Livestock abortion is a significant concern for the global livestock industry, leading to economic loss and posing a threat to public health through potential transmission of infections. Effective surveillance systems are essential for early detection of emerging diseases and prevention of outbreaks. To address the lack of information on livestock abortion surveillance practices in low and middle-income countries, researchers established a pilot surveillance system in northern Tanzania. Livestock field officers were trained to report abortion events and collect samples for testing, providing valuable insights into the patterns and causes of livestock abortions in the region.
Between 2017 and 2019, 215 abortion cases were reported from 150 households in 13 wards in Tanzania. Most cases were investigated promptly, with samples collected from the aborting dams, foetuses, and placenta for testing. The results revealed that abortions occurred more frequently in the dry season and in non-indigenous cross-bred or exotic animals. Additionally, a significant number of dams that aborted had experienced previous abortions, indicating potential chronic infections that could impact breeding stock and food sources. The study also highlighted the risks of exposure to zoonotic pathogens, with a high percentage of detected infectious agents being zoonotic in nature.
The findings of the study emphasize the importance of livestock abortion surveillance in capturing valuable information about livestock pathogens, including zoonotic ones. The pilot system demonstrated the feasibility and utility of surveillance in rural areas, emphasizing the need for engaging field officers, establishing robust sample collection protocols, and ensuring prompt reporting and feedback of results. By identifying and monitoring potential risks of infections that could jump from livestock to humans, such surveillance systems can play a crucial role in protecting public health and livelihoods in resource-constrained settings.
The study underscores the value of early detection and prevention in mitigating the impact of livestock abortions on both animal health and human well-being. By monitoring abortion events, researchers were able to gain insights into likely patterns and causes of abortions, as well as the presence of zoonotic pathogens in the livestock population. This information can inform evidence-based approaches to disease control and management, ultimately helping to safeguard both livestock and human health in vulnerable communities.
The research highlights the potential economic and public health implications of livestock abortions, particularly in low-income settings where livestock play a crucial role in livelihoods and food security. By establishing effective surveillance systems for reporting and investigating abortion events, researchers can collect valuable data on infectious agents and potential disease outbreaks that could impact both livestock and human populations. The study’s findings emphasize the importance of proactive surveillance efforts in identifying and preventing emerging diseases that could pose a threat to global health and economic stability.
In conclusion, the pilot livestock surveillance system in Tanzania provides valuable insights into the patterns and causes of livestock abortions, as well as the presence of zoonotic pathogens that could pose risks to human health. By engaging field officers and local communities in surveillance efforts, researchers were able to collect important data on abortion events and infectious agents, highlighting the importance of early detection and prevention in mitigating the impact of livestock-related diseases. The study’s findings underscore the potential benefits of small-scale surveillance systems in protecting livelihoods, public health, and global food security in vulnerable populations.
