Livestock Exports Research Articles

Effect of bedding application and air change rates on environmental ammonia concentrations for intensively housed beef cattle

Context Manure deposition during livestock export voyages contributes to air ammonia levels, potentially affecting human and animal health if not managed. Mitigation strategies may include increased air change rates and application of bedding. Aim This study examined the effect of bedding application rate (BAR) and air change rate (ACH) on air ammonia (NH3) concentrations and pad properties, including pad surface condition, pH, moisture, and pad ammonium (NH4+) concentrations, for intensively housed beef cattle. Methods Six 7-day runs were conducted with 72 Bos indicus cross steers (mean liveweight ± s.d. = 338 ± 32 kg) housed in respiration chambers by using a 3 × 3 factorial design. The BARs were set to 0%, 50%, and 100% of the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL), and ACH were varied at 20, 35, and 52. Air NH3 was measured twice daily at three heights. Pad surface condition was collected with the first air NH3 measurement. Video footage captured standing and lying behaviours for each steer. Pad samples were collected on the final day for pad chemical analysis. Key results The ACH of 20 changes per hour resulted in higher air NH3 concentration than ACH of 35 and 52. Higher BAR led to lower pad pH and moisture, with slightly lower pad NH4+ concentration in 100% and 50% BAR than 0% BAR. Although air NH3 concentration on Day 7 was positively correlated with pad NH4+ concentration, BAR had no marked effect on air NH3 concentration (within the temperature range of this experiment). Drier and firmer pad surfaces were associated with each high BAR and high ACH. Moreover, high BAR increased the frequency of lying behaviour in steers. Conclusions These findings indicated that NH3 can be mitigated by optimising air changes to minimise air NH3 concentration and utilising bedding to minimise pad NH4+. This offers practical solutions for intensively housed beef cattle, such as livestock export voyages to improve human and animal welfare onboard. Implications The study results emphasised the importance of optimising ACH to maintain low air NH3 concentrations in livestock export conditions. Although there was no evidence that BAR affects air NH3 directly, it reduced pad NH4+ and improved pad conditions for overall animal comfort and environmental quality in confined housing with sufficient air changes.

Temporal Analysis of Livestock Production and Exports and its Significance for Food Security

Background: Livestock provides diverse food and non-food products, supports rural households along with serving as a secondary source of income for small and marginal farmers. Livestock aids in food production, enriches soil fertility and supply raw material to various industries. Livestock directly contributes to nutritional security by providing essential proteins and micronutrients, preventing under-nutrition and deficiencies.This paper delves into the changing scenario of India’s livestock sector by examining production, export patterns of livestock products and the role of livestock in food and nutritional security. Methods: Available secondary data on production of livestock products in India have been divided into four sub periods: sub period-I (1980-81 to 1989-90), sub period-II (1990-91 to 1999-00), sub period-III (2000-01 to 2009-10) and sub period-IV (2010-11 to 2021-22) and have been analyzed along with export data covering the period 1991-2021 andpopulation data from first livestock census (1951) after independence to 20th livestock census (2019). Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) using trend equation and instability index using Cuddy Della Valle Index has been worked out for the data. Result: Production of egg, milk and meat has shown consistent growth of around 6%, 5% and 8%, respectively over the past five decades with low to moderate overall instability (~8-21%). But wool production has turned negative in the last two decades despite India being the world’s third-largest sheep population. The growth in exports of dairy and meat products has gained momentum after globalization with a significant overall growth rate of 10.37% and 7.10% for the period under study. But in terms of instability dairy exports are more volatile (68.11%) compared to meat products (30.39%). Exports of poultry products showed negative growth rates with the highest instability (86.77%) over the entire study period.

Examining the confluence of climate change and conflicts on agricultural and livestock exports in Somalia

Climate-induced extreme weather events and conflicts are jointly contributing to disruptions in agricultural supply chains and destabilizing global food trade. Since the literature has identified that variations in climatic conditions hamper farming and animal raising, it is necessary to explore the consequences of climate change on crop and livestock exports in order to implement policies that mitigate the exposure and enhance exports. In this context, this study aims to examine the confluence of climate change and conflicts—internal and external—on agricultural and livestock exports in Somalia during 1985–2017. The evidence from the cointegration analysis verified the presence of a consistent long-run cointegration between the variables. The empirical results of the ARDL approach indicate that average rainfall enhances agricultural and livestock exports in Somalia in the short-run and long-run, while mean temperature particularly hampers agricultural exports in the long-run. Despite livestock production was found to be statistically insignificant, crop production positively contributes to agricultural exports. In addition, increases in rural population enhance both export categories in the short-run and long-run. A striking finding from the study indicates that internal and external conflicts decrease crop and animal exports in the long-run, although the coefficients of external conflicts were statistically insignificant. The long-run findings were validated using the FMOLS cointegration approach. Moreover, the causality findings demonstrate a unidirectional causality from agricultural exports to precipitation, temperature fluctuations, and internal conflicts. Furthermore, the study shows that agricultural labor Granger causes farm and livestock exports. To this end, this study recommends policymakers promote product diversification, foster sustainable land management practices, facilitate market access, and invest in resilient farming systems.

Trade Policies and Livestock Exports

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to examine the trade policies and livestock exports.
 Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.
 Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to trade policies and livestock exports. Key findings emphasize the significance of trade agreements and regional integration initiatives in boosting livestock exports, with participating countries benefiting from increased trade volumes and streamlined regulatory standards. Additionally, the study highlights the impact of non-tariff measures, particularly stringent sanitary and phytosanitary regulations, on market access, underscoring the need for capacity-building and regulatory harmonization efforts. Moreover, trade disputes and policy uncertainties are identified as disruptors, necessitating transparent policy frameworks and risk management strategies to mitigate market volatility. Overall, the study underscores the importance of coordinated efforts to address trade barriers and enhance market access, paving the way for sustainable development and economic growth in the livestock sector.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theory of Comparative Advantage, Political Economy theory and Institutional theory may be used to anchor future studies on trade policies and livestock exports. One key recommendation was to diversify export markets for livestock products, aiming to reduce dependence on specific markets and mitigate trade disruptions. This strategy involved proactive market research, targeted marketing campaigns, and strategic alliances with trading partners to access new markets. Another recommendation was to invest in quality assurance systems and standards compliance to meet sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, crucial for enhancing the credibility of livestock exports. Promoting sustainable production practices was also advised, aligning livestock production with sustainability goals to enhance market competitiveness. Improving trade facilitation measures, strengthening policy coordination and stakeholder engagement, and developing risk management strategies were highlighted to safeguard the stability and competitiveness of livestock export sectors in a volatile global economy.

How capitalism is destroying the Horn of Africa: sheep and the crises in Somalia and Sudan

Given the current turmoil in the Sahel and Sudan, this debate piece addresses an important absence in the commentary. While self-serving explanations relating to climate change, avaricious generals and entrenched ethnic tensions abound, there is little on the deepening crisis within the agro-pastoral economy that directly affects millions of toiling people across the entire region. With reference to the spectacular, but largely ignored, growth in livestock exports from the ostensibly impoverished Horn to the urbanising Gulf states, we argue that over several decades, neoliberalism has transformed the erstwhile reciprocity between ‘farmers’ and ‘herders’ into a relation of permanent war. Favouring armed actors, the historic affinity between merchant capital and raw violence as an economic relation has produced a violent and expansive extractive economy. This internationally facilitated mode of appropriation, with its associated acts of land clearance, dispossession and displacement, is the root cause of the current crisis.

Measuring the Impact of Livestock Exports on GDP during the Period 2010-2020 in Sudan

Measuring the Impact of Livestock Exports on GDP during the Period 2010-2020 in Sudan

Hajj Factor in Saudi Arabia and Somaliland Relations

The Islamic sacred city Mecca is the destination of global Muslims’ hajj activities. Saudi Arabia and countries with a large number of Muslims attach great importance to the special role of hajj in international relation, especially in the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Somaliland, which is mainly reflected in two aspects. Firstly, Somaliland is one of the main export destination of the livestock for Eid Al Adha of the hajj rituals. Eid Al Adha is an important part of the hajj rituals, and is also the obligation of most hajj pilgrims. With the sharp increase in the number of pilgrims all over the world in recent years, Saudi Arabia needs to import a large number of livestock from Somaliland and Sudan to meet its basic religious needs. Somaliland is a so-called ‘republic’ within Somalia’s territory that declared ‘independence’ on its own, which has not been universally recognised by the international community. Over the years, Somaliland has maintained a relatively stable situation. Its economic mainstay is livestock export, especially during the hajj season. Although the export of livestock from Somaliland to Saudi Arabia has been interrupted many times due to the animal infectious diseases, the huge demand for sacrifice in the hajj rituals highlights the importance of Somaliland. In other words, the smooth and complete performance of the hajj has largely maintained the development of Saudi Arabia’s relations with Somaliland. Secondly, Saudi Arabia invited the ‘President’ of Somaliland to Mecca for hajj, and also urged the easing of conflicting relations between Somaliland authorities and the Somali federal government. Somalia does not recognise the ‘independence’ of Somaliland. The conflict between the two sides also affects the allocation of hajj quota, which has triggered strong dissatisfaction and resistance in Somaliland. For example, Somaliland complained to Saudi Arabia for Somalia’s ‘politicisation’ of hajj. In order to cool down the conflict in Somalia, Saudi Arabia invited the ‘President’ and some senior officials of Somaliland to perform the hajj in Mecca, and held informal talks with senior officials of the Somali government during the hajj. In general, hajj has played a significant role in promoting the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Somaliland. For Saudi Arabia, the animal sacrifice trade for hajj has actually consolidated the economic foundation of Somaliland and helped it play a relatively stable demonstration role in the Horn of Africa. Saudi Arabia has also carried out the host diplomacy of hajj in Mecca to promote the talks between Somaliland’s and Somali officials during their hajj activities. For Somaliland, the export of a large number of livestock for Eid Al Adha allowed it to play an important religious role in the annual hajj, thus gaining Saudi Arabia’s economic and political support to a certain extent, contributing to a win-win situation in the fields of religion, economy and security.

Artificial Intelligence and Sensor Technologies in Dairy Livestock Export: Charting a Digital Transformation.

This technical note critically evaluates the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and sensor technologies in the swiftly evolving dairy livestock export industry. We focus on the novel application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in long-distance livestock transportation, particularly in livestock enumeration and identification for precise traceability. Technological advancements in identifying behavioral patterns in 'shy feeder' cows and real-time weight monitoring enhance the accuracy of long-haul livestock transportation. These innovations offer benefits such as improved animal welfare standards, reduced supply chain inaccuracies, and increased operational productivity, expanding market access and enhancing global competitiveness. However, these technologies present challenges, including individual animal customization, economic analysis, data security, privacy, technological adaptability, training, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability concerns. These challenges intertwine with broader ethical considerations around animal treatment, data misuse, and the environmental impacts. By providing a strategic framework for successful technology integration, we emphasize the importance of continuous adaptation and learning. This note underscores the potential of AI, IoT, and sensor technologies to shape the future of the dairy livestock export industry, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient global dairy sector.

SISTEM PAKAR DIAGNOSA PENYAKIT PADA DOMBA DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN METODE FUZZY MAMDANI

Abstract—The decreasing sheep population has raised serious concerns regarding its impact on both the livestock industry and export opportunities. One of the main factors contributing to this decline is the prevalence of diseases among sheep. These illnesses present a significant problem as they can lead to reduced meat production, animal fatalities, and economic losses. The limited knowledge among farmers regarding these diseases and sheep care makes it challenging to diagnose and treat the conditions effectively. To address this issue and aid farmers in easily diagnosing diseases, a web-based expert system utilizing the fuzzy Mamdani method was developed. The selection of the fuzzy Mamdani method was based on its ability to handle uncertainty in disease diagnosis, providing reasonably accurate results by evaluating symptoms, determining disease severity, and recommending appropriate treatments. Through the fuzzy Mamdani method and the web-based platform, this system offers convenient access for farmers to diagnose diseases in their sheep online. According to the analysis results, reproductive health disorders are the primary cause of the decline in the sheep population. Consequently, the expert system for diagnosing sheep diseases serves as an alternative for early prevention and suitable treatment. System testing indicates an accuracy rate of 80%, signifying the system's capability to provide reasonably accurate diagnoses. The main goal of this research is to support the livestock and fisheries department in Purwakarta in diagnosing sheep diseases, preventing epidemic outbreaks, and implementing proper measures to mitigate the negative impacts on the livestock industry while promoting sustainable growth of the sheep population

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INVESTMENT AND EXPORT OF LIVESTOCK SECTOR TO ECONOMIC GROWTH IN INDONESIA

Introduction/Main objectives: This study aims to analyze the relationship between investment and exports of the livestock sector on economic growth in Indonesia. The livestock sector performs a crucial position for Indonesia's monetary growth because it's miles one of the sectors that contributes to the national economy. Background Problems: Based on this, the authors are interested in knowing how the relationship between investment and exports of the livestock sector to economic growth in Indonesia. Novelty: This research is a topic that has not been widely studied in Indonesia, the field of economics with the topic of economic growth, investment and exports has been studied very much, but those who see the relationship between investment and exports of the livestock sector on Indonesia's economic growth are still few. Therefore, linking livestock sector investment and exports to Indonesia's economic growth is the novelty of this study. Research methods: This research uses Ordinary Least Square analysis technique. The type of data used is secondary data in the form of annual quantitative figures from 2016-2020 obtained from the Central Statistics Agency. Results: The results showed that livestock sector investment had a positive and insignificant effect on economic growth. On the other hand, exports of the livestock sector (livestock, livestock products, non-food animal products and veterinary drugs) have a negative and insignificant effect on economic growth. Conclusion: The conclusion of the study is that livestock sector investment affects economic growth while livestock sector exports have no effect. These results reveal that to increase economic growth, it is necessary to improve Indonesia's export performance by doing numerous ways, one in all that's via enhancing the export management machine, growing research and improvement of Indonesian merchandise, enhancing infrastructure facilities and infrastructure, change rate stability and expanding non-conventional markets so that provide added value for exports which in turn can increase Indonesia's economic growth

Agricultural International Trade by Brazilian Ports: A Study Using Social Network Analysis

Agribusiness trade is a complex network of commercial relations among countries, and it is influenced by on-shore and off-shore logistics. Therefore, it is essential to comprehend these relationships to improve decision-making regarding production and logistical development. This paper investigates Brazilian agricultural and livestock exports between 2013 and 2022 to understand logistical bottlenecks based on trade partners. To do so, we performed descriptive statistics and social network analysis (SNA) considering measures such as degree centrality, k-core, and tie strength. Our results indicate Brazil’s dependency on Asian markets whereby eight of ten are located on this continent. We observe an unexpected result regarding the low purchase of these products byimportant Brazilian partners such as the United States, the UK, and the European Union. Finally, the study confirms the Brazilian logistical bottleneck where two logistical corridors correspond to 76% of all agricultural exports in the period, with Santos, the busiest port, moving more than 46% of the cargo.

English

Development of the livestock sector in South Africa has the potential to contribute significantly to national development. The aim of this study was to explore challenges and propose recommendations to support livestock sector development in South Africa using a stakeholder-driven approach. Interviews with high-level stakeholders across major livestock industries were conducted to gather insights. Responses were verified by a literature review and supplemented with an event study analysis on parameters for livestock production and exports. Interview respondents revealed livestock disease management in the face of increasing disease burden, high input costs, and limited government resources as a major challenge to national livestock-sector development. Implementation of national and international regulations on controlled diseases severely limits profitability. Emerging farmers are discouraged from investing in livestock disease management and are thus excluded from entering and remaining in the commercial value chains. Inclusive growth of the sector can be achieved through strengthening public-private partnerships through joint mentorship, training, and awareness-raising programmes. Evidence- and risk-based approaches to the national and international regulations and official guidance on outbreak management are needed. National animal identification and traceability systems and wider adoption of compartment systems for biosecurity, growth stimulants and poultry cages can enhance disease management and exports. Key words: African swine fever, event study analysis, foot-and-mouth disease, highly pathogenic avian influenza, livestock disease, livestock sector development, South Africa, stakeholder-driven approach.

Determinants of livestock products export in Ethiopia

Ethiopia has one of the largest livestock populations in Africa. In 2016–2017, the share of live animals, leather, and meat in the total export of the country reached 9.6%. This paper aims to identify the determinants of the export of Ethiopian livestock products by means of vector autoregressive and vector error correction models. Multivariate time series is used to model the association between the products of the Ethiopian livestock export included in the study. Vector autoregressive and vector error correction models are used for modelling and inference. The results indicated the existence of a long term correlation between the volume of live animals, meat and leather exports. The volume of meat export is significantly affected by a lag occurring in the export of live animals in the short-run. Therefore, 3.7% of the shortrun imbalance in the volume of leather export is adjusted each quarter. It is suggested that the exporters of livestock products should properly utilise the Ethiopian livestock resources. On the other hand, the government should offer different forms of support to exporters, especially those focusing on exporting value-added products.

An asset-backed decentralised finance instrument for food supply chains – A case study from the livestock export industry

Decentralised finance (DeFi) has emerged as a blockchain-enabled innovation in supply chains that makes use of supporting infrastructure to transform financial services by reducing or removing the need for intermediaries. While an increasing number of pilot projects have been exploring DeFi applications for use by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in various finance scenarios, there is not yet a real-world adoption of DeFi beyond these projects to unlock their potential for progressing the digitisation of supply chain finance (SCF). This paper reports on a university-industry collaborative study to leverage the use of blockchain-based DeFi technology in two ways: (i) to benefit SMEs by reducing their cost of finance and increasing ease of access to funding, and; (ii) to address the prevalent asymmetric information risks and costs in a supply chain finance context. The research informed the design and development of a DeFi architecture for asset tracking in agricultural supply chains implemented and evaluated in a real-world pilot adoption with a producer in the Australian livestock industry. The use case shows that there are numerous risks pertaining to the adoption of DeFi for SCF. In response, the paper suggests new ways for supply chain SMEs to secure benefits from their investment in DeFi based on the key findings derived from evaluating our use cases.

SWOT analysis of risk factors associated with introduction of African Swine Fever through vehicles returning after export of pigs.

Denmark is a major pig exporter and applies a high level of biosecurity, with washing and disinfecting stations for returning livestock vehicles. The introduction of African Swine Fever (ASF) would have significant economic consequences related to loss of export of live pigs and products thereof. In this study, we focused on the role of empty livestock vehicles returning after exports of pigs for the introduction of ASF. Initially, the current components and measures related to export of livestock were described. Next, analyses of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) were conducted, covering the components and measures identified. Then, export of pigs was described either through assembly centers or directly from farms. Washing and disinfection, as required and undertaken at the designated stations, constitutes the most important among all risk-reducing measures identified. Recommendations are to: (1) ensure the quality of washing and disinfection through staff training; (2) find new, safe, and more efficient disinfectants; (3) ensure the required temperature, and therefore effect, of the disinfectant and water. It was impossible to assess, the influence of export through assembly centers compared to direct transport. However, through SWOT analyses we identified the strengths and weaknesses of the two pathways. Moreover, components/measures with risks of unknown sizes are also discussed, such as vehicles undertaking cabotage and the current vehicle quarantine periods.

Analysis of Potential Development of Micro Small Medium Enterprises in the Beef Livestock Sector to Increase Economic Growth and Labor

One of the keys to the economic progress of a country is economic growth in each region; one of the things that support the economy of a region is the development of small to medium scale businesses in the area or better known as Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). In addition, MSMEs also absorb labor which of course has an impact on unemployment in a region. One of the promising MSME business potentials is the business in the livestock sector, especially beef cattle. Apart from the high level of population and of course the potential for high meat consumption. Indonesia also has good natural resources for animal feed. One of the other factors is that our country has a large potential for raising livestock and the potential for global livestock exports is wide open. We also often hear news stating that Indonesia often imports meat, especially before major holidays such as Lebaran, Christmas and New Year. In this paper, I use a descriptive analysis method with a qualitative approach. Where in this paper I try to explain the business potential of YMKM in the livestock sector and also this paper is one of the tasks in the Advanced Microeconomics Course. Technique the data method used refers to sources from Bank Indonesia and LIPI where I as the author try to explain in more detail how the potential of Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the livestock sector in Indonesia. From this writing, the author hopes that the interest in developing SMEs in the livestock sector is growing and hopes that the government can also participate more in the development of SMEs in the livestock sector.

Sero-epidemiology of Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia in the Bench-Maji Zone, southwest Ethiopia

Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is a highly contagious respiratory disease in cattle that affects close to 30 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. In Ethiopia, it is one of the major diseases causing reduced cattle productivity and lower performance, particularly in the pastoral areas, and poses a threat to the livestock export market. A cross-sectional study aimed at estimating the seroprevalence and assessing the associated risk factors of CBPP was conducted between December 2018 and May 2019. For this purpose, a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire survey and a serological analysis of serum samples from 715 cattle were carried out in three districts selected from the Bench-Maji Zone. The sera were tested with a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA). Accordingly, a total of 162 (22.7%) cattle were tested seropositive. The seroprevalence was 32.3% in Meanitshasha, 19.2% in South Bench, and 2.8% in the Shey Bench district. The study found that breed, district (agro-ecology), and history of the CBPP outbreak were the risk factors for CBPP seropositivity identified by a generalized linear mixed model. The seroprevalence of CBPP was significantly higher in crossbred cattle (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio (APR) = 4.5; p <0.001), cattle from the Meanitshasha (lowland) district (APR = 13.9; p <0.001), from South Bench (midland) district (APR = 6.9; p = 0.001) and herds with a history of CBPP outbreaks (APR = 1.4; p = 0.009). The seroprevalence found in the present study indicates that CBPP is a common threat to cattle production in the Bench Maji zone. Therefore, all actors involved in the livestock sector should work together to achieve the successful implementation of strategies to control the disease. It is also important to note that a well-coordinated approach should be addressed with an effective vaccination campaign to prevent the further spread of the disease and lower the prevalence of the disease in the area.

Deception and default in a global marketplace: the political economy of livestock export trade in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT During 2014–2019, cattle exports from Ethiopia declined more than 95 percent. This trade depends largely on Borana pastoralists of southern Ethiopia and a credit system of deferred payments. The article asks: How did the deferred payment system contribute to the collapse of the trade? It argues that credit defaults ripple through the entire value chain and help to explain the export collapse. By examining how the circulation of credit and debt in the cattle export business disadvantages pastoralists and local traders, the article demonstrates how a once booming trade was undermined by its own contradictory processes and unequal relationships.

Assessment of the Risk of Foot and Mouth Disease among Beef Cattle at Slaughter from East African Production Systems.

Endemic foot and mouth disease (FMD) in East African cattle systems is one factor that limits access to export markets. The probability of FMD transmission associated with export from such systems have never been quantified and there is a need for data and analyses to guide strategies for livestock exports from regions where FMD remains endemic. The probability of infection among animals at slaughter is an important contributor to the risk of FMD transmission associated with the final beef product. In this study, we built a stochastic model to estimate the probability that beef cattle reach slaughter while infected with FMD virus for four production systems in two East African countries (Kenya and Uganda). Input values were derived from the primary literature and expert opinion. We found that the risk that FMD-infected animals reach slaughter under current conditions is high in both countries (median annual probability ranging from 0.05 among cattle from Kenyan feedlots to 0.62 from Ugandan semi-intensive systems). Cattle originating from feedlot and ranching systems in Kenya had the lowest overall probabilities of the eight systems evaluated. The final probabilities among cattle from all systems were sensitive to the likelihood of acquiring new infections en route to slaughter and especially the probability and extent of commingling with other cattle. These results give insight into factors that could be leveraged by potential interventions to lower the probability of FMD among beef cattle at slaughter. Such interventions should be evaluated considering the cost, logistics, and tradeoffs of each, ultimately guiding resource investment that is grounded in the values and capacity of each country.

Self-Reporting of Risk Pathways and Parameter Values for Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Slaughter Cattle from Alternative Production Systems by Kenyan and Ugandan Veterinarians.

Countries in which foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is endemic may face bans on the export of FMD-susceptible livestock and products because of the associated risk for transmission of FMD virus. Risk assessment is an essential tool for demonstrating the fitness of one’s goods for the international marketplace and for improving animal health. However, it is difficult to obtain the necessary data for such risk assessments in many countries where FMD is present. This study bridged the gaps of traditional participatory and expert elicitation approaches by partnering with veterinarians from the National Veterinary Services of Kenya (n = 13) and Uganda (n = 10) enrolled in an extended capacity-building program to systematically collect rich, local knowledge in a format appropriate for formal quantitative analysis. Participants mapped risk pathways and quantified variables that determine the risk of infection among cattle at slaughter originating from each of four beef production systems in each country. Findings highlighted that risk processes differ between management systems, that disease and sale are not always independent events, and that events on the risk pathway are influenced by the actions and motivations of value chain actors. The results provide necessary information for evaluating the risk of FMD among cattle pre-harvest in Kenya and Uganda and provide a framework for similar evaluation in other endemic settings.