0
0
In a bid to protect livelihoods and preempt potential livestock-to-human infections, Tanzania has pioneered a small-scale surveillance system aimed at reporting livestock abortions. This groundbreaking initiative, detailed in a recent study published in eLife, marks a significant step forward in veterinary medicine, public health, and epidemiology.
Led by Felix Lankester, Clinical Associate Professor at the Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, Washington State University, and Global Animal Health Tanzania, the research underscores the profound economic and health implications of livestock abortion. Beyond causing substantial economic losses for the global livestock industry, abortion events pose a direct threat to public health by facilitating the transmission of infectious diseases.
“Effective livestock health surveillance is pivotal for informed disease control strategies, necessitating reliable, timely data from diverse sources,” stated Lankester. “Event-based surveillance, particularly of livestock abortion events, holds promise for early detection of emerging diseases and mitigating potential outbreaks.”
The pilot surveillance system, implemented across 15 wards in northern Tanzania, enlisted the assistance of livestock field officers (LFOs) trained in investigating abortion incidents. Between 2017 and 2019, 215 abortion cases were reported, shedding light on prevalent patterns and underlying causes. Notably, abortions were more frequent during the dry season and in non-indigenous crossbred or exotic animals, suggesting a nuanced interplay of environmental and genetic factors.
Importantly, the study highlighted the zoonotic risks associated with livestock abortions, with 79% of detected infectious agents having zoonotic potential. Alarmingly, a significant proportion of cases involved individuals assisting with deliveries without adequate protective gear, underscoring the urgent need for proactive measures to safeguard human health.
“Our findings underscore the value of livestock abortion surveillance in elucidating pathogen dynamics, especially zoonotic threats,” emphasized Sarah Cleaveland, Professor of Comparative Epidemiology at the University of Glasgow. “Our pilot demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of this surveillance approach in rural settings, underscoring the pivotal role of field officers and robust sample collection protocols.”
As Tanzania forges ahead with its innovative surveillance system, stakeholders are hopeful that proactive measures will mitigate the impact of livestock abortions, preserving both livelihoods and public health. With continued collaboration and investment, such initiatives hold immense potential to bolster global efforts in disease prevention and control, ensuring a sustainable future for livestock-dependent communities.
