Veterinary & Biosecurity
An Interdisciplinary approach addressing Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases of cattle in Uganda
By Joseph Odoi
Globally, Ticks are the most important vectors of disease-causing pathogens in domestic and wild animals and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are a major threat to both cattle and human health. Understanding the complex interactions within the microbiome is of great importance for understanding how tick-borne pathogens spread and cause disease.
Inspired by the need to generate evidence to inform policy around Tick borne Diseases, a team of researchers from Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Sweden, Makerere University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, conducted a study to assess diversity of ticks and their Tick Borne Diseases (TBDs) in Uganda from 2017 to 2021.
The researchers organised a dissemination of the project results workshop to stakeholders from various sectors on 27th February, 2023 held at the Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Makerere University.
Associate Professor Lawrence Mugisha, Co-principal investigator explained that the purpose of the workshop was to share the results of the different research outputs and discuss various ways to re-package the results for different target audiences and to influence policies for tick control strategies in Uganda.
Having set the scene for the workshop, Associate Professor Maja Malmberg, Principal investigator from Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Sweden provided a virtual overview of the Project tilted; Ticks and Tick Borne Diseases (TBDs) in Africa. She noted that the overall purpose of the project was to improve cattle health through increased understanding of the microbial community in cattle and ticks, by investigation of the microbial composition (microbiota) of ticks and how this affects transmission and disease development in cattle in Uganda. As part of the study, she noted that the research team were able to generate new knowledge on diversity of tick species, new viruses and highlighted public health implications of the findings. The project had a capacity building component through supporting masters and PhD students and several technical workshop during the project period.
Various presentations of the results from different studies under the project were made by the project investigators and the PhD student Dr. Steven Balinadi who successfully graduated in 2022.
Below are brief project results from the presentations made at the Workshop;
- A total of 15 different tick species were identified in the five study districts of Kasese, Hoima, Soroti, Gulu and Moroto representing different ecological zones. They also reported high tick burden on cattle from all the study districts. They found out the tick species R. appendiculatus (the brown ear tick), the vector for the causative agent for East Coast Fever (“Amashuwo”, “Amakebe”) was most common tick on cattle in all districts (51.79%) followed by A. variegatum (14.33%) and R. evertsi (8.23%) and continue to dominate tick distribution in Uganda. The team also found ticks that were not known to be in Uganda including Rhipicephalus afranicus that was recently described in South Africa and Rhipicephalus microplus, expanding its geographical zones found ion cattle in Gulu and Soroti districts.
- The team further identified 8 viruses from the blood of cattle suspected to be transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes belonging to 4 viral families (Flaviviridae, Peribunyaviridae, Reoviridae and Rhabdoviridae) and 6 genera (Hepacivirus, Pestivirus, Orthobunyavirus, Coltivirus, Dinovernavirus and Ephemerovirus) among 175 studied cattle. Four of the viruses were new and were tentatively named Zikole virus (Family: Flaviviridae), Zeboroti virus (Family: Reoviridae), Zebtine virus (Family: Rhabdoviridae) and Kokolu virus (Family:Rhabdoviridae). This contributes to the body of the new knowledge in the field of virology. However, they were quick to mention the public implications of all viruses and new viruses remains to be understood through more studies.
- Part of the research assessed cattle exposure to Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) Virus a zoonotic disease of public health importance transmitted by ticks. The study found that 74% (500) of the studied cattle from five districts were exposed to the virus. This raises a big concern a potential source of infections to humans. This concern is verified by the results of investigating 32 CCHF confirmed human cases of the recorded outbreaks between 2013 and 2019. Of the 32 hospitalised human CCHF cases, 32% of them died. Most cases presented with fever (93.8%), followed by hemorrhage (81.3%), headache (78.1%), fatigue (68.8%), vomiting (68.8%) and myalgia (65.6%) and other symptoms. The researchers were able to characterise the CCHF viruses circulating in Uganda, a break through that can inform vaccine and diagnostic tool development.
- Further, looking at the ticks themselves using advanced technologies, ticks were found to carry several viruses most of the unknown and new. The team has at least found 20 new viruses in the ticks and the team will be conducting further studies to understand the implications of the so many viruses in relation to animal and human health.
The team presented potential Public Health Implications of their study results as:
• High diversity and burden of ticks infesting cattle in Uganda has potential for a high pathogen load
• Evidence for range expansion of some tick species; risk for disease emergence in naïve animal and human populations around the country
• Cattle in Uganda are harbouring numerous viruses including novel ones
• CCHF is widespread in Uganda, including where human cases have not been detected. And its endemicity does not overlap with the spatial distribution of Hyalomma ticks
Participants of the stakeholder’s dissemination workshop discussed the results and provided feedback. Out of the discussion, it was generally agreed and proposed that deliberate actions need to be undertaken if we are to address the current challenges posed by ticks and their tick-borne diseases. Participants emphasised the following areas that require immediate attention;
- The need for improved surveillance and diagnostic tools for emerging viruses in animals to prevent their transmission to humans.
- The need for the Government investment in advanced technologies and equipment for improved surveillance, detection, and rapid response to any emerging virus outbreak from ticks and their pathogens.
- There is need to understand the cultural and social context: Therefore, any policy or intervention aimed at preventing disease transmission should take into account the cultural and social practices of the communities involved.
- The government should engage with local communities, listen to their concerns, and incorporate their knowledge and perspectives in developing disease control policies.
- The government should prioritize research and development of strategies to control ticks and prevent tick-borne diseases in both humans and animals. This includes conducting awareness campaigns, developing policies, and providing resources to prevent tick infestation and tick-borne diseases.
- Employ One Health approach: that considers the interactions between human, animal, and environmental health.
- More funding and support for tick-borne disease research and control programs in Uganda and other high-risk areas.
- Integration of livestock and human health surveillance and control measures to prevent the transmission of tick-borne diseases.
- Development of community-based tick control strategies that incorporate local knowledge and practices to increase their relevance and effectiveness.
- Collaboration between government agencies, researchers, and communities to implement effective tick-borne disease control strategies.
In his remarks at the engagement, Dr. Kenneth Mugabi, a Senior Veterinary Officer at Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries congratulated the team of researchers for undertaking the value based research adding that it will help inform policy to address ticks and tick borne diseases in the country. He equally noted the urgent need for more innovation to discover and develop vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics options to respond to the increasing challenges of ticks and tick-borne diseases. Additionally he equally thanked the study funders for partnering with Makerere University to undertake the study.
Dr. Ekwaro Obuku from Makerere University College of Health Sciences in his emphasized the importance of researchers tailoring research in a way that it speaks to policy makers adding that researchers should use all avenue to influence policy initiatives for public good. He equally proposed for the need for researchers to have a data bank around Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases.
The stakeholders’ workshop attracted over 70 participants ranging from government officials, academia, media, farmers and one- health officials among others.
Key issues discussed by participants include; Policy brief to address Tick and Tick-Borne diseases, Development of community-based tick control strategies that incorporate local knowledge and practices,one-health approach in addressing ticks and Tick-Borne diseases ,Importance of engagement with local communities affected by ticks and Tick-Borne ,the need for effective communication by researchers to influence policy, need to develop diagnostic tools and model based surveillance for early detection and early warning about Vector borne diseases among others
PROJECT TEAM
Principal investigator: Dr. Maja Malmberg – Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Sweden
Co-PI in Uganda: Assoc. Professor Lawrence Mugisha – Makerere University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Uganda and Ecohealth Research Group, Conservation & Ecosystem Health Alliance, Uganda
PhD student: Mr. Stephen Balinandi – Uganda Virus Research Institute, Uganda and Makerere University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Biosecurity, Uganda
Professor Erik Bongcam Rudloff – Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Sweden
Dr. Erika Chenais – National Veterinary Institute, Sweden
Assoc. Professor Klara Fischer – Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Rural and Urban Development, Sweden
Dr. Lidia Chitimia-Dobler – Bundeswehr Institute of Microbiology and University of Hohenheim, Department of Parasitology, Germany
Dr. John Pettersson – Uppsala University, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Sweden
Dr. Juliette Hayer – Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Sweden
Professor Mikael Berg – Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Sweden
Dr. Giulio Grandi – Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Sweden
Assoc. Professor Ingrid Hansson – Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Sweden
Veterinary & Biosecurity
Makerere University Hosts Stakeholders Workshop on One Health approach to understanding Climate Change and Zoonoses
By Joseph Odoi
On January 30-31, 2025, Makerere University in partnership with Glasgow, UK and University of Stockholm, Sweden with support from Europe’s CIVIS University Alliance, organized a multi-disciplinary workshop at Kabira Country Club, Kampala, Uganda entitled “One Health and Diagnosing Zoonoses – Understanding the Importance of Climate Change in Disease Prevalence.” The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including academicians, researchers, and practitioners, to collaborate on addressing public health challenges at the intersection of human, animal, and environmental health.
The workshop was organized and officially opened by Associate Professor Lawrence Mugisha from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (CoVAB), Makerere University alongside Professor Jonathan Cooper from the University of Glasgow, who led the CIVIS Alliance team to Uganda.
In his opening address, Prof. Mugisha welcomed participants and outlined the key objectives of the workshop. He noted that the primary aim of the workshop was to build new pathways for knowledge exchange and strengthen One Health capabilities within Uganda and East Africa in order to develop a better understanding of the role of climate change in disease dynamics (including zoonoses) in humans and animal health and their wellbeing.
Furthermore, the workshop sought to explore the regional links between zoonotic disease prevalence and climate change by using appropriate digital tools/systems that will, in future, have the potential to be used more widely in Sub-Saharan Africa.
On the impact of Climate Change in Disease Prevalence, Professor Mugisha noted that the World Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) have all warned around the need to better understand the harmful effects of climate change on health and disease, especially in low-and-middle-income-countries with such effects readily seen with Sub-Saharan Africa suffering some of the worst impacts.
‘’Uganda is also considered as a ‘hot spot’ for emerging and re-emerging infectious disease epidemics. The country has experienced several epidemics including; Ebola, Marburg, Plague, Rift Valley Fever, Yellow fever and Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever. ‘’Many of these public health challenges arise from the interaction between humans-animals-environment and require a One Health approach as a collaborative effort of multiple disciplines working locally, nationally, and globally, to attain optimal health for people, animals, plants and the environment.’’ added Professor Mugisha.
In his remarks, Professor Jonathan Cooper from the University of Glasgow acknowledged participants and provided a brief background on the CIVIC University Alliance. He stated that under CIVIS, multiple universities collaborate to offer joint learning pathways, research opportunities, and diverse degree programs, creating a dynamic network where students and academics can move freely between institutions. Through this collaboration, they work together to address societal challenges, including One Health and climate change, while also developing real-world solutions. He also commended the collaborative efforts of Makerere University, particularly those of Professor Lawrence Mugisha, in working across multiple disciplines at local, national, and global levels to achieve optimal health for people, animals, plants, and the environment.
Prof. Mugisha delivered a keynote address on climate change and human health and highlighted how climate change is causing unprecedented threats to human health, driving emergence of new infectious diseases and exacerbating the existing ones in addition to fueling frequent occurrence of severe natural catastrophes like floods, hurricanes and wildfires. He reported as per World Economic Forum Report of 2024, that climate change is projected by 2050 to cause additional 14.5 million deaths and $12.5 trillion in economic losses worldwide. He called upon all stakeholders to act together through research, innovations and public directed interventions to reverse the potential impact of climate change. He provided examples of different research consortiums working together to contribute to finding solutions to address the impacts of climate on health of humans, animals and entire ecosystem. Highlighted Projects include DIDIDA-Improving disease diagnosis in Africa (Home – Didida), PREPARE4VBDS— A Cross-Disciplinary Alliance to Identify, PREdict and prePARE for Emerging Vector-Borne Diseases (prepare4vbd.eu) and recently funded DIDIDI- development of advanced, low-cost and deployable digital dashboards and diagnostics to understand how changes in climate are affecting the dynamics of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) and schistosomiasis in underserved rural community settings in sub-Saharan Africa
Dr. Frederick Monje, a focal person for the One Health Platform from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), provided a brief background of the National One Health Platform of Uganda. He stated that the platform was established in 2016 to serve as a multi-sectoral coordination mechanism aimed at addressing public health threats arising from the interactions between humans, animals, and the environment.
Dr. Monje emphasized that the National One Health Platform in Uganda plays a critical role in surveillance, early detection, and rapid response to outbreaks through collaborations with district health teams, universities, and research institutions. He noted, “One Health is one of the ways to prevent the next pandemic. We need to do a lot of preparedness to prevent cross-cutting public health threats from coming to us. We have developed a number of training and partnerships with universities and many stakeholders to achieve the One Health objective.”
In his presentation, Mr. Monje also cited the World Bank’s report, highlighting that globally, zoonotic diseases sicken 2.4 billion people annually, kill 2.2 million, and affect more than 1 in 7 livestock. The direct economic costs of zoonotic diseases are estimated at 20 billion dollars per year. He pointed out that Uganda, due to its proximity to the Congo Basin and other hotspots, faces significant public health threats from zoonotic diseases.
Mr. Monje further emphasized that the platform’s impact is evident in its district-level One Health teams, which have strengthened Uganda’s pandemic preparedness and response to zoonotic diseases such as Ebola, Rift Valley Fever, and anthrax. He reiterated that One Health is critical to preventing future pandemics, requiring continuous preparedness, collaboration, and policy development to safeguard public health.
In her presentation, Ms. Patricia Nyinguro- Principal Meteorologist at the Kenya Meteorological Department revealed that there is rising temperatures in Kenya, showing an increasing trend since 1961, particularly in semi-arid regions. Despite this, she noted that public perception of heatwaves is low yet rising temperatures are key drivers of heat-related mortality, morbidity, and infectious diseases.
Moving forward, Ms. Patricia emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in developing heat health action plans and called for the development of indicators to measure progress in climate change adaptation.
In a digital technologies session, Dr. Xin Guo from the University of Glasgow shared insights on mobile health platforms for diagnostics, including demonstrations of relevant applications. He showed how apps can help diagnose diseases, especially zoonotic ones, and improve healthcare, especially in areas that need better disease tracking and response.
Participants engaged in discussions on zoonoses, its impact, and the importance of the One Health approach. Key questions explored included: What are zoonoses? Why is One Health crucial? Who are the stakeholders involved, and how can zoonoses be effectively addressed?
Using the Double Diamond Methodology, participants in group discussions also identified the most pressing challenges that climate change poses or will pose on zoonoses, potential solutions, and the reasons why these solutions aren’t being implemented yet.
Key outcomes from the engagement included the drafting of a policy brief outline, which will guide future initiatives aimed at tackling public health threats.
The workshop also tackled important issues such as data interoperability, data ownership and management, and ethics and privacy. These topics were thoroughly explored during structured discussions, with a particular focus during the Early Career Researcher (ECR) session.
Dr. Paul Mbanka, Assistant Commissioner of Health Services, outlined the Ministry of Health’s commitment to addressing Zoonoses related cases citing presence of an incident management system, which includes an SMS-based mechanism for reporting diseases to the emergency response center. Upon detection of an alert, the information is verified, samples are collected, and if confirmed, a response is initiated. In terms of areas for improvement, Dr. Mbanka acknowledged the challenge of information sharing across various sectors. When asked about Data sharing by workshop participants, He also stated that the Ministry of Health is open to sharing data with researchers, provided it supports the Ministry’s goals
The two-day workshop concluded with an emphasis on the critical need for continued collaboration in the One Health sector. Participants, including Researchers, Academicians, PhD and Master’s students from Makerere University, and Uganda and Kenya registered students at Glasgow University made presentations and also engaged in strategic discussions on tackling zoonotic diseases, climate change, and the integration of digital innovations in health data management.
To conclude the workshop, Prof. Lawrence Mugisha, Professors Julien Reboud and Jon Cooper of the Makerere University and University of Glasgow respectively expressed their appreciation to all participants for the insightful presentations, discussions and emphasized the importance of ongoing partnerships across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
Veterinary & Biosecurity
The College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity Marks Milestone Achievement
The College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity presented a total of 186 students during the 75th Makerere University Graduation ceremony. This diverse cohort included 68 women and 118 men. Among the graduates, six earned their esteemed PhDs, showcasing the college’s commitment to advanced education and research.
In addition to celebrating the graduates, the event also honored faculty members for their exceptional contributions to research excellence. Senior career awards were presented to Prof. Mugisha Lawrence, Dr. Enoch Matovu, Prof. Kankya Clovice, Prof. Frank Norbert Mwiine, and Dr. Nyakarahuka Luke.
The Midcareer awards went to Dr. Muhanguzi Denis, Dr. Vudrico Patrick, Dr. Mutebi Francis, and Dr. Nanteza Ann. The Early career awards were given to Dr. Wilfred Eneku, Dr. Abigaba Rubaijaniza, and Dr. Paul Ssajakambwe. These awards highlight the college’s commitment to fostering excellence in research and education across various career stages.
During the first session of the Graduation ceremony held at the Freedom Square, the Chancellor Dr. Crispus Kiyonga in his remarks directed the integration of political economy teaching across all courses to enhance students’ understanding of the country’s socioeconomic conditions.
He said in the effort to further the research endeavors, the government pledged to increase Makerere University‘s research funding and strengthen partnerships with the private sector to commercialize innovations developed at the institution. Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, the newly appointed Chancellor, presided over the event and encouraged the university to establish an agro-industrial park on its land. “The parks would serve three purposes: teaching, generating income, and acting as a demonstration site for communities across the country,” he stated.
The ceremony was graced by Hon. Joyce Moriku Kaducu, Minister of State for Primary Education, who represented the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni. Other dignitaries included members of Parliament, the judiciary, the diplomatic corps, and academics. She lauded Makerere University for its dedication to academic excellence and innovation. “Today reflects the resilience, hard work, and commitment of our graduates, supported by the university staff, management, and parents,” she said. The Minister commended the Vice Chancellor and management for fostering research and innovation while urging them to maintain robust quality control systems to uphold the institution’s integrity. She also reflected on Makerere’s recent milestones, including the commissioning of a new School of Law building and the launch of the School of Graduate Studies and Research. “Your achievements stem from hard work, transparency, and accountability. They set Makerere apart as a leader in higher education,” she noted.
Vice Chancellor Highlights Makerere’s Impact
Vice Chancellor Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe congratulated the 13,658 graduates at Makerere University, including 143 PhD recipients and a notable 53% female graduates. He acknowledged the contributions of staff, parents, and sponsors in supporting the students’ educational journeys. Prof. Nawangwe highlighted the College of Veterinary Medicine’s significant contributions to biosecurity and sustainable food systems. He reiterated the university’s transformation into a research-led institution, driven by the government’s Research and Innovation Fund. Key national priorities being addressed include improving the Parish Development Model and advancing e-governance.
Highlights of CoVAB’s Notable Research Achievements
Prof. Nawangwe emphasized several significant research projects and accomplishments at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (CoVAB). He mentioned that in collaboration with the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) and supported by the Civilian Research and Development Foundation (CRDF) Global, CoVAB researchers are tackling the rising threat of cyberattacks on laboratories handling high-risk biological materials.
Furthermore, the Centre for Biosecurity and Global Health (CeBiGH) at CoVAB continues to advance the development of recombinant vaccines and diagnostics, with support from the Science Technology and Innovations Office of the President (STI-OP). They have established state-of-the-art laboratories with up to Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) containment. These labs have developed prototype prognostic tests and vaccine prototypes for COVID-19, anti-tick vaccines, and East Coast Fever, expanding their research to other diseases requiring diagnostics and vaccines.
The Vice Chancellor also informed the gathering about the molecular and computational biology research group, led by Dr. Muhanguzi Dennis. This group, in partnership with the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH) in Greece, leads a large consortium of seven sub-Saharan institutions to explore the role of ticks as disease vectors, focusing on Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever.
Additionally, the college, supported by the Swiss Government, is leading efforts to eliminate rabies in Uganda and the region through electronic surveillance. This initiative, using a one health approach, involves partnerships with the University of Zurich, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, among others.
“Graduation Statistics of the 75th graduation ceremony
During the course of the 75th graduation ceremony, a total of 13,658 graduands received degrees and diplomas of Makerere University. 53 % of the graduands were female and 47% male. 44% of the PhD graduands were female. 16% of the graduates are graduating with post-graduate degrees and diplomas.
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