Authors :
Ngari P. Muriuki; David N. Ndung’u; Stephen Ongalo; Rosemary N. Ngotho-Esilaba
Volume/Issue :
Volume 8 - 2023, Issue 5 - May
Google Scholar :
https://bit.ly/3TmGbDi
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/ms9hnj5y
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8049749
Abstract :
Integrated veterinary service mobile
applications provides a faster, nearly real-time, and
accurate reporting of livestock diseases. Active
participatory epidemiological data collection using an
online platform forms a prerequisite for early detection
and response which prevents the spread of the disease
outside the foci of the outbreak. Compared to the
traditional pen and paper method, the use of mobile
applications was faster and reliable and connected farmers
to animal healthcare service providers more reliably. In
the backend, the disease data was aggregated by animal
species and to farmer biodata and geolocation. Animal
health care provider module allowed a quick response
focusing on spatial location. Detailed list of signs and
symptoms as described by the farmer allowed a putative
disease diagnosis and follow-up at all administrative levels.
Researchers, we are able to collect current epidemiological
data of the most prevalent diseases of cattle, sheep, and
goats. Most of the diseases reported through the app were
classified as notifiable diseases in Kenya which impose
international livestock trade restrictions. Initially, heavy
losses are occasioned in livestock due to lack of reliable
reporting to facilitate faster response. The tool was also
able to map and assess the disease burden and potential
zoonotic disease risk. Although reporting through the eplatform resulted in much more timely and reliable
reporting and feedback, limited connectivity and lack of
smartphones in some regions delayed the process.
However, in the long run, with the widespread use of
smartphones, the approach will greatly improve animal
disease reporting and surveillance, enhance data integrity,
and enhance disease response strategies. Field data
collection, transmission, and analysis allowed
dissemination of validated feedback prompting an
immediate response, and served as an early warning
response.
Integrated veterinary service mobile
applications provides a faster, nearly real-time, and
accurate reporting of livestock diseases. Active
participatory epidemiological data collection using an
online platform forms a prerequisite for early detection
and response which prevents the spread of the disease
outside the foci of the outbreak. Compared to the
traditional pen and paper method, the use of mobile
applications was faster and reliable and connected farmers
to animal healthcare service providers more reliably. In
the backend, the disease data was aggregated by animal
species and to farmer biodata and geolocation. Animal
health care provider module allowed a quick response
focusing on spatial location. Detailed list of signs and
symptoms as described by the farmer allowed a putative
disease diagnosis and follow-up at all administrative levels.
Researchers, we are able to collect current epidemiological
data of the most prevalent diseases of cattle, sheep, and
goats. Most of the diseases reported through the app were
classified as notifiable diseases in Kenya which impose
international livestock trade restrictions. Initially, heavy
losses are occasioned in livestock due to lack of reliable
reporting to facilitate faster response. The tool was also
able to map and assess the disease burden and potential
zoonotic disease risk. Although reporting through the eplatform resulted in much more timely and reliable
reporting and feedback, limited connectivity and lack of
smartphones in some regions delayed the process.
However, in the long run, with the widespread use of
smartphones, the approach will greatly improve animal
disease reporting and surveillance, enhance data integrity,
and enhance disease response strategies. Field data
collection, transmission, and analysis allowed
dissemination of validated feedback prompting an
immediate response, and served as an early warning
response.
