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.
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