Africa-Press – Gambia. The Regional Livestock Directorate in Kerewan, North Bank Region, is busy collecting blood samples following reports of high mortality among small ruminants in Upper Nuimi and Jokadou.
According to farmers, the outbreak began during the rainy season but was only reported to the Regional Livestock Office after the communities experienced significant losses.
The disease surveillance exercise aims to identify the type of disease and facilitate a mass vaccination campaign. A total of 18 blood samples have been collected and will be sent to Abuko Central Veterinary Laboratory for analysis to determine whether the outbreak is caused by Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) or another disease. The Livestock Office is collaborating with Public Health Officers to contain any potential outbreak affecting both humans and animals.
The disease, which has not yet been confirmed by laboratory tests, has resulted in severe losses to the small ruminant population.
Madou Camara, Regional Livestock Director for the North Bank Region, reaffirmed his office’s commitment to working with farmers to vaccinate animals against all forms of diseases to support livelihood development. He stressed that the timely reporting of suspected cases is critical for prompt treatment.
Director Camara and his team collected blood samples from Momodou Musa Sidibeh, a young farmer in Malick Nana, who lost 18 small ruminants between late September and November 2025. He advised farmers to provide proper shelter for their animals, isolate infected animals, and follow proper management and care practices. He encouraged farmers to collaborate with the Livestock Office to develop management and treatment plans for livestock and poultry. The Department of Livestock Services aims to increase animal production and urges commercial small and large ruminant farmers to work with trained livestock assistants to ensure timely treatment. He also emphasized the importance of supporting PPR vaccination campaigns, warning that failure to comply could result in uncontrollable outbreaks.
Alagie Jaw Alkalo of Malick Nana thanked the Livestock Office officials for their visit, noting the large number of small ruminant deaths. He urged the community to change their practices regarding the use of chemicals on farm produce, highlighting that poor farm management contributes significantly to mortality.
Momodou Musa Sidibeh, involved in semi-intensive animal breeding, said he lost 18 animals and is left with only two. He expressed the need for technical support to realize his farming goals. Sidibeh admitted that starting small ruminant farming without technical advice negatively impacted his herd.
Amadou Jallow, Assistant Livestock Director in Essau, revealed that during the 2023 ECOWAS PPR Mass Vaccination Campaign, some farmers in Malick Nana and surrounding areas refused to vaccinate their sheep and goats. He emphasized that PPR vaccination is a lifesaving measure, and refusal can lead to widespread outbreaks. Jallow also cautioned farmers against seeking treatment from untrained or unregistered service providers, as this can negatively affect animal production.
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