In the heart of the Haut-Uele province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a threat hangs over the breeders of the Faradje region. Peste des petits ruminants, a viral disease of African origin, has infiltrated the herds, decimating more than 500 animals, mainly goats and sheep, over the years.
Faced with this critical situation, local civil society is sounding the alarm and calling on the central government and its partners for emergency intervention. Vaccination is designated as the only effective remedy against this disease, which has been raging since 2021 and threatens not only local livestock but also the biodiversity of Garamba National Park.
The symptoms of the disease are severe, with high fevers and pronounced depression in infected animals, accompanied by secretions from the eyes and nose. To limit the spread, it is recommended not to consume meat showing clinical signs of infection. Local authorities are also urging breeders to respect health measures to protect their herds.
Peste des petits ruminants, caused by the Morbillivirus virus, can infect up to 90% of a herd and lead to the death of 30 to 70% of affected animals. The areas of Ngube, Doya and Djabie are particularly affected by this epidemic.
To counter this threat, it is essential to strengthen surveillance at provincial borders and raise public awareness of the importance of vaccination and preventive measures. While awaiting a response from the authorities, the vigilance and cooperation of all are essential to contain the spread of this devastating disease among livestock farms in the Faradje region.