@article{rhea_gensler_atlaw_pairis-garcia_lewbart_valentine_cruz_castillo_velez_trueba_et al._2023, title={Presence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing <i>Escherichia coli</i> in Food-Producing and Companion Animals and Wildlife on Small-Holder Farms of Floreana Island, Galapagos Islands}, volume={11}, ISSN={["1557-7759"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2023.0044}, DOI={10.1089/vbz.2023.0044}, abstractNote={Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AR) has led to increasing human and animal morbidity and mortality and negative consequences for the environment. AR among Escherichia coli (EC) is on the rise, with serious concerns about extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing E. coli (ESBL-EC). In the Galápagos Islands, where antimicrobials are available without a prescription, growing demands for food production can drive antimicrobial use. Food producing animals are at the interface of wildlife and environmental health on the smallest human-inhabited Galápagos Island, Floreana. We sought to determine if ESBL-EC were present in Floreana Island farm animal species and nearby wildlife and the relatedness of ESBL-EC isolates identified. Materials and Methods: During July 4-5, 2022, we visited 8 multispecies farms, representing 75% of food-producing animal production on Floreana, and collected 227 fecal samples from farm animals and wildlife. Each sample was plated on MacConkey agar supplemented with cefotaxime (4 μg/mL). Results: ESBL-EC was isolated from 20 (9%) fecal samples collected from pigs (N = 10), chickens (N = 6), wildlife (N = 3), and dog (N = 1). All ESBL-EC isolates were from samples taken at three (38%) of the eight farms. Fifteen (75%) of the ESBL-EC isolates were from a single farm. All ESBL-EC isolates were multidrug resistant. The most prevalent ESBL genes belonged to the blaCTX-M group. Among the typeable isolates from the farm with the largest proportion of ESBL-EC isolates (N = 14), we observed nine unique pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns, with identical patterns present across pig and chicken isolates. PFGE patterns in the three farms with ESBL-EC isolates were different. Conclusions: These results lend support for future routine AR monitoring activities at the livestock-wildlife interface in Galápagos to characterize potential interspecies transmission of AR bacteria and AR genes in this unique protected ecosystem, and the related human, animal, and environmental health impacts, and to formulate interventions to reduce AR spread in this setting.}, journal={VECTOR-BORNE AND ZOONOTIC DISEASES}, author={Rhea, Sarah and Gensler, Catherine and Atlaw, Nigatu and Pairis-Garcia, Monique and Lewbart, Gregory A. and Valentine, Alyssa and Cruz, Marilyn and Castillo, Paulina and Velez, Alberto and Trueba, Gabriel and et al.}, year={2023}, month={Nov} }
 @article{atlaw_keelara_correa_foster_gebreyes_aidara-kane_harden_thakur_fedorka-cray_2022, title={Evidence of sheep and abattoir environment as important reservoirs of multidrug-resistant Salmonella and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase Escherichia coli}, volume={363}, ISSN={["1879-3460"]}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2021.109516}, DOI={10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2021.109516}, abstractNote={The increase in antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) foodborne pathogens, including E. coli and Salmonella in animals, humans, and the environment, is a growing public health concern. Among animals, cattle, pigs, and chicken are reservoirs of these pathogens worldwide. There is a knowledge gap on the prevalence and AMR of foodborne pathogens in small ruminants (i.e., sheep and goats). This study investigates the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) E. coli and Salmonella from sheep and their abattoir environment in North Carolina. We conducted a year-round serial cross-sectional study and collected a total of 1128 samples from sheep (n = 780) and their abattoir environment (n = 348). Sheep samples consisted of feces, cecal contents, carcass swabs, and abattoir resting area feces. Environmental samples consisted of soil samples, lairage swab, animal feed, and drinking water for animals. We used CHROMAgar EEC with 4 μg/ml of Cefotaxime for isolating ESBL E. coli, and ESBL production was confirmed by double-disk diffusion test. Salmonella was isolated and confirmed using standard methods. All of the confirmed isolates were tested against a panel of 14 antimicrobials to elucidate susceptibility profiles. The prevalence of ESBL E. coli and Salmonella was significantly higher in environmental samples (47.7% and 65.5%) compared to the sheep samples (19.5% and 17.9%), respectively (P < 0.0001). We recovered 318 ESBL E. coli and 368 Salmonella isolates from sheep and environmental samples. More than 97% (310/318) of ESBL E. coli were multidrug-resistant (MDR; resistant to ≥3 classes of antimicrobials). Most Salmonella isolates (77.2%, 284/368) were pansusceptible, and 10.1% (37/368) were MDR. We identified a total of 24 different Salmonella serotypes by whole genome sequencing (WGS). The most common serotypes were Agona (19.8%), Typhimurium (16.2%), Cannstatt (13.2%), Reading (13.2%), and Anatum (9.6%). Prevalence and percent resistance of ESBL E. coli and Salmonella isolates varied significantly by season and sample type (P < 0.0001). The co-existence of ESBL E. coli in the same sample was associated with increased percent resistance of Salmonella to Ampicillin, Chloramphenicol, Sulfisoxazole, Streptomycin, and Tetracycline. We presumed that the abattoir environment might have played a great role in the persistence and dissemination of resistant bacteria to sheep as they arrive at the abattoir. In conclusion, our study reaffirms that sheep and their abattoir environment act as important reservoirs of AMR ESBL E. coli and MDR Salmonella in the U.S. Further studies are required to determine associated public health risks.}, journal={International Journal of Food Microbiology}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Atlaw, N.A. and Keelara, S. and Correa, M. and Foster, D. and Gebreyes, W. and Aidara-Kane, A. and Harden, L. and Thakur, S. and Fedorka-Cray, P.J.}, year={2022}, month={Feb}, pages={109516} }
 @article{atlaw_keelara_correa_foster_gebreyes_aidara-kane_harden_thakur_fedorka-cray_2021, title={Identification of CTX-M type ESBL E. coli from sheep and their abattoir environment using whole-genome sequencing}, volume={10}, ISSN={["2076-0817"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10111480}, DOI={10.3390/pathogens10111480}, abstractNote={Widespread dissemination of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) Escherichia coli (E. coli) in animals, retail meats, and patients has been reported worldwide except for limited information on small ruminants. Our study focused on the genotypic characterization of ESBL E. coli from healthy sheep and their abattoir environment in North Carolina, USA. A total of 113 ESBL E. coli isolates from sheep (n = 65) and their abattoir environment (n = 48) were subjected to whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Bioinformatics tools were used to analyze the WGS data. Multiple CTX-M-type beta-lactamase genes were detected, namely blaCTX-M-1, blaCTX-M-14, blaCTX-M-15, blaCTX-M-27, blaCTX-M-32, blaCTX-M-55, and blaCTX-M-65. Other beta-lactamase genes detected included blaCMY-2, blaTEM-1A/B/C, and blaCARB-2. In addition, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes and/or point mutations that confer resistance to quinolones, aminoglycosides, phenicols, tetracyclines, macrolides, lincosamides, and folate-pathway antagonists were identified. The majority of the detected plasmids were shared between isolates from sheep and the abattoir environment. Sequence types were more clustered around seasonal sampling but dispersed across sample types. In conclusion, our study reported wide dissemination of ESBL E. coli in sheep and the abattoir environment and associated AMR genes, point mutations, and plasmids. This is the first comprehensive AMR and WGS report on ESBL E. coli from sheep and abattoir environments in the United States.}, number={11}, journal={Pathogens}, publisher={MDPI AG}, author={Atlaw, N.A. and Keelara, S. and Correa, M. and Foster, D. and Gebreyes, W. and Aidara-Kane, A. and Harden, L. and Thakur, S. and Fedorka-Cray, P.J.}, year={2021}, pages={1480} }
 @article{laing_christley_stringer_ashine_cian_aklilu_newton_radford_pinchbeck_2021, title={Pathology, infectious agents and horse‐ and management‐level risk factors associated with signs of respiratory disease in Ethiopian working horses}, volume={53}, ISSN={0425-1644 2042-3306}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/evj.13339}, DOI={10.1111/evj.13339}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={4}, journal={Equine Veterinary Journal}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Laing, Gabrielle and Christley, Robert and Stringer, Andrew and Ashine, Tibebu and Cian, Francesco and Aklilu, Nigatu and Newton, Richard and Radford, Alan and Pinchbeck, Gina}, year={2021}, month={Jul}, pages={670–681} }
 @article{atlaw_keelara_behera_yustnyniuk_thakur_fedorka-cray_2020, title={Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Extended-spectrum Beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli from Sheep and the Abattoir Environment in North Carolina: A Serial Cross-sectional Study}, volume={83}, number={Supplement A}, journal={Journal of Food Protection}, author={Atlaw, N. and Keelara, S. and Behera, S. and Yustnyniuk, V. and Thakur, S. and Fedorka-Cray, Pj}, year={2020}, month={Oct}, pages={49–50} }
 @inproceedings{atlaw_keelara_behera_yustnyniuk_harden-plumley_thakur_fedorka-cray_2020, title={Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Salmonella spp. from sheep and their abattoir environment in North Carolina: a serial cross-sectional study}, booktitle={Proceedings for the 6th World One Health Congress}, author={Atlaw, N.A. and Keelara, S. and Behera, Sk. and Yustnyniuk, V. and Harden-Plumley, L. and Thakur, S. and Fedorka-Cray, P}, year={2020}, month={Jun} }
 @inproceedings{atlaw_keelara_harden_thakur_fedorka-cray_2020, title={Resistome characterization of extended-spectrum β-lactamase E. coli from sheep and abattoir environment}, booktitle={Proceedings for the 101st Annual Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases}, author={Atlaw, N.A. and Keelara, S. and Harden, L. and Thakur, S. and Fedorka-Cray, P}, year={2020}, month={Dec} }
 @inproceedings{atlaw_keelara_nayakvdi_foster_thakur_fedorka-cray_2019, title={Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella and E. coli in sheep and environment in North Carolina}, booktitle={Proceedings for the 100th Annual Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases}, author={Atlaw, N.A. and Keelara, S. and Nayakvdi, S. and Foster, D. and Thakur, S. and Fedorka-Cray, P}, year={2019} }
 @inproceedings{atlaw_2019, title={Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of salmonella and e. coli in sheep and environment in North Carolina – an abattoir-based study}, author={Atlaw, N.A.}, year={2019}, month={Aug} }
 @article{keelara_fedorka-cray_nayakvdi_atlaw_2019, title={Prevalence of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., and Salmonella in Soil and Water after Hurricane Florence Flooding in North Carolina}, volume={82}, number={Supplement A}, journal={Journal of Food Protection}, author={Keelara, S. and Fedorka-Cray, P. and Nayakvdi, S. and Atlaw, N.A.}, year={2019}, pages={153} }
 @article{laing_christley_stringer_aklilu_ashine_newton_radford_pinchbeck_2018, title={Respiratory disease and sero-epidemiology of respiratory pathogens in the working horses of Ethiopia}, volume={50}, ISSN={0425-1644}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/evj.12834}, DOI={10.1111/evj.12834}, abstractNote={Summary}, number={6}, journal={Equine Veterinary Journal}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Laing, G. and Christley, R. and Stringer, A. and Aklilu, N. and Ashine, T. and Newton, R. and Radford, A. and Pinchbeck, G.}, year={2018}, month={Nov}, pages={793–799} }
 @article{worku_wondimagegn_aklilu_assefa_gizachew_2017, title={Equine colic: clinical epidemiology and associated risk factors in and around Debre Zeit}, volume={49}, ISSN={0049-4747 1573-7438}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11250-017-1283-y}, DOI={10.1007/s11250-017-1283-y}, abstractNote={A prospective study was conducted to describe clinical epidemiology of equine colic in the Society for Protection of Animal Abroad and Donkey Sanctuary Project Clinic, at Debre Zeit, Ethiopia, from November 2014 to April 2015. The objectives were to describe clinical epidemiology of equine colic, to characterize the main types of equine colic, and to determine the major risk factors associated with equine colic. The method which was used in the study was attending clinical case of equine and assessing physiological parameters, fecal egg count, abdominal sounds, and rectal examination as well as questioner interviewing of the owners. The data were collected and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science. The incidence of colic was 10.3% in the study period. Colicky were typed as unknown, flatulent, impaction, spasmodic, and enterolithiasis. The proportion of case incidence were 63.1 (41/65), 33.8 (22/65), and 3.1% (2/65), in donkey, horse, and mule, respectively. The total mean (±SD) of temperature 37.80 ± 1.003, heart rate 57.54 ± 10.098, fecal egg count 236.922 ± 67.990, respiratory rate 30.92 ± 7.315, and packed cell volume 41.40 ± 10.221 were recorded. The case fatality rate of equine colic was 15.38% (10/65). There were statistically highly significant (p < 0.01) differences in impaction colic in relation to species. Interview with 183 equine owners revealed incidence of equine colic as the sixth major disease condition affecting equine. A long-term epidemiological study of the true representative population should be carried out to determine the incidence rate and associated risk factors of equine colic in the study area.}, number={5}, journal={Tropical Animal Health and Production}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Worku, Yonas and Wondimagegn, Workneh and Aklilu, Nigatu and Assefa, Zerihun and Gizachew, Ayele}, year={2017}, month={Apr}, pages={959–965} }
 @article{gebreegziabher_lemma_abayneh_aklilu_asgedom_bsrat_2017, title={Prevalence and Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders in Cart Horses in Hawassa and Shashemene, Ethiopia}, volume={9}, number={1}, journal={European Journal of Applied Sciences}, author={Gebreegziabher, H. and Lemma, A. and Abayneh, T. and Aklilu, N. and Asgedom, D. and Bsrat, A}, year={2017}, pages={1–5} }
 @article{muleta_mengistu_geleti_aklilu_asebe_2016, title={Characterization of Common Horse Feeds in Selected Areas of Ethiopia}, volume={16}, number={3}, journal={Global Journal of Science Frontier Research: D Agriculture and Veterinary}, author={Muleta, E. and Mengistu, A. and Geleti, D. and Aklilu, N. and Asebe, G}, year={2016}, pages={37–42} }
 @article{tsegay_potts_aklilu_lötter_gummow_2016, title={Circulating serovars of Leptospira in cart horses of central and southern Ethiopia and associated risk factors}, volume={125}, ISSN={0167-5877}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.01.009}, DOI={10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.01.009}, abstractNote={Little work has been done on diseases of horses in Ethiopia or tropical regions of the world. Yet, Ethiopia has the largest horse population in Africa and their horses play a pivotal role in their economy as traction animals. A serological and questionnaire survey was therefore conducted to determine the circulating serovars of Leptospira and their association with potential risk factors in the cart horse population of Central and Southern Ethiopia. A total of 184 out of 418 cart horses from 13 districts had antibody titres of 1:100 or greater to at least one of 16 serovars of Leptospira species in Central and Southern Ethiopian horses. A significantly higher seropositivity (62.1%) was noted in horses from the highland agroecology followed by midland (44.4%) and lowland (39.8%). Serovar Bratislava (34.5%) was the predominant serovar followed by serovars Djasiman (9.8%), Topaz (5.98%) and Pomona (5.3%). Age and location proved to be associated with seropositive horses with older horses being more commonly affected and the districts of Ziway (Batu) (Apparent Prevalence (AP)=65.5%), Shashemene (AP=48.3%) and Sebeta (AP=41.4%) having the highest prevalence. Multivariable logistic regression found risk factors significantly associated with Leptospira seropositive horses were drinking river water (OR=2.8) and horses 7-12 years old (OR=5) and risk factors specifically associated with serovar Bratislava seropositive horses were drinking river water (OR=2.5), horses ≥13 years (OR=3.5) and the presence of dogs in adjacent neighbouring properties (OR=0.3). Dogs had a protective effect against seropositivity to serovars Bratislava and Djasiman, which may be due to their ability to control rodents. The high seroprevalence confirm that leptospirosis is endemic among horses of Central and Southern Ethiopia. The predominance of serovar Bratislava supports the idea that serovar Bratislava may be adapted to and maintained by the horse population of Central and Southern Ethiopia. This study emphasizes the need for further countrywide serological surveys and isolation of circulating leptospires in animals and humans in order to understand the role of horses in the epidemiology of this disease.}, journal={Preventive Veterinary Medicine}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Tsegay, K. and Potts, A.D. and Aklilu, N. and Lötter, C. and Gummow, B.}, year={2016}, month={Mar}, pages={106–115} }
 @article{scantlebury_pinchbeck_loughnane_aklilu_ashine_stringer_gordon_marshall_christley_mccarthy_2016, title={Development and Evaluation of a Molecular Diagnostic Method for Rapid Detection of Histoplasma capsulatum var. farciminosum, the Causative Agent of Epizootic Lymphangitis, in Equine Clinical Samples}, volume={54}, ISSN={0095-1137 1098-660X}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/JCM.00896-16}, DOI={10.1128/JCM.00896-16}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT}, number={12}, journal={Journal of Clinical Microbiology}, publisher={American Society for Microbiology}, author={Scantlebury, C. E. and Pinchbeck, G. L. and Loughnane, P. and Aklilu, N. and Ashine, T. and Stringer, A. P. and Gordon, L. and Marshall, M. and Christley, R. M. and McCarthy, A. J.}, editor={Fenwick, B. W.Editor}, year={2016}, month={Dec}, pages={2990–2999} }
 @article{scantlebury_pinchbeck_loughnane_aklilu_ashine_stringer_gordon_marshall_christley_mccarthy_et al._2016, title={Development and evaluation of a molecular diagnostic method to rapidly detect Histoplasma capsulatum var. farciminosum (causing Epizootic Lymphangitis) in equine clinical samples}, volume={39}, ISSN={0737-0806}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2016.02.020}, DOI={10.1016/j.jevs.2016.02.020}, number={Supplement}, journal={Journal of Equine Veterinary Science}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Scantlebury, C. E. and Pinchbeck, G. L. and Loughnane, P. and Aklilu, N. and Ashine, T. and Stringer, Andrew and Gordon, L. and Marshall, M. and Christley, R. M. and McCarthy, A. J. and et al.}, year={2016}, month={Apr}, pages={S9–S10} }
 @article{laing_christley_stringer_radford_aklilu_newton_pinchbeck_2016, title={Unraveling the causes of respiratory disease in the working equids of Ethiopia: A cross sectional survey}, volume={39}, ISSN={0737-0806}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2016.02.209}, DOI={10.1016/j.jevs.2016.02.209}, abstractNote={Previous research has demonstrated that respiratory disease, particularly coughing and nasal discharge are consistently ranked in the top-three health concerns for working equid owners. However, there is little existing literature on the possible aetiology and these syndromes are poorly defined. This study aimed to better understand respiratory disease, including frequency of signs, in working equids and assess exposure to the major respiratory pathogens. A cross-sectional study was conducted across 19 sites in Central Ethiopia. Owners and horses were sampled using systematic random sampling from a selected focal point in the town. A brief questionnaire was administered to drivers/owners to ascertain horse details and history of respiratory signs or disease. A clinical examination was performed and a jugular blood sample was taken. Heat-treated serum was transported to the UK for testing. Serology for antibody titres to equine influenza virus (EIV) used a multispecies Influenza A competitive Enzyme-linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA). Samples showing a borderline negative result ( 0.3 on ELISA. Complement fixation was used to determine serum antibody titres to equine herpes viruses (EHV-1/4) and equine rhinitis viruses (ERAV/ERBV). Over 19 sites, 350 participants were selected. Owners reported 38% animals examined had recent history of coughing (last 30 days), 8% had a history of nasal discharge and 3% had suffered other breathing problems. In addition 11% horses examined had a clinically significant nasal discharge. Serology results for 350 horses suggested recent exposure to S equi in 23%, EAV 3.4%, but exposure to influenza virus was very rare. Low antibody titres to EHV-1/4 and ERAV/ERBV were also detected. Clinical signs of respiratory disease were relatively uncommon on examination of these working horses; however owners reported higher levels of respiratory signs in the previous 30 days, particularly coughing, consistent with results from the previous participatory studies. It appears S equi is endemic in the population and is likely to be a}, journal={Journal of Equine Veterinary Science}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Laing, G. and Christley, R. and Stringer, A. and Radford, A. and Aklilu, N. and Newton, R. and Pinchbeck, G.}, year={2016}, month={Apr}, pages={S98} }
 @article{scantlebury_pinchbeck_loughnane_ashine_aklilu_stringer_gordon_christley_mccarthy_2015, title={Development and Evaluation of A Molecular Diagnostic Method to Rapidly DetectHistoplasma Capsulatum Var. Farciminosum(Causing Epizootic Lymphangitis) from Equine Clinical Samples}, volume={47}, ISSN={0425-1644}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/evj.12486_46}, DOI={10.1111/evj.12486_46}, abstractNote={Reasons for performing studyHistoplasma capsulatum var. farciminosum (HCF), causing epizootic lymphangitis (EZL), is endemic in parts of Africa including, Ethiopia, Senegal and Gambia. Despite its high prevalence, impact on animal welfare and socio‐economic importance, there is little evidence upon which to build practical disease control strategies. The performance and availability of diagnostic tests currently used by clinicians is problematic. Methods such as pattern recognition of clinical signs and microscopy lack specificity and other reported methods are either not commercially available or not readily feasible in these settings (e.g. culture). This is a significant barrier to further understanding this disease within endemic countries.}, number={S48}, journal={Equine Veterinary Journal}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Scantlebury, C.E. and Pinchbeck, G.L. and Loughnane, P. and Ashine, T. and Aklilu, N. and Stringer, A.P. and Gordon, L. and Christley, R.M. and McCarthy, A.J.}, year={2015}, month={Sep}, pages={20–20} }
 @inproceedings{albone_aklilu_mideksa_hulme_2015, title={Longitudinal follow-up of the effectiveness of SPANA’s animal welfare education program in Ethiopia}, booktitle={The Proceedings of the International Society for Anthrozoology}, author={Albone, S. and Aklilu, N. and Mideksa, K. and Hulme, D}, year={2015} }
 @article{scantlebury_zerfu_pinchbeck_reed_gebreab_aklilu_mideksa_christley_2015, title={Participatory appraisal of the impact of epizootic lymphangitis in Ethiopia}, volume={120}, ISSN={0167-5877}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.03.012}, DOI={10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.03.012}, abstractNote={Epizootic lymphangitis (EZL) is reported to have a significant impact upon livelihoods within resource-poor settings. This study used a participatory approach to explore peoples’ experiences of EZL and examine the perceived impact of disease, owner knowledge and understanding of EZL, lay management of disease and, attitudes and strategies towards disease prevention. Focus-group discussions were held with 358 cart-horse owners and drivers recruited from 7 towns attended by SPANA (Society for the protection of animals abroad) mobile veterinary clinics and 2 unexposed towns where no SPANA clinics were available. Focus group discussions explored four main research questions: (1) Is EZL recognised by animal owners, and is this considered an important disease in equids? (2) What factors do animal owners associate with the development of disease? (3) What happens to an animal with clinical disease and how does this impact upon the owner/community? (4) Are measures taken to reduce disease occurrence? These key areas were explored using photographs, disease ranking, matrices and open discussion. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results are presented thematically and include: recognition and descriptions of EZL, treatment strategies used, disease priorities and ranking, impact of disease, disease transmission and attitudes and approaches to disease prevention. EZL was widely recognised and ranked highly as an important disease of equids. However, there was uncertainty around identifying early cases of EZL, and this could impact upon the timing of initiating treatment and separating potentially infectious animals. People had varying knowledge of effective methods for disease prevention and reported particular difficulties with isolating infected animals. The impact of EZL was multi-dimensional and encompassed effects upon the horse, the individual owner and the wider society. Working equids provide a vital utility and source of income to many people in resource-poor settings. Often, infection with EZL resulted in a reduction in working ability which had a direct impact upon the livelihoods of owners and their dependent family members. EZL also impacted upon the welfare of the horse as sick animals continued to be worked and, in advanced cases, horses were abandoned due to ineffective or unavailable treatment. This study conceptualises the importance of EZL due to the effects of the disease on the horse and its impact upon human livelihoods. Epizootic lymphangitis is a neglected disease that requires further investigation in order to develop practical and sustainable disease control strategies within endemic regions.}, number={3-4}, journal={Preventive Veterinary Medicine}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Scantlebury, C.E. and Zerfu, A. and Pinchbeck, G.P. and Reed, K. and Gebreab, F. and Aklilu, N. and Mideksa, K. and Christley, R.}, year={2015}, month={Jul}, pages={265–276} }
 @article{2014 acvim forum research abstracts program_2014, volume={1}, url={http://europepmc.org/abstract/PMC/PMC4895472}, journal={Journal of veterinary internal medicine}, year={2014}, month={Jan} }
 @article{aklilu_batten_gelaye_jenberie_ayelet_wilson_belay_asfaw_oura_maan_et al._2014, title={African Horse Sickness Outbreaks Caused by Multiple Virus Types in Ethiopia}, volume={61}, ISSN={1865-1674}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/tbed.12024}, DOI={10.1111/tbed.12024}, abstractNote={African horse sickness (AHS) is associated with high morbidity and mortality in equids, especially horses. A retrospective analysis was carried out concerning 737 AHS outbreaks that occurred during 2007-2010 in Ethiopia. A total of ten outbreaks were investigated in the study period. All four forms of the disease (pulmonary, cardiac, horse sickness fever and the combined form) were observed, with the cardiac form being the most prevalent. Multiple African horse sickness virus serotypes (AHSV-2, AHSV-4, AHSV-6, AHSV-8 and AHSV-9) were detected by molecular methods (type-specific real-time RT-PCR assays), and fourteen isolates were derived from blood and tissue samples collected during 2009-2010. This is the first report of AHSV-4, AHSV-6 or AHSV-8 in Ethiopia.}, number={2}, journal={Transboundary and Emerging Diseases}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Aklilu, N. and Batten, C. and Gelaye, E. and Jenberie, S. and Ayelet, G. and Wilson, A. and Belay, A. and Asfaw, Y. and Oura, C. and Maan, S. and et al.}, year={2014}, month={Apr}, pages={185–192} }
 @inproceedings{aklilu_stringer_2014, place={Snetterton, Norwich, Norfolk}, title={African Horse Sickness in Ethiopia: a review}, booktitle={The Proceedings of the 7th International Colloquium on Working Equids}, publisher={World Horse Welfare, Anne Colvin House}, author={Aklilu, N. and Stringer, A.P}, editor={Wade, J.F.Editor}, year={2014}, pages={180–182} }
 @inproceedings{aklilu_stringer_zewdu_gemechu_tefera_desissa_ashine_lunn_2014, title={Epizootic lymphangitis: a major welfare problem of working equids in Ethiopia}, volume={28}, number={3}, booktitle={Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine}, author={Aklilu, N. and Stringer, A and Zewdu, H and Gemechu, G and Tefera, G and Desissa, F and Ashine, T and Lunn, Dp}, year={2014}, month={May}, pages={1119} }
 @misc{atlaw_2014, title={Health and Welfare of Equines - Experiences from a British animal charity, the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA) working in Ethiopia}, author={Atlaw, N.A.}, year={2014}, month={May} }
 @misc{atlaw_2014, place={Neston, Wirral, UK}, title={Health and Welfare of Equines - Experiences from a British animal charity, the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA) working in Ethiopia}, author={Atlaw, N.A.}, year={2014}, month={Jul} }
 @inproceedings{aklilu_stringer_lunn_2014, title={Infectious Diseases of Working Equids: Havemeyer Workshop Report}, volume={28}, number={4}, booktitle={Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine}, author={Aklilu, N. and Stringer, A and Lunn, Dp}, year={2014}, month={Jul}, pages={1368–1369} }
 @article{debelu_aklilu_sisay_desissa_2014, title={Isolation and identification of aerobic bacterial species from upper respiratory tract of cart-horses in Central Ethiopia}, volume={6}, number={9}, journal={Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health}, author={Debelu, T. and Aklilu, N. and Sisay, T. and Desissa, F}, year={2014}, pages={239–244} }
 @article{tafese_jibat_aklilu_zewdu_kumsa_2014, title={Lice infesting horses in three agroecological zones in central Oromia}, volume={38}, ISSN={0971-7196 0975-0703}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12639-013-0235-3}, DOI={10.1007/s12639-013-0235-3}, abstractNote={A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and species composition of lice infesting horses in three agroecological zones in seven different districts in central Oromia from November 2011 to April 2012. For this purpose, a total of 420 horses were thoroughly examined for presence of lice. Collected lice were identified to species level under a microscope. The study showed an overall prevalence of 28.8 % (121/420) lice infestation on horses. We identified two spp. of lice on horses namely, Bovicola (Werneckiella) equi and Haematopinus asini with an overall prevalence of 22.9 % (96/420) and 5.9 % (25/420), respectively. The overall prevalence of lice infestation on horses in districts was 48.3, 43.3, 33.3, 23.3, 21.7, 18.3 and 13.3 %, in Debre Brehan, Shashemene, Hawassa, Akaki, Adama, Modjo and Bishoftu, respectively. B. equi was encountered as the predominant species on horses in all districts. Higher overall prevalence of lice infestation was recorded in highland agroecology than mid and lowland agroecological zones. Similarly, our study revealed significantly higher overall prevalence of lice on saddle horses than on cart horses. In view of the findings of the present study two species of lice are responsible for health and welfare problems of horses in all the districts. Detailed epidemiological studies on the significance, prevalence and role of lice as vectors of zoonotic pathogens in different agroecological zones, breeds and management systems warrant urgent attention. Animal owners and veterinarians should consider lice control in horses as part of the ectoparasite control in other species of animals.}, number={4}, journal={Journal of Parasitic Diseases}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Tafese, Adane and Jibat, Tariku and Aklilu, Nigatu and Zewdu, Hanna and Kumsa, Bersissa}, year={2014}, pages={352–357} }
 @inproceedings{laing_christley_stringer_radford_aklilu_newton_pinchbeck_2014, place={Snetterton, Norwich, Norfolk}, title={Unravelling the causes of respiratory disease in the working equids of Ethiopia}, booktitle={The Proceedings of the 7th International Colloquium on Working Equids}, publisher={World Horse Welfare, Anne Colvin House}, author={Laing, G. and Christley, R. and Stringer, A. and Radford, A. and Aklilu, N. and Newton, R. and Pinchbeck, G}, editor={Wade, J.F.Editor}, year={2014}, pages={183–186} }
 @inproceedings{albone_aklilu_mideksa_hulme_2013, title={Evaluation of the SPANA animal welfare education program in Ethiopia}, booktitle={The Proceedings of the International Society for Anthrozoology}, author={Albone, S. and Aklilu, N. and Mideksa, K. and Hulme, D}, year={2013} }
 @inproceedings{atlaw_2013, title={Improving the Health and Welfare Working Equids in Ethiopia, SPANA’s Experience}, author={Atlaw, N.A.}, year={2013}, month={Nov} }
 @article{scantlebury_aklilu_reed_knottenbelt_gebreab_pinchbeck_2013, title={Ocular disease in working horses in Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study}, volume={172}, ISSN={0042-4900}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/vr.100802}, DOI={10.1136/vr.100802}, abstractNote={Ocular disease is a frequent finding in working horses. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and types of ocular pathology, and explore risk factors potentially associated with disease within a population of working horses in Ethiopia. In total, 1049 horses were selected from horses attending clinics run by the Society for Protection of Animals Abroad (SPANA). Each had an ophthalmic examination conducted under field conditions using a pen‐torch. All owners completed a short questionnaire. The prevalence of ocular abnormalities was 23.5 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval (CI) 18.0 per cent to 30.1 per cent) and the percentage of horses with an abnormality in at least one eye was 43 per cent (95 per cent CI 28.7 per cent to 58.4 per cent), although this varied between towns. Mild eye pathology and end‐stage disease with irreversible pathology were most common. There were significantly more eye abnormalities in the right eye compared with the left, and older horses were more likely to have ocular pathology. Only 55.1 per cent of owners had noticed there was an ocular abnormality present, and only 2.2 per cent had received any previous treatment for eye disease. Only 1.9 per cent presented to the clinic because of an eye problem. There appears to be either a lack of owner awareness, or a low perception of the importance of eye disease among owners.}, number={4}, journal={Veterinary Record}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Scantlebury, C. E. and Aklilu, N. and Reed, K. and Knottenbelt, D. C. and Gebreab, F. and Pinchbeck, G. L.}, year={2013}, month={Jan}, pages={99–103} }
 @article{ayelet_derso_jenberie_tigre_aklilu_gelaye_asmare_2013, title={Outbreak investigation and molecular characterization of African horse sickness virus circulating in selected areas of Ethiopia}, volume={127}, ISSN={0001-706X}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.03.018}, DOI={10.1016/j.actatropica.2013.03.018}, abstractNote={The study was conducted from June 2011 to May 2012 in central, northern and western parts of Ethiopia to investigate and identify circulating serotypes of African horse sickness virus (AHSV). The indigenous knowledge of equine owners about AHS in the study areas was assessed and also the retrospective data of AHS outbreaks for 2011 were analyzed. Whole blood samples were collected for virus isolation and serotyping from diseased horses and mules showing typical signs of the AHS. Virus isolation on Vero cell and detection of AHSV genomes using conventional RT-PCR were conducted. Further molecular characterization and serotyping were done on positive isolates. The questionnaire survey revealed that equine owners do recognize AHS clinically and have a local name that varies in different regions. From the 72 equine owners interviewed about their knowhow of AHS, 48 (66.7%) of respondents were not aware of AHS disease mode of transmission. The retrospective disease report data showed that a total of 208 outbreaks were reported and 3036 cases and 1167 deaths were recorded in 2011. AHS outbreaks were more frequently observed from September to December and the highest number of outbreaks was recorded in October. During the study period totally six outbreaks were investigated and a total of 62 horses and 10 mules were found sick and all the four forms of AHS were observed. Cardiac form accounted for 52.8%, followed by African horse sickness fever form 31.9%, pulmonary form 8.4% and mixed form 6.9%. AHSV-9 was the only serotype circulating in the outbreak areas.}, number={2}, journal={Acta Tropica}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Ayelet, Gelagay and Derso, Samuel and Jenberie, Shiferaw and Tigre, Worku and Aklilu, Nigatu and Gelaye, Esayas and Asmare, Kassahun}, year={2013}, month={Aug}, pages={91–96} }
 @inproceedings{albone_aklilu_hulme_2012, title={Development of the SPANA caring for animals questionnaire}, booktitle={The Proceedings of the International Society for Anthrozoology}, author={Albone, S. and Aklilu, N. and Hulme, D}, year={2012} }
 @article{mekonnen_makonnen_aklilu_ameni_2012, title={Evaluation of berries of Phytolacca dodecandra for growth inhibition of Histoplasma capsulatum var. farciminosum and treatment of cases of epizootic lymphangitis in Ethiopia}, volume={2}, ISSN={2221-1691}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(12)60086-0}, DOI={10.1016/S2221-1691(12)60086-0}, abstractNote={To evaluate the berries of Phytolacca dodecandra (P. dodecandra) for its effect on Histoplasma capsulatum var. farciminosum (HCF) and for the treatment of cases of epizootic lymphangitis (EL). Samples were collected from un-ruptured nodules of cases of EL at Debre Zeit and Akaki (central Ethiopia). Mycological culture and isolation of HCF were performed at the Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology. Phytochemical screening was done for n-butanol extract of P. dodecandra to detect alkaloids, saponins, phenolic compounds and flavonoids. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum fungicidal concentrations (MFCs) of aqueous and n-butanol extracts of P. dodecandra against HCF were determined by agar dilution assay. For the in vivo trial, 5% simple ointment was prepared from n-butanol extract and applied topically to 24 (twelve early and twelve moderate) cases of EL. Phytochemical screening showed that n-butanol extract of P. dodecandra was positive for alkaloids, saponins and phenolic compounds but negative for flavonoids. The MICs of n-butanol and aqueous extracts of P. dodecandra were (0.039%–0.078%) and (0.625%–1.250%), respectively. The MFCs of n-butanol and aqueous extracts of P. dodecandra were (0.078%–0.156%) and (1.250%–2.500%), respectively. The MIC and MFC of ketoconazole (positive control) was (1.200×10−5%–2.500×10−5%) and (5.000×10−5%–1.000×10−4%), respectively while growth was observed on free medium (negative control). From the total of 24 treated cases of EL, 14 (58.3%) responded to treatment; however, 10 (41.7%) did not respond to treatment. There was no significant difference in the degree of response to treatment between early and moderate cases (χ2=0.686; P=0.408). It can be concluded that n-butanol extract of P. dodecandra demonstrates antifungal effects while the aqueous extract shows no antifungal activity.}, number={7}, journal={Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine}, publisher={Medknow}, author={Mekonnen, Negesse and Makonnen, Eyasu and Aklilu, Nigatu and Ameni, Gobena}, year={2012}, month={Jul}, pages={505–510} }
 @article{kumsa_tamrat_tadesse_aklilu_cassini_2012, title={Prevalence and species composition of ixodid ticks infesting horses in three agroecologies in central Oromia, Ethiopia}, volume={44}, ISSN={0049-4747 1573-7438}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11250-011-9897-y}, DOI={10.1007/s11250-011-9897-y}, abstractNote={A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the species composition and prevalence of ixodid ticks infesting horses in three agroecological zones in central Ethiopia. For this purpose, a total of 1,168 horses were examined for tick infestation. An overall prevalence of 39.04% of tick infestation on horses was recorded. A total of 917 adult ticks were collected from infested horses. Amblyomma, Boophilus, Rhipicephalus, and Hyalomma genera with the respective prevalence of 3.2%, 1.8%, 29.2%, and 4.7% were identified. In the study, Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi was encountered with the highest prevalence (15.8%) whereas Amblyomma gemma was with lowest prevalence (1.5%). From the highland, Hyalomma marginatum rufipes (3.1%), Hyalomma truncatum (1.0%), and Boophilus decoloratus (0.3%) were identified. From the midland, R. evertsi evertsi (27.5%), Rhipicephalus pulchellus (18%), Amblyomma variegatum (3.6%), B. decoloratus (2.8%), H. marginatum rufipes (2.6%), H. truncatum (1.8%), and A. gemma (1.5%) were identified. R. evertsi evertsi, 107 (27.5%), was with the highest prevalence in the midland. From the lowland, R. pulchellus (22.3%), R. evertsi evertsi (20%), H. truncatum (3.6%), A. gemma (3.1%), B. decoloratus (2.3%), H. marginatum rufipes (2.1%), and A. variegatum (1.5%) were identified. In the lowland, R. pulchellus, 87 (22.3%), was the most abundant tick species. The overall prevalence of tick infestation on horses was significantly (P<0.05) higher both in the midland, 225 (57.8%), and the lowland, 214 (54.87%), than the highland, 17 (4.4%). This suggests that horses in midland and lowland are at higher risk of tick infestation than those horses in the highland. Further studies on the role of ticks in transmission of diseases to equines and the importance of horses as alternative hosts in different parts of Ethiopia are needed.}, number={1}, journal={Tropical Animal Health and Production}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Kumsa, Bersissa and Tamrat, Habtamu and Tadesse, Getachew and Aklilu, Nigatu and Cassini, Rudi}, year={2012}, pages={119–124} }
 @article{pal_aklilu_giro_2012, title={Rift Valley Fever: A Fatal Viral Disease of Neonatal Animals}, volume={2}, ISSN={2277-1964}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.5455/ijlr.20120407060532}, DOI={10.5455/ijlr.20120407060532}, abstractNote={Rift Valley fever (RVF), a mosquito-borne disease of animals and humans, is caused by Phlebovirus which belong to the family Bunyaviridae. The disease in animals is characterized by fever, anorexia, diarrhea, hepatitis and abortion. It causes high mortality in neonatal animals and high incidence of abortion in sheep and cattle. The disease is of great economic significance as losses mainly occur due to the death of young lambs and calves. Laboratory help is required to confirm the diagnosis of RVF. The immunization and vector control are the main strategies to reduce the incidence of RVF. It is considered as an occupational disease of livestock handlers, dairy farmers, abattoir workers and veterinarians. Hence, it is imperative to take all necessary precautions to protect from infection.}, number={2}, journal={International Journal of Livestock Research}, publisher={ScopeMed Publishing}, author={Pal, Mahendra and Aklilu, Nigatu and Giro, Bulto}, year={2012}, pages={14} }
 @misc{atlaw_2011, title={Infectious diseases of Equines in Ethiopia}, author={Atlaw, N.A.}, year={2011}, month={Feb} }
 @inproceedings{scantlebury c._pinchbeck g._reed_gebreab_zerfu_aklilu_mideksa_christley_2010, place={30 Farringdon Street, London}, title={Participatory assessment of the impact of epizootic lymphangitis in Ethiopia}, booktitle={Proceedings of the 6th International Colloquium on Working Equids: learning from others}, publisher={The Brooke}, author={Scantlebury C., E. and Pinchbeck G., P. and Reed, K. and Gebreab, F. and Zerfu, A. and Aklilu, N. and Mideksa, K. and Christley, R}, year={2010}, pages={184–186} }
 @inproceedings{aklilu_abebaw_2010, place={30 Farringdon Street, London}, title={Socioeconomic impact of Epizootic Lymphangitis on the horse drawn taxi business in central Ethiopia}, booktitle={Proceedings of the 6th International Colloquium on Working Equids: Learning from Others}, publisher={The Brooke}, author={Aklilu, N. and Abebaw, Z}, year={2010}, pages={83–86} }
 @misc{atlaw_2010, title={Tackling Epizootic lymphangitis - SPANA’s Horse Health and Welfare Project}, author={Atlaw, N.A.}, year={2010}, month={Feb} }
 @inproceedings{getachew_endebu_gebreab_jones_aklilu_zerfu_midekssa_2007, place={Sidmouth, Devon}, title={Treatment of epizootic lymphangitis in cart horses through participatory method}, booktitle={Proceedings of the fifth international colloquium on working equines: the future for working equines}, publisher={The Donkey Sanctuary}, author={Getachew, A. and Endebu, B. and Gebreab, F. and Jones, K. and Aklilu, N. and Zerfu, A. and Midekssa, K}, editor={Pearson, R.A. and Muir, C.J. and Farrow, M.Editors}, year={2007}, pages={441–444} }