Challenges and Economic Implications in the Control of Foot and Mouth Disease in Sub-Saharan Africa: Lessons from the Zambian Experience

Abstract

Foot and mouth disease is one of the world's most important livestock diseases for trade. FMD infections are complex in nature and there are many epidemiological factors needing clarification. Key questions relate to the control challenges and economic impact of the disease for resource-poor FMD endemic countries like Zambia. A review of the control challenges and economic impact of FMD outbreaks in Zambia was made. Information was collected from peer-reviewed journals articles, conference proceedings, unpublished scientific reports, and personal communication with scientists and personal field experiences. The challenges of controlling FMD using mainly vaccination and movement control are discussed. Impacts include losses in income of over US$ 1.6 billion from exports of beef and sable antelopes and an annual cost of over US$ 2.7 million on preventive measures. Further impacts included unquantified losses in production and low investment in agriculture resulting in slow economic growth. FMD persistence may be a result of inadequate epidemiological understanding of the disease and ineffectiveness of the control measures that are being applied. The identified gaps may be considered in the annual appraisal of the FMD national control strategy in order to advance on the progressive control pathway.

Review of the Global Distribution of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus from 2007 to 2014

“…For instance, in Africa, there are only two laboratories that have the ability to diagnose FMDV and carry out molecular characterization of viruses and vaccine matching. Vaccination campaigns need to be organized at a national level and engage livestock holders, veterinarians and the governments (Sinkala et al., ). Compulsory vaccination is needed, and a high proportion of animals should have protective immunity to result in disruption of transmission and spread among the population (Rodriguez and Gay, ).…”

Relations between Household Livestock Ownership, Livestock Disease, and Young Child Growth

“…Environmental contamination with livestock fecal pathogens could increase the risk of clinical and subclinical infection in children, both of which can directly affect linear growth (20,21). Disease in livestock may also lead to loss of household income through the loss of investment in these animals (22,23).…”

Quantitative risk assessment of developing salmonellosis through consumption of beef in Lusaka Province, Zambia

“…This study was conducted in the Lusaka province of Zambia, an area with relatively high beef consumption due to high purchasing power (Sinkala et al, 2014).…”