Research Article
African Horse Sickness Distribution and Vaccination Coverage in North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia: A 5-Year Retrospective Study (2019–2025)
Kurabachew Gebrehiwot*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
51-62
Received:
2 October 2026
Accepted:
13 October 2026
Published:
29 October 2026
Abstract: African horse sickness (AHS) is a severe, vector-borne viral disease of equids associated with high mortality and substantial socioeconomic losses. However, regional epidemiological evidence from Ethiopia remains limited. This study aimed to describe the temporal, seasonal, and spatial distribution of reported AHS outbreaks and assess vaccination coverage in North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using Disease Outbreak and Vaccination Activity Report (DOVAR) records from 23 districts for the period 2019–2025. Outbreak occurrence, morbidity, mortality, case fatality rate (CFR), temporal and seasonal patterns, spatial distribution, and vaccination coverage were summarized using descriptive statistics. A total of 29 outbreaks were reported in 15 of the 23 districts, involving 21,461 equids at risk. Overall, 302 cases and 217 deaths were recorded, corresponding to a morbidity rate of 1.41%, mortality rate of 1.01%, and CFR of 71.85%. Outbreak occurrence varied considerably over time, with 21 outbreaks (72.4%) reported in 2024. All reported cases occurred during the post-rainy season, with September and October accounting for 97.4% of cases and 98.6% of deaths. Siyader Wayu District recorded the highest numbers of outbreaks, cases, and deaths. Outbreak-response vaccination coverage reached 97.6%, while routine prophylactic vaccination coverage increased from 35.2% in 2019 to 78.7% in 2025. In conclusion, reported AHS occurrence showed substantial temporal and spatial variation, with a high CFR among affected equids and a marked concentration of cases during September and October. Strengthening pre-emptive vaccination before the high-risk season, seasonal surveillance, and laboratory confirmation is recommended to improve early detection and disease control.
Abstract: African horse sickness (AHS) is a severe, vector-borne viral disease of equids associated with high mortality and substantial socioeconomic losses. However, regional epidemiological evidence from Ethiopia remains limited. This study aimed to describe the temporal, seasonal, and spatial distribution of reported AHS outbreaks and assess vaccination c...
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Review Article
Impact of Veterinary Live Vaccine Handling and Administration on Disease Control and Eradication in Ethiopia
Kurabachew Gebrehiwot*
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 3, September 2026
Pages:
63-70
Received:
4 October 2026
Accepted:
26 October 2026
Published:
9 November 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajz.20260903.12
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Abstract: Mass immunization by live attenuated vaccines is the primary strategy used by Ethiopia to control major transboundary animal diseases. However, the biological products are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, which can compromise the success of vaccination campaigns. The study established the cold-chain status of veterinary vaccines in Ethiopia. It also identified critical control points (CCPs) amenable to thermal abuse. In addition, it determined the operational impact of cold-chain failures by assessing the relationship between inappropriate vaccine administration and disease outbreaks in vaccinated animals. An audit of cold-chain logistic processes was done by carrying out a retrospective study in Oromia, Amhara, and Somali regions, where 360 Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Newcastle Disease (ND), and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) vaccination campaigns were performed between 2020 and 2025. The study revealed CCPs of cold-chain logistic processes, including extended power cuts at the woreda store without a backup generator, transportation containers without validation, and improper vaccination techniques in the field, for instance, using warm diluent and direct exposure of vaccine vials to UV radiation. Overall cold-chain failure was 35.8%, and it was associated with disease outbreaks in 17.1% percent of herds vaccinated. Moreover, there was a variation in outbreak prevalence between the agro-ecological regions with the highest outbreak prevalence in the Somali region at 27.4%. Maintaining the potency of vaccines requires appropriate arrangements for a cold-chain logistic system. Thus, the main interventions, which will mitigate the risk of vaccine failure, include the use of Solar Direct-Drive refrigerators, temperature monitoring during transportation, education on the impact of UV radiation, and the application of relevant vaccine handling techniques.
Abstract: Mass immunization by live attenuated vaccines is the primary strategy used by Ethiopia to control major transboundary animal diseases. However, the biological products are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, which can compromise the success of vaccination campaigns. The study established the cold-chain status of veterinary vaccines in Ethiopia. ...
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