Systematic map of the most recent evidence (2010 to 2019) on ruminant production-limiting disease prevalence and associated mortality in Ethiopia

Abstract

Ethiopia’s livestock sector supports the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers. However, despite the improvements of recent years, livestock productivity remains low due to critical constraints, including infectious diseases. The aim of this study was to collate and synthesise the published evidence on ruminant disease frequency and disease-associated mortality in Ethiopia, by identifying knowledge gaps and clusters in the literature to provide the basis for a decision-making tool. Searches on both bibliographic and organisation databases were conducted in English and were restricted to the period 2010-2019. Search results were screened for relevance at title, abstract and full text level, which identified 716 articles relevant to the research question. The systematic map revealed an increased publication output from 2012-2017, compared to 2010-2011 and 2018-2019. Most studies were conducted in Oromia, Amhara and SNNPR. A substantial body of evidence was found for trypanosomosis, ectoparasite infestation, fasciolosis, nematodiasis, echinococcosis, brucellosis and bovine brucellosis. This study suggests that despite the high output of epidemiological publications, further understanding of a considerable number of diseases is required and where evidence is abundant, synthesis of information should be carried out in order to better inform decisions on disease control priorities in the livestock sector.

Patterns of mortality in domesticated ruminants in Ethiopia

“…That there was evidence of spatiotemporal variation of risk factors and causes of mortality is not surprising, as seasonal and environmental variation affects grazing availability and ensuing movement and mixing of animals ( 31 , 34 , 35 ) which can then affect disease transmission. A recent systematic review observed a scarcity of disease-associated mortality data for Ethiopia, with only 14 studies identified [( 36 ), under review]. Droughts occur frequently in Ethiopia, causing severe damage and harm.…”

Patterns of mortality in domesticated ruminants in Ethiopia

“…That there was evidence of spatiotemporal variation of risk factors and causes of mortality is not surprising, as seasonal and environmental variation affects grazing availability and ensuing movement and mixing of animals (Devereux, 2006; Getachew et al, 2010; Gelalcha et al, 2021) which can then affect disease transmission. A recent systematic review observed a scarcity of disease-associated mortality data for Ethiopia, with only 14 studies identified (Tsouloufi et al, 2022, submitted). In our study’s semis-tructured interviews, a key informant reported drought as one of the major causes for mortality and reproductive losses in cattle and small ruminants, with peak mortality with the first rains following drought.…”

Systematic map of the most recent evidence (2010–2019) on ruminant production-limiting disease prevalence and associated mortality in Ethiopia

“…Observational (cross-sectional or cohort) studies that reported on the incidence and/or prevalence or mortality of selected infectious diseases affecting Ethiopian ruminants (cattle, sheep or goats) were considered for inclusion. The specific diseases to be studied were chosen based on experts' opinion, and the existing literature, the method was described fully in the map protocol ( 21 ). Experimental studies, preliminary or pilot studies, studies that report on aggregated livestock data or outbreaks, studies which cover non-infectious diseases or other conditions (e.g., drought), as well as case report/series studies were excluded.…”

“…A copy of the Systematic map evidence base in the form of an excel file is stored on the Edinburgh DataShare platform ( 21 ). Thereby ensuring the long-term storage of the evidence base and allowing a persistent Digital Object Identifier (DOI) to be provided.…”