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Abstract Background Chikungunya (CHIK) is a viral disease spread by Aedes mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical countries, including Ethiopia. It is important to educate communities and implement behavioral and social interventions to prevent and control the spread of disease. This study assessed the community’s knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) about CHIK disease in the Afar Region, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods A community-based quantitative and qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2022 and January 2023 in two districts in the Afar Region, Ethiopia. A household survey (HHS) using a structured questionnaire was conducted through face-to-face interviews for the quantitative study. For the qualitative research, focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regressions. Results The study included 296 and 116 adult community members for quantitative and qualitative studies, respectively. Of 296 respondents, 67.3% had previously heard of CHIK, and of those who heard of it, 44.7% knew that CHIK is caused by a virus. While a majority (68.8%) of participants believed that CHIK could be prevented, only 45.6% considered it a serious illness. Additionally, over half (56.8%) of the respondents knew that not all mosquitoes transmit CHIK. About 48.7% were able to identify the Aedes mosquito, but only 16.5% of those knew that Aedes mosquitoes bite during the daytime. The overall mean correct/positive response scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 63.2%, 60.0%, and 60.0%, respectively. Being a student and having educational levels of grade 9-12th and college or above were associated with good knowledge while being single, having an educational level of 9-12th, and being within the age group of 45–59 years old were found to be associated with positive attitude scores. Conclusion The study revealed a limited understanding of CHIK and the role of the Aedes mosquito in the study area. The community had uncertainty about the disease, its transmission, and prevention measures. The lack of understanding may affect attitudes towards the disease and risk perceptions, leading to less practice in prevention and control measures. The findings suggest the need for community-based educational initiatives to improve awareness and promote prevention and control measures.

Abstract Background Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a contagious and economically important viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2022 in selected districts of Bale zone, Ethiopia to determine the seroprevalence and serotypes of FMD virus circulating in cattle. Blood samples were collected from cattle and tested for antibodies against non-structural proteins (NSP) of FMD virus using a 3ABC enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Positive samples were further tested for serotype-specific antibodies using solid phase competitive ELISA (SPCE). Descriptive statistics, both univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to analyse FMD serostatus and associated risk factors. Results A total of 962 cattle sera were tested and 200 samples, 20.8% (95% CI: 18.3–23.5) were positive for antibodies against NSP of the FMD virus. The highest seroprevalence was observed in the Seweyna district (35.2%, 95%CI: 26.8–44.7) and the lowest in the Dinsho district (13.0%, 95% CI: 9.5–17.5). The seroprevalence of FMD virus antibody was significantly associated with district (P

Abstract Background Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease primarily affecting goats and sheep, with clinical manifestations ranging from peracute disease to subclinical infection, particularly in atypical hosts such as cattle. The role of atypical hosts such as cattle to the spread of PPR remains controversial, with conflicting reports in the literature. Despite its worldwide significance, considerable knowledge gaps exist regarding the pathogenesis and clinical progression in both primary and atypical hosts. This study aimed to elucidate the tissue tropism, pathogenesis, virus shedding, clinical progression, and pathology associated with experimental PPR virus infection in indigenous goats and cattle. To this end, 32 animals—16 goats and 16 cattle—were intranasally inoculated with the Ethiopia/Habru/2014 Lineage-IV strain of the PPR virus followed by detailed clinical evaluations and systematic sampling at pre-established intervals to assess serological conversion, viral shedding, and the pathogenesis of the infection across both species. Results The results show that goats exhibited typical clinical signs 4 days post-inoculation, with seroconversion by day 6 and early detection of viral RNA in swabs and tissues by day 3 and virus isolation starting day 4. In contrast, cattle exhibited minimal clinical signs, with seroconversion occurring at day 8 with viral RNA detected in tissue samples at day 4 and virus isolation starting day 6 in tissues and in a single nasal swab at day 8. Clinical scores and tissue positivity rates significantly differed between goats and cattle (P = 0.007 and P

Objective: Chikungunya is a disease caused by Aedes mosquito-borne chikungunya virus infection. This disease is becoming one of the emerging/re-emerging viral diseases in tropical and subtropical countries but is neglected by public health systems. This study assessed the seroprevalence of chikungunya virus infection among patients with acute febrile illness seeking healthcare in a malaria-endemic area in the Afar Region, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was employed from September 2022 to March 2023 to assess the seroprevalence of chikungunya virus infection among malaria-suspected febrile patients attending health institutes in the Afar Region. Sociodemographic, clinical features, and venous blood were collected from each study participant. Blood films were prepared and examined for plasmodium infection using microscopy. Sera were separated and screened for anti-chikungunya virus IgM and IgG antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Data were entered into Epi Data 3.1 and analyzed using Stata/SE 14.2. Results: In this study, 368 malaria-suspected febrile patients (55.4% female, aged 5–80 years old, mean ± SD = 27.28 ± 14.0) participated. The prevalence of anti-chikungunya virus IgM antibodies, indicating acute infection, was 47.8%, while the prevalence of IgG antibodies, indicating previous exposure, was 6.3%. Nonmarried participants were found to be more likely to have acute chikungunya virus infection (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.141–4.964), and back pain was associated with higher likelihood of acute infection (AOR = 1.785; 95% CI: 1.078–2.954). About 10.6% of the participants tested positive for Plasmodium parasite infection, with P. falciparum (84.6%) being the most common, followed by P. vivax (10.3%) and mixed (5.1%) infections. Conclusion: The study revealed a high seroprevalence of acute chikungunya virus infection among febrile patients in the Afar Region, highlighting the importance of regular screening for arbovirus infection in febrile patients to control and mitigate chikungunya spread.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a major medical and veterinary concern in the world. It is one of the significant diseases in livestock farming communities managed under extensive grazing system like Ethiopia. Domestic intermediate hosts are an important reservoir for the disease spread. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the occurrence and economic losses associated with CE in cattle slaughtered at Mekaneyesuse Municipality abattoir, South Gondor zone of Amhara Region, North West Ethiopia. Ante-mortem inspection, postmortem examinations of organs, hydatid cyst characterization and financial loss estimations were conducted. The study was conducted on 384 cattle. The involvement of different organs was as follows: lungs (46.09%), liver (45.22%), heart (6.09%), and kidneys (2.6%). Out of the total of 115 cysts observed, small cysts constituted 57.39%, medium-sized were 34.78%, and large cysts accounted for 7.83%. Of these 115 cysts, 53.9% were fertile which included both viable (29%) and non-viable (71%) cysts. Furthermore, 46.1% cysts were non fertile, 62.3% were sterile and 37.7% were calcified. Based on the origin of animal, the prevalence of hydatid cysts was recorded to be 31.25%, 24%, 22.05% and 14.25% in Tachgayent, Semada, Andabet and Estie district, respectively. Higher cyst occurrence was observed in animals with poor body condition (51.56%) followed by medium (13.7%) and good body condition scores (8.25%). The total annual economic loss due to the direct condemnation of organs and indirect losses were estimated to be 851,252.68 ETB ($16,061.06). This study revealed that CE is economically important disease at Mekaneyesuse, South Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia. A more comprehensive investigation is required on prevalence and genotyping of Echinococcus granulosus s.l. cysts is important also to identify and estimate the relative contribution of each species or genotype to the disease in this area. Moreover, efforts to enhance public awareness in the area should also be pursued.

The distribution, epidemiology, and socioeconomic impact of Rift Valley fever (RVF) and West Nile (WN) viruses are poorly known in areas of sub-Saharan countries like Ethiopian pastoral region. The human and livestock density in the area has increased greatly in recent years, but little work has been done on arboviral diseases and their potential impact on human and livestock health. The aim of this study was to detect the circulation of zoonotic arboviruses such as Rift Valley fever virus and West Nile viruses in the livestock population and to estimate seroprevalence in Afar pastoral area northeast Ethiopia. Cross-sectional serological survey was carried out in 736 serum samples from which cattle (224), camel (155), goats (121), sheep (144), and donkeys (92) were tested for the presence of anti-RVFV and anti-WNV IgG using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) in two purposively selected districts of the Afar region. The present study revealed a 9.1% (95% CI = 8.86–9.29) seroprevalence of co-circulation of RVF and WNV. High 32/155 (20.7%) seroprevalence of co-circulation was seen in camels, followed by goat 14/121 (11.6%), cattle 16/224 (7.14%), and sheep 5/144 (3.5%), respectively, and higher 41/421 (9.7%) seroprevalence of co-circulation was observed in Amibara district than Haruka district. Camels were seven times (OR: 7.016, 95% CI = 2.639–18.653) more likely to be seropositive for the co-circulation than sheep (p≤0.001). Livestock herds found in Amibara district were 1.2 times (OR: 1.165, 95% CI = 0.680–1.996) more likely to be seropositive for RVFV infection than those in Haruka areas. Given the co-occurrence of RVFV and WNV circulations, along with often suboptimal human and animal health surveillance in many similar areas’ attention should be given. Investigation of the potential socioeconomic and health impacts of zoonotic arbovirus infections in such areas is crucial. Since both RVFV and WNFV are transmitted through a mosquito vector, avoiding mosquito bites is the primary method of prevention.

Abstract Dengue fever is a dengue virus infection, emerging rapidly and posing public health threat worldwide, primarily in tropical and subtropical countries. Nearly half of the world's population is now at risk of contracting the dengue virus, including new countries with no previous history-like Ethiopia. However, little is known about the epidemiology and impact of the disease in different countries. This is especially true in countries, where cases have recently begun to be reported. This review aims to summarize epidemiology, biology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of dengue virus infection and its trend in Ethiopia. It may help countries, where dengue fever is not yet on the public health list-like Ethiopia to alert healthcare workers to consider the disease for diagnosis and treatment. The review retrieved and incorporated 139 published and organizational reports showing approximately 390 million new infections. About 100 million of these infections develop the clinical features of dengue, and thousands of people die annually from severe dengue fever in 129 countries. It is caused by being bitten by a dengue virus-infected female mosquito, primarily Aedes aegypti and, lesser, Ae. albopictus. Dengue virus is a member of the Flavivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family and has four independent but antigen-related single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus serotypes. The infection is usually asymptomatic but causes illnesses ranging from mild febrile illness to fatal dengue hemorrhagic fever or shock syndrome. Diagnosis can be by detecting the virus genome using nucleic acids amplification tests or testing NS1 antigen and/or anti-dengue antibodies from serum, plasma, circulating blood cells, or other tissues. Dengue cases and outbreaks have increased in recent decades, with a significant public health impact. Ethiopia has had nearly annual outbreaks since 2013, devastating an already fragmented health system and economy. Standardization of medication, population-level screening for early diagnosis and prompt treatment, and minimization of mosquito bites reduce overall infection and mortality rates.

Abstract Background Globally, there were about 50.8 million internally displaced people in 2020, of whom 42% were in sub-Saharan Africa. In areas where there are conflicts, the humanitarian emergency makes infectious disease management extremely complex. Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) are among the most common infections globally including in Ethiopia that thrives during complex emergencies. However, with regards to STHs, studies in the context of conflict areas have not been documented in Ethiopia. Methods In southern Ethiopia, a community-based cross-sectional study design was employed. Simple random sampling method was used to enroll a total of 405 under-fives. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Kato–Katz technique was used to examine stool specimens for Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm spp. The Z-score for stunting, wasting and underweight were computed using the World Health Organization anthroprocedures. Results The respective prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths infection and malnutrition was 67.4% (273) and 54.2% (219). Ascaris lumbricoides was the predominant helminth parasite with a prevalence of 90%, followed by T. trichiura (12%) and hookworm spp. (5%). STHs infection was significantly associated with under-nutrition (AOR: 1.88, CI 1.22–2.90) and internal displacement (AOR: 3.08, CI 1.17–8.09). Infection with A. lumbricoides was associated with both stunting and wasting (AOR: 3.04, CI 1.48–6.26) and (AOR: 3.51, CI 1.79–6.91), respectively. Conclusions Both soil-transmitted helminths and malnutrition were important public health problems among under-fives in the present conflict affected areas. Internal displacement, unimproved water, absence of latrine and sanitary services were among significant determinants for STH infections.

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis in rainy (June 2019) and dry (February 2020) seasons in Jimma Horoo district, Kellem Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. A total of 720 blood samples were examined using buffy coat and thin blood smear techniques. The packed cell volume (PCV) of each animal was determined. The overall bovine trypanosomosis prevalence was 4.3% (χ2 = 1.25, P = 0.26). The prevalence was 5% (95% CI = 4.1–8.3) and 3.3% (95% CI = 2.7–6.3) in the dry and rainy reasons, respectively (P > 0.05). Trypanosoma congolense, T. vivax and T. b. brucei were detected in (60%), (33.3%) and (6.7%) of infected cattle, respectively. The highest trypanosome prevalence was observed in Burka Gudina (7.6%), and the lowest in Melka Nega village (2.1%). There were significant variations between trypanosome prevalence in relation to body condition scores (χ2 = 23.16; P = 0.0.00) of examined cattle. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed between seasons, age, and sex categories of cattle. The PCV values of trypanosome infected (22.94%) was significantly lower than non-infected cattle (26.47%) (χ2 = 19.60; (P

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of eight major anthelmintic against Fasciola species in naturally infected sheep. In a randomized trial, 90 sheep were divided into 8 treatment groups of 10 animals each and one untreated control group of ten sheep. Prior to treatment, the animals were examined for Fasciola eggs. After the examination, they were found positive. On day zero, each group was administered to one of the following eight anthelmintic; Albex 10 %, Expitol, Tribex 10 %, Fascinex (Triclabendazole), Zerofen 10%, Albendazole, Ridafluke, and Tetraclozan. Faecal samples from each animal were examined for Fasciola eggs on day zero and then on 7, 10, 14, 21 days and 10 weeks post treatment using the sedimentation technique. Necropsy examination was performed on selected animals for 21 days and 10 weeks of post treatment on selected animals. Ridafluke showed highest efficacy against fascioliasis with 99.6 mature and 94.3 of immature worm count reduction proportion for 21 days post treatment and 91.8 % of adult worm reduction 10 weeks after treatment followed by Tribex 10% solution that showed 96 % and 98.7 % mature and immature worm count reduction, respectively, and 83.6% after 10 weeks post treatments. On the contrary, Fascinex (Triclabendazole) treatment group yielded much lower efficacy with mean 98.3% of mature Fasciola worms being recovered after 10 weeks post treatments. On the other hand, the adult Fasciola worm recovery showed high resistance in all broad spectrums anthelmintic treatment groups where Expitol and Tetraclozan showed 64 % and 63.3 % reduction of adult worms. The findings of this study indicated that the treatment group of Ridafluke and Tribex 10% showed highest efficacy and is a primary drug of choice against Fasciolosis in sheep of the study area.

BackgroundDistribution of schistosomiasis is more focal due to spatial heterogeneities in intermediate host snail dynamics and water contact behavior of humans. This makes the search for new transmission foci of schistosomiasis and its connection with malacologically receptive water bodies essential for effective control of its transmission. This study was intended to assess the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections among schoolchildren and Schistosoma mansoni transmission in Koga irrigation scheme surroundings, northwest Ethiopia.Materials and methodsCross-sectional parasitological and malacological surveys were conducted in three schools and nearby water bodies, respectively around Koga irrigation scheme. Stool specimens were collected from 421 randomly selected schoolchildren and microscopically examined using Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration methods. Malacological surveys were carried out and the identified Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails were screened for schistosome infection. Swiss albino mice were exposed to schistosome cercariae shed by Biomphalaria pfeifferi for definite identification of Schistosoma species.ResultsAmong the examined schoolchildren, 22.6% (95% CI: 18.7%-26.9%) were positive for at least one intestinal helminths species. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most frequent intestinal helminth detected among forty (9.5%) children. Schistosoma mansoni was detected among 4.8% (95% CI: 2.9%-7.2%) of children and its prevalence was significantly higher among male children (p = 0.038) and those attending in Mengesha Jemberie Primary School (p = 0.044). Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails were identified in water bodies in close proximity to Mengesha Jemberie and Wotete Abay Primay schools. Schistosoma mansoni adult worms were harvested after exposure of mice to cercariae shed from Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails collected from water bodies nearby Mengesha Jemberie Primary School.ConclusionsSchistosoma mansoni infection of schoolchildren, findings of schistosome infected snails and establishment of mice infection confirm that transmission is taking place in the study areas. Hence, snail control and other measures such as provision of sanitary facilities and health education are recommended.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2018 in four purposively selected villages of Bedele district, Oromia Regional State, Southwest Ethiopia. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and associated risk factors of trypanosome infections in cattle. A total of 384 blood samples were collected from systematically selected cattle and examined using buffy coat and thin blood smear examination methods. The overall prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis was 8.3%. Trypanosoma congolense (68.8%) and T. vivax (31.2%) were the prevailing trypanosome species identified in the area. A statistically significant difference (P 0.05). Similarly, no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed between age categories of cattle. The mean PCV value of trypanosome infected cattle (21.4 ± 3.6) was significantly (P

Across-sectional questionnaire survey and focused group discussions were conducted to characterize camel production systems and to evaluate reproductive performances of camels at their natural pastoralist management systems of Somali region. A total of 100 households were included in the study during the period of October 2012 to March 2013. About 98% of Somali pastoralists preferred camels as their first choice over other livestock species and mainly kept in the society for milk and meat production. The camel management dominating in the study areas of Somali region is traditional nomadic. Camel is one of the most important livestock for Somali pastoralists’ livelihood as a source of milk, meat and draught power. Mature female camels were dominant (54.87%) in the camel herd. The ratio of male to female camel was 1:13. Mean age at first calving and calving interval were 62.16±10.44 and 23.28±3.36 months respectively. Age at first calving and calving interval can be minimized to 57±5.52 and 21.84±4.8 months by proper husbandry and health care. The mean lactation length was 11.51±1.91 months. Diseases and predators were reported as the main causes of calf mortality. In the herd dynamic simulation calf mortality rate can be reduced at least to 7% only by preventing predators attack. Diseases (66%), lack of pasture (59%) and security (47%) were the main constraints in camel production of the study areas. For the better productivity of camels, the major constraints such as disease problems, lack of pasture and tribal conflicts should be mitigated. Proper husbandry and health services can play significant roles in the long term improvement of camel production and productivity of the region.

Listeriosis is a disease of humans and animals, in which it is one of the important emerging bacterial zoonotic diseases worldwide. Among the different species of the genus Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) is known to cause listeriosis in humans and animals with low incidence but high case fatality rate. Information on the occurrence and distribution of L. monocytogenes and other Listeria species is very limited both in the veterinary and public health sectors in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize L. monocytogenes and other Listeria species from foods of animal origin (cottage cheese, raw beef, raw milk and liquid whole egg) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A total of 391 food samples of animal origin were collected randomly, using a cross-sectional study design from November 2008 to March 2009. L. monocytogenes isolation and characterization were performed according to mainly the United States Food and Drug Administration procedures. Of the samples examined, 102 (26.1%) were found to be positive for Listeria. Listeria species were isolated in 39 (51.3%), 37 (32.2%), 22 (22%) and 4 (4%) of the raw beef, liquid whole egg, raw milk and cottage cheese samples respectively. L. monocytogenes was detected in 5.4% of the samples analyzed. It was isolated mainly from raw milk (13%) and liquid whole egg (4.3%) followed by raw beef (2.6%) and cottage cheese (1%). In addition to L. monocytogenes, other Listeria species were identified as L. innocua (60.8%), L. welshimeri (6.9%), L. seeligeri (3.9%), L. murrayi (2.9%) and L. grayi (2.9%) and L. ivanovii (1.9%). It was shown that L. monocytogenes and other Listeria species are widely spread in occurrence in foods of animal origin in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Keywords: Listeria monocytogenes, Listeriosis, Public health, Veterinary, Foods of animal origin

The distribution, epidemiology, and socioeconomic impact of Rift Valley fever (RVF) and West Nile (WN) viruses are poorly known in areas of sub‐Saharan countries like Ethiopian pastoral region. The human and livestock density in the area has increased greatly in recent years, but little work has been done on arboviral diseases and their potential impact on human and livestock health. The aim of this study was to detect the circulation of zoonotic arboviruses such as Rift Valley fever virus and West Nile viruses in the livestock population and to estimate seroprevalence in Afar pastoral area northeast Ethiopia. Cross‐sectional serological survey was carried out in 736 serum samples from which cattle (224), camel (155), goats (121), sheep (144), and donkeys (92) were tested for the presence of anti‐RVFV and anti‐WNV IgG using a competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (c‐ELISA) in two purposively selected districts of the Afar region. The present study revealed a 9.1% (95% CI = 8.86–9.29) seroprevalence of co‐circulation of RVF and WNV. High 32/155 (20.7%) seroprevalence of co‐circulation was seen in camels, followed by goat 14/121 (11.6%), cattle 16/224 (7.14%), and sheep 5/144 (3.5%), respectively, and higher 41/421 (9.7%) seroprevalence of co‐circulation was observed in Amibara district than Haruka district. Camels were seven times (OR: 7.016, 95% CI = 2.639–18.653) more likely to be seropositive for the co‐circulation than sheep (p ≤ 0.001). Livestock herds found in Amibara district were 1.2 times (OR: 1.165, 95% CI = 0.680–1.996) more likely to be seropositive for RVFV infection than those in Haruka areas. Given the co‐occurrence of RVFV and WNV circulations, along with often suboptimal human and animal health surveillance in many similar areas' attention should be given. Investigation of the potential socioeconomic and health impacts of zoonotic arbovirus infections in such areas is crucial. Since both RVFV and WNFV are transmitted through a mosquito vector, avoiding mosquito bites is the primary method of prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Staphylococcal food intoxication is dependent on the production of enterotoxins, the single most important virulence factors. Various studies conducted in Ethiopia have depicted the prevalence of S. aureus in bovine milk. However, there is no published data regarding the enterotoxin gene profile of S. aureus isolates in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate enterotoxin gene carriage profile of S. aureus isolates recovered from bovine milk samples from central Ethiopia. Methodology: In this study, 109 S. aureus isolates recovered from bovine milk were analyzed for carriage of the classical enterotoxin genes. Genomic DNA extraction was performed using a commercially available kit. Two sets of multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used to detect the five classical enterotoxin-coding genes and the toxic shock syndrome toxin gene. Results: At least one type of S. aureus enterotoxin gene (SE) was carried in 73 (66.9%) of the isolates. The most frequently encountered gene was sea (40; 36.7%) followed by seb (19; 17.4%), see (18; 16.5%), tst (16; 14.7%), sec-1 (12; 11.01%), and sed (7; 6.4%). Of the 73 S. aureus isolates harboring at least one of the enterotoxin genes, 26 (35.6%) strains harbored more than one enterotoxin gene. Conclusions: More than half of the S. aureus isolates harbored at least one of the enterotoxin coding genes, indicating milk specimens contaminated by S. aureus could have a high chance of causing food intoxication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Listeria monocytogenes is of major significance in human and veterinary medicine. Most human Listeria infections are foodborne and the association of contaminated milk and dairy produce consumption with human listeriosis is noteworthy. In Ethiopia, there is limited data regarding the prevalence of L. monocytogenes in raw bovine milk and dairy products. The aim of this study was, therefore, to determine the prevalence of L. monocytogenes in raw bovine milk and dairy produce., Methodology: A total of 443 milk and milk product samples were microbiologically analyzed following methods recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Bacteriological Analytical Manual to isolate Listeria spp., Results: The overall prevalence of Listeria spp. was 28.4% and specifically that of L. monocytogenes was 5.6%. Taking the prevalence of Listeria spp. into consideration, cheese was found to be highly contaminated at 60%, followed by pasteurized milk samples (40%), raw milk (18.9%) and yoghurt (5%). Considering the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes only, raw milk had the lowest contamination while cheese had the highest, followed by pasteurized milk and yoghurt., Conclusions: Raw milk and milk products produced in urban and peri-urban areas of central Ethiopia were contaminated with pathogenic bacteria, L. monocytogenes. The detection of this pathogen in raw milk and milk products warrants an urgent regulatory mechanism to be put in place and also the potential role of milk processing plants in the contamination of dairy products should be investigated.