Drivers of foot-and-mouth disease in cattle at wild/domestic interface: Insights from farmers, buffalo and lions.

ABSTRACT: Humans live increasingly in the proximity of natural areas, leading to increased interactions between people, their livestock and wildlife.

Aim

We explored the role of these interactions in the risk of disease transmission (foot-and-mouth disease [FMD]) between cattle and the African buffalo (the maintenance host) and how a top predator, the lion, may modulate these interactions.

Location

The interface of Hwange National Park (HNP) and surrounding communal lands, Zimbabwe.

Method

We combined a longitudinal serological cattle survey for FMD, GPS-collar data and cattle owners' interviews during four seasons in 2010-2011.

Results

Overall FMD incidence in cattle was low, but showed a peak during the rainy season. The incidence dynamic was significantly explained by

SUBMITTER: Miguel E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7163638 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature