Evaluating the ecology and persistence of Brucella spp. in livestock and wildlife in Kazakhstan and transmission potential to humans
Abstract
Globally, brucellosis is among the most widespread, important zoonoses. Kazakhstan is within a key human brucellosis focus, where Brucella melitensis is the predominant pathogen (main host: sheep). Our previous efforts in Kazakhstan (CBR KZ-2) indicated B. abortus, the species classically associated with bovids, was present in sheep and cattle. Both species were confirmed in wildlife in other countries and B. melitensis from Kazakh saiga. We will investigate the unknown role of livestock (cattle with sheep/goats) and wildlife/livestock commingling (sheep, cattle and cervids) in areas of known brucellosis persistence in Kazakhstan, and define implications for surveillance and control strategies. Existing livestock prevalence data are limited to incomplete national reports and previous CBR results. Current vaccines target either B. melitensis or B. abortus, not both. The presence of multiple pathogens in populations where single vaccine strategies are employed, or areas where infected populations of wildlife or sheep may maintain both pathogens will lead to disease risk/burden underestimation. We will (1) use molecular ecology and serology to investigate prevalence rates and pathogen diversity in wildlife and and mixed-species livestock herds; (2) quantify commingling between mixed livestock and livestock/wildlife using camera traps and GPS animal movement data from both groups; (3) use genotyping and GIS to identify animal sources of B. melitensis previously genotyped from humans via targeted surveillance; and (4) improve sustainable laboratory diagnostics in Kazakh human and animal health systems. We will also enhance detection/disease surveillance capabilities aligned with DTRA CBEP threat reduction goals, which will also improve overall biosurveillance in Kazakhstan.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 10, 2018
- Source ID
- HDTRA11710063
Entities
People
- Jason K Blackburn
Organizations
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency
- University of Florida