title: A qualitative assessment of the risk of introducing peste des petits ruminants into northern zambia from Tanzania.
abstract: A qualitative risk assessment was performed to evaluate the risk of introducing Peste des petits ruminants virus into northern Zambia from Tanzania via live goat trade. Data was collected during a mission to Tanzania and northern Zambia and also from literature and interviews with experts. The risk of PPRV introduction was evaluated as a function of the probability of hazard (PPRV) release, exposure of susceptible hosts, and the consequences of spread using the following parameters: prevalence of infection, volume of trade, C-ELISA and quarantine screening missing an infected animal, PPRV viability (remaining infective) in transit, and the virus potential for infection. The magnitude of the consequences was derived from the probability of transmission and spread and the impact of PPRV introduction and establishment. Accordingly, the probability of occurrence of PPRV in northern Zambia from Tanzania was rated as "high" and the economic consequences were also rated as "high." Finally, the overall risk of introducing PPRV into northern Zambia from Tanzania at the time of the assessment was rated "high." It was concluded that import of goats and sheep be prohibited until efficient and adequate measures to reduce the risk have been put in place.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, P.O. Box 830011, Mumbwa, Zambia ; Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Chazya
authors.affiliation: Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Muma
authors.affiliation: Independent Policy Researcher, 4639 D Santa Cruz Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46268, USA.
authors.forename: K K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Mwacalimba
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3021, Morogoro, Tanzania.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Karimuribo
authors.affiliation: Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Mkandawire
authors.affiliation: Department of Disease Control, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zambia, P.O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Simuunza