Qualitative Risk Analysis of IBR Introduction to Ethiopia via the Legal Importation of Bulls from Netherlands

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis/infectious pustular vulvovaginitis (IBR/IPV) is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild cattle causing high economic loss in cattle industry. The disease is caused by bovine herpes virus 1 (BoHV-1). BHV-1 is distributed worldwide including the exporting country Netherlands except it has been eradicated from Austria, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland and Norway. To know the status of the disease in Ethiopia, 1430 sera samples were collected starting from January 3- 26, 2016 from four regions. However, samples are not yet processed. As part of the genetic improvement of the local breeds, the ministry of livestock and fishery of Ethiopia has already decided to import 120 bulls in March 2016 for semen production. Before the importation this bulls, an import risk assessment of IBR/IPB was conducted with the objective of assessing the risk of introduction of BHV1 to Ethiopia through the importation of infected bulls from Netherlands. Hence, hazard identification conclusion revealed the introduction of BHV1 or its abortifacient strains are regarded as potential hazards. Following the entry of infected bulls, the likelihood establishment and transmission of IBR to formerly imported breed and indigenous cattle was indicated to be high. The overall likelihood occurrence of IBR following the importation of infected bulls was assessed to be high. Potentially exotic strains of bovine herpes viruses would cause significant health impact in susceptible cattle including illness, abortion, stillbirth, neonatal death and calf mortality thereby leading to high economic losses in cattle industry. However there would little effect on people and environment. The overall level of consequence of IBR was assessed to be minor. In general, the overall risk of IBR occurrence following the importation of infected bull was estimated from moderate to high. However, this risk can be mitigated if bulls intended for importation are sourced from IBR/IPB free country and healthy check-up and detection capacity of infected animals at entry point of Ethiopia is intensified, the awareness of animal health workers and farm owners about IBR is raised with enhanced surveillance system and diagnostic capacity of the BHV1 in the importing country.