A qualitative assessment of the risk of introducing Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia into Zambia from south-western Tanzania

Abstract

A qualitative assessment of the risk of introducing Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) from the south-western Tanzania into Zambia was conducted between November and December 2012 in Mbozi and Kalambo districts in Tanzania and, Mbala and Nakonde districts in Zambia. The study wards and veterinary camps in the participating districts were purposively selected along the Tanzania-Zambia border. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to gather information pertaining to animal management and disease control from 108 farmers, 11 animal traders and 8 veterinary staff. Emergency preparedness plans for CCPP in Zambia were also evaluated. Cross border movement of animals was notable mainly in Kalambo and Mbala districts which bordered each other. It was reported by 35% of farmers that their animals were not inspected prior to movement despite existence of veterinary regulations. It was also evident that there were no CCPP emergency preparedness plans in Zambia. Review of published information indicated that CCPP was present in 15 regions in Tanzania. Based on study findings, the risk of introducing CCPP into Zambia was rated moderate, whereas the probability of having widespread outbreaks inside Zambia was low. Therefore, the widespread nature of CCPP in Tanzania and the moderate probability of the disease being introduced into Zambia call for the development of a regional CCPP control programme in order to contain the disease in Tanzania and avoid spread into other SADC countries.

Keywords: CCPP – qualitative risk assessment – Tanzania – Zambia border