In the heart of Zimbabwe, where the wild and the domesticated coexist, a silent battle rages. Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a highly contagious viral infection, is a constant threat to livestock, with significant economic implications. A recent study published in Veterinary Research, led by Oriane Ploquin from the UMR MIVEGEC at the Research Institute for Development (IRD), University of Montpellier, and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), sheds new light on the complex dynamics of FMD transmission in multi-species livestock systems.
The research, conducted over a year, focused on the interplay between cattle, goats, and wildlife in areas adjacent to protected wildlife reserves. The findings reveal a nuanced picture of how FMD circulates within these sympatric populations. “We found that cattle had a significantly higher seroprevalence of FMD than goats,” Ploquin explains. “Moreover, the serostatus in cattle was influenced by their proximity to wildlife areas, suggesting a potential role of wildlife in disease transmission.”
The study’s longitudinal serological monitoring uncovered several key insights. Cattle, it seems, are more susceptible to FMD and their infection status is closely linked to their geographical proximity to wildlife. In contrast, goats exhibited lower seroprevalence and less variation among age groups, with no apparent association with proximity to protected areas. This disparity highlights the differing roles that cattle and goats play in the maintenance and transmission of FMD.
One of the most intriguing findings was the absence of clustering of seropositive individuals within the same herd. This suggests that the transmission of the virus between animals in the same herd is relatively low, challenging some of the conventional wisdom about how FMD spreads. “This lack of clustering indicates that the dynamics of FMD transmission are more complex than previously thought,” Ploquin notes. “It underscores the need for comprehensive surveillance and strain identification across multiple species, both wild and domestic.”
The implications of this research are far-reaching, particularly for the agricultural and energy sectors. Livestock farming is a cornerstone of many rural economies, and outbreaks of FMD can lead to significant financial losses. Moreover, the energy sector, which often relies on animal products for various processes, can also be indirectly affected. Understanding the dynamics of FMD transmission is crucial for developing effective control and prevention strategies.
The study emphasizes the importance of tailored surveillance strategies in diverse ecological settings. As Ploquin puts it, “One size does not fit all when it comes to managing multi-host pathogens. We need to consider the unique interactions and dynamics within each ecosystem.”
This research not only contributes to our understanding of FMD transmission but also paves the way for future developments in the field. By highlighting the context-dependent interactions among hosts, it calls for a more nuanced approach to disease management. As we continue to grapple with the challenges posed by multi-host pathogens, studies like this one will be instrumental in shaping our strategies for a more resilient and sustainable future. The research was published in Veterinary Research, which is known in English as ‘Veterinary Research’.