Article
Immunology
Caitlin M. Cossaboom, Luke Nyakarahuka, Sophia Mulei, Jackson Kyondo, Alex Tumusiime, Jimmy Baluku, Gloria Grace Akurut, Dianah Namanya, Kilama Kamugisha, Hildah Tendo Nansikombi, Alex Nyabakira, Semei Mutesasira, Shannon Whitmer, Carson Telford, Julius Lutwama, Stephen Balinandi, Joel Montgomery, John D. Klena, Trevor Shoemaker
Summary: Seven confirmed Rift Valley fever cases, including one fatality, were reported in Kiruhura District, Uganda in 2021. Our findings underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance for viral hemorrhagic fevers, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Bachirou Tinto, Jordan Quellec, Catherine Cetre-Sossah, Amadou Dicko, Sara Salinas, Yannick Simonin
Summary: Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne virus that causes Rift Valley fever (RVF), affecting domestic and wildlife animals as well as humans. The first outbreak occurred in Senegal and Mauritania in 1987 and now RVF is endemic in these countries. People such as slaughterhouse workers, farmers, herders, and veterinarians have a high risk of exposure to RVF. Moreover, RVF has significant socio-economic impacts on developing countries where livestock farming and trade are vital economic activities.
Review
Immunology
Paul Kato Kitandwe, Paul F. McKay, Pontiano Kaleebu, Robin J. Shattock
Summary: RVF is a mosquito-borne viral zoonosis that causes harm to both humans and animals. There is a need for more safe and effective DIVA-compatible vaccines due to limitations of the currently available RVF vaccines.
Letter
Immunology
Mohammad M. Obaidat, James C. Graziano, Maria Morales-Betoulle, Shelley M. Brown, Cheng-Feng Chiang, John D. Klena
Summary: The epidemiology of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) in Jordan is unknown. A study found 3% of tested dairy cattle, sheep, and goats were RVFV seropositive and 14% were CCHFV seropositive. Ongoing surveillance is necessary to evaluate the risk to humans and protect public health.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Keli Nicole Gerken, Bryson Alberto Ndenga, Kevin Omondi Owuor, Christabel Achieng Winter, Krish Seetah, Angelle Desiree LaBeaud
Summary: The study aims to assess the risk of Rift Valley fever virus introduction in urban Kisumu, Kenya and map the livestock origins. RVFV was detected in multiple markets in Western Kenya, with the highest seroprevalence in a county bordering Tanzania. Road quality and animal health influenced stakeholders' transport choices.
Article
Ophthalmology
Ivo De Clerck
Summary: This study describes the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the first epidemic of Rift Valley Fever retinitis in Rwanda and reports novel imaging findings as well as a possible role for corticosteroids. A retrospective analysis was conducted on all patients with presumed Rift Valley Fever retinitis at the Rwanda Charity Eye Hospital over a 4-month period in 2022. Multimodal imaging, including optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and various photography techniques, was reviewed.
OCULAR IMMUNOLOGY AND INFLAMMATION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Simon Kapitza, Pham Van Ha, Tom Kompas, Nick Golding, Natasha C. R. Cadenhead, Payal Bal, Brendan A. Wintle
Summary: Climate change poses a threat to biodiversity both directly through biophysical variables and indirectly through socio-economic changes. By using an integrated modeling framework, researchers have found that the impact of biophysical changes on avian species outweighs that of socio-economically mediated impacts. This framework allows for the analysis of potential outcomes for nature and people on various scales in response to policy changes or consumption trends.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Keli Nicole Gerken, Justinah Maluni, Francis Maluki Mutuku, Bryson Alberto Ndenga, Luti Mwashee, Caroline Ichura, Karren Shaita, Makena Mwaniki, Stella Orwa, Krish Seetah, A. Desiree LaBeaud
Summary: This qualitative study aimed to explore and understand the potential risk of Rift Valley fever in the urban context from the perspective of high risk groups, including slaughterhouse affiliates, livestock owners, and veterinarians in Kenya. The study found that urban areas, with their importation of large quantities of livestock and milk, dense host and vector populations, are vulnerable to RVFV transmission. This study provides initial insights and guidance for future initiatives to investigate and control RVF in urban areas.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Xiao Wang, Yupei Yuan, Yihan Liu, Leiliang Zhang
Summary: This article provides an overview of the pathogenesis of Rift Valley fever (RVF) and the immune evasion competition between the virus and the host. Understanding the host immune response and viral antibodies can help identify new drug targets and potential solutions for current and future epidemics.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Water Resources
Mathew Herrnegger, Gabriel Stecher, Christian Schwatke, Luke Olang
Summary: The Great Rift Valley lakes of Kenya have seen significant increases in water levels recently, but only minor changes in water balance are needed to explain this phenomenon, without necessarily requiring anthropogenic influences or changes in underground permeability. This suggests that an increase in rainfall is the main driver behind the rising water levels.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY-REGIONAL STUDIES
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
George Watene, Lijun Yu, Yueping Nie, Jianfeng Zhu, Thomas Ngigi, Jean de Dieu Nambajimana, Benson Kenduiywo
Summary: The study found that soil erosion rates in the Kenya Great Rift Valley region between 1990 and 2015 were at tolerable levels, with most erosive lands falling under the low risk category, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation efforts.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Cecile Troupin, Isabelle Ellis, Bakary Doukoure, Alimou Camara, Moustapha Keita, Moise Kagbadouno, Jean-Mathieu Bart, Ramadan Diallo, Sandra Lacote, Philippe Marianneau, Martin H. Groschup, Noel Tordo
Summary: This study evaluated the seroprevalence of brucellosis, Q fever, and Rift Valley fever in domestic ruminants in Guinea. The results showed that cattle had the highest seroprevalence for these three diseases, with brucellosis and Q fever being widespread in Guinea. The study highlights the need for improved surveillance and screening for zoonotic diseases in Guinea.
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2022)
Letter
Immunology
Claudine A. Kombila Koumavor, Eric Elguero, Eric M. Leroy
Summary: The study suggests a possible association between a 2007 outbreak of febrile illness and an increase in microcephaly as well as potentially ZIKV infection in Gabon.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nathaniel S. Chapman, Haiyan Zhao, Nurgun Kose, Jonna B. Westover, Birte Kalveram, Robin Bombardi, Jessica Rodriguez, Rachel Sutton, Joseph Genualdi, A. Desiree LaBeaud, Francis M. Mutuku, Phillip R. Pittman, Alexander N. Freiberg, Brian B. Gowen, Daved H. Fremont, James E. Crowe
Summary: By isolating antibodies from B cells of individuals who were naturally infected or vaccinated, researchers found that immune responses to RVFV share similar antigenic sites, with some specific antibodies demonstrating potent neutralizing activities in vitro. These antibodies can inhibit virus-cell fusion process, thereby contributing to antibody-mediated neutralization against RVFV infections.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Virology
Lingqing Xu, Alden C. Paine, Dominique J. Barbeau, Frances Alencastro, Andrew W. Duncan, Anita K. Mcelroy
Summary: RVFVmiR-122, a recombinant miRNA-targeted virus, specifically limits the replication of RVFV in liver cells. C57BL/6 mice infected with RVFVmiR-122 show a different clinical outcome compared to those infected with RVFVmiR-184, and this difference is eliminated in Mir-122 KO mice.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Nadhem Mtimet, Francis Wanyoike, Karl M. Rich, Isabelle Baltenweck
Summary: The partial ban on livestock imports from Somalia imposed by Saudi Arabia has resulted in significant negative economic impacts for the government and value chain actors, with an estimated cumulative loss of US$ 770 million over a five-year period. The additional losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic were estimated at US$ 42 million, mainly impacting livestock producers, who incurred around 54% of the total losses. This study highlights the multifaceted socio-economic and socio-cultural impacts faced by the livestock sector and general economy in the wake of public health restrictions.
GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY-AGRICULTURE POLICY ECONOMICS AND ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Joshua Aboah, Mark M. J. Wilson, Kathryn Bicknell, Karl M. Rich
Summary: The study suggests that pursuing on-farm diversification and in-country processing can enhance the resilience of the cocoa value chain, especially when safety stocks are low. A cooperative strategy involving both Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire in this regard was found to be the most effective in ensuring resilience.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Gregory S. Cooper, Karl M. Rich, Bhavani Shankar, Vinay Rana, Nazmun N. Ratna, Suneetha Kadiyala, Mohammad J. Alam, Sharan B. Nadagouda
Summary: Recognizing the need for more sustainable and equitable food systems, there is a shift in developing countries towards increasing the availability and affordability of nutritious foods at the consumer level. The study in Bihar, India, using the "Loop" horticultural aggregation scheme by Digital Green, develops a system dynamics modeling framework to analyze the value chain trade-offs in upgrading to improve the availability of fruits and vegetables in small retail markets.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Adam M. Komarek, Shahnila Dunston, Dolapo Enahoro, H. Charles J. Godfray, Mario Herrero, Daniel Mason-D'Croz, Karl M. Rich, Peter Scarborough, Marco Springmann, Timothy B. Sulser, Keith Wiebe, Dirk Willenbockel
Summary: In the coming decades, global demand for livestock-derived foods is projected to increase, with the fastest per person growth in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa; per person demand for red meat in high-income countries may decline, largely due to rising red meat prices.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE-HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Karl M. Rich, Abdrahmane Wane
Summary: Despite a large number of cattle stocks in the Sahel, most exports of cattle products are still primarily live animal sales, with growing interest in increasing the value-added exports of beef. A simulation analysis explores the competitiveness and benefits of exporting beef from Burkina Faso to Ghana, revealing limited competitiveness in destination markets and relatively modest employment gains associated with increased meat exports. Efforts to improve competitiveness through market segmentation, infrastructure development, and animal productivity may not be enough to compete with third-country supplies.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Gregory S. Cooper, Karl M. Rich, Bhavani Shankar, Vinay Rana
Summary: This study examines the horticultural value chain in Bihar, India, and finds that while aggregation schemes benefit farmers, they tend to cluster around urban export-oriented hubs, facing barriers such as informal governance, cold storage gaps, and underdeveloped transport infrastructures. The findings highlight the need to overcome wider enabling environment barriers to unlock the potential for aggregation to increase local fruit and vegetable delivery.
JOURNAL OF AGRIBUSINESS IN DEVELOPING AND EMERGING ECONOMIES
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Economics & Policy
Ping Wang, Nhuong Tran, Dolapo Enahoro, Chin Yee Chan, Kelvin Mashisia Shikuku, Karl M. Rich, Kendra Byrd, Shakuntala H. Thilsted
Summary: The study evaluated the spatial and temporal patterns of ASF consumption in Tanzania, showing an increase in household expenditure on ASF and a higher likelihood of urban households purchasing ASF. The findings suggest that public policies focusing on raising household incomes or lowering ASF prices could potentially increase ASF consumption and improve food and nutrition security in Tanzania.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Jared Berends, Karl M. Rich, Simeon Kaitibie, Michael C. Lyne
Summary: Myanmar has experienced rapid economic growth since transitioning to a more integrated market economy in the late 2000s, with a focus on improving agricultural productivity and profitability. Small-scale farms play a critical role in rural livelihoods for the majority of the country's poor population. The study focused on upgrading the pork value chain in southern Myanmar through producer-focused interventions, highlighting the importance of collective action and multi-faceted strategies for sustainable development.
AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Ralph P. Jean-Pierre, Amy D. Hagerman, Karl M. Rich
Summary: African Swine Fever (ASF) has significant economic impacts on the pig industry in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The traditional sector is more vulnerable to ASF-related disruptions, but there is an opportunity for income growth for remaining traditional pig producers due to inflated prices caused by pork production shortfalls. However, consumer avoidance of pork could lead to price decreases and offset the gains in the traditional sector.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Francis Wanyoike, Karl M. Rich, Nadhem Mtimet, Sirak Bahta, Lawrence Godiah
Summary: A complex set of factors, including feed supply, diseases, and demand, affect livestock production and sale in Somaliland. A system dynamics (SD) model is constructed to simulate the impacts of baseline dynamics and alternative interventions to address constraints. The study finds that Somaliland incurs high economic losses due to animal export bans associated with Rift valley fever (RVF) outbreaks and lack of pasture during droughts. The adoption of optimization of animal herd sizes could enhance productivity and reverse the long-run erosion of stocking capacity.
SMALL RUMINANT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dolapo Enahoro, Marta Kozicka, Catherine Pfeifer, Sarah K. K. Jones, Nhuong Tran, Chin Yee Chan, Timothy B. B. Sulser, Elisabetta Gotor, Karl M. M. Rich
Summary: This paper presents an integrated assessment framework that quantitatively tracks the environmental impacts of higher global demand for animal-sourced food in developing countries. The assessment shows that a projected increase in demand and production of livestock-origin foods improves food security in Tanzania but negatively affects ecosystem services due to land use transitions. It emphasizes the importance of land management and the need for new analytical tools to inform policy recommendations.
REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Veterinary Sciences
Brian D. Perry, Karl M. Rich, Andres M. Perez
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sirak Bahta, Omphile Temoso, John N. N. Ng'ombe, Karl M. M. Rich, Derek Baker, Simeon Kaitibie, Patrick Malope
Summary: This paper presents an innovative approach to modeling productive efficiency in beef cattle production in Botswana. It highlights the factors influencing efficiency in this sector and emphasizes the importance of regionally specific investments in agricultural policies to improve production efficiency and sustainability.
FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Development Studies
Karl M. Rich, Jared Berends, Gregory S. Cooper
Summary: Recent research has shown the valuable contributions of participatory processes in developing system dynamics models of value chains with stakeholders. The new participatory process of spatial group model building (SGMB) utilizes maps and GIS concepts to enhance facilitation and modeling processes. This note offers an overview of SGMB, its recent applications in informing development interventions, and suggested innovations for its expansion and dissemination.
DEVELOPMENT IN PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
D. Enahoro, S. Bahta, C. Mensah, S. Oloo, K. M. Rich
Summary: Global demand for food is increasing, especially in developing countries, which will bring new pressures to the livestock trade. The outbreaks of animal diseases, particularly African swine fever and COVID-19, have significant impacts on trade dynamics. Projections indicate increased consolidation of livestock production and exports among a few countries in the coming years.
REVUE SCIENTIFIQUE ET TECHNIQUE-OFFICE INTERNATIONAL DES EPIZOOTIES
(2021)