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The initiative aims to support local farmers raising cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry.

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, supported by the World Bank, is stepping up efforts to reduce the impact of livestock diseases in Taraba State

The initiative aims to support local farmers raising cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry by building stronger disease prevention and control systems.

At a recent training session held in Jalingo for veterinary officers and animal health technologists, Hananiah Albert, the State Project Coordinator, explained that the project focuses on early disease detection, quicker reporting, and coordinated response.

“Livestock diseases such as Anthrax, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Hemorrhagic Septicemia, and African Swine Fever continue to disrupt production and trade in Taraba, significantly affecting farmers’ livelihoods and threatening food security,” Albert said.

He pointed out that delays in identifying outbreaks and gaps in communication between field officers make the situation worse.

His words: “What makes these outbreaks more devastating is the delay in detection and the gaps in reporting and coordination among field officers and response systems. This is why L-PRES is working to build a collaborative platform where all stakeholders can work together for effective surveillance and control.”

Albert added that L-PRES is not only focused on controlling diseases but also on strengthening Nigeria’s emergency response and making livestock farming more commercially viable.

Speaking at the event, Taraba State’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Nicholas Namessan, affirmed the government’s support for the programme. He stressed the need for partnerships between the public and private sectors.

“Disease control should not be left to the government alone. We need continued collaboration with private animal health professionals, community leaders, and farmers to build a more resilient and productive livestock sector,” Namessan said.

FAO-led PPR Global Eradication Programme (GEP) provided updates on disease prevalence and control progress.

Lusaka, Zambia, hosted a crucial three-day meeting to develop a coordinated regional buffer zone to protect the Southern African Development Community (SADC) from Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR)—a highly contagious viral disease affecting sheep and goats

Taking place from August 25 to 27, 2025, the meeting brings together SADC veterinary authorities, the EU Representative to Zambia, AU-IBAR, and technical experts from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and FAO. It is part of the EU-funded PPR Eradication Programme (2023–2026) aimed at eliminating the disease across Africa.

Opening the event, Zambia’s Minister of Livestock, Honourable Kapala, stressed that livestock are more than food sources—they represent dignity, wealth, and social cohesion in African communities. He reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to investing in cross-border surveillance and buffer zones, but acknowledged ongoing challenges such as limited funding and overstretched veterinary systems. “Eradication is only possible if we work together—sharing best practices, harmonising our approaches, and supporting one another with the necessary resources,” he stated.

The FAO-led PPR Global Eradication Programme (GEP) provided updates on disease prevalence and control progress. Despite notable gains, PPR still affects more than 70 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, impacting over 300 million smallholder farmers. Global losses range from US$1.5 to US$2.1 billion annually, making eradication a critical part of achieving SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

Southern Africa has made strides. Five SADC countries and one zone in Namibia are already recognised as PPR-free by WOAH. Most member states have developed National Strategic Plans aligned with global and continental frameworks. However, proximity to PPR-endemic zones in East Africa and porous borders present ongoing threats, especially in communal grazing areas.

Across the three days, participants are focusing on regional risk mapping, surveillance strategies, vaccination logistics, and harmonised control of animal movement. The goal is to validate a Regional Action Plan, establish a SADC buffer zone map, and mobilise financial support.

The EU, a key funding partner, has pledged EUR 8 million through AU-IBAR and is considering a further EUR 50 million in grants and EUR 40 million in blended finance, conditional on strong political engagement from African governments.

This Lusaka meeting marks a turning point. It reinforces regional ownership of the fight against PPR and the importance of aligning with global eradication targets by 2030. The results will not only shield Southern Africa from future outbreaks but contribute to global food security, rural development, and livestock resilience.

Both MECs recognised the industry’s challenges but expressed optimism about its future

KwaZulu-Natal is moving forward with plans to revitalise its beef industry, following a high-level meeting involving government officials, agricultural specialists, and academics

Francois Rodgers, MEC for finance welcomed the session, which brought together Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, private sector experts, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s School of Agriculture.

The focus was on boosting beef production, drawing in investment, and supporting rural economic growth. Critical concerns addressed included foot-and-mouth disease, increasing production costs, and the lack of financial access for emerging farmers.

Rodgers highlighted the vital role the industry plays in the province’s economy. “At least 45% of all beef in the province is located in rural areas and sustains thousands of livelihoods. This is a key industry that requires significant investment in line with our quest to develop an ethical and capable state,” he said. He added that beef farming contributes between 5–6% of KZN’s GDP, with strong potential for expansion and job creation.

Both MECs recognised the industry’s challenges but expressed optimism about its future. They committed to hosting a provincial beef industry indaba by the end of the year to align stakeholders around disease control, economic development, and rural upliftment.

The discussions will also include plans to assist the AmaZulu Royal House in becoming self-sufficient through beef farming. A framework for the indaba is currently being drafted, with more information to follow soon.

Each implementing entity contributes distinct technical strengths.

Tanzania Secures US$25mn from the Pandemic Fund to Strengthen Health Security and Pandemic Preparedness.

The Ministry of Health is spearheading the project in close coordination with the President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries.

The United Republic of Tanzania has been awarded a significant grant of US$25mn from the Pandemic Fund to enhance its national health security and pandemic preparedness capacities. In addition to this core funding, the initiative has successfully mobilized US$7mn in co-investment and US$6.7mn in co-financing, bringing together strong technical and financial partnerships.

The project is being implemented through the collaborative efforts of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNICEF, and the World Health Organization (WHO), which serve as the three designated Implementing Entities. Together, they will provide coordinated support across human, animal, and environmental health systems in alignment with the One Health approach.

Tanzania, which comprises both Mainland and Zanzibar, continues to enjoy steady economic growth, driven in part by its abundant natural resources and vibrant tourism sector. However, this growth is accompanied by increased risks, particularly zoonotic and cross-border disease transmission due to high population movement and porous borders. Despite a strong commitment by the government to the International Health Regulations (IHR), the country still faces critical challenges in disease detection, specimen referral systems, laboratory capacity, biosafety, and early warning functions.

In response, the new project aligns closely with Tanzania’s National Action Plan for Health Security. It aims to reduce the impact of future epidemics and pandemics by addressing system-level gaps while ensuring that the needs of vulnerable and marginalized populations, including the elderly and persons with disabilities, are fully integrated into planning and implementation.

The Ministry of Health is spearheading the project in close coordination with the President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. Implementation will also involve a broad coalition of national and international partners.

Each implementing entity contributes distinct technical strengths. FAO supports animal health planning and implementation, UNICEF leads on risk communication and community engagement, and WHO supports the strengthening of human health systems and emergency readiness. By 2027, Tanzania aims to have an integrated, functional disease surveillance and response system capable of effectively monitoring, confirming, and responding to epidemic and pandemic threats. With this investment, the country is not only reinforcing its ability to protect the health of its citizens but also contributing meaningfully to regional and global health security.

The camera captures a bird’s-eye view of cows as they pass underneath.

A new camera and AI system is now helping dairy farmers improve cow health, productivity, and herd management

The cutting-edge HerdVision technology, now available exclusively through Wynnstay, measures body condition score (BCS) and mobility, giving farmers instant insights to act on. The camera fits into any parlour or race and captures a bird’s-eye view of cows as they pass underneath. It automatically provides a BCS and mobility score, which can be viewed on a desktop or app. The key benefit lies in how farmers use this data, supported by Wynnstay’s team of dairy experts.

Matt Dobbs, CEO of HerdVision,“This partnership brings the benefits of early identification of problem cows alongside support from Wynnstay's specialists, nutritionists and range of products, ensuring that a problem will be quickly addressed. Wynnstay's superior knowledge of dairy farming, range of expertise and wide product portfolio made them logical partners to bring the benefits of vision technology to UK dairy farming.”

Lameness is one area where the system shows real value. “With access to the data from the HerdVision reports, and working alongside the farm’s foot trimmer, we can identify problem areas which may be causing issues like sole bruising or white line disease,” says Rebecca Reed-Downes, dairy technical specialist at Wynnstay. He added,“If it’s an issue of digital dermatitis, we could dig into the farm’s footbathing routine, and refine the system.”

Nutritionists also benefit. “For nutritionists, this will provide vital data on BCS changes throughout lactation.Used correctly this information will allow for improvements in fertility, health and production”says David Jones, dairy nutritionist at Wynnstay.

The system costs £5,900 with a free first-year subscription and is eligible for funding through the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund.

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