Foot-and-mouth disease dynamics in multi-species livestock systems at the interface of African protected areas

Many pathogens have the capacity to infect multiple hosts. Multi-species epidemiological systems are characterized by populations that interact and perform different functions in pathogen transmission and maintenance. This study investigated the epidemiological dynamics of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus in cattle and goats and their respective functions in disease circulation within sympatric livestock populations adjacent to wildlife areas in Zimbabwe. Through year-long longitudinal serological monitoring, the spatial distributions of FMD antibodies and associated risk factors were examined. The results revealed significantly greater FMDV seroprevalence in cattle than in goats, with serostatus in cattle being influenced by proximity to wildlife areas. In contrast, goats presented a lower seroprevalence, less variation among age groups, and no association with proximity to protected areas. On the other hand, clustering analysis indicated the absence of clustering of seropositive individuals at the herd scale, suggesting low levels of virus transmission between animals belonging to the same herd in both species. These findings highlight the significance of context-dependent interactions among hosts, particularly with wildlife. This study emphasizes the necessity of comprehensive surveillance and strain identification across multiple sympatric species, both wild and domestic, for the effective management of multi-host pathogens. In conclusion, this research contributes to understanding the complex dynamics of FMD transmission in rural areas in Zimbabwe and emphasizes the importance of tailored surveillance strategies in diverse ecological settings.