An outbreak of peste des petits ruminants is hitting the North Bank region, with a mortality rate of 47% among the affected herds.

The Gambian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security confirmed on Thursday that an outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) has resulted in the death of 36 goats in the North Bank region, representing a mortality rate of 47% among the affected herds.

In a statement received by APA, the Director General of the Department of Livestock Services (DLS), Dr. Abdou Ceesay, specifies that the affected villages are Malick Nana and Kerr Jaine, in the Upper Niumi district.

Laboratory tests have confirmed that PPR, a viral disease endemic to The Gambia, is the cause of these deaths. The ministry emphasizes that the outbreak stems primarily from the previous refusal of affected communities to have their livestock vaccinated during routine campaigns.

Observed symptoms included runny nose, lethargy, diarrhea, and frothy oral discharge. Of 12 samples tested, 8 were positive for PPR.

The Department of Livestock Services (DLS) advised livestock farmers to isolate sick animals, enroll their herds in vaccination programs, and improve animal housing and biosecurity. The ministry also urged communities to fully cooperate with veterinary teams and ensure that all animals are vaccinated.

Authorities have reassured the public: the situation "is under control and does not pose a threat to human health." The Gambian government reaffirms its commitment to protecting the national livestock herd, which is vital for food security and the rural economy.