Research Article | 07 Apr 2024

A simple, collaborative prioritization process for wildlife-associated zoonotic diseases in northern Tanzania

Daniel Pius Mdetele1, Q. Kagembe1, J. Thomson1, E. Komba2, M. Seth3, A. Chengula4, E. Lipende5, J. Compton6, and K. M. Beckmann7Show more
1. TRAFFIC International East Africa, P.O. Box 14129 Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania.
2. Directorate of Research, Training and Extension, Tanzania Livestock Research Institute, Dodoma, Tanzania.
3. Directorate of Research Coordination and Promotion, National Institute for Medical Research, Dares Salaam, Tanzania.
4. Department of Microbiology, Parasitology and Biotechnology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania.
5. Department of Veterinary Science and Wildlife Laboratory, Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, Arusha, Tanzania.
6. TRAFFIC Global Office, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3QA, UK.
7. Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian, EH25 9RG, UK.

Corresponding author: Daniel Pius Mdetele (daniel.mdetele@sacids.org)

Received: 12-11-2023, Accepted: 13-02-2024, Published: 07-04-2024

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ONE HEALTH | pg no. 91-99 | Vol. 10, Issue 1 | DOI: 10.14202/IJOH.2024.91-99
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Abstract

              
Background and Aim: Zoonotic diseases are naturally transmissible infections between animals and humans. To address
        these cross-sectoral health issues holistic, transdisciplinary health approaches are required. The legalization of the game meat
        trade in Tanzania in 2020 has created a new value chain from wild habitats to registered game meat selling facilities in human
        settlements, thus creating new human–animal interfaces associated with potential risks of zoonotic disease transmission
        among wildlife, livestock, and human populations. This study aimed to apply a simple, collaborative prioritization process
        to identify important zoonotic pathogens associated with wild animal taxa harvested and traded for game meat consumption
        in northern Tanzania.
Materials and Methods: A prioritization process was conducted to identify and rank zoonotic diseases associated with
        wildlife in the Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Manyara regions of northern Tanzania to help determine the zoonotic disease risks
        associated with the game meat value chain. Two districts from each region were selected for this study. The prioritization
        process was conducted through an expert workshop that involved 41 participants, including a District Veterinary Officer,
        Public Health Officer, and District Game Officer from each district, as well as national One Health focal persons, zonal
        Veterinary and Laboratory Officers, scientific researchers, and a representative from the national Game Meat Selling
        Advisory Committee.
Results: Experts identified 11 common zoonotic diseases reported in these regions, of which anthrax, rabies, brucellosis,
        Rift Valley fever, and bovine tuberculosis were considered the most important. This finding is broadly consistent with the
        national priority list for zoonotic diseases.
Conclusion: This approach was time-efficient and cost-effective. In Tanzania, multi-sectoral planning, communication,
        and cooperation among human health, domestic animal health, wildlife health, and environmental protection have been
        strengthened. In the future, we recommend regular exercises using such an approach to update the information on important
        diseases and promote information sharing for epidemic and pandemic preparedness associated with the wild animal trade. Keywords: epidemic and pandemic, expert opinion, game meat, one health, wildlife, zoonoses.

             
Keywords: epidemic and pandemic, expert opinion, game meat, one health, wildlife, zoonoses.