Prevalence and risk factors for epizootic lymphangitis among equids in ethiopia during 2002-2023: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study systematically analysed research on the prevalence and risk factors of Epizootic Lymphangitis (EL), a common fungal disease in horses and related equines, in Ethiopia from 2002 to 2023. It found a prevalence of EL among equines of 20.24%, with the highest rates in cart horses and the Amhara region.

Research Overview

This research paper presents a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual studies conducted in Ethiopia over the period of 2002 to 2023, focusing on the prevalence and risk factors of Epizootic Lymphangitis (EL) among equids. The goal was to estimate the prevalence of EL, a severe fungal disease prevalent in the Sub-Saharan Africa region, especially in Ethiopia, causing significant economic impact and a decreasing equid population.

Methods and Analysis

• The researchers carried out a systematic search of available research articles in registers, databases, and other relevant sources.
• A variety of statistical tests, including Cochrane’s Q, inverse variance, sensitivity analysis, and regression tests like Begg’s, and Egger’s, were carried out to check for heterogeneity and potential publication bias.
• The team calculated the overall burden of EL using a random-effects model.
• For the purposes of this meta-analysis, 14 studies were selected as eligible, involving a total of 7217 equids.

Results

• The pooled prevalence of EL among equids in Ethiopia was found to be 20.24%, within a Confidence Interval (CI) of 16.27% to 24.21%.
• Upon conducting a subgroup analysis, the team found the highest prevalence in cart horses (20.98%), the Amhara region (21.46%), in studies with sample sizes greater than or equal to 384 equids (24.67%), and those conducted from 2002 to 2018 (25.52%).
• Risk factors majorly contributing to the prevalence of EL included wounds inflicted by the harness, sharing of stables or yards and harness, and the presence of a pre-existing wound.

Recommendations

• The researchers suggest the implementation of early diagnosis and medication procedures alongside appropriate preventive measures for managing EL in equids efficiently.
• They also stress the importance of control measures to limit the spread and impact of the disease.