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Background: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) caused by Mycobacterium bovis is a major zoonotic disease in West Africa. In Africa, bTB is endemic in cattle with a prevalence ranging from 2% up to 18%. The disease causes significant public health risks due to unpasteurized milk and milk product consumption. In the context of the EU-PRISMA project, which promotes research and innovation for productive, resilient, and healthy agropastoral systems in West Africa, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in dairy herds from Mali and Niger to assess animal, herd, and within-herd bTB prevalence, as well as to identify animal risk factors and predictors of bTB herd status. Method and principal findings: A random cross-sectional survey on dairy cattle farms using comparative intradermal tuberculin test and epidemiological inquiry was performed in four regions of Mali (Bamako, Koulikoro, Mopti, and Sikasso) and three regions of Niger (Tahoua, Dosso, and Tillabéry). Herd and animal prevalence of bTB and within-herd prevalence were significantly higher in Mali (especially in Bamako and Koulikoro) than in Niger. Several risk factors were significantly associated with animals positive to bTB, i.e., the region where animals live, the age range from 3 to 7 years old, and female animals. In addition, in regions with higher bTB prevalence, the herd with slaughtering of animals in the farm and the herd with the presence of an animal assembly area were associated with the most unfavorable status of a herd with regards to bTB. Moreover, the average and the median annual economic losses of bTB at animal level were estimated at €262 and €137 respectively, with large variability depending on the farm (between €46 and €838). Conclusion and significance: This survey provides useful data on bTB epidemiology and economical losses in Mali and Niger and urges for improvement of surveillance systems and prevention and control strategies. Cost-benefit, return of investment, or similar analyses are strongly recommended to help with decision making.

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), an arbovirus belonging to the Phlebovirus genus of the Phenuiviridae family, causes the zoonotic and mosquito-borne RVF. The virus, which primarily affects livestock (ruminants and camels) and humans, is at the origin of recent major outbreaks across the African continent (Mauritania, Libya, Sudan), and in the South-Western Indian Ocean (SWIO) islands (Mayotte). In order to be better prepared for upcoming outbreaks, to predict its introduction in RVFV unscathed countries, and to run efficient surveillance programmes, the priority is harmonising and improving the diagnostic capacity of endemic countries and/or countries considered to be at risk of RVF. A serological inter-laboratory proficiency test (PT) was implemented to assess the capacity of veterinary laboratories to detect antibodies against RVFV. A total of 18 laboratories in 13 countries in the Middle East, North Africa, South Africa, and the Indian Ocean participated in the initiative. Two commercial kits and two in-house serological assays for the detection of RVFV specific IgG antibodies were tested. Sixteen of the 18 participating laboratories (88.9%) used commercial kits, the analytical performance of test sensitivity and specificity based on the seroneutralisation test considered as the reference was 100%. The results obtained by the laboratories which used the in-house assay were correct in only one of the two criteria (either sensitivity or specificity). In conclusion, most of the laboratories performed well in detecting RVFV specific IgG antibodies and can therefore be considered to be prepared. Three laboratories in three countries need to improve their detection capacities. Our study demonstrates the importance of conducting regular proficiency tests to evaluate the level of preparedness of countries and of building a network of competent laboratories in terms of laboratory diagnosis to better face future emerging diseases in emergency conditions.

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a highly contagious disease of cattle caused by subsp. Biotype Small Colony (MmmSC). The disease currently occurs in most of sub-Saharan Africa and where it is endemic and a major constraint for improving pastoral productivity. Following the persistence of this scourge, and in order to control this disease, a serological survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of CBPP in Niger. In fact, 1,590 sera were collected following a stratified sampling plan based on the risk factor of dissemination of CBPP. The analysis were performed at the Central Livestock Laboratory using the c-Elisa test. The results obtained show a wide distribution of the disease with an overall prevalence of 4.15% at individual level. The highest prevalences were recorded in the South-East regions [Zinder (7.5%), Diffa (7.5%)] and the West part [Tahoua (6.9%)]. The prevalence at the commune level was about 36.55%, which was relatively high. The prevalence at strata level was 36.55% (95% PI 0.2428-0.4882). The expected prevalences did not match those found. The results of this serological survey are considered the reference situation (T0) of CBPP in Niger with the PRAPS project, and allowed to the country to redefine control policies for better control of the disease at national and sub-regional level.

The Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is an arbovirus disease responsible of regular epizootics and epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa and Arabian Peninsula. In 2016, Niger experienced its first outbreak of RVF in Tahoua region, which resulted in high consequences in animal and human health. The aim of this study was to investigate on the RVFV circulation among potential vectors of the disease. This was a cross-sectional survey carried out in Tahoua and Agadez regions in August 2021. Adult mosquitoes were collected by using the morning spray in human dwellings and the CDC light trap methods. After morphological identification, viral RNA was extracted. The RNA was extracted by using QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit (Qiagen). The RVFV detection was performed by using the qRT-PCR method. A total of 2487 insects (1978 mosquitoes, 509 sandflies and 251 biting midges) were identified and divided into three families (Culicidae, Psychodidae and Ceratopogonidae). The Culicidae family composed of the genus being the most abundant with a predominance of (31.88%; n = 793) followed by (21.51%; n = 535), s.l. (8.44%; n = 210), (0.72%; n = 18), (0.48%; n = 12), (6.39%; n = 159), the Psychodidae with sandflies (20.46%; n = 509), and the Ceratopogonidae with genus (10.09%; n = 251). The qRT-PCR carried out on a sample of mosquitoes (N = 96) highlighted that one individual of was found positive to RVFV. This specimen was from Tassara locality (Tahoua) and collected by CDC Light Trap method. This study reveals for the first time the circulation of RVFV among in Niger and highlights the possible vectorial role of this vector in the disease transmission. Further investigations should be carried out to identify the biological and ecological determinants that support the maintenance of the virus in this area in order to guide control interventions.

First detection of Rift Valley Fever Virus among Culex pipiens in Tahoua, NigerBackground.The Rift Valley Fever (RVF) is an arbovirus disease responsible of regular epizootics and epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa and Arabian Peninsula. In 2016, Niger experienced its first outbreak of RVF in Tahoua region, which resulted in high consequences in animal and human health. The aim of this study was to investigate on the RVFV circulation among potential vectors of the disease.Methods. This was a cross-sectional survey carried out in Tahoua and Agadez regions in August 2021. Adult mosquitoes were collected by using the morning spray in human dwellings and the CDC light trap methods. After morphological identification, viral RNA was extracted. The RNA was extracted by using QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit (Qiagen). The RVFV detection was performed by using the qRT-PCR method.Results. A total of 2487 insects (1978 mosquitoes, 509 sandflies and 251 biting midges) were identified and divided into three families (Culicidae,Psychodidae and Ceratopogonidae). The Culicidae family composed of the Culexgenus being the most abundant with a predominance of Cx. pipiens (31.88%; n = 793) followed by Mansonia sp (21.51%; n = 535), Anopheles gambiaes.l.(8.44%; n = 210), An. pharoensis (0.72%; n = 18), An. rufipes (0.48%; n = 12), Cx. quinquefasciatus (6.39%; n = 159), the Psychodidae with sandflies (20.46%; n = 509), and the Ceratopogonidae withCulicoides genus (10.09%; n = 251). The qRT-PCR carried out on a sample of mosquitoes (N = 96) highlighted that one individual of Cx. pipiens was found positive to RVFV. This specimen was from Tassara locality (Tahoua) and collected by CDC Light Trap method.Conclusion. This study reveals for the first time the circulation of RVFV among Cx. pipiens in Niger and highlights the possible vectorial role of this vector in the disease transmission. Further investigations should be carried out to identify the biological and ecological determinants that support the maintenance of the virus in this area in order to guide control interventions.Détection du virus de la fièvre de la vallée du Rift chez Culex pipiens à Tahoua au NigerIntroduction.La fièvre de la vallée du Rift (FVR) est une arbovirose responsable de fréquentes épizooties et épidémies en Afrique subsaharienne et dans la péninsule arabique. En 2016, le Niger a enregistré le premier foyer de FVR dans la région de Tahoua avec des conséquences importantes sur la santé animale et humaine. Le but de cette étude est de rechercher la présence du virus de la FVR (VFVR) chez les vecteurs potentiels de la maladie.Matériels et méthodes. Il s’agit d’une enquête transversale sur les vecteurs potentiels du VFVR conduite dans les régions de Tahoua et d’Agadez en août 2021. La capture des moustiques a été réalisée à travers les méthodes par pulvérisation et pièges lumineux CDC. Après identification morphologique, l’ARN viral a été extrait en utilisant le Kit QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit (Qiagen). La détection du VFVR a été réalisée par la technique de qRT-PCR à l’aide d’amorces et de sondes spécifiques.Résultats. Au total, 2 487 insectes (1 978 moustiques, 509 phlébotomes et 251 culicoïdes) ont été identifiés et repartis en trois familles (Culicidae,Psychodidae et Ceratopogonidae). La famille des Culicidae, composée entre autres du genre Culexa été la plus abondante, avec une prédominance de l’espèce Cx.pipiens (31,88 % ; n = 793), suivie de Mansonia sp. (21,51 % ; n = 535), Anopheles gambiaes.l.(8,44 % ; n = 210), An.pharoensis (0,72 % ; n = 18), An.rufipes (0,48 % ; n = 12), Cx. quinquefasciatus (6,39 % ; n = 159), celle des Psychodidae avec les phlébotomes (20,46 % ; n = 509), et enfin celle des Ceratopogonidae avec le genreCulicoides(10,09 % ; n = 251). La qRT-PCR réalisée sur un échantillon de 96 moustiques s’est révélée positive au VFVR chez un Cx.pipiens.Conclusion. Cette étude révèle pour la première fois la circulation du virus de la FVR chez Cx.pipiensau Niger et décrit ainsi le possible rôle vectoriel de cette espèce dans la transmission de la FVR. Cependant, d’autres investigations doivent être menées afin d’identifier les déterminants biologiques et écologiques qui supportent le maintien du virus dans cette zone afin d’orienter les interventions de lutte.