RADISCON-FAO. A network of competent veterinarians were identified in different regions and some of them had training courses in basic epidemiology while short induction meetings were arranged for the rest who could not attend, full  training sessions. Text books and field manuals of basic epidemiology were distributed to them. A list of names of the members is appended below:

• Abdirashid Sheikh Ahmed (Juba)


• Mohamed Noor Osbole (Bay and Bakool)


• Maryan Mohamed Abdi (Banadir and Shabellas)


• Abdulahi Mumin (Hiran)


• Mohamed nalleye (Galgadud and Mudug)


• Sahal Abdi Mohamed (Puntland)


• Ali Abdi Obsiye (Somaliland)

Peste de Pete Ruminants (PPR) suspected in Somalia

Peste de Pete Ruminants (PPR), has never officially been reported in Somalia. This is probably only because, it has not been investigated.
The disease was not recognized in the country before 1997, when some areas in East African region, were experiencing epidemics of the plague. It is believed that the first incidence of the disease has occurred in central Somalia where it was introduced by flocks, repatriating from temporary residence in Eastern Ethiopia.
Due to the exceptional circumstance in the country, it was not easy to carry out thorough investigation on the epidemic. However, a team of two vets was mobilized to the area to report on what was happening. Their main tool of investigation, was interviews with stock owners, who where helpful, that they have given a good clue, of the disease being pandemic and new in the area, as they have never experienced it before. The nomads confirmed that the disease started while they were inside Ethiopian territory. On contact with officers in the Ethiopian ministry of agriculture, existence of PPR in eastern Ethiopia was ascertained. Eventually, positive, sera from convalescent animals in AGID test has finally, given the maximum confirmatory result that could be achieved in the current Somalia.
Although efficient control measures like vaccination, have not been taken to contain the epidemic focus, the spread rate of the disease, was not explosive as feared. Natural barriers of low-animal-density areas, and restriction in animal movements by tribal conflicts, together with guides of the vets to nomads, have helped in bringing the disease under a reasonable control.
By Dr. M. A. Sheikh Ali and Dr. A. A. Farah

No Rift Valley Fever in Somalia. The ban unjustifiable...!

Following the torrential rains and deluge in 1997, emergence of many insect-borne animal diseases were expected in Somalia, but, probably no one was counting RVF. The climatic change was so intense, that the consequent epidemiological change was also huge. Occurrence of RVF in Somalia, was not recorded in the past, but, sporadic outbreaks are seen from time to time in many East African countries.
If the controversial (to livestock traders) report of the WHO holds true, then the virus must have been ever maintained in a short cycle of transmission in perhaps wild ungulates or rodents. Moreover, recent introduction of the disease to the area can not be ruled out. This hypothesis is particularly perceptible in view of the enormous disturbance in population dynamics in the region. From Rwanda and Burundi, through Uganda and Sudan, to southeast Ethiopia and northeastern Kenya, natural and man made disasters have evoked unusual movements of animals and wild life above all.
It is also known that, there is a seasonal migration of wild ungulates like deer between Kenya and Somalia. Hence animal carriers might have arrived Somalia and spread the virus. In this case, however, the optimum vector was apparently not available and the disease was slowly and inefficiently transmitted by secondary vectors.
It is currently clear that the disease doesn't exist in any part of the country and long time has passed, since the last suspected case was seen. An emphasized risk assessment made by the FAO, has concluded in comprehensive results, proving that, the risk of the disease being transmitted to the Gulf countries, by animals exported from east Africa, has now returned to pre-epidemic level. it therefore, meaningless to sustain the ban on animal export from Somalia.
We urge decision-makers in our sisterly Arab countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, to lift the "sanctions" from the Somali people.
By:
The Executive Committee,  Somali Veterinary Association

Coming Events

• RADISCON Workshop for the adoption and standardization of common minimal national system to gather, treat and exchange epidemiological data, will be held in Rabat, Morocco. Two people will attend from Somalia.


• Euro-Arab Veterinary association Conference, in Annecy, France, on 14-16/May/99. As Somali Veterinary Association is a member in the EAVA, its chairman,  will be taking part in this scientific gathering.


• Induction Meeting for Field Veterinary Officers. With in the context of the National Animal Disease Surveillance System, the arrangement for an induction meeting for eight vets from all parts of Somalia including Somaliland and Puntland is underway.

Back to top