Temporal relationship between cases of veterinary vector-borne diseases and rainfall amount in a Kenyan Rangeland

Abstract

The expected global temperature increase, more intense rainfall and more frequent droughts will have devastating effects on pastoral livelihoods. The economy of the affected areas also dwindle in the event of these calamities considering that droughts and diseases resulting from floods affect the health of livestock which is the major source of livelihood for the pastoralists. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between veterinary vector-borne diseases (VBDs) and rainfall amount. This study utilized review of reports, published literature and other sources of secondary data as methods of data collection. The correlation results of this study indicated that apart from Heartwater (p=-0.403, sig=0.012 and N=38), other veterinary diseases had no relationship with the rainfall amount {Trypanosomiasis (p=-0.224, sig=0.189 and N=36), Babesiosis (p=-0.124, sig=0.457 and N=38), Anaplasmosis (p=-0.156, sig=0.351 and N=38) and East Coast Fever (p=-0.224, sig=0.176 and N=38)}. However, graphical plots depicted the existence of relationships. Despite correlation analysis showing no significant relationship existing between rainfall and cases of Trypanosomiasis, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis and ECF, graphical plots indicated some degree of relationship between these variables. The plots showed either an increase or decrease in VBDs cases with increasing or decreasing rainfall amounts. Also, correlation analysis indicated very strong relationship between cases of various VBDs. For instance, Anaplasmosis and ECF showed a very strong significant relationship. These results indicate the existence of a common factor in the transmission of these diseases.