calf-in-stable-in-etiopia
Photo: Julia Bergholm, SLU

Investigation of the prevalence of RNA viruses among calves with diarrheal disease in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Page reviewed:  13/05/2025

The goal of the project is to investigate the prevalence of a selected number of RNA viruses among calves with and without diarrhea in Ethiopia. This is to provide a better understanding of the cause of virus-induced diarrheal disease among calves in the country.

Background

Ethiopia has the largest livestock population in Africa, with over 65 million cows. At the same time, disease and mortality are a major concern, especially among young animals. Among calves, diarrhea is the leading cause of illness and death, but research on the underlying pathogens is lacking, especially research on viruses. In a previous study from 2023, we identified a number of enteric RNA viruses among calves in Ethiopia via metagenomics. We now want to investigate the prevalence of these viruses in a larger calf population, and if possible link this to disease.

Goal

The aim of the project is to investigate the prevalence of a selected number of RNA viruses among calves with and without diarrhea in Ethiopia. This is to provide a better understanding of the cause of virus-induced diarrheal disease among calves in the country.

Project description

Urban farms in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia will be visited and fecal material will be taken from calves up to two months of age. Health information will be recorded for each calf sampled. In addition, animal owners will be interviewed using questionnaires to identify any risk factors at farm level. RNA will be extracted from the samples and screened for different viruses using qPCR. Optionally, some samples will be sequenced to investigate genetic differences between the positive virus samples.

Specifications

Sample collection will take place in the fall of 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. More advanced laboratory analysis will take place at VHC in Sweden. At the moment, the security situation in Addis Ababa is considered stable, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against travel further out into the country. We are continuously updated on the Ministry's travel advice and are in contact with colleagues on the ground in Addis Ababa. In the unlikely event that the security situation in Addis Ababa changes, there are a large number of samples available in Sweden from previous studies that can be analyzed. Supervision will be provided by us and by colleagues at AAU. Assistance in sample collection will be provided by local veterinarians, colleagues and students from AAU.

Do you want to know more about the project? Click on this link.

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