Mapping livestock systems, bovine and caprine diseases in Mayo-Kebbi Ouest Province, Chad.

Abstract

This study aimed to compile an inventory of the main diseases affecting these species in Mayo-Kebbi Ouest Province in Chad. A survey was conducted between 6 May and 7 August 2024 using a cascade data collection method identifying 310 farmers and 19 veterinarians with an average of 10 to 12 years of experience in advising and supporting livestock practices The data collected included socio-professional characteristics of participants, livestock practices, and geospatial information. These data were managed in Excel and analysed with R. The analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistical techniques including binary logistic regression resulting in maps illustrating disease hotspots and livestock systems. Thematic maps, tables and charts with a 5% significance threshold visualised risk areas and associated livestock practices. The results show a predominance of male farmers (91.9%) from 20 different ethnic groups. The livestock systems identified include data on farming divided into extensive (14.8%), mixed (0.3%) and semi-intensive farming (84.8%). On average, farms have 41 cattle and 25 goats. Animal diseases were found to cause 29.5% reduction in herd productivity. Transhumance (p=0.000356) and animal disease incidence (p=0.03) were observed as significant risk factors associated with the abandonment of livestock farming. The main diseases recorded in cattle include contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (11.3%), bovine tuberculosis (2.5%), foot-and-mouth disease (45.0%), bluetongue (1.7%) and disease with symptoms reminiscent of rinderpest (2.5%). For goats, notable diseases include brucellosis (3.8%), lumpy skin disease (19.2%), goat plague (7.9%) and Rift Valley fever (6.3%). These findings confirm the importance of a geospatial epidemiological surveillance tool for monitoring animal diseases in this region.