January 31, 2024

 

Tick-borne diseases cost Ugandan farmers over US$1.1 billion annually

Farmers in Uganda are grappling with an annual loss exceeding US$1.1 billion due to the escalating spread of tick-borne animal diseases, Monitor reported.

 

The most economically damaging tick-borne disease in the region is identified as East Coast Fever.

 

Dr Anna Rose Ademun, Commissioner of Animal Health at Uganda's Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted the issue of acaricides becoming resistant, emphasising the necessity for collaboration to find effective solutions.

 

In response to the ongoing crisis, Uganda's Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation, is actively engaged in efforts to diagnose tick resistance to acaricides at regional laboratory centres.

 

The Ministry of Agriculture is already working on the "Managing Animal Health and Acaricides for a Better Africa" initiative. The initiative aims to provide sustainable solutions to empower small-scale farmers in effectively managing tick infections in cattle.

 

The ministry also unveiled the TickAcademy App, designed to assist farmers in managing tick infestations, as well as providing educational content accessible to farmers and extension workers.

 

Enrique Hernandez Pando, head of Commercial Development and Impact at GALVmed, said the initiative is important in addressing acaricide resistance challenges and enabling farmers and animal health officers to explore innovative methods.

 

Stakeholders collectively agreed to train and educate field staff and farmers on effective tick management strategies. Additionally, there is a commitment to strengthen diagnostic infrastructure and testing capabilities for tick resistance and other animal health-related concerns.

 

Efforts will also focus on facilitating farmers' access to credit from farmer-group-run savings institutions to purchase specialised equipment for applying pesticides. Nishal Gunpath, country director of Elanco Animal Health for South and Sub-Saharan Africa, expressed support for the initiative, foreseeing its positive impact on driving livestock in a better direction and maximising the potential for small-scale livestock farmers.

 

-        Monitor