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East Afr. J. Biophys. Comput. Sci. (2023), Vol. 4, Issue. 2, 1-12 
   

 

 

 

*Corresponding author: 

Email: msulayeman@gmail.com    https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/eajbcs.v4i2.1S 
 
 

 

 

Sero-epidemiology of Foot and Mouth Disease and Farmers Perception on Vaccinating Cattle 

against the Disease in Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia 

 

 

Mishamo Sulayeman*1, Tamirat Demissie1, Ayelech Muluneh2, Gizachew Hailegebreal1, Sultan Abda1 

 

1Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hawassa University, P.O. Box 05, Hawassa, Ethiopia. 

2National Animal Health Diagnostics and Investigation Center, P.O.Box 04, Sebeta, Ethiopia. 

 

 

 

KEYWORDS:  

Cattle; 

Ethiopia; 

Farmers perception; 

FMD; 

Sero-prevalence; 

Vaccination 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABSTRACT 

Ft and mouth disease (FMD) is a severe, highly cntagious viral disease of livestck that 

has a significant economic impact. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 

2019 to June2020 in three selected districts of Sidama region, Southern Ethiopia with the 

objectives of determining the sero-prevalence of cattle against foot and mouth disease virus 

(FMDV), identifying potential risk factors and assessing farmers’ perception on vaccination 

against FMD. Purposive and systematic random sampling techniques were employed to 

select the districts and study animals, respectively. A total of 510 cattle were tested for 

FMDV antibodies using 3ABC-ELISA. The overall cattle and herd level sero-prevalence 

were 15.5% and 24.7%, respectively. Among the considered risk factrs, age of the animal, 

herd size and season were significantly associated with the sero-positivity of FMDV 

(P<0.05). Out of 120 farmers interviewed 84.2% had never vaccinated their cattle against 

FMDV. Inaccessibility (83.7%) and unaffordable cost (72.1%) of the vaccine were 

mentioned as leading causes for the low vaccination practice in the current study areas. 

Majority of the respondents (68.3%) don’t perceive vaccinating cattle against FMDV as one 

of the preventive measures. In districts with lower perception of farmers on vaccinating their 

cattle against FMDV, higher sero-prevalence of the disease were recorded. The present 

serological and questionnaire survey indicated that the presence of FMD sero-positive 

animals in the current study areas. Therefore, an integrated strategy for disease control has 

to be designed and implemented which could include enhancing farmers’ perception about 

use of vaccination in preventing FMD and government provision of vaccines at affordable 

cost to the farmers. 
. 

 

INTRODUCTION 

Ethiopia is one of the countries that possess a 

huge number of livestock populations in the 

Africa continent estimated to be 56.5 million 

cattle, 30.7 million sheep and 30.2 million goats 

were found in the country (CSA, 2017). The 

livestock sector contributes about 40% of the 

agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 

nearly 20% of total GDP, and 20% of national 

East African Journal of Biophysical and Computational Sciences 

Journal homepage : https://journals.hu.edu.et/hu-journals/index.php/eajbcs 
  

Hawassa University

College of Natural & Computational Sciences

Year 2021

Volume xx No xx

 
Research article

mailto:msulayeman@gmail.com
https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/eajbcs.v4i2.1S


East Afr. J.Biophys.Comput. Sci. (2023), Vol. 4, No. 2, 1-12 

2 
 

foreign exchange earnings in 2017 (World Bank, 

2017).Within the cattle population, FMD occurs 

endemically resulting in several outbreaks every 

year (Ayelet et al., 2012). The causative agent, 

FMD virus (FMDV), has seven recognized 

serotypes (O, A, C, SAT 1, SAT 2, SAT 3 and 

Asia 1), with discrete immunologic, antigenic 

and genetic properties. They also differ in 

distribution across the globe (FAO, 2007).  

Five of the seven serotypes of FMD (O, A, C, 

SAT 2, SAT 1) were identified in Ethiopia 

(Rufael et al., 2008; Ayelet et al., 2009; 

Negusssie et al., 2010). Serotype C was not 

identified after 1983; however, a serotype C-

specific antibody in cattle was reported (Rufael 

et al., 2008). Morbidity has been reported to 

reach as high as 100% in susceptible animal 

populations but it is rarely fatal except in young 

animals (Kahn and Scottline, 2005). Infected 

animals show a spectrum of responses to FMD 

ranging from unapparent infection to severe 

disease and death (OIE, 2008). 

Foot and mouth disease is endemic with high 

prevalence in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia 

and is also present in parts of South America 

(Rweyemamu and Astudillo, 2002). The disease 

is endemic in Ethiopia and remains largely 

uncontrolled due to the absence of prophylactic 

vaccination except for a few dairy herds 

containing imported breeds (Sahle, 

2004;Megersa et al., 2009). Serological surveys 

reported a sero-prevalence that ranges from 5% 

to 72.1% at the animal level in different parts of 

the country (Bayissa et al., 2011, Sulayeman et 

al., 2018; Shazali et al., 2021). 

In terms of livestock exports from Africa, FMD 

is often perceived as a major hindrance to 

international trade (Thomson et al., 2004). In 

part, this perception is based on the assumption 

that disease freedom is required before export is 

possible, and has resulted in costly and an 

elaborated FMD control measures such as 

disease-free zones in Southern Africa and 

elsewhere (Bruckner, 2004). Commodity based 

approaches can provide an acceptable level of 

risk for exported livestock or livestock products 

according to international standards(Thomson et 

al., 2004), but in the case of FMD, they still 

require an understanding of FMD status in cattle 

entering the market chain.  

Recommended control measures for FMD 

include animal movement restrictions, a 

vaccination programme, animal quarantine, 

environmental sanitary controls, outbreak 

investigation, serological surveillance and 

slaughtering of sick animals (Chaosuancharoen, 

2012). However, it is a global problem since the 

result of the increasing movement of human and 

livestock and livestock products (Perry, 2007). 

This is mainly due to lack of vaccination, free 

livestock movement among different regions in 

the countries and across international borders, the 

existence of multiple FMD virus serotypes, and 

involvement of wildlife (Sahle, 2004; Rufael et 

al., 2008).  

Studies undertaken in Ethiopia revealed that the 

disease is still endemic and occurs in different 

parts of the country (Sulayeman et al., 2018; 

Shazali et al., 2021). There is neither a 

nationwide control strategy nor a legislation for 

making FMD notifiable to the veterinary 

authorities or for animal movement restrictions 

to be imposed. Therefore, livestock is at risk from 

endemic strains as well as from antigenic variants 

prevailing in neighboring countries (Sahle, 

2004). There is a difference in the epidemiology 

and economic impacts of FMD in the livestock 



East Afr. J.Biophys.Comput. Sci. (2023), Vol. 4, No. 2, 1-12 

3 
 

production systems (Jemberu et al., 2014) in 

different parts of the country. Unidentified 

farmers’ perceptions about risk of the disease, 

lack of pragmatic vaccination schemes and 

presence of unrestricted animal movement 

regardless of certification are the major reasons 

that could intensify the distribution of FMD 

alongside the cattle market chain.  

Despite this fact, there is no published 

information regarding the status of FMD and 

farmers’ perceptions and practices on 

vaccinating their cattle against the disease in 

Sidama region. Therefore, this study was aimed 

to generate current information on the sero-

prevalence status of FMD and predisposing risk 

factors and assesses farmers’ perception on 

vaccination against FMDV in selected districts of 

Sidama region, Southern Ethiopia.  

MATERIALS AND METHODS 

Description of the study area 

The study was carried out in three purposively 

selected districts of Sidama region, namely 

Hawassa zuria, Boricha and Wondo Genet. 

Sidama region is located northeast of Lake 

Abaya at an altitude of l500 to 2500 m.a.s.l. The 

region has gegraphic coordinates of latitude, 

north,5′ 45″to 6′ 45″ and lngitude, east, 38′ to 

39′. Mean annual rainfall of this area varies 

between 1200 mm and 1599 mm, with 15°C-

19.9°C average annual temperature (CSA, 2015) 

(Figure 1).  

.

 

Figure 1: Map showing the study areas 



East Afr. J.Biophys.Comput. Sci. (2023), Vol. 4, No. 2, 1-12 

4 
 

Study design and sampling strategy 

A cross-sectional study design was implemented 

for sero-prevalence study of antibodies against 

FMDV in the study areas. Hawassa Zuria, 

Boricha and Wondo Genet districts were selected 

purposively based on their transport 

accessibility, gegraphical location and presence 

of large cattle population. From each district 30% 

of kebeles (the smallest administrative units in 

Ethiopia) were selected using simple random 

sampling. From each kebeles, 20% of privately 

owned herds were randomly selected. From each 

herd, the study animals (cattle) were then 

selected using simple random sampling method 

to achieve the required sample size. The alleged 

potential risk factors for the occurrence of the 

disease such as age, breed, sex, districts, herd size 

and composition, season, vaccination history and 

management were also recorded.  

Sampled animals were categorized based on their 

breed (local and cross), sex (female and male), 

herd composition (cattle only and cattle mixed 

with small ruminants), vaccination history 

(previously vaccinated and non-vaccinated) and 

management types (intensive and semi-

intensive). Ages (young, adult and old) were 

categorized based on their dental eruption status 

(Berecha et al., 2011) and herd sizes where also 

classified as large farms size, with more than 50 

animals, medium (20 to 50 animals) and small (< 

20 animals) (Edao et al., 2018).  

Study animal population 

Local and cross breeds of cattle kept under 

intensive and semi-intensive system were 

included. According to Pace and Wakeman 

(2003), the age groups of cattle were categorized 

as (≤3.5years) Young, (3.5years‐5.5years) Adult 

and (> 5.5years) Old. 

Sample size determination 

The sample size required for the study was 

calculated based on the following formula 

(Thrusfield, 2005).  

           n =    Z2*Pexp (1- Pexp) 

                               d2                        

Where, n= required sample size, Z= statistic for level 

of confidence = 1.96, Pexp = expected prevalence, 

95% confidence level and d2 = absolute desired 

precision of 0.05. 

Accordingly, based on the above formula and 

9.5% expected prevalence (Megersa et al., 2009), 

the sample size computed for animal level 

prevalence was 132. To increase the precision, 

calculated sample size was made four fold to 528, 

but due to shortage of sample collection materials 

only 510 cattle were considered. This number 

was allocated proportionally to the respective 

districts based on the total cattle population in 

each districts. 

Serum sample collection 

From each cattle, about l0 ml of blood sample 

was collected from the jugular vein and kept 

overnight on a table at room temperature. Then 

serum was aspirated with pasture pipette and 

transferred into cryovial and transported to 

Hawassa University Veterinary microbiology 

laboratory for storage at −20 °C. All the sera 

were transported with an ice box containing ice 

packs to the National animal health diagnostic 

and investigation center (NAHDIC) for 

serological test. 

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8464255/#vms3574-bib-0046


East Afr. J.Biophys.Comput. Sci. (2023), Vol. 4, No. 2, 1-12 

5 
 

Serological diagnostic tests  

Sera collected from bovine species was  tested by 

FMDV 3ABC-Ab ELISA (ID Screen®)  for the 

detection of antibody to poly protein called 

3ABC which is a useful indicator of FMD virus 

infection regardless of the serotype involved 

(Haas, 1997; Mackay et al., 1998). Antibody to 

3ABC (nonstructural protein) is found only in 

virus infected cattles but not in vaccinated 

animals (De Diego et al., 1997).  

Briefly, the test was carried out stepwise as per 

the manufacturer’s manual. First, all reagents 

were kept at room temperature and homogenized 

by vortex. The test was carried out in 96 well 

micro plates. Then 50μl of dilution buffer18 were 

added in to each well, 30μl of positive control 

were added in to wells A1 and B1, and the same 

volume of negative control were also added to 

wells C1 and D1, the rest wells were filled by 

30μl of test sera. Then incubated at 37oC for 2 

hours, after incubation the wells were emptied 

with washing 5 times with 300μl of wash solution 

along with paying great attention to avoid drying 

of wells between washing. After washing l00μl 

of the conjugate lX were added in to each wells 

and incubated for 30 min at 21oC. The wells were 

then emptied and washed 5 times with 300μl of 

wash solution, then l00μl of the substrate solution 

was added in to each wells and incubated at 2loC 

for l5 minutes in the dark. After adding a 100μl 

of Stop Solution to each well, the optical density 

(OD) reading was noted using a photometer at 

wavelength of 450 nm within 2 hours after the 

addition of the stop solution. 

Questionnaire survey 

Data concerning farmers’ perception towards 

vaccinating their cattle was collected by using a 

semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire. It was 

administered by interviewing individuals 

selected by systematic random sampling. Before 

the interview, the objective of the survey was 

properly explained and verbal consent was 

obtained from the respondents. The interviews 

were conducted in local languages (Sidaamu 

Afoo or Amharic). A total of 120 farmers, 40 

farmers from each three districts were 

interviewed for the questionnaire survey. 

Data management and statistical analysis 

Data generated from the laboratory 

investigations and survey was recorded and 

coded using a Microsoft excel spread sheet 

(Microsoft Corporation) and analyzed using 

STATA version 13.0 for Windows (Stata Corp. 

College Station, TX, USA). The association 

between dependent and independent variables 

was analyzed at individual cattle level by using 

univariable and multivariable lgistic regression. 

Multivariable logistic model was used for 

variables with a p-value ≤ 0.05 on univariable 

analysis model. Further selection of variables in 

the final model was based on stepwise backward 

elimination procedure. Accordingly, Odds ratio 

(OR) was used to assess the strength of 

association between the putative risk factors and 

sero-positivity of the disease. 

RESULTS  

FMD sero-prevalence and risk factors 

Based on the total 510 sampled cattle, overall 

sero-prevalence of FMD was 15.5% and 24.7% 

at the individual animals and herd levels, 

respectively. Comparatively higher sero-

prevalence (32.4%) was recorded in Hawassa 



East Afr. J.Biophys.Comput. Sci. (2023), Vol. 4, No. 2, 1-12 

6 
 

zuria district (p=0.02; OR=2.67%; 95%CI=1.14-

5.33) (Table 1). 

Table 1: Individual cattle level and herd level sero-prevalence of FMD  
Districts Farmers associations  Individual  cattle    Herds 

Tested   Positive (%) Tested Positive (%) 

HawassaZuria Labu-koromo 68 9(13.2) 27 8(29.6) 

Udo-wotate 65 16(24.6) 22 7(31.8) 

Galo-argisa 64 12(18.7) 22 8(36.4) 

Sub total  197 37(18.8) 71 23(32.4) 

Boricha Konser-fulasa 50 16(32) 31 11(35.5) 

Fulasa-aldada 48 5(10.4) 24 5(20.8) 

Hanja-chefa 52 7(13.5) 36 7(19.4) 

Aldada-dela 58 5(8.6) 27 3(11.1) 

Sub total  208 33(15.8) 118 26(22) 

Wondo Genet 

 

Watara-qachama 56 5(8.9) 13 2(15.4) 

Abayye 49 4(8.2) 20 4(20) 

Sub total  105 9(8.6) 33 6(18.2) 

                                Total 510 79(15.5) 222 55(24.7) 

 

Risk factors  

Breed of the cattle, sex, age, districts, herd 

composition and size, season, vaccination history 

and management types were the major exposure 

or predictor variables considered to predict the 

response of the outcome variable.  

Table 2:Lgistic regression analysis of FMD and its putative risk factors for sero-positivity of cattle. 
Risk 

factors 

Category  No 

examined  

Prevalence  Univariable     Multivariable  

   No (%) 

positive  

OR  95% CI P-

value  

OR  95% CI P-

value  

Districts  Wondo genet  105 9(8.6) Ref. - -  -  -  - 

Hawassa zuria 197 37(18.8) 2.67 1.14 – 5.33 0.02 0.63 0.37 – 5.23 0.63 

Boricha 208 33(15.8) 2.01 0.92 – 4.37 0.04 1.38  0.16 – 2.48 0.51 

Age  Young  58 3(5.2) Ref.  -  -  -  -  - 

Adult  67 5(7.5) 1.47 0.33 – 6.47 0.03 1.38 0.31 – 6.23 0.67 

Old  385 71(18.4) 4.14 1.26 – 13.6 0.02 3.60 1.04 – 12. 47 0.04 

Herd size  Small 262 31(11.8) Ref. - -  -  -  - 

Medium  229 46(20.1) 1.87 0.14 – 3.07 0.01 2.18 1.27 – 3.76 0.005 

Large  19 2(10.5) 0.87 0.19 – 3.97 0.46 1.03 0.21 – 5.03  0.97 

Managt. 

type 

Intensive  78 6(7.7) Ref. - - -  -  - 

Semi-

intensive  

432 73(16.9) 2.44 1.02 – 5.82 0.04 2.65 0.34 – 20.97 0.35 

Season Wet  38 14(36.8) Ref.  - -  -  -  - 

Dry 472 65(13.7) 0.27 0.13 – 0.56 0.000 0.18 0.07 – 0.42 0.000 

OR= odds ratio; CI= confidence interval 

Most of the documented variables revealed a 

high degree of association with FMDV infection 

or sero-positivity. The final multivariable 

lgistic regression model (Table 2) revealed that 

age, herd size and season were significantly 

associated with the sero-prevalence of the 

disease (P<0.05). Old cattle were 3.6 times at a 

higher risk of FMD than young cattle.   



East Afr. J.Biophys.Comput. Sci. (2023), Vol. 4, No. 2, 1-12 

7 
 

Farmers’ perception and practices related to 

FMD 

Out of 120 respondents 64(53.3%) and 56 

(46.7%) of them responded that their production 

is dairy cattle and mixed production type (Table 

3). Bovine pasteurellosis, blackleg, lumpy skin 

disease, anthrax and FMD were listed in order of 

vaccination practice by the respondents (Figure 

2).  

 

 

Figure 2: List of diseases and farmers practice to vaccinate their cattle against different animal 

disease. 

Among the major cause for low vaccination 

practices against FMD in the study area, 

inaccessibility and unaffordable cost of the 

vaccine were mentioned by 83.7% (36/43) and 

72.1% of the respondents, respectively. 

Moreover, 68.3% (82/120) of the farmers 

interviewed don’t perceive vaccination as a 

preventive measure for the disease (Table 4). 

Table 4: Farmer’s perception on vaccinating their cattle 

           Variables  Response Frequency (%) 

Dairy cattle production type Yes 64(53.3) 

Mixed production type Yes 56(46.7) 

Vaccinated their cattle against disease Yes 120(100) 

Perceive as vaccination is better than treatment Yes 104(86.7) 

Perceive vaccination as preventive measure against FMD Yes  38 (31.7) 

Vaccinated their cattle against FMD Yes 19(15.8) 

FMD is a common disease Yes 77(64.2) 

Pervious occurrence of FMD in the farm Yes 66(55%)  

Information about FMD Yes 108(90) 

Information about FMD vaccination Yes 43(35.8) 

 

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

70.00%

80.00%

90.00%

100.00%

Bovine

pasteurellosis

Black leg

disease

Lumpy skin

disease

Anthrax

disease

FMD

94.20% 90.00%

84%

60.80%

15.80%

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East Afr. J.Biophys.Comput. Sci. (2023), Vol. 4, No. 2, 1-12 

8 
 

Sero-prevalence study of FMD 

Overall sero-prevalence of FMD recorded in this 

study (15.5%)was in agreement with the previous 

findings of15.4% (Mohamoud et al., 2011) and 

14.05% (Zerabruk et al., 2014)from Jijiga zone 

and Tigray respectively. In contrast, it is higher 

than previous reports made from different parts 

of Ethiopia which range from 4.8% - 12.08% 

(Negussie et al., 2011; Abunna et al., 2013; 

Beyene et al., 2015; Gelana et al., 2016; Belina 

et al., 2016). 

Compared to the present finding relatively higher 

sero-prevalence in bovine was reported as, 

24.22%, 38.9% and 21.4% from central Ethiopia 

(Sulayeman et al., 2018), Borena (Melkamsew, 

2018) and West Ethiopia (Desissa et al., 2014) 

respectively. Similarly, higher sero-prevalence 

of the disease was also reported from the 

neighboring countries of Africa, 52.5% in Kenya 

(Kibore et al., 2013), 61% in Uganda (Miaron et 

al., 2004) and 72.62% in Nigeria (Lazarus et al., 

2012). These differences in the prevalence of the 

disease among the studies could be partly 

explained by the variation in agro-ecology; 

epidemiology of the disease and variations in the 

production or herding systems, vaccination 

coverage against FMD vaccine, immune status, 

interaction with cattle with other animals like 

small ruminants and management type of 

different study areas. 

Cattle managed semi-intensively were shown 

higher sero-prevalence than those kept under 

intensive management. Similarly, higher sero-

prevalence was previously recorded in cattle kept 

under semi-intensive managements (Bedru, 

2006). Free movement of animals for watering 

point and grazing areas, and relatively larger herd 

holding capacity were the possible causes for the 

disease prevalence difference in different 

management system. This is supported by the 

work of previous studies report that the 

movement of animals in search of feeds from one 

area to another and interaction of small ruminants 

is a significant risk factor for the occurrence of 

FMD (Gelaye et al., 2005;Fevre et al., 2006; 

Habiela et al., 2010).  

In the current study, sero-prevalence of FMD 

was significantly higher in old animals than in 

young groups. Similar findings were also 

previously reported from central Ethiopia 

(Sulayeman et al., 2018) and Awbere and Babille 

districts of Jijiga zone (Mohamoud et al., 2011). 

Aged caatle are more probably to have been 

exposed to FMDV during their lifetime and have 

developed immunity to the virus. Additionally, 

old animals are driven freely in grazing and 

watering points where infection could increase 

by contact (Jenbere et al., 2011). 

Higher sero-prevalence was recorded during the 

dry seasons, which might be associated with herd 

movement to grazing area after crops were 

collected. This finding is supported by previous 

study as dry season increase the risk of FMD 

occurrence (Sarker et al., 2011)and also 

described as FMD is a seasonal disease mostly 

seen during the dry season (Jibat et al., 2013). 

Because during the dry season, cattle may 

experience physiological stress due to the factors 

such as high temperatures, low humidity, and 

limited availability of fresh forage and water. 

This can deteriorate their immune response, 

making them more susceptible to FMD infection 

and increasing the sero-prevalence. 

Nearly 87% of the respondents’ perceived 

vaccination is better than treatment, but only 



East Afr. J.Biophys.Comput. Sci. (2023), Vol. 4, No. 2, 1-12 

9 
 

15.8% of them had vaccinated animals against 

the disease. Similarly Megersa et al (2009) 

reported that vaccine as prophylactic measures 

against FMD was accepted by most farmers, but 

very few of them regularly vaccinate their 

animals. On other hand, some farmers did not 

consider vaccination of FMD as significant 

prevention methods due to self-limiting disease 

and low mortality among affected animals. In a 

district, Wondo genet, where farmers perceive 

and practice vaccine as a preventive measure, 

lower FMD sero-prevalence was recorded than 

the other districts.  

The study further revealed that 90% of 

respondents had information about FMD in the 

selected districts. Similarly 92.5% awareness 

level was also previously reported from Bale 

zone (Misgana et al., 2013). From the 

respondents only15.8% vaccinate their cattle 

against FMD. Lower vaccination practice against 

FMD was also reported from Nigeria (Olabode et 

al., 2014). However, comparable higher 

vaccination practices against the disease were 

reported from Tanzania (Miaron et al., 2004, 

Moenga et al., 2013). Inaccessibility and 

unaffordable cost of the vaccine were mentioned 

as a leading cause for the low vaccination 

practice in the current study areas. Moenga et al. 

(2013) and Soko et al. (2018) were also stated 

that aforementioned causes were the major 

reason for lower vaccination practices of the 

farmers.  

Most of the respondents from the selected 

districts had experienced FMD outbreak in their 

farm at least once before the interview. In line 

with this investigation previous work reported 

that FMD is endemic, widely distributed and 

frequently noted in different farming systems and 

agro-ecological zones of the country (Asfaw and 

Sintaro, 2000; Sahle, 2004; Leforban, 2005). 

Despite this fact 82(68.3%) of the farmers 

interviewed don’t perceive vaccination as 

preventive measure for the disease. In line with 

this finding most livestock owners don’t perceive 

vaccinating animals against FMDas one of the 

important preventive measures (Moenga et al., 

2013; Soko et al., 2018). 

CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS 

The present serological study indicates that the 

presence of FMD sero-positive animals in the 

current study areas. Semi-structured 

questionnaire based surveys indicated that 

farmers’ awareness about FMD vaccine is very 

low. Even some farmers’ having awareness on 

FMD vaccine, their perception on vaccinating 

cattle against FMD is significantly low due to 

inaccessibility and unaffordability of the vaccine. 

The current research work explored the complex 

epidemiological situation of FMD and farmer’s 

perception on vaccine against the disease; thus 

needs more detailed investigation for vaccine-

based control methods and improved veterinary 

extension services. 

Authors’ contribution 

All authors included in this article are directly or 

indirectly participated in the planning, execution 

& analysis of this study. MS and TD participated 

in data gathering, statistical analysis and writing 

up of the final manuscript. GH andSA 

participated in editing of the manuscript. AM 

assisted the laboratory test. All authors read and 

accepted the final manuscript. 

Funding 

This research work was funded by Hawassa 

University. 



East Afr. J.Biophys.Comput. Sci. (2023), Vol. 4, No. 2, 1-12 

10 
 

Ethics approval and consent to participate  

The study was approved by college of natural and 

computational science research proposal review 

committee, Hawassa University. Oral informed 

consent was obtained for both questionnaires 

interview and blood sample collection to keep the 

privacy of specific farmers at the time of sample 

collection. All methods employed for this 

research were carried out in accordance with 

pertinent guidelines and regulations. 

Competing interests  

Authors declare no conflict of interest.  

Acknowledgements 

The authors extend gratitude to Hawassa 

University and NAHDIC for financial support 

and laboratory logistics provision. The authors 

are also thankful to the three district veterinary 

administrative farm owners and respondents who 

participated in this study. 

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