EAST AFRICA – Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda have signed a cross-border Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Addis Ababa to collaboratively mitigate animal diseases in the region.

This agreement marks a step towards enhancing the control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (TADs) and boosting livestock trade through joint disease surveillance and synchronized vaccination efforts.

The MoU enables the four countries to undertake coordinated disease surveillance and implement synchronized vaccination programs.

These preventive measures are crucial in reducing animal health-related risks and mitigating the major consequences of disease outbreaks on food production and livelihoods. By working together, the nations aim to improve animal health and ensure the sustainability of their livestock sectors.

Draft protocol for information sharing

As part of the agreement, the countries endorsed a draft Animal Disease Information Sharing Protocol, validated in October 2023.

This protocol facilitates timely and efficient sharing of information regarding the state of TADs across borders, allowing for more effective management and response to disease outbreaks. The signing of this protocol is seen as a critical milestone in regional animal health management.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) played a key role in facilitating the signing of the MoU through its Center for Pastoral Areas and Livestock Development (ICPALD).

IGAD commended the financial support provided by the African Development Bank (AfDB) through the BREFON project, which has been instrumental in supporting this regional initiative.

According to IGAD, the East African region is home to over 532 million heads of livestock, including poultry. This presents a substantial potential for wealth creation and economic progress.

A large proportion of livestock in the region is produced by pastoral and agro-pastoral systems in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), where mobility is integral to the production system. However, seasonal livestock movements, which often involve crossing international borders, can facilitate the spread of TADs from one country to another.

The management and control of TADs require cooperation between countries sharing borders to effectively mitigate the threat these diseases pose to economic stability, trade, and food security.

A harmonized approach to cross-border TADs management is essential to prevent further spread and economic losses.

The MoU emphasizes the importance of collecting and sharing animal disease information with neighboring countries to support timely decision-making and prevent disease outbreaks.

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