Location: Arthropod-borne Animal Diseases Research
Project Number: 3020-32000-009-011-N
Project Type: Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2014
End Date: Jul 31, 2019
Objective:
Determine the arboviruses prevalence in Kenyan wildlife to access their potential role as a disease reservoir.
Approach:
Bluetongue, Epizootic hemorrhagic disease and Rift Valley fever (RVF) are insect-transmitted viral diseases that affect wildlife and domestic animals. RVF virus also can cause blindness and lethal disease in humans. The ARS has developed diagnostic and surveillance tools for these viruses and the insects that transmit them. This technology will be transferred to Kenya Wildlife Service staff. This includes detection of viral genomes using real-time RT-PCR assays. This is a rapid method for estimating viremia and for RVF it is safer to perform than virus isolation. In addition, commercial and new serological assays will be used to detect viral antigens and/or host antibodies to viral proteins. This study will provide valuable information about the arbovirus situation in Kenyan wildlife and assessment of new diagnostic tools.
