Senegal’s small ruminants bear the brunt of US$468M annual loss from diseases  

SENEGAL – Small ruminant farming in Senegal, a crucial source of income for smallholder households, suffers an economic loss of US$468 million annually due to animal diseases, according to research published in Preventive Veterinary Medicine in January 2025. 

The study, led by Meyer et al., employed the Global Burden of Animal Diseases (GBADs) program’s Animal Health Loss Envelope (AHLE) model to provide a comprehensive assessment of the financial toll of diseases on Senegal’s mixed crop-livestock system.

Senegal’s small ruminant sector, encompassing 8.8 million sheep and goats, plays a critical role in sustaining rural livelihoods and cultural practices such as the annual Eid al-Adha celebrations. However, health constraints have significantly hindered productivity in the sector.

Using the AHLE model, which calculates losses from morbidity, mortality, and associated health expenditures, the researchers found that morbidity-related impacts—such as reduced fertility and slower growth rates—accounted for three-quarters of the estimated US$468 million annual loss.

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), a highly contagious viral disease, emerged as a key contributor, representing 5% of the total AHLE losses, or approximately US$25 million annually.

Despite vaccination campaigns reaching 22% of the animal population, PPR continues to disrupt rural economies, underscoring the need for more effective disease management strategies.

The study further identified gaps in data concerning other prevalent diseases like gastrointestinal parasites and respiratory infections, which complicates the prioritisation of preventive measures.

The fragmented and poorly documented nature of existing datasets mirrors challenges noted in prior veterinary epidemiology reviews, emphasizing the need for better data collection and accessibility.

Interestingly, only 4% of the estimated losses were tied to animal health expenditures, revealing an underutilisation of veterinary services.

“Empowering farmers with actionable data can improve vaccine uptake and encourage investment in health services,” Meyer observed.

With animal health challenges costing the economy the equivalent of 1.7% of Senegal’s GDP, the study highlights the transformative potential of targeted public and private investments in veterinary care.

Such investments could significantly mitigate losses and enhance the resilience of small ruminant farmers.

The researchers also pointed to several limitations and areas for further study. Reliance on secondary data and expert opinions introduced uncertainties, with wider confidence intervals affecting the accuracy of certain parameters.

The absence of primary data, such as bodyweight measurements from slaughterhouses, limited the study’s precision and scope.

Additionally, the current literature provides sparse financial assessments of diseases like gastrointestinal helminthiases and respiratory pasteurellosis, underscoring the need for expanded attribution processes.

Future research could refine methodologies by incorporating more nuanced socioeconomic factors, such as regional variations in husbandry practices and purchasing power.

Ultimately, this research underscores the pressing economic and social implications of animal health issues in Senegal.

It calls on international donors, policymakers, and local stakeholders to prioritize disease control measures, ensuring food security and safeguarding livelihoods in rural communities.

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