Sandra Ijoma (DVM), a dedicated researcher from the LIDISKI (Livestock Disease Surveillance Knowledge Integration) project team, recently presented her groundbreaking research at the International Tropical Veterinary Medicine and the Society of Tropical Veterinary Medicine (ITVM-STVM) Conference in Montpellier, France. Her study, titled “Combining Animal Mobility Field Surveys and Expert Knowledge to Map the Risk of the Spread of Peste des Petits Ruminants in Three States in Northern Nigeria,” identified high-risk markets and movement corridors for PPR transmission in Northern Nigeria.
Understanding Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) and Its Spread
PPR, a highly contagious viral disease affecting sheep and goats, poses a significant threat to smallholder farmers. The virus is known for its rapid spread, often facilitated by animal movement through markets and trade corridors, making it a significant concern for rural livestock-dependent communities.
Key Findings and Implications of the Study
Sandra Ijoma’s research takes a novel approach by combining animal mobility field surveys with expert knowledge to map the risk of PPR spread in three northern Nigerian states.
By conducting field surveys and gathering insights from local experts, her study identifies key hotspots where PPR is most likely to spread due to the concentration of animal trade and movement activities. This proves useful in resource and data-limited settings for efficient disease surveillance and control.
• High-risk areas identified: Specific markets and movement corridors were pinpointed as hotspots for PPR transmission. A crossroad of animal movements within the vast majority of states in Nigeria (31 over 36) was identified from 3 states.
• Targeted control: The study advocates for focusing control efforts on these high-risk areas (LGAs and markets) to maximize efficiency.
• Policy implications: Ijoma’s research provides valuable insights for developing risk-based PPR control policies. By understanding animal movement patterns, policymakers can allocate resources more effectively and prevent the spread of the disease.
Overall, Ijoma’s research represents a significant step forward in the fight against PPR in Nigeria. By providing a roadmap for targeted control measures, her study contributes to safeguarding the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and enhancing the resilience of rural communities.