenyan commercial broiler feed samples (November − December 2022) were screened. CCβ values were established for twelve antibiotic classes. The inhibition assay offered broad detection but higher CCβ values (200 to > 100,000 µg/kg) than rapid tests (3–800 µg/kg). Rapid tests produced no false positives; the inhibition assay had one false positive in 30 samples (3.3%). Extracted samples remained stable for 24 h at 4 ± 2 °C, and frozen controls performed consistently. LC-MS/MS confirmed tylosin, quinolones, and five sulphonamides in 12 of 124 field samples. These methods, currently validated for use in milk, reliably detected multiple antibiotic classes in broiler feed, showing promise as practical monitoring tools for antibiotic contamination or carryover in feed in resource-limited settings. cg.contributor.initiative: One Health cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods

Stability and yield performance of lablab genotypes across multiple environments in Ethiopia

Aleme, M. — Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

dc.title: Stability and yield performance of lablab genotypes across multiple environments in Ethiopia dc.contributor.author: Aleme, M.; Mengistu, G.; Tulu, D.; Dejene, M.; Feyissa, F.; Temteme, S.; Assefa, Getnet dcterms.abstract: In Ethiopia, the availability of quality animal’s feed is a greater challenge to livestock production than the animal genetic resources and their health problems. In this context to identify suitable genotypes for particular environment, 13 Lablab genotypes (Lablab purpureus L.) were examined across three different sites of Ethiopia during the year of 2020 and 2021 for their performance on dry matter yield. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in each location was applied to complete the trials. The dry matter yields were logged and analyzed using the additive main effects multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and genotype plus genotype -by-environment (GGE) biplot models. The combined analysis of variance showed that dry matter yield was significantly affected by the environment (63.04%), followed by genotype (15.90%), and genotype by environment (G×E) interface (10.04%). Based on the AMMI and GGE biplot, the tested genotypes were categorized into four mega-environments. The first comprises E3 and E6, the second comprises E4, the third comprises E1, and the last mega-environment holds E2 and E5. The GGE biplot analysis revealed that the six endearing genotypes, G1, G3, G7, G12, and G13, scored higher dry matter yield in corresponding environments, While the AMMI model showed the G5, G6, G9, G10, and G11 were comparably stable higher yielders, whereas G12 had the highest dry matter yield but was an unstable genotype. Based on the AEC line, genotypes namely G10, G6, G2, and G5 were relatively stable, though G13, G3, and G1 were unstable genotypes. According to this finding, breeding improvement was shown in dry matter, and the selected genotypes could be suggested for national production.

Development and validation of the OH-KAP survey for use with pastoral and other rural communities in Africa

Mumin, Farah I. — Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

dc.title: Development and validation of the OH-KAP survey for use with pastoral and other rural communities in Africa dc.contributor.author: Mumin, Farah I.; Mor, Siobhan M. dcterms.abstract: Background: Evaluating One Health at community-level requires robust, valid measures of what communities know, believe, and do about health risks shared by people, animals, and the environment. This study aimed to develop and validate a One Health Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (OH-KAP) instrument tailored to (agro-)pastoralist and mixed-farming systems in Africa, covering key One Health topics including zoonoses, antimicrobial resistance, and food safety. Methods: An initial pool of 156 items was derived from the literature and refined through expert content validation to 126 items. Subsequently, the questionnaire was translated into Somali and field-tested with 300 adults in Middle Shabelle, Somalia. Psychometric analysis of knowledge and attitudes items was undertaken using classical test theory, exploratory factor analysis, and bifactor item response theory (2-parameter logistic models for binary knowledge items; graded response models for Likert-scale attitudes items). Practice items were analysed using exploratory graph analysis and community detection. Results: The final instrument included 27 knowledge, 19 attitude and 29 practice items. The knowledge sub-scale loaded onto a general One Health factor with 4 domain-specific subfactors: zoonotic transmission and environmental risks; animal bites and safe food handling; AMR; and direct contact and food contamination risks (reliability: α = 0.94; model fit: CFI = 0.96, RMSEA 0.08). The attitudes sub-domain loaded onto a general One Health factor with 5 domain-specific subfactors: hand hygiene; animal husbandry; zoonotic outbreaks; AMR; and antimicrobial use (AMU) (α = 0.93; CFI = 0.99, RMSEA 0.05). Practices clustered into four stable domains: animal management and AMU; direct contact and exposure control; responsible husbandry, food safety and stewardship; and hand hygiene and disease reporting (bootstrap stability > 65%). Conclusions: The developed OH-KAP is a concise, field-ready tool for quantifying integrated One Health knowledge, attitudes and practices. It supports baseline assessments and monitoring associated with awareness-creation and behaviour-change programming. Future work should extend coverage to additional One Health priorities and assess invariance across settings and languages. cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods

Operationalising community engagement in One Health through community conversations in the Horn of Africa

Mumin, Farah I. — Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

dc.title: Operationalising community engagement in One Health through community conversations in the Horn of Africa dc.contributor.author: Mumin, Farah I.; Lemma, Mamusha; Hared, Yusuf A.; Kaba, Mirgissa; Mor, Siobhan M. dcterms.abstract: Background: Rural communities in the Horn of Africa face high exposure to interconnected health risks, such as zoonotic diseases, food and water safety issues, and antimicrobial resistance, that benefit from an integrated One Health (OH) approach. However, these populations remain underserved by conventional top-down health interventions. We assessed whether community conversations (CCs), a participatory and action-oriented dialogue method, could improve OH-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among (agro-)pastoralists. Methods: A pre-post study was conducted in 19 communities in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia from June to October 2024. Community members (n = 358) participated in four CC sessions over 2–3 months, guided by trained facilitators using a standardised facilitation manual. KAP outcomes were assessed using validated psychometric models with fixed-parameter scoring: a bifactor 2-PL IRT model for knowledge, a bifactor graded response model for attitudes, and a network-based composite score for practices. Within-person changes were assessed using paired Wilcoxon or McNemar tests, and predictors of KAP change were examined using mixed-effects regression models accounting for community clustering. Results: Participation in the CC intervention was associated with significant improvements in OH knowledge (mean theta scores pre- and post-intervention: 0.04 vs 1.39; p < 0.001), attitudes (0.07 vs 1.07; p < 0.001), and practices (mean network-weighted composite scores pre- and post-intervention: 1.06 vs 1.66; p < 0.001). Positive gains were observed across all three countries and most participant subgroups, with shifts in knowledge and attitudes emerging as significant predictors of improved practices. Conclusions: CCs were effective in improving OH KAP in the study communities. The findings support CCs as a scalable, community engagement model with potential to strengthen health behaviours in resource-limited contexts. cg.contributor.initiative: One Health cg.contributor.programAccelerator: Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods

A socioecological systems perspective on One Health in Turkana County, Kenya: Insights from participatory fuzzy cognitive mapping

Griffith, E.F. — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

dc.title: A socioecological systems perspective on One Health in Turkana County, Kenya: Insights from participatory fuzzy cognitive mapping dc.contributor.author: Griffith, E.F.; Opondoh, A.; Kaluwa, C.; Nakadio, E.L.; Rotich, K.; Kipkemoi, J.R.; Levin, J.; Mutua, J.; Mor, Siobhan M.; Amuguni, J.H. dc.contributor.editor: Ogola, Eric

Prevalence and characteristics of dental and periodontal disease in Western European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) admitted into an animal shelter in northwestern Germany

Stegmaier-Länge, I. — Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

dc.title: Prevalence and characteristics of dental and periodontal disease in Western European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) admitted into an animal shelter in northwestern Germany dc.contributor.author: Stegmaier-Länge, I.; Goodman, G.; Thomas, Lian F. dcterms.abstract: Dental and periodontal disease are common findings in Western European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) admitted into rehabilitation but are rarely studied. This study aimed to collect data on the prevalence and characteristics of dental and periodontal disease in Western European hedgehogs admitted into an animal shelter in northwestern Germany. A full body examination including a dental assessment was conducted on all 95 hedgehogs admitted between 15 August 2024 and 15 April 2025. Indices judging calculus, gingivitis, gingival recession, and tooth mobility were assessed and added up to an overall dental examination index representing the severity of the disease. Disease prevalence and risk factors and clinical signs as potential predictive factors for the presence of the disease were examined. The prevalence among the overall study population was 44.2% (95% CI [34.7–54.7]). Calculus was found as the most common pathology. For gingival recession and the overall examination index, low and high scores were more common than medium scores. In the final multivariate model, a higher body weight was a positive predictive factor for the presence of dental/periodontal disease among both juvenile hedgehogs and those past their first calendar year (p < 0.001; OR = 1.011). Further research is needed to understand the risk factors for the disease and to assess the significance of dental and periodontal disease on individual hedgehogs and the declining overall population.

Microbial Contamination and Associated Risk Factors from Slaughter to Retail: Forward-tracing of meat in the Pork Value Chain in Uganda

Kivali, Velma — Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

dc.title: Microbial Contamination and Associated Risk Factors from Slaughter to Retail: Forward-tracing of meat in the Pork Value Chain in Uganda dc.contributor.author: Kivali, Velma; Dohoo, Ian; Sinh Dang Xuan; Bugeza, J.K.; Alinaitwe, L.; Hoona, J.J.; Mugizi, D.R.; Kankya, C.; Rösler, U.; Cook, Elizabeth A.J.; Roesel, Kristina dcterms.abstract: Uganda has the highest per-capita pork consumption in East Africa, with most pigs raised in free-range smallholder systems. Pork is largely produced and sold in informal markets with limited infrastructure, regulation, and hygiene. By forward-tracing pork from slaughter to retail, this study assessed factors associated with contamination with non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) and total bacterial count (TBC), and identified critical control points along the pork value chain. Two pork value chains were evaluated: a Multiple Slaughter unit Value Chain (MSVC),15 slaughter points supplying 27 retail outlets, and a Single Slaughter unit Value Chain (SSVC), one slaughter point supplying 35 retail outlets. A repeat cross-sectional survey conducted across three regions between December 2021 and December 2022 collected 1,535 samples and hygiene observations. Overall NTS prevalence was 30.5% on carcasses (95% CI: 23.6-38.2), 33.1% in raw pork (95% CI: 26.1-40.6), and 4.0% in cooked pork (95% CI: 1.9-8.4). Mean TBC in the MSVC were 5.70 Log CFU/cm2 on carcasses, 6.00 Log CFU/g in raw pork, and 1.23 Log CFU/g in cooked pork, compared with 5.32, 5.34, and 0.03 Log CFU/g respectively, in the SSVC. Although raw pork TBC complied with regional limits (< 6.0 Log CFU/g), they exceeded international standards (< 5.6 Log CFU/g). TBC were significantly higher in the MSVC (p < 0.05) but NTS prevalence did not differ between value chains (p > 0.05). Contaminated meat handlers’ hands, rinsing water, floors, and chopping surfaces were identified as key contributors to microbial contamination. These findings highlight substantial contamination along the pork value chain and the need to strengthen hygiene prerequisites and critical control points to improve pork safety.

The Nigeria Livestock Master Plan (N-LMP): Investment Roadmap (2026–2030)

Bahta, Sirak T. — Sat, 30 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

dc.title: The Nigeria Livestock Master Plan (N-LMP): Investment Roadmap (2026–2030) dc.contributor.author: Bahta, Sirak T.; Enahoro, Dolapo K.; Wanyoike, Francis N.; Maruta, Admasu Asfaw; Bamidele, Oladeji; Chan, Derek; Alary, Veronique; Karugia, Joseph T.; Baltenweck, Isabelle