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Research Article
A Retrospective Study of Anthrax in Livestock, from 2022 to 2025, in Shashemene District, West Arsi, Ethiopia
Kinfe Kibebew*
,
Bayisa Kenaw,
Lakech Tibebu
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-13
Received:
17 January 2026
Accepted:
5 February 2026
Published:
26 February 2026
Abstract: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted in the Shashemene District, Ethiopia, to investigate the epidemiology and species-specific distribution of livestock anthrax from January 2022 to November 2025. The primary objectives were to analyze seasonal trends, describe distribution across livestock species, and evaluate temporal and spatial associations of the disease. Data were collected from 194 case records and monthly reports across eight veterinary clinics using a census sampling method. The results demonstrated a significant association between seasonality and disease occurrence (p = 0.021), with 87.63% of cases concentrated during the long rainy season. Bovines accounted for the majority of cases (55.67%), while Ovine exhibited the highest attack rate at 0.85%. Spatial analysis identified distinct clustering within five specific kebeles, with Bura reporting the highest burden. While total cases declined from 90 in 2022 to zero by November 2025, all 194 cases were confirmed tentatively through clinical signs due to limited laboratory capacity. Logistic regression confirmed that the odds of an outbreak were significantly higher during the long rainy season (OR = 6.81) compared to the dry season. The study concluded that anthrax remains a localized but serious threat driven by environmental triggers. These findings highlight the necessity for targeted, pre-seasonal vaccination and the enhancement of diagnostic infrastructure to improve surveillance accuracy in high-risk areas.
Abstract: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted in the Shashemene District, Ethiopia, to investigate the epidemiology and species-specific distribution of livestock anthrax from January 2022 to November 2025. The primary objectives were to analyze seasonal trends, describe distribution across livestock species, and evaluate temporal and spatial ass...
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Review Article
The Contribution of Ketogenic Diets Combined with Physical Activity to the Increase of BDNF and GH in Neuroplasticity in Animals
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
14-18
Received:
12 September 2025
Accepted:
27 January 2026
Published:
26 February 2026
Abstract: This article reviews the contribution of ketogenic diets combined with physical activity in increasing levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Growth Hormone (GH) in neuroplasticity in animals. Neuroplasticity is crucial for the adaptation and functional recovery of the nervous system, and nutritional approaches have shown promise in this context. The ketogenic diet, characterized by high lipid intake and low carbohydrates, induces the production of ketone bodies, which act as epigenetic modulators and neuroprotectors. Studies demonstrate that this diet, combined with physical exercise, can increase levels of BDNF and GH, promoting neurogenesis and synaptogenesis, as well as improving cognition and emotional well-being in animals, particularly in the elderly and epileptic populations. The review also highlights the inadequacy of commercial pet foods, which often contain high levels of carbohydrates, negatively impacting animal health. Scientific literature suggests the need for reformulating these diets to better meet the nutritional needs of dogs and cats. The combination of ketogenic diet and physical activity offers significant potential for clinical interventions in veterinary medicine, promoting neurological health and quality of life in animals. This article emphasizes the importance of further research to validate these findings and establish practical guidelines for implementing these nutritional strategies in veterinary practice.
Abstract: This article reviews the contribution of ketogenic diets combined with physical activity in increasing levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Growth Hormone (GH) in neuroplasticity in animals. Neuroplasticity is crucial for the adaptation and functional recovery of the nervous system, and nutritional approaches have shown promise in...
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Research Article
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Animal Disease Frequency in Shashemene District: A Comparative Analysis of Sporadic, Endemic, Epidemic, And Pandemic Patterns
Kinfe Kibebew*
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
19-34
Received:
9 February 2026
Accepted:
20 February 2026
Published:
27 February 2026
Abstract: This study characterized and compared the spatiotemporal dynamics of animal and livestock disease frequency in Shashemene District, West Arsi, Oromia, Ethiopia. The work aimed to quantify spatial and temporal disease distributions, classify events into sporadic, endemic, epidemic, and pandemic-candidate patterns, estimate key epidemiological parameters including incidence and effective reproduction numbers (Re), and identify environmental and connectivity-related drivers of transmission. A retrospective spatiotemporal observational design was applied, synthesizing five to ten years of surveillance, laboratory, and farmer-reported data from district records over the period 2014 to 2023. A total of 500 recorded disease events across cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and equids were analyzed at kebele-level resolution using Bayesian hierarchical modeling integrated with Geographic Information Systems and time-varying Re estimation. The analysis demonstrated that disease events were significantly concentrated during the wet season, accounting for 64.2% of cases, compared to 35.8% during the dry season. Sheep pox, 19.8%, and lumpy skin disease, 18.2%, consistently emerged as the most frequent conditions. Epidemic patterns were strongly associated with livestock movement and market connectivity, with odds ratios ranging from 1.78 to 2.12 and Re values peaking at 2.05 in high-traffic trade corridors, compared to Re = 1.52 in lower-frequency areas. Endemic patterns were linked to high animal density, limited veterinary infrastructure, and restricted access to services. Environmental drivers, particularly rainfall and temperature, showed a positive correlation with disease incidence, r = 0.324, especially for vector-borne and soil-borne pathogens. Overall, the findings established livestock mobility, seasonal climatic variability, and network connectivity as the principal drivers of disease dynamics in the district. The study concluded that transitioning from reactive responses to proactive, climate-sensitive, and network-informed interventions was critical to reducing disease burden and strengthening evidence-based veterinary public health policy.
Abstract: This study characterized and compared the spatiotemporal dynamics of animal and livestock disease frequency in Shashemene District, West Arsi, Oromia, Ethiopia. The work aimed to quantify spatial and temporal disease distributions, classify events into sporadic, endemic, epidemic, and pandemic-candidate patterns, estimate key epidemiological parame...
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Review Article
One Health Approaches to Camel Health, Milk Safety, and Food Security in Pastoral Systems: Opportunities and Challenges in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions
Guyo Gelma,
Melkamu Melese*,
Olana Merera
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
35-44
Received:
18 February 2026
Accepted:
2 March 2026
Published:
10 March 2026
Abstract: Camels are vital to the livelihoods of pastoral communities across arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in East Africa, where they serve as reliable sources of milk, meat, and income. Camel milk, which provides up to half of household nutrient intake in some areas, is nutritionally superior to bovine milk and contributes significantly to food and livelihood security. Despite their resilience, camels remain susceptible to a wide range of infectious and parasitic diseases, while challenges such as inadequate veterinary services, poor husbandry practices, and climate change further threaten their productivity. These issues also heighten the risk of zoonotic transmission, as close human animal interactions in pastoral systems facilitate the spread of pathogens. The One Health framework offers an integrative approach to address these challenges by linking animal, human, and environmental health through collaborative surveillance, biosecurity, vaccination, and community engagement. Applying One Health in camel health management not only improves milk productivity and quality but also enhances food safety, supports pastoral resilience, and contributes to broader food security goals. This review highlights the opportunities and barriers to implementing One Health strategies in pastoral contexts and underscores the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration for sustainable camel health management.
Abstract: Camels are vital to the livelihoods of pastoral communities across arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in East Africa, where they serve as reliable sources of milk, meat, and income. Camel milk, which provides up to half of household nutrient intake in some areas, is nutritionally superior to bovine milk and contributes significantly to food a...
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