Peste des petits ruminants

Malawi

SMALL RUMINANT POPULATION (goat-sheep): 7.348.361 - 286.974
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION FIRST/LAST OUTBREAK: No clinical signs of PPRV have been reported in the country so far, however due to an outbreak happened in Tanzania, just 120 km from Malawi border, the country is considered at high risk. Based on available risk-analysis data the country is been divided in 3 different region: high, medium and low risk. High risk areas are: northern region district of Karonga, Chitipa, Nkhatabay, Likoma and Rumphi; medium risk areas are: central region district of Salima and Dedza and Mangochi in the south.
CONTROL ACTIVITIES: So far Malawi has not reported any clinical case of PPR but comprehensive emergency preparedness and contingency plan along with periodic active surveillance are fundamental to ensure country free-status.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Small ruminants rearing is a main source of livelihood for many poor households and goat meat is the most common source of animal protein for both rural and urban household. Goats and sheep production is predominantly through communal grazing and watering system therefore allowing different flocks from different location mixing hence posing a major risk of disease transmission and spread.