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Animal African trypanosomosis, caused by blood protozoan parasites transmitted mainly by tsetse flies, represents a major constraint for millions of cattle in sub-Saharan Africa. Exposed cattle include trypanosusceptible indicine breeds, severely affected by the disease, and West African taurine breeds called trypanotolerant owing to their ability to control parasite development, survive and grow in enzootic areas. Until now the genetic basis of trypanotolerance remains unclear. Here, to improve knowledge of the biological processes involved in trypanotolerance versus trypanosusceptibility, we identified bovine genes differentially expressed in five West African cattle breeds during an experimental infection by Trypanosoma congolense and their biological functions. To this end, whole blood genome-wide transcriptome of three trypanotolerant taurine breeds (N’Dama, Lagune and Baoulé), one susceptible zebu (Zebu Fulani) and one African taurine x zebu admixed breed (Borgou) were profiled by RNA sequencing at four time points, one before and three during infection. As expected, infection had a major impact on cattle blood transcriptome regardless of the breed. The functional analysis of differentially expressed genes over time in each breed confirmed an early activation of the innate immune response, followed by an activation of the humoral response and an inhibition of T cell functions at the chronic stage of infection. More importantly, we highlighted overlooked features, such as a strong disturbance in host metabolism and cellular energy production that differentiates trypanotolerant and trypanosusceptible breeds. N’Dama breed showed the earliest regulation of immune response, associated with a strong activation of cellular energy production, also observed in Lagune, and to a lesser extent in Baoulé. Susceptible Zebu Fulani breed differed from other breeds by the strongest modification in lipid metabolism regulation. Overall, this study provides a better understanding of the biological mechanisms at work during infection, especially concerning the interplay between immunity and metabolism that seems differentially regulated depending on the cattle breeds.

Local chickens are the most commonly raised poultry breed in rural areas of Togo, where they help in alleviating poverty and food insecurity in households. The current study aimed to ensure the sustainable management of this genetic resource by evaluating the genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationships, and population structure of local chicken populations from five agroecological zones (Dry Savannah, Atakora, Forest, Wet Savannah, and Littoral) in Togo. Genotyping was carried out using 15 microsatellite markers on 30 unrelated individuals per agroecological zone. Genetic diversity was assessed by estimating the number of alleles per locus, observed heterozygosity, unbiased expected heterozygosity, and the polymorphic information content (PIC). The genetic structure of the populations was analyzed using a Bayesian-based approach. The results revealed a high genetic diversity but weak population structuring among local chickens. Moreover, 98 alleles were detected in all population groups, varying from 3 to 12 per locus, with an average of 6.53 ± 2.67 alleles per locus. The PIC values varied from 0.436 to 0.690, with an average of 0.550 ± 0.087. The mean number of alleles per population across all markers ranged from 4.4 ± 1.4 (Dry Savannah) to 5.4 ± 2.0 (Forest). The unbiased expected heterozygosity was high and varied from 0.58 ± 0.07 (Atakora) to 0.65 ± 0.11 (Forest), while that observed varied between 0.46 ± 0.09 (Dry Savannah) and 0.57 ± 0.14 (Forest). All populations deviated significantly from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Across populations, FIT, FIS, and FST fixation indices were 0.150, 0.132, and 0.021, respectively. The genetic distances were low and varied from 0.022 (between Atakora and Dry Savannah) to 0.045 (between Atakora and Forest). These results could be used in potential genetic improvement programs or the preservation of local chickens in Togo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improved knowledge of the diversity within and among local animal populations is increasingly necessary for their sustainable management. Accordingly, this study assessed the genetic diversity and structure of the indigenous goat population of Benin. Nine hundred and fifty-four goats were sampled across the three vegetation zones of Benin [i.e., Guineo-Congolese zone (GCZ), Guineo-Sudanian zone (GSZ), and Sudanian zone (SZ)] and genotyped with 12 multiplexed microsatellite markers. The genetic diversity and structure of the indigenous goat population of Benin were examined using the usual genetic indices (number of alleles Na, expected and observed heterozygosities He and Ho, Fixation index FST, coefficient of genetic differentiation GST), and three different methods of structure assessment [Bayesian admixture model in STRUCTURE, self-organizing map (SOM), and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC)]. The mean values of Na (11.25), He (0.69), Ho (0.66), FST (0.012), and GST (0.012) estimated in the indigenous Beninese goat population highlighted great genetic diversity. STRUCTURE and SOM results showed the existence of two distinct goat groups (Djallonké and Sahelian) with high crossbreeding effects. Furthermore, DAPC distinguished four clusters within the goat population descending from the two ancestry groups. Clusters 1 and 3 (most individuals from GCZ) respectively showed a mean Djallonké ancestry proportion of 73.79% and 71.18%, whereas cluster 4 (mainly of goats from SZ and some goats of GSZ) showed a mean Sahelian ancestry proportion of 78.65%. Cluster 2, which grouped almost all animals from the three zones, was also of Sahelian ancestry but with a high level of interbreeding, as shown by the mean membership proportion of only 62.73%. It is therefore urgent to develop community management programs and selection schemes for the main goat types to ensure the sustainability of goat production in Benin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to identify pathogenic trypanosomes responsible for African trypanosomiasis, and to better understand tsetse-trypanosome relationships, surveys were undertaken in three sites located in different eco-climatic areas in Côte d’Ivoire during the dry and rainy seasons. Tsetse flies were caught during five consecutive days using biconical traps, dissected and microscopically examined looking for trypanosome infection. Samples from infected flies were tested by PCR using specific primers for Trypanosoma brucei s.l., T. congolense savannah type, T. congolense forest type and T. vivax. Of 1941 tsetse flies caught including four species, i.e. Glossina palpalis palpalis, G. p. gambiensis, G. tachinoides and G. medicorum, 513 (26%) were dissected and 60 (12%) were found positive by microscopy. Up to 41% of the infections were due to T. congolense savannah type, 30% to T. vivax, 20% to T. congolense forest type and 9% due to T. brucei s.l. All four trypanosome species and subgroups were identified from G. tachinoides and G. p. palpalis, while only two were isolated from G. p. gambiensis (T. brucei s.l., T. congolense savannah type) and G. medicorum (T. congolense forest, savannah types). Mixed infections were found in 25% of cases and all involved T. congolense savannah type with another trypanosome species. The simultaneous occurrence of T. brucei s.l., and tsetse from the palpalis group may suggest that human trypanosomiasis can still be a constraint in these localities, while high rates of T. congolense and T. vivax in the area suggest a potential risk of animal trypanosomiasis in livestock along the Comoé River.

Indigenous guinea fowl is an important animal resource for improving rural household income. In order to provide molecular data for a sustainable management of this poultry resource, an assessment of the genetic diversity and phylogenic relationships was undertaken on seven guinea fowl phenotypes from two agroecological zones (Dry Savannah and Atakora) of Togo. Genotyping was carried out using 18 microsatellite markers on 94 individuals from Dry Savannah (59) and Atakora (35) zones. The results obtained showed a high genetic diversity, with six as an average alleles per locus and an observed heterozygosity of 0.512. However, the FIS values varied from 0.047 (Lavender) to 0.257 (Albino), reflecting a deficit of heterozygotes, which suggests low to moderate inbreeding levels. The genetic distances between phenotypes are low, ranging from 0.0068 (Bonaparte-Pearl grey) to 0.1559 (Lavender-Albino), unlike the strong genetic identities that reflect a strong genetic similarity between the seven phenotypes of indigenous guinea fowl studied. These results indicate the existence of a single indigenous guinea fowl population, derived from three probable parental populations, with a high within population genetic diversity (phenotypic or agroecological zone). These results could be of use to conservation and improvement programs aiming at the maintenance and sustainable exploitation of this important socio-cultural and economic resource in Togo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of animal trypanosomosis and its impact on the Packed red Cell Volume (PCV) in Vogan sheep (VS) and Djallonke sheep (DS) in two administrative regions of southern-Togo (Maritime and Plateau Regions). A total of 206 samples (104 VS and 102 DS) were analysed by microscopic observation of buffy coat, PCR and indirect ELISA. Using the three diagnostic techniques, the prevalence was 24.51% in Djallonke sheep and 20.19% in Vogan sheep with a clear predominance of Trypanosoma vivax infection. Geographical location (canton) influenced significantly the prevalence of trypanosome infections and the PCV; the highest recorded prevalence was obtained in Dagbatchi and Sevagan locations, associated with the lowest PCV. No significant difference was observed between PCV of VS and those of DS in Maritime Region. We concluded that even with a phenotype of Sahelian sheep, VS is well adapted in this area and has developed a certain degree of trypanotolerance similar to DS. However, Djallonke sheep in the Maritime Region (Vo Prefecture) might have become less trypanotolerant comparatively to those originating from the Plateau Region. These results could be used to update the epidemiological situation of trypanosomosis in this region and showed that the sheep genetic improvement strategies should take into account animal trypanosomosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The invasion of West Africa by Rhipicephalus microplus during the past decade has changed the ecological situation of the agent of heartwater Ehrlichia ruminantium in this area. Before, its local vector, Amblyomma variegatum, was the most abundant tick species found on livestock. Today, the abundance of the R. microplus is one magnitude higher than that of A. variegatum in many west-African localities. We investigated the potential of this new ecological situation to impact the circulation of E. ruminantium in West Africa. Methods: Ehrlichia ruminantium infections were assessed with the specific PCR-diagnosis targeting the PCS20 region. This screening was applied on field samples of 24 R. microplus adults, on four females from a laboratory strain that had been blood-fed since larvae on one E. ruminantium-infected steer as well as on the offspring of these females at egg and larval stages. Results: The PCR detected E. ruminantium in 29 % of the field-collected R. microplus, i.e. twice as much as reported for A. variegatum with the same protocol. Regarding the laboratory strain, the PCR-diagnosis performed showed that all females were infected and passed the rickettsia to their progeny. Sequencing of the PCR product confirmed that the maternally inherited rickettsia was E. ruminantium. Conclusion: According to the present findings, the invasive dynamic of R. microplus in West Africa is currently impacting the local evolutionary conditions of E. ruminantium since it offers new transmission roads such as maternal transmission in R. microplus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: African animal trypanosomosis (AAT) is a major constraint to sustainable development of cattle farming in sub-Saharan Africa. The habitat of the tsetse fly vector is increasingly fragmented owing to demographic pressure and shifts in climate, which leads to heterogeneous risk of cyclical transmission both in space and time. In Burkina Faso and Ghana, the most important vectors are riverine species, namely Glossina palpalis gambiensis and G. tachinoides, which are more resilient to human-induced changes than the savannah and forest species. Although many authors studied the distribution of AAT risk both in space and time, spatio-temporal models allowing predictions of it are lacking. Methodology/Principal Findings: We used datasets generated by various projects, including two baseline surveys conducted in Burkina Faso and Ghana within PATTEC (Pan African Tsetse and Trypanosomosis Eradication Campaign) national initiatives. We computed the entomological inoculation rate (EIR) or tsetse challenge using a range of environmental data. The tsetse apparent density and their infection rate were separately estimated and subsequently combined to derive the EIR using a “one layer-one model” approach. The estimated EIR was then projected into suitable habitat. This risk index was finally validated against data on bovine trypanosomosis. It allowed a good prediction of the parasitological status (r2 = 67%), showed a positive correlation but less predictive power with serological status (r2 = 22%) aggregated at the village level but was not related to the illness status (r2 = 2%). Conclusions/Significance: The presented spatio-temporal model provides a fine-scale picture of the dynamics of AAT risk in sub-humid areas of West Africa. The estimated EIR was high in the proximity of rivers during the dry season and more widespread during the rainy season. The present analysis is a first step in a broader framework for an efficient risk management of climate-sensitive vector-borne diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Animal African Trypanosomosis particularly affects cattle and dramatically impairs livestock development in sub-Saharan Africa. African Zebu (AFZ) or European taurine breeds usually die of the disease in the absence of treatment, whereas West African taurine breeds (AFT), considered trypanotolerant, are able to control the pathogenic effects of trypanosomosis. Up to now, only one AFT breed, the longhorn N’Dama (NDA), has been largely studied and is considered as the reference trypanotolerant breed. Shorthorn taurine trypanotolerance has never been properly assessed and compared to NDA and AFZ breeds. Methodology/Principal Findings: This study compared the trypanotolerant/susceptible phenotype of five West African local breeds that differ in their demographic history. Thirty-six individuals belonging to the longhorn taurine NDA breed, two shorthorn taurine Lagune (LAG) and Baoulé (BAO) breeds, the Zebu Fulani (ZFU) and the Borgou (BOR), an admixed breed between AFT and AFZ, were infected by Trypanosoma congolense IL1180. All the cattle were genetically characterized using dense SNP markers, and parameters linked to parasitaemia, anaemia and leukocytes were analysed using synthetic variables and mixed models. We showed that LAG, followed by NDA and BAO, displayed the best control of anaemia. ZFU showed the greatest anaemia and the BOR breed had an intermediate value, as expected from its admixed origin. Large differences in leukocyte counts were also observed, with higher leukocytosis for AFT. Nevertheless, no differences in parasitaemia were found, except a tendency to take longer to display detectable parasites in ZFU. Conclusions: We demonstrated that LAG and BAO are as trypanotolerant as NDA. This study highlights the value of shorthorn taurine breeds, which display strong local adaptation to trypanosomosis. Thanks to further analyses based on comparisons of the genome or transcriptome of the breeds, these results open up the way for better knowledge of host-pathogen interactions and, furthermore, for identifying key biological pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the adaptive response to environmental fluctuations represents a central issue in evolutionary biology. Population admixture between divergent ancestries has often been considered as an efficient short-term adaptation strategy. Cattle populations from the West African Bos taurus × Bos indicus hybrid zone represent a valuable resource to characterize the effect of such adaptive admixture at the genome level. We here provide a detailed assessment of the global and local genome ancestries of the Borgou breed, one of the most representative cattle of this hybrid zone. We analysed a large data set consisting of 38 100 SNPs genotyped on 203 Borgou and 591 individuals representative of all the different cattle ancestries. At the global genomic level, we show that Borgou is a stabilized admixed breed whose origin ( c. 130 years ago) traces back to the great African rinderpest pandemic, several centuries after the last admixture events, the West African zebus originate from ( c. 500 years ago). To identify footprints of adaptive admixture, we combined the identification of signatures of selection and the functional annotation of the underlying genes using systems biology tools. The detection of the SILV coat coloration gene likely under artificial selection may be viewed as a validation of our approach. Overall, our results suggest that the long-term presence of pathogens and the intermediate environmental conditions are the main acting selective pressures. Our analytical framework can be extended to other model or nonmodel species to understand the process that shapes the patterns of genetic variability in hybrid zones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Animal-source foods are an important dietary complement to the calories in staple food, but in low-income countries, productivity on the smallholder farms that provide most of the domestic food supply is low. The general objective of this survey-based study was to contribute to effective integration of livestock issues in agricultural extension and advisory programs within the framework of sustainable food and nutrition security in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Benin. The findings show that despite the equal importance given by farmers to animal and plant production, livestock production appears to be disadvantaged in terms of access to extension services and new technology compared with plant production, even though many farmers are willing to pay for this service if available. Furthermore, livestock farming is facing constraints related to feeding, health, and reproduction, limiting development of the sector. Based on this study, we recommend that agricultural extension programs be planned in a holistic context, taking into account the major concerns of farmers, with technological packages in integrated crop-livestock systems. Achievement of sustainable agricultural development and national food security in Africa is dependent on several factors, including productivity in the livestock production sub-sector. This study surveyed farmers' perceptions on provision of extension services relating to livestock production in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Benin. A structured questionnaire comprising dichotomous, multiple-choice, and open-ended questions was used to survey a total of 1560 farmers in Burkina Faso, 345 in Mali, and 480 in Benin. Most farmers surveyed pursued integrated crop and livestock production, but more frequently in Burkina Faso (91%) than in Mali and Benin (66%). Around one-third (36%) of the respondents in Burkina Faso had access to livestock extension services, while the corresponding figure in Mali and Benin was 54% and 69%, respectively (p < 0.01). Moreover, 71% of respondents in Mali, 73% in Burkina Faso, and 84% in Benin reported significantly (p < 0.05) fewer extension activities for livestock compared with crop production. Thus, livestock production seems to be given low priority in agricultural extension interventions. We recommend that future diffusion of technological packages should be more holistic, considering the major concerns of the specific environment and the socio-cultural traditions of both livestock and crop producers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and incidence of trypanosomosis and to investigate some factors influencing them in an agro-pastoral area of southwestern Burkina Faso. A total of 363 crossbred cattle (Baoule-zebu peul), which were bred under natural trypanosomosis challenge, were monitored monthly for parasitaemia, packed cell volume (PCV) and serological analyses over 2years. The parasitological prevalence estimated at the beginning of the survey using the buffy coat technique (BCT) was 7.54%. As much as 66.7% of all trypanosome infections were due to Trypanosoma vivax, 23.8% due to Trypanosoma congolense and 9.5% due to T. vivax/T. congolense mixed infections. The monthly serological incidence varied from 0.29% to 19.29%. The season was the most important factor influencing the serological prevalence and incidence and the animal PCV. The dry hot season is associated with increasing seroprevalences and incidences and consequently a decreasing average of PCV. In addition, an important spatial heterogeneity was observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Trypanosoma (T.) vivax is one of the animal trypanosomes species causing calf mortality and economic losses in Togo. Despite its importance as the most widely distributed trypanosome species, T. vivax has received little attention because it is difficult to cultivate most field isolates in rodents. No molecular diagnostic tools for the identification of drug-resistant in T. vivax are currently available. Herein, four field isolates of T. vivax from Togo were cryopreserved and assessed for susceptibility to diminazene aceturate (DA) and isometamidium chloride (ISM) in goats. For field isolate preparation, 1 ml of blood from an infected goat was diluted in 111 µl of phosphate-buffered-saline and stored in liquid nitrogen. The in vivo experiment drug test was performed using twenty Sahelian goats with six-month of age and weighing 14.5 ± 1.6 kg. These experimental goats were purchased from a tsetse free-area Dori, a Sahelian region of Burkina Faso. The cryopreserved T. vivax isolates with unknowns, DA, and ISM sensitivity was inoculated to five goats and one goat was used as control. Each animal was inoculated by intravenously route 1 × 105 trypanosomes from the donor goat. Relapses were earlier in the first phase of treatment (14.85 ± 1.08 days) compared with the second phase (20 ± 3.39 days). The overall mean PCV of the control group decreased from 32% to 17% at day-60 (P -value < 0.001). Three isolates were phenotypically resistant to 0.5 mg per kg body weight (BW) ISM and one for 3.5 mg per kg BW of DA. There were no relapses with the 7 mg per kg BW dose DA. This study shows the resistance of T. vivax to two main trypanocidal drugs in different villages of Mango. The results suggest the extension of surveillance strategies to remote villages in Togo and will guide the veterinarian or herder in choosing a mass treatment strategy. Further studies will be needed to better understand the molecular basis of the observed resistance. [Display omitted] • how to set up a bank of isolates of T. vivax resistant to trypanocides. • the trypanocidal resistant strains of T. vivax can induce severe anaemia in the host. • the goat model is an effective means to study trypanocidal drug resistance in T. vivax in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolated tsetse populations constitute a target for tsetse control programmes in endemic countries, since their isolation, if demonstrated, allows control without reinvasion risk from neighbouring populations. Population genetic parameters, such as the fixation index, have proven useful to assess isolation status, and should also give important information on the divergence time since isolation. We gathered results obtained from different datasets regarding several examples of putatively totally isolated tsetse populations of different tsetse species: Glossina palpalis gambiensis in Guinea, in the Niayes of Senegal, and in the sacred wood of Bama in Burkina Faso; G. tachinoides from Bitou and Pama in South-East Burkina Faso. The different levels of isolation were compared to differentiation between the two subspecies G. p. gambiensis and G. p. palpalis which both occur allopatrically along the Comoe River in Ivory Coast. We also use some historical evidence to calibrate differentiation speed and give estimates of time since separation for the different cases studied. Discrepancies mostly come from underestimate of effective population sizes, and we propose improving sampling design and genetic markers quality to circumvent such caveats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In Africa, the protozoan parasite of the genus Trypanosoma causes animal (AAT) and human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). These diseases are responsible for considerable mortality and economic losses, and until now the drugs commonly used have often been very toxic and expensive, with no vaccine available. A range of clinical presentations, from chronic to acute symptoms, is observed in both AAT and HAT. Host, parasite, and environmental factors are likely to be involved in this clinical variability. In AAT, some West African cattle (N’Dama, Bos taurus) have the ability to better control the disease development (and therefore to remain productive) than other taurine breeds (Zebu, Bos indicus). This phenomenon is called trypanotolerance and seems to have major genetic components. In humans, tolerance/resistance to the disease is suspected, however, this needs confirmation. This review focuses on recent advances made in the field of host genetics in African trypanosomiasis in animals (mouse and bovine) and humans. The perspectives for the development of new control strategies and their applications as well as a better understanding of the physiopathology of the disease are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Trypanosome parasites of the genus Trypanosoma cause African animal trypanosomosis, a devastating livestock disease plaguing sub-Saharan Africa. Unlike many protozoan parasites, these extracellular blood-borne pathogens directly engage the host's immune system. While the mouse model has provided valuable insights, a comprehensive understanding of the bovine immune response to trypanosomes remains elusive. Addressing the immune response in cattle, the most relevant host species, and how it takes part in mitigating the negative impact of the disease could contribute to setting up sustainable control strategies. This review summarises the current knowledge of the immune response in cattle during trypanosomosis. Following a brief overview of infection processes and bovine trypanotolerance, we present advances in the regulation of host innate, inflammatory and adaptive responses and delve into the key immunological players involved in immunoactivities and immunosuppression. We discuss how these mechanisms contribute to tolerance or susceptibility to infection, highlighting critical gaps in knowledge that require further investigation., (© 2024 The Author(s). Parasite Immunology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Tsetse flies, the biological vectors of African trypanosomes, have established symbiotic associations with different bacteria. Their vector competence is suggested to be affected by bacterial endosymbionts. The current study provided the prevalence of three tsetse symbiotic bacteria and trypanosomes in Glossina species from Burkina Faso., Results: A total of 430 tsetse flies were captured using biconical traps in four different collection sites around Bobo-Dioulasso (Bama, Bana, Nasso, and Peni), and their guts were removed. Two hundred tsetse were randomly selected and their guts were screened byPCR for the presence of Sodalis glossinidius, Spiroplasmasp ., Wolbachia and trypanosomes. Of the 200 tsetse, 196 (98.0%) were Glossina palpalis gambiense and 4 (2.0%) Glossina tachinoides . The overall symbiont prevalence was 49.0%, 96.5%, and 45.0%, respectively for S. glossinidius, Spiroplasma and Wolbachia . Prevalence varied between sampling locations: S. glossinidius (54.7%, 38.5%, 31.6%, 70.8%); Spiroplasma (100%, 100%, 87.7%, 100%); and Wolbachia (43.4%, 38.5%, 38.6%, 70.8%),respectively in Bama, Bana, Nasso and Peni. Noteworthy, no G. tachhnoides was infected by S . glossinidius and Wolbachia , but they were all infected by Spiroplasma sp . A total of 196 (98.0 %) harbored at least one endosymbionts. Fifty-five (27.5%) carried single endosymbiont. Trypanosomes were found only in G.p. gambiense , but not G. tachinoides . Trypanosomes were present in flies from all study locations with an overall prevalence of 29.5%. In Bama, Bana, Nasso, and Peni, the trypanosome infection rate was respectively 39.6%, 23.1%, 8.8%, and 37.5%. Remarkably, only Trypanosoma grayi was present. Of all trypanosome-infected flies, 55.9%, 98.3%, and 33.9% hosted S. glossinidius, Spiroplasma sp and Wolbachia , respectively. There was no association between Sodalis , Spiroplasma and trypanosome presence, but there was a negative association with Wolbachia presence. We reported1.9 times likelihood of trypanosome absence when Wolbachia was present., Conclusion: This is the first survey reporting the presence of Trypanosoma grayi in tsetse from Burkina Faso. Tsetse from these localities were highly positive for symbiotic bacteria, more predominantly with Spiroplasma sp . Modifications of symbiotic interactions may pave way for disease control., Competing Interests: Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Improved knowledge of the diversity within and among local animal populations is increasingly necessary for their sustainable management. Accordingly, this study assessed the genetic diversity and structure of the indigenous goat population of Benin. Nine hundred and fifty-four goats were sampled across the three vegetation zones of Benin [i.e., Guineo-Congolese zone (GCZ), Guineo-Sudanian zone (GSZ), and Sudanian zone (SZ)] and genotyped with 12 multiplexed microsatellite markers. The genetic diversity and structure of the indigenous goat population of Benin were examined using the usual genetic indices (number of alleles Na, expected and observed heterozygosities He and Ho, Fixation index F ST , coefficient of genetic differentiation G ST ), and three different methods of structure assessment [Bayesian admixture model in STRUCTURE, self-organizing map (SOM), and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC)]. The mean values of Na (11.25), He (0.69), Ho (0.66), F ST (0.012), and G ST (0.012) estimated in the indigenous Beninese goat population highlighted great genetic diversity. STRUCTURE and SOM results showed the existence of two distinct goat groups (Djallonké and Sahelian) with high crossbreeding effects. Furthermore, DAPC distinguished four clusters within the goat population descending from the two ancestry groups. Clusters 1 and 3 (most individuals from GCZ) respectively showed a mean Djallonké ancestry proportion of 73.79% and 71.18%, whereas cluster 4 (mainly of goats from SZ and some goats of GSZ) showed a mean Sahelian ancestry proportion of 78.65%. Cluster 2, which grouped almost all animals from the three zones, was also of Sahelian ancestry but with a high level of interbreeding, as shown by the mean membership proportion of only 62.73%. It is therefore urgent to develop community management programs and selection schemes for the main goat types to ensure the sustainability of goat production in Benin., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Whannou, Spanoghe, Dayo, Demblon, Lanterbecq and Dossa.)

Achievement of sustainable agricultural development and national food security in Africa is dependent on several factors, including productivity in the livestock production sub-sector. This study surveyed farmers’ perceptions on provision of extension services relating to livestock production in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Benin. A structured questionnaire comprising dichotomous, multiple-choice, and open-ended questions was used to survey a total of 1560 farmers in Burkina Faso, 345 in Mali, and 480 in Benin. Most farmers surveyed pursued integrated crop and livestock production, but more frequently in Burkina Faso (91%) than in Mali and Benin (66%). Around one-third (36%) of the respondents in Burkina Faso had access to livestock extension services, while the corresponding figure in Mali and Benin was 54% and 69%, respectively (p < 0.01). Moreover, 71% of respondents in Mali, 73% in Burkina Faso, and 84% in Benin reported significantly (p < 0.05) fewer extension activities for livestock compared with crop production. Thus, livestock production seems to be given low priority in agricultural extension interventions. We recommend that future diffusion of technological packages should be more holistic, considering the major concerns of the specific environment and the socio-cultural traditions of both livestock and crop producers.

The helmeted guinea fowl Numida meleagris belongs to the order Galliformes. Its natural range includes a large part of sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Eritrea and from Chad to South Africa. Archaeozoological and artistic evidence suggest domestication of this species may have occurred about 2,000 years BP in Mali and Sudan primarily as a food resource, although villagers also benefit from its capacity to give loud alarm calls in case of danger, of its ability to consume parasites such as ticks and to hunt snakes, thus suggesting its domestication may have resulted from a commensal association process. Today, it is still farmed in Africa, mainly as a traditional village poultry, and is also bred more intensively in other countries, mainly France and Italy. The lack of available molecular genetic markers has limited the genetic studies conducted to date on guinea fowl. We present here a first-generation whole-genome sequence draft assembly used as a reference for a study by a Pool-seq approach of wild and domestic populations from Europe and Africa. We show that the domestic populations share a higher genetic similarity between each other than they do to wild populations living in the same geographical area. Several genomic regions showing selection signatures putatively related to domestication or importation to Europe were detected, containing candidate genes, most notably EDNRB2, possibly explaining losses in plumage coloration phenotypes in domesticated populations., (© 2019 The Authors. Molecular Ecology Resources Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aim: In Senegal, uncontrolled cross-breeding of cattle breeds and changes in production systems are assumed to lead to an increase of gene flow between populations. This might constitute a relevant threat to livestock improvement. Therewith, this study was carried out to assess the current genetic diversity and the phylogenetic relationships of the four native Senegalese cattle breeds (Gobra zebu, Maure zebu, Djakoré, and N'Dama)., Methods: Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples of 120 unrelated animals collected from three agro-ecological areas of Senegal according to their phenotypic traits. Genotyping was done using 11 specific highly polymorphic microsatellite makers recommended by Food and Agriculture Organization. The basic measures of genetic variation and phylogenetic trees were computed using bioinformatics' software., Results: A total of 115 alleles were identified with a number of alleles (Na) at one locus ranging from 6 to 16. All loci were polymorphic with a mean polymorphic information content of 0.76. The mean allelic richness (Rs) lay within the narrow range of 5.14 in N'Dama taurine to 6.10 in Gobra zebu. While, the expected heterozygosity (HE) per breed was high in general with an overall mean of 0.76±0.04. Generally, the heterozygote deficiency (FIS) of 0.073±0.026 was relatively due to inbreeding among these cattle breeds or the occurrence of population substructure. The high values of allelic and gene diversity showed that Senegalese native cattle breeds represented an important reservoir of genetic variation. The genetic distances and clustering trees concluded that the N'Dama cattle were most distinct among the investigated cattle populations. So, the principal component analyses showed qualitatively that there was an intensive genetic admixture between the Gobra zebu and Maure zebu breeds., Conclusions: The broad genetic diversity in Senegalese cattle breeds will allow for greater opportunities for improvement of productivity and adaptation relative to global changes. For the development of sustainable breeding and crossbreeding programs of Senegalese local breeds, effective management is needed towards genetic selection and transhumance to ensure their long-term survival.