Short report on implications of Covid-19 and emerging zoonotic infectious diseases for pastoralists and Africa
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Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Pastoralism
Abstract
Many emerging and re-emerging zoonotic infectious diseases occur in Africa. These are projected to increase as
human–animal host contact increases owing to increasing environmental degradation that shrinks nature habitats
for wildlife over the continent. The current outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-
2) responsible for causing coronavirus disease in 2019 (COVID-19) has reinvigorated discourse on the disruptiveness
of the zoonotic emerging infectious diseases, owing to their transboundary character. Even as the world focuses on
the COVID-19 sweeping pandemic, the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS)-CoV re-emerged in
Saudi Arabia infecting 18 people with five deaths; this has barely received any attention. This outbreak is particularly
of concern to the pastoralists in the Horn of Africa, a region that has in recent past seen an increase in camel trade
with the Gulf States, especially Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Emerging and re-emerging zoonotic infectious diseases are
complex, depend on human–animal–environment interaction and pose a strain on public health systems. There is a
need to address these diseases dynamically through a synergistic approach, drawing on expertise from diverse
sectors. One Health approach has distinguished itself as an integrative action able to bring together multiple actors
on a global, national and local scale to advance the attainment of optimal health outcomes for people, animals and
the environment. One Health works by strengthening the preparedness, response, mitigation and monitoring of
zoonotic infectious disease risks collaboratively. We opine that as zoonotic emerging and re-emerging infectious
diseases continue to rise over pastoral Africa, comprehensive implementation of the One Health approach will be
urgently required.
Description
Keywords
Epidemics, Emergence, Livestock, MERS-CoV, One Health, Pandemic, SARS-CoV-2
Citation
Egeru, A., Dejene, S. W., & Siya, A. (2020). Short report on implications of Covid-19 and emerging zoonotic infectious diseases for pastoralists and Africa. Pastoralism, 10(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13570-020-00173-2