Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) significantly impacts livestock production in Tanzania, given the country’s reliance on agriculture and livestock for livelihoods and economic growth.
1. Economic Losses
- Direct Losses
- Reduced productivity in affected animals due to fever, lameness, and oral lesions.
- Decrease in milk yield in dairy cattle, sometimes up to 80% during outbreaks.
- Weight loss and slower growth rates in beef cattle, sheep, and goats.
- Loss of draught power in oxen, leading to reduced crop yields for smallholder farmers.
- Indirect Losses
- Trade restrictions on livestock and animal products, both domestically and internationally.
- Increased costs for disease control measures, including vaccination, movement restrictions, and veterinary services.
- Reduced market value of livestock and animal products.
2. Livelihood Disruptions
- Tanzania has a large rural population dependent on livestock for income, food, and cultural purposes.
- Outbreaks can devastate smallholder farmers and pastoralists, leading to food insecurity and economic instability.
- Losses in herd size due to culling or mortality can take years to recover.
3. Public Health Implications
- Though FMD is not zoonotic, its impact on livestock reduces availability of meat, milk, and other animal products, affecting nutrition for local communities.
4. Trade and Market Dynamics
- Tanzania faces challenges in accessing lucrative export markets due to the presence of FMD, as many importing countries require FMD-free certification.
- Reduced competitiveness in regional markets, particularly in East Africa, where livestock trade is vital.
5. Social Impacts
- Conflicts between pastoralists and farmers can intensify during FMD outbreaks, as pastoralists may move their herds in search of disease-free grazing areas.
- Outbreaks can exacerbate poverty and social inequality, especially in already vulnerable communities.
6. Control and Management Challenges
- Insufficient access to vaccines and inadequate veterinary services hinder effective control.
- Limited resources for surveillance and rapid response prolong the impact of outbreaks.
- Challenges in enforcing movement restrictions exacerbate disease spread.
Way Forward
- Improved Vaccination Programs: Regular and accessible vaccination campaigns tailored to local epidemiological conditions.
- Enhanced Disease Surveillance: Strengthening veterinary infrastructure and real-time reporting systems.
- Community Education: Raising awareness among farmers about FMD transmission and control measures.
- Regional Cooperation: Collaborative efforts within East Africa to harmonize FMD control strategies and facilitate trade.
- Livelihood Support: Providing compensation or support to affected farmers to rebuild their herds and recover economically.