Life Sciences & Biotechnology
Title : | Corroborating host-vector-pathogen interplay in subclinical forms of arthropod-borne hemoparasitic diseases in goats |
Area of research : | Life Sciences & Biotechnology |
Principal Investigator : | Dr. Ajith Y, Kerala Veterinary & Animal Sciences University, Kerala |
Timeline Start Year : | 2022 |
Timeline End Year : | 2024 |
Contact info : | ajithy@kvasu.ac.in |
Equipments : | Computer
Thermocycler with attachments
Stereo microscope with attachements
Printer
Compound microscope-Binocular
Deep freezer
Room temperature regulator cum air conditioning
Fridge
Insect growth biological chamber/incubator with biological/vital controls
UPS |
Details
Executive Summary : | Goats, also described by Mahatma Gandhi as the “Poor man’s cow”, is a small ruminant reared mainly by the poor and marginalized farmers of Asian and African countries as their livelihood (FAO, 2012). Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are various illnesses caused by the pathogens in host populations transmitted by the arthropod vectors. The complex biological interaction between host, vector and pathogen results in varied clinical as well as subclinical forms of diseases in animals. In the human population, one-sixth of all illnesses and disabilities suffered worldwide are reportedly due to VBDs (WHO, 2014). In domestic animals, the prevalence would be more severe due to increased access of hosts to the vectors; whereas, the worldwide data on the impact of these diseases on farm animals, especially goats, is preliminary due to lack of adequate studies and documentation in this perspective. Goat farming in developing countries like India might be facing a great menace from VBDs, due to favourable environmental as well as managemental factors promoting severe ectoparasitism by these arthropod vectors. VBDs hold a significant threat to the economics of goat production, either by producing clinical disease outbreaks or due to the possible subclinical/carrier status. Developing appropriate systems for the surveillance of the genetic variability of these diseases, with special attention on the factors affecting the distribution of these arthropod vectors and developing feasible techniques for its effective control in the tropical climatic region is the need of the hour for ensuring profitable goat farming. This study is proposed to be conducted in three phases to investigate the host-vector-pathogen dynamics of arthropods and arthropod-borne hemoparasitic diseases among apparently healthy goat populations. In phase-I, a prevalence survey will be conducted for arthropod vectors, vector-borne diseases and their contributing factors by randomly sampling goats. The impact of hemoparasite infections in subclinically infected goats will be investigated and pathology in the host will be assessed. The animal owners will be evaluated using a questionnaire regarding their knowledge of arthropod vectors & vector-borne diseases, their control strategies, ectoparasiticidal drug resistance etc. Parasitic strains causing subclinical disease will be characterized. In phase-II, the ectoparasites will be identified and scientifically documented. In-vitro experiments will be designed to evaluate the biology of these pathogens in ectoparasites to study their vector potential. In phase-III, vector-borne disease control strategies will be developed based on the results of the study and the technology will be effectively transferred to the stakeholders using different extension tools (atlas/brochure/documentary/talks). The documented scientific data will be published for further scientific improvement. |
Total Budget (INR): | 29,40,340 |
Organizations involved