Reporting Trends, Distribution and Economic Burden of Transboundary Animal Diseases in Same District, Tanzania: Insights from EMA-i Database (2020-2023)

Transboundary animal diseases are largely threatening the livestock sector worldwide. A retrospective study using EMA-i data collected from July 2020 to June 2023 was conducted in Same district to assess the reporting trends and their distribution, magnitude and direct financial losses associated with transboundary animal diseases. The distribution of transboundary animal diseases was illustrated using geographical maps and graphs, while reporting trends were analyzed by comparing the number of reported cases to the population of the respective species. Statistical tests were used to assess the spread and magnitude of the diseases, and direct financial losses were estimated based on animal mortalities. The results indicate that Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP), Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), and Newcastle Disease (ND) were the reported transboundary animal diseases. CBPP, CCPP, and FMD were the most widespread, affecting seven wards, followed by LSD in five wards, ND in three wards, and PPR in two wards. Among the six reported diseases, PPR had the highest relative reporting rate (0.4%), while ND had the lowest (0.03%). The case fatality rate was highest in ND (71.4%) and lowest in FMD and LSD, which had no recorded fatalities. Additionally, the estimated direct financial loss over the four-year period was USD 21,891. The persistent occurrence of transboundary animal diseases underscores the need to explore effective control measures to enhance livestock production and minimize financial losses for farmers.