Investigating Prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis in Cattle in an Agro-Pastoral Community in Awdal Region, Somaliland

Abstract

Awdal region is the most northwesterly province of Somaliland. The region is one of the agro-pastoral livelihood zones in Somaliland, where farming and agricultural production are the predominant livelihood sources. IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority on Development) Sheikh Technical University of Science (ISTUS) worked to study the prevalence of Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) among cattle in Awdal region of Somaliland. The aim was to inform public health and Veterinary experts on having one-health approach to infectious diseases among humans and animals. The serum that was stored at -20˚C was transported to IGAD Sheikh Technical University of Science (ISTUS) for further analysis using BOVIGAM serological test (Sandwich ELISA). The results indicate that Bovine Tuberculosis is highly prevalent in the study area (10.1%). The high prevalence recorded in the current study could be due to the consumption of raw milk and lack of proper control strategies in place to control the transmission of the disease between animals, between animals and wildlife and between animals and humans. Hence, an awareness creation campaign should be created on bTB transmission and its public health significance to cattle owners, milk and meat consumers and people who are in close proximity to cattle. In addition, testing and eradication programme should be implemented where applicable.