Tracking the dispersal of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype O in East Africa using phylodynamics

Authors: MUNSEY, ANNA - University Of Minnesota; MWIINE, FRANK - Makerere University; OCHWO, SYLVESTER - Makerere University; VELAZQUEZ SALINAS, LAURO - University Of Kansas; AHMED, ZAHEER - Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); MAREE, FRANCOIS - Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute; Rodriguez, Luis; Rieder, Aida - Elizabeth; PEREZ, ANDRES - University Of Minnesota; VANDERWAALL, KIMBERLY - University Of Minnesota; DELLICOUR, SIMON - Iris-Lab

Submitted to: Molecular Ecology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/17/2021
Publication Date: 5/19/2021
Citation: Munsey, A., Mwiine, F., Ochwo, S., Velazquez Salinas, L., Ahmed, Z., Maree, F., Rodriguez, L.L., Rieder, A.E., Perez, A., Vanderwaall, K., Dellicour, S. 2021. Tracking the dispersal of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype O in East Africa using phylodynamics. Molecular Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.15991.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.15991

Interpretive Summary: Although foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has been eradicated in most developed countries, the disease continues to have substantial economic and social impacts in developing countries. Efforts to control FMD in East Africa have included vaccination and quarantine in response to outbreaks. In this study factors such as climate changes and migratory animal systems in East Africa were examined in relation to location, and direction of FMD viruses in East Africa. We highlight the influence of human factors on FMDV spread including a tendency for FMDV to remain circulating near livestock markets. These findings contribute to the understanding of FMDV epidemiology in East Africa and can help guide improved control measures in this region.

Technical Abstract: The continued endemicity of foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) in East Africa has significant implications for livestock production and poverty reduction, and intensifies the threat of reintroduction to areas from which FMDV has been eradicated. Despite significant impacts of the disease, its complex epidemiology in endemic settings remains poorly understood. Identifying FMDV dispersal routes and drivers of transmission is key to improved control strategies. Here, we aimed to harness the information contained in FMDV VP1 genetic sequences to (1) infer the recent dispersal history and (2) investigate the impact of external factors on dispersal velocity, location, and direction of FMDV serotype O in East Africa. Environmental heterogeneity and anthropogenic drivers (e.g. demand for animal products) can impact viral spread by influencing host movements. We highlight the influence of anthropogenic factors on FMDV spread including a tendency for FMDV to remain circulating near livestock markets. These findings contribute to the understanding of FMDV epidemiology in East Africa and can help guide improved control measures in this region.