Prof. Davies Pfukenyi

Qualifications

  • DPhil UZ: Veterinary Epidemiology & Parasitology
  • MVSc UZ: Veterinary Epidemiology
  • BVSc UZ: Veterinary Medicine
 
 

Professional Profile and Research Interests
I am a veterinary epidemiologist at the level of an Associate Professor with over 20 years of experience in both academia and industry. My broad background training is in veterinary science with areas of expertise being veterinary epidemiology, animal health economics, and biostatistics and research methods and has experience in training these disciplines. Over the years I have gained leadership and management skills through being a Faculty Dean & Deputy Dean, a Departmental Chairperson, Chairperson & Vice-Chairperson of the Professional Board and Head of the Epidemiology Unit, Central Veterinary Laboratories (CVL). I have also gained experience in the design of field and experimental studies, data analysis and interpretation as well as coordination and management of multidisciplinary projects. I have successfully coordinated and managed research projects, collaborated with other researchers and also supervised and mentor under- and post-graduate students. Through research and veterinary work, I have gained experience in working with rural communities. Before joining the University, I was employed at the CVL where I gained the experience of working as a public veterinarian. My research interests are focused on the epidemiology of zoonoses (diseases transmissible between animals and humans) and vector-borne parasitic diseases, animal diseases of economic importance and quality assurance control systems for animal food safety. I have so far published 58 peer-reviewed journal articles mainly in the field of epidemiology and two book chapters. My vision is to promote and safeguard animal health, production and welfare and to sustain public confidence in my profession. Based on my varied positions I have acquired the necessary experience, leadership, expertise and motivation to successfully carry out livestock related projects and academic positions.

Publications

Book Chapters

  1. de Garine-Wichatitsky M, Fritz H, Chaminuka P., Caron A, Guerbois C, Pfukenyi DM, Matema C, Jori F, Murwira A, 2013. Consequences of animals crossing the edges of Transfrontier parks. In: Anderson JA, de Garine-Wichatitsky M, Cumming DHM, Dzingirayi V, Giller KE (Eds), Transfrontier conservation areas: People living on the edge, 1st edn, Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, London, pp. 137-162
  2. Munyombwe T, Pfukenyi DM, Ushewokunze-Obatolu U, 1999. HIV/AIDS in livestock production in the smallholder sector of Zimbabwe. In: Mutangadura G, Jackson H, Mukurazita D (Eds), AIDS and The African Smallholder Agriculture, Southern Africa AIDS Information Dissemination Services (SafAIDS), Harare, Zimbabwe pp. 25-35


Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

  1. Mukarati NL, Matope G, de Garine-Wichatitsky M, Ndhlovu DN, Caron A, Pfukenyi DM, 2020. The pattern of anthrax at the wildlife-livestock-human interface in Zimbabwe. PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases 14 (10): e0008800, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0008800
  2. Mukarati NL, Ndumnego OC, Ochai SO, Jauro S, Loveridge A, van Heerden H, Matope G, Caron A, Hanyire TG, de Garine-Wichatitsky M, Pfukenyi DM, 2020. A serological survey of Bacillus anthracis reveals widespread exposure to the pathogen in free-range and captive lions in Zimbabwe. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 2020; 00: 1-9, https://doi.org/10.1111/tbed.13842
  3. Pfukenyi DM, Meletis E, Modise B, Ndengu M, Kadzviti FW, Dipuo K, Moesi K, Kostoulas P, Matope G, 2020. Evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity of the lateral flow assay, Rose Bengal test and the complement fixation test for the diagnosis of brucellosis in cattle using Bayesian latent class analysis. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 181 (2020): 105075
  4. Ndengu M, Matope G, Tivapasi M, Pfukenyi DM, Cetre-Sossah C, de Garine-Wichatitsky M, 2020. Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Rift Valley Fever in cattle and selected wildlife species at the livestock/wildlife interface areas of Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 87 (1): a1731,
  5. Malatji MP, Pfukenyi DM, Mukaratirwa S, 2020. Fasciola species and their vertebrate and snail intermediate hosts in East and Southern Africa: a review. Journal of Helminthology, 94, e63, https://doi.org/10.1017/S002249X19000531
  6. Bourgarel M, Noel V, Pfukenyi D, Michaux J, Andre A, Becquart P, Cerqueira F, Barrachina C, Boue V, Talignani L, Matope G, Misse D, Morand S, Liegeois F, 2019. Next-generation sequencing on insectivorous bat guano: An accurate tool to identify arthropod viruses of potential agricultural concern. Viruses, 11: 1102
  7. Dhliwayo S, Chihambakwe B, Taonezvi K, Chikerema SM, Tivapasi MT, Pfukenyi DM, 2019. Seroprevalence of canine ehrlichiosis and microscopic screening for canine babesiosis in dogs in Harare, Zimbabwe, 2016-2017. Veterinary Medicine International, 2019, Article ID 4130210, 7 pages.
  8. Guerrini L, Pfukenyi DM, Etter E, Bouyer J, Njagu C, Ndhlovu F, Bourgarel M, de Garine-Wichatitsky M, Foggin C, Vladimir G, Caron, A, 2019. Spatial and seasonal patterns of FMD primary outbreaks in Zimbabwe between 1931 and 2016. Veterinary Research, 50:73
  9. Bhandi S, Pfukenyi DM, Matope G, Murondoti A, Tivapasi M, Ndengu M, Scacchia M, Bonfini B, de Garine-Wichatitsky M, 2019. Brucellosis and chlamydiosis seroprevalence in goats at livestock-wildlife interface areas of Zimbabwe. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 86 (1): a1670,
  10. Pfukenyi DM, Mukaratirwa S, 2018. Amphistome infections in domestic and wild ruminants in East and Southern Africa: A review. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 85 (1): a1584
  11. Mukarati NL, Ndumnego O, van Heerden H, Ndhlovu DN, Matope G, Caron A, de Garine-Wichatitsky M, Pfukenyi DM, 2018. A serological survey of anthrax in domestic dogs in Zimbabwe: a potential tool for anthrax surveillance. Epidemiology and Infection, 146 (12): 1526-1532
  12. Sibanda S, Pfukenyi DM, Barson M, Hang’ombe B, Matope G, 2018. Emergence of infection with Aphanomyces invadans in fish in some main aquatic ecosystems in Zimbabwe: A threat to national fisheries production. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases, 65 (6): 1648-1656
  13. Ndengu M, Matope G, Tivapasi M, Scacchia M, Bonfini B, Pfukenyi DM, de Garine-Wichatitsky M, 2018. Sero-prevalence of chlamydiosis in cattle and selected wildlife species at a wildlife/livestock interface area of Zimbabwe. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 50 (5): 1107-1117
  14. Bourgarel M, Pfukenyi DM, Boue V, Talignani L, Chiweshe N, Diop F, Caron A, Matope G, Misse D, Liegeois F, 2018. Circulation of Alphacoronavirus, Betacoronavirus and Paramyxovirus in Hipposideros bat species in Zimbabwe. Infection, Genetics and Evolution, 58 (Mar 2018): 253-257
  15. Ndengu M, Matope G, De Garine-Wichatitsky M, Tivapasi M, Scacchia M, Bonfini B, Pfukenyi DM, 2017. Seroprevalence of brucellosis in cattle and selected wildlife species at three selected livestock/wildlife interface areas of the Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 146 (Oct 2017): 158-165
  16. Chikerema SM, Gwitira I, Murwira A, Pfukenyi DM, Matope G, 2017. Comparison of GARP and Maxent in modelling the geographic distribution of Bacillus anthracis in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe Veterinary Journal, 35(1): 1-6
  17. Ndhlovu F, Ndhlovu DN, Chikerema SM, Masocha M, Nyagura M, Pfukenyi DM, 2017. Spatiotemporal patterns of clinical bovine dermatophilosis in Zimbabwe 1995-2014. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 84 (1): a1386
  18. Nyagura M, Pfukenyi DM, Hove T, 2017. Spatial and temporal distribution of cattle trypanosomosis in Zimbabwe between the period 1995 and 2011. Zimbabwe Veterinary Journal, 35(1): 1-9
  19. Ndengu M, De Garine-Wichatitsky M, Pfukenyi DM, Tivapasi M, Mukamuri B, Matope G, 2017. Assessment of community awareness and risk perceptions of zoonotic causes of abortion in cattle at three selected livestock-wildlife interface areas of Zimbabwe. Epidemiology and Infection, 145 (7): 1304-1319
  20. Swiswa S, Masocha M, Pfukenyi DM, Dhliwayo S, Chikerema SM, 2017. Long-term changes in the spatial distribution of lumpy skin disease hotspots in Zimbabwe. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 49 (1): 195-199
  21. Stewart JR, Choga O, Chiriseri B, Pfukenyi DM, 2016. Detection and levels of aflatoxin M1 in raw milk of dairy cows from selected small scale and commercial farms in Harare, Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe Veterinary Journal, 34 (1): 1-6
  22. Bhebhe B, Vhoko K, Tshabalala P, Makaya PV, Mdlongwa E, Pfukenyi DM, 2016. Seroprevalence of foot-and-mouth disease in goats from Matabeleland South Province of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe Veterinary Journal, 34 (1): 1-4
  23. Dhliwayo S, Makonese TA, Whittall B, Chikerema SM, Pfukenyi DM, Tivapasi MT, 2016. A study on the prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigen 1.1 and detection of canine Babesia by polymerase chain reaction from apparently healthy dogs in a selected rural community in Zimbabwe. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 87 (1), a1409
  24. Gadaga BM, Etter EMC, Mukamuri B, Makwangudze JK, Pfukenyi DM, Matope G, 2016. Living at the edge of an interface area in Zimbabwe: cattle owners, commodity chain and health workers’ awareness, perceptions and practices on zoonoses. BMC Public Health, 16:84 (Jan 2016)
  25. Dhliwayo S, Mucheka VT, Ncube P, Nyakarombo WT, Pfukenyi DM, 2015. Prevalence of giardiasis in dogs from selected areas in Zimbabwe. Scientia Parasitologica, 16 (4): 139-143
  26. *Mucheka VT, Lamb JM, Pfukenyi DM, Mukaratirwa S, 2015. DNA sequence analyses reveal co-occurrence of novel haplotypes of Fasciola gigantica with F. hepatica in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Veterinary Parasitology, 214 (1-2): 144-151
  27. Pote W, Tagwireyi D, Chinyanga HM, Musara C, Pfukenyi DM, Nkomozepi P, Gadaga LL, Nyandoro G, Chifamba J, 2014. Long-term cardiovascular autonomic responses to aqueous ethanolic extract of Boophone disticha bulb in early maternally separated BALB/c mice. South African Journal of Botany, 94 (Sep 2014): 33-39
  28. Chinyoka S, Dhliwayo S, Marabini S, Dutlow K, Matope G, Pfukenyi DM, 2014. Serological survey of Brucella canis in dogs in urban Harare and selected rural communities in Zimbabwe. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 85 (1): Art. #1087, 5 pages
  29. Pfukenyi DM, Mukaratirwa S, 2013. A review of the epidemiology and control of gastrointestinal nematode infections in cattle in Zimbabwe. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 80 (1): Art. # 612, 12 pages
  30. Masanganise KE, Matope G, Pfukenyi DM, 2013. A survey on auditing, quality assurance systems and legal frameworks in five selected slaughterhouses in Bulawayo, southwestern Zimbabwe.  Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 80 (1): Art. # 575, 8 pages
  31. Chikerema SM, Murwira A, Matope G, Pfukenyi DM, 2013. Spatial modeling of Bacillus anthracis ecological niche in Zimbabwe. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 111 (1-2): 25-30
  32. Caron A, Miguel E, Gomo C, Makaya P, Pfukenyi DM, Foggin C, Hove T, de Garine-Wichatitsky M, 2013. Relationship between burden of infection in ungulate populations and wildlife/livestock interfaces. Epidemiology and Infection, 141 (7): 1522-1535
  33. #Chikerema SM, Matope G, Pfukenyi DM, 2013. Awareness and attitude towards zoonoses with particular reference to anthrax among cattle owners in selected rural communities of Zimbabwe. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 13 (4): 243-249
  34. Katsande S, Matope G, Ndengu M, Pfukenyi DM, 2013. Prevalence of mastitis in dairy cows from smallholder farms in Zimbabwe. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 80 (1), Art. # 523, 7 pages
  35. Mukaratirwa S, La Grange L, Pfukenyi DM, 2013. Trichinella infections in animals and humans in sub-Saharan Africa: A review. Acta Tropica, 125 (1): 82-89
  36. de Garine-Wichatitsky M, Miguel E, Mukamuri B, Garine-Wichatitsky E, Wencelius I, Pfukenyi DM, Caron A, 2013. Coexisting with wildlife in transfrontier conservation areas in Zimbabwe: Cattle owners’ awareness of disease risks and perceptions of the role played by wildlife. Comparative Immunology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 36 (3): 321-332
  37. Dhliwayo S, Matope G, Marabini L, Dutlow K, Pfukenyi DM, 2012. Seroprevalence of leptospirosis in dogs in urban Harare and selected rural communities in Zimbabwe. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 79 (1), Art. #447, 6 pages
  38. Gomo C, Musari S, de Garine-Wichatitsky M, Caron A, Pfukenyi DM, van Heerden H, 2012. Detection of Brucella abortus in Chiredzi district in Zimbabwe. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 79 (1), Art. #417, 5 pages
  39. Chikerema SM, Pfukenyi DM, Hang’ombe BM, L’Abee-Lund TM, Matope G, 2012. Isolation of Bacillus anthracis from soil in selected high-risk areas of Zimbabwe. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 113 (6): 1389-395
  40. Zimba M, Loveridge J, Pfukenyi DM, Mukaratirwa S, 2012. Seasonal abundance and epidemiological indices of potential plague vectors Dinopsyllus lypusus (Siphonaptera: Hystrichopsyllidae) and Ctenophthalmus calceatus (Siphonaptera: Ctenophthalmidae) on rodents captured from three habitat types of Hatcliffe and Dzivarasekwa suburbs of Harare, Zimbabwe. Journal of Medical Entomology, 49 (6): 1453-1459
  41. Makaya PV, Matope G, Pfukenyi DM, 2012. Distribution of Salmonella serovars and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella Enteritidis from poultry in Zimbabwe. Avian Pathology, 41 (2): 221-226
  42. Gomo C, de Garine-Wichatitsky M, Caron A, Pfukenyi DM, 2012. Survey of brucellosis at the wildlife-livestock interface on the Zimbabwean side of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 44 (1): 77-85
  43. Chikerema SM, Pfukenyi DM, Matope G, Bhebhe E, 2012. Temporal and spatial distribution of cattle anthrax outbreaks in Zimbabwe between 1967 and 2006. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 44 (1): 63-70
  44. Zimba M, Pfukenyi DM, Loveridge J, Mukaratirwa S, 2011. Seasonal abundance of plague vector Xenopsylla brasiliensis from rodents captured in three habitat types of periurban suburbs of Harare, Zimbabwe. Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, 11 (8):1187-1192
  45. Mosalagae D, Pfukenyi DM, Matope G, 2011. Milk producers’ awareness of milk-borne zoonoses in selected smallholder and commercial dairy farms of Zimbabwe. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 43 (3): 733-739
  46. Pfukenyi DM, Chipunga S L, Dinginya L, Matenga E, 2010. A survey of pet ownership, awareness and public knowledge of pet zoonoses with particular reference to roundworms and hookworms in Harare, Zimbabwe. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 42 (2): 247-52
  47. Matope G, Makaya PV, Dhliwayo S, Gadha S, Madekurozwa RL, Pfukenyi D, 2010. A retrospective study of brucellosis seroprevalence in commercial and smallholder cattle farms of Zimbabwe. Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa, 58 (4): 326-333
  48. de Garine-Wichatitsky M, Caron A, Gomo C, Pfukenyi D, Foggin C, Dutlow K, Lane E, Le Bel S, Hofmeyr M, Hlokwe T, Michel A, 2010. Bovine tuberculosis in buffaloes, Southern Africa. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 16 (5): 884-885
  49. Pfukenyi DM, Pawandiwa D, Makaya PV, Ushewokunze-Obatolu U, 2009. A retrospective study of wildlife rabies in Zimbabwe, between 1992 and 2003. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 41 (4): 565-72
  50. Pfukenyi DM, Mukaratirwa S, Willingham AL, Monrad J, 2007. Epidemiological studies of parasitic gastrointestinal nematodes, cestodes and coccidia infections in cattle in the highveld and lowveld communal grazing areas of Zimbabwe. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 74 (2): 129-142
  51. Pfukenyi DM, Pawandiwa D, Makaya PV, Ushewokunze-Obatolu Unesu, 2007. A retrospective study of rabies in humans in Zimbabwe, between 1992 and 2003. Acta Tropica, 102 (3): 190-196
  52. Pfukenyi DM, Mukaratirwa S, Willingham AL, Monrad J, 2006. Epidemiological studies of Schistosoma mattheei infections in cattle in the highveld and lowveld communal grazing areas of Zimbabwe. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 73 (3): 179-191
  53. Pfukenyi DM, Mukaratirwa S, Willingham AL, Monrad J, 2006. Epidemiological studies of Fasciola gigantic infections in cattle in the highveld and lowveld communal grazing areas of Zimbabwe. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 73 (1): 37-51
  54. Pfukenyi DM, Monrad J, Mukaratirwa S, 2005. Epidemiology and control of trematode infections in cattle in Zimbabwe: a review. Journal of the South African Veterinary Association, 76 (1): 9-17
  55. Pfukenyi DM, Mukaratirwa S, Willingham AL, Monrad J, 2005. Epidemiological studies of amphistome infections in cattle in the highveld and lowveld communal grazing areas of Zimbabwe. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 72 (1): 67-86
  56. Pfukenyi DM, Mukaratirwa S, 2004. A retrospective study of the prevalence and seasonal variation of Fasciola gigantica infections in cattle slaughtered in the major abattoirs of Zimbabwe between 1990 and 1999. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 71 (3): 181-187
  57. Makaya PV, Munjeri N, Pfukenyi D, 2002. Detection of Tritrichomonas foetus in cattle using a PCR amplification system. Zimbabwe Veterinary Journal, 33 (1): 1-5
  58. Ushewokunze-Obatolu U, Pfukenyi DM, Ushe T, 1999. A retrospective epidemiological study of parasitic otitis in cattle in the South-East Lowveld of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe Veterinary Journal, 30 (1): 19-24

 

 
Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Studies