Serosurvey of Dogs for Human, Livestock, and Wildlife Pathogens, Uganda

A serosurvey of dogs in and around three Ugandan national parks, including Bwindi Impenetrable National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its mountain gorilla populations—revealed high seroprevalence rates (20% to 100%) for multiple pathogens with implications for human, livestock, and wildlife health. Notably, the study found the highest reported global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in dogs, suggesting significant environmental contamination by this protozoon. Additionally, rabies virus antibodies were more prevalent in castrated dogs, hinting at potential differences in exposure or survival between dog populations. The research also identified active circulation of canine distemper and parvoviruses, which pose risks to both domestic and wild carnivores, including endangered mountain gorillas. Conducted during a rabies vaccination campaign, the study highlights the role of rural dogs as sentinels for zoonotic diseases and underscores the need for integrated disease control strategies to protect human health, livestock, and biodiversity in densely populated regions adjacent to protected areas.

Millán, J., Chirife, A. D., Kalema-Zikusoka, G., Cabezón, O., Muro, J., Marco, I., Cliquet, F., León-Vizcaíno, L., Wasniewski, M., Almería, S., & Mugisha, L. (2013). Serosurvey of Dogs for Human, Livestock, and Wildlife Pathogens, Uganda. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 19(4), 680–682. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid1904.121143