PROJECT #1 (2023): Epidemiology and surveillance for African swine fever in southern Nigeria

PUBLICATION: Active Surveillance and Farm-Level Risk Evaluation of African Swine Fever in Southern Nigeria. Olono A, Ogunsanya O, Sijuwola A, Saibu F, Adedokun O, Qyinla A, Fadele J, Soumare H, Tchokote E, Abiola J, Faburay B, Brown C, Happi C, Happi A. Pathogens 2025 Sep 16; 14(9):934. doi: 10.3390/pathogens14090934

ASFV was detected in all pigs sampled during outbreak periods (27/27; 100%), whereas none of the pigs sampled during non-outbreak periods tested positive (0/204). Of the 27 positives, sequencing generated 7 genomes characterized as genotype II. Serological testing of the 46 plasma samples from non-outbreak pigs revealed no ASFV seropositivity. Farm-level risk evaluations revealed widespread biosecurity lapses, suggesting these deficiencies as potential drivers of ASFV circulation

PROJECT #2 (2024): Lumpy skin disease in Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin – genotyping

PUBLICATION: Genomic Analysis of Lumpy Skin Disease Virus from Western and Central Africa Suggests a Distinct Sub-Lineage Within the 1.2 LSDV Cluster. Fadele J, Ogunsanya O, Adedokun O, Ayinla A, Pami M, Sijusola A, Saibu F, Soumare H, Fanou U, Brown C, Faburay B, Happi C, Happi 1. Pathogens 2025 Sep 12;14(9):922. doi: 10.3390/pathogens14090922.

In this study, molecular detection of LSDV was carried out on cattle samples from Nigeria, Cameroon, and Benin. However, comparative genomic analysis was performed using two near-complete LSDV genomes obtained from Cameroon. Phylogenetic evaluation revealed that LSDV strains from Nigeria and Cameroon cluster within the classical 1.2 lineage. Furthermore, the two sequences from this study cluster with the only publicly available sequence from West and Central Africa, supporting earlier findings of the presence of a West/Central African sub-lineage. Functional genomic analysis identified mutations in genes encoding ankyrin repeat Kelch-like proteins, and envelope proteins involved in immune evasion and viral virulence, raising concerns about vaccine effectiveness.

PENDING - PROJECT #3 (2026): Molecular and serological surveillance of Marburg Virus in Bat Populations and Domestic Animals in Rural Communities in Nigeria and Cameroon