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Establishment of a PPR Global Research and Expertise Network (PPR-GREN)

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From:
Hiver Boussini <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Hiver Boussini <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Wed, 5 Feb 2014 08:08:53 +0000
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Dear Colleagues, 

PPR disease has rapidly spread in Africa since 2006 threatens the sustainable production of sheep and goats on the continent. According to data recorded by AU-IBAR, 33 African countries (61%) have reported the diseases in 2012. It is the 3rd most commonly reported diseases in Africa (AU-IBAR, Panafrican Animal health Yearbook, 2011). It is a major constraint in the development of small ruminant production in Africa. In addition, PPR is a disease associated with food and income insecurities and it impacts on human health through increase in malnutrition levels, reduced access to health care and other basic needs. Goats and sheep are numerous and are found in a variety of systems in Africa, because of their adaptability to the harsh conditions. Understanding of the epidemiology and socio-ecology of PPR and other small ruminant diseases in the continent is needed since PPR is a dynamic disease, and only an enhanced active understanding will enable improved targeting of interventions. The basic epidemiology of PPR virus infection in wildlife and its possible role in PPR epidemics amongst livestock are unknown with only limited data from a few outbreaks in the Middle East involving a variety of species including hippotragine and gazelline antelopes with high morbidity and mortality.  As said by one the colleagues yesterday, the recent  susceptibility of camels to PPR has introduced a new dimension in the epidemiology of the disease. A coordinated and harmonized approach is needed across the continent for the effective control and eradication of the disease.



Best regards



Hiver

Dr Hiver BOUSSINI

Animal Health Officer

African Union/Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources

Kenindia Business Park

Museum Hill, Westlands Road,

P.O.Box 30786-00100

Nairobi/Kenya

Phone: +254 20 3674 000

Fax: +254 20 3674 341 

Cel: +254 712 764 176

E-mail:[log in to unmask] 

www.au-ibar.org



-----Original Message-----

From: Establishment of a PPR Global Research and Expertise Network (PPR-GREN) [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Zelalem Tadesse

Sent: Wednesday, February 05, 2014 10:53 AM

To: [log in to unmask]

Subject: Africa's Perspective



My name is Zelalem Tadesse, I’m a Veterinary Epidemiologist working for the African Union Commission – InterAfrican Bureau for Animal Resources First I would like to thank FAO for taking this initiative.



As a continental expert, I would like to start by giving brief overview about the importance of the disease in Africa.

1) Distribution, level of occurrence and control strategies: based on the reports received from member states of AU, PPR has become endemic in at least 30 countries (>55%). The disease is widespread in all geographical regions of Africa, except Southern Africa region. However, I’m afraid that there is no much information about the prevalence of the disease in each of the affected countries. In this regard, I support the idea of Serge from Minnesota, who suggested undertaking baseline survey to understand the level of PPR before launching a control program. In most countries, control strategies are designed to control outbreaks instead of addressing the disease in a coordinated manner.

2) Current Initiatives:   Recognizing the scale of the problem and with the view to have a coordinated and harmonized approach, AU-IBAR and AU-PANVAC developed a continental control strategy, which was endorsed by the African Ministers responsible for livestock development in April, 2013. The strategy had been shared with FAO, OIE and ILRI for comments and feedback before it was taken to the Ministerial meeting.

3) Research Needs: considering the weak delivery system on the continent, development of a thermostable vaccine will be an important milestone for effective control of PPR and its eventual eradication. Furthermore, as it’s important to guide our strategy on scientific evidences and facts, it may be useful to undertake a more indepth study about the characteristics of the virus, especially its basic reproduction rate taking into account various regional specificities such as endemicity, population density, production system, etc. In relation to this, it’s also important to clearly understand the role of other species such as cattle and camels (not only wildlife) in the transmission and epidemiology of PPR….I think this is one of the grey areas that should be looked into especially when we think of eradication. 

4) Lessons from RP: I fully agree with many of the participants that we need to take lessons from RP eradication programs. In this regard, we all know that the role of para-vets in the eradication of RP was significant. However, we must be also mindful that countries that had shortage of middle & high-level professionals 20/30 years ago are not in the same situation today. Therefore, the issue and debate on whether to use para-vets need to be decided and left to local policy makers depending on their reality on the ground. 

Thank you and regards



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