Projects in Ethiopia – A Summary

Haemonchus risk model forecast in Kenya

Project team: S. Alemu, G. Tilahun, M. Howe, B. Ameda, N. Babayani

This project will transform veterinary parasite control in Africa by developing a free-of-charge mobile platform to aid parasite surveillance and related diseases risk assessment. We will integrate existing veterinary surveillance frameworks with published parasite models to enable dynamic spatiotemporal risk assessments. Initially focusing on haemonchosis in Kenya, a widespread and problematic parasite in sheep and goats, the platform can later be adapted for other parasites and regions. We directly address challenges to parasite management including remoteness of farms and access to veterinary advice by engaging with Veterinary Paraprofessionals to develop a smartphone-based solution to bridge these gaps. Animal health and welfare, and thus food security, will benefit from this enhanced support, as well as rapid identification of parasites/vector- borne diseases of concern, and response to outbreaks.

Currently, NADIS is developing a clinical sign recognition app with GALVmed funding. This project will extend the app by adding Haemonchus contortus risk maps and real-time georeferenced case reports, enhancing VPPs’ understanding of local and seasonal risks. Training for VPPs in Kenya will include accurate haemonchosis identification techniques.  This project directly addresses the WAAVP-AN’s drive to advance the practice of veterinary parasitology throughout Africa, bringing technological innovations to parasite management. It also provides a framework for “training and retaining” VPPs, empowering them to contribute to sustainable parasite control.