Innovative approaches to managing livestock diseases in Uganda: A case of African swine fever.

Abstract

In the absence of a viable cure or universal vaccine for African swine fever (ASF), rapid diagnosis and implementation of effective biosecurity measures, and selection for resistant pig breeds is crucial for ASF control, given the complex epidemiology of the disease. To achieve this goal, interconnected studies were conducted to investigate the role and importance of key stakeholders in ASF control, the relevance of locally led initiatives for ASF control, the role of free-ranging pigs in ASF spread, and the potential use of molecular markers in the selection of ASF survivor pigs for breeding. Results showed that all of the identified stakeholders in the pig value chain were either drivers (60%) or supporters (40%) of the ASF control intervention implementation. The implementation of community-led initiatives significantly reduced the annual frequency of ASF outbreaks (Wilcoxon signed rank test: Z = 5.412, p = 0.000) in the sub-counties of Kasawo and Namuganga. The free-ranging domestic pig home ranges were larger during the dry season than during the rainy season (Wilcoxon test, W = 22, p = 0.04), with mean full-day distances also longer during the dry season (Student test, t = 2.7, p = 0.03). Adaptive qualities such as disease tolerance and resistance were found to be more important than productive qualities in pig breeding selection in Masaka and Tororo districts. Farmers cited diseases as a major barrier to pig production. Genome-wide association studies showed significant evidence (ph2 = 0.71± 0.22) of heritability of ASFV resistance among survivor pigs. Enhanced community involvement directly raises public awareness about animal diseases, improving the effectiveness of animal disease control methods. The stakeholder analysis and the implementation of community-led biosecurity measures demonstrate this correlation. The success of pig production in Uganda requires changes in stakeholders' will, management, and animal husbandry techniques throughout the value chain. Smallholder pig producers face significant risks from free-ranging pig production systems and wildlife-livestock interactions. The discovery of 48 significant SNPs and 28 putative candidate genes may imply the possibility of heritability for resistance to ASFV. To effectively control ASF, a multidisciplinary approach involving community engagement during policy formulation and implementation, along with the use of genetically engineered pigs resistant to ASFV, is necessary.