Shinyanga District in Tanzania is grappling with a severe crisis as a surge in livestock deaths threatens the economic stability of the region. The alarming situation has prompted local leaders to call for immediate action to address the issue, which has seen significant losses among herders. On August 20, 2024, district leaders, including chairman Ngassa Mboje, convened to discuss the emergency, revealing that he had lost half of his 100 cattle due to the unexplained deaths [fc795c81].
Deputy Minister Alexander Mnyeti had previously launched a livestock exhibition in June 2024 to promote better practices in animal husbandry, but the recent surge in deaths has overshadowed these efforts. Residents have expressed concerns that the vaccines administered to their livestock may be contributing to the rising mortality rates, although no definitive evidence has been provided to confirm this theory. Edward Maduhu, a local official, acknowledged the increasing number of livestock deaths but admitted that he lacks comprehensive statistics to fully understand the scale of the crisis [fc795c81].
Shinyanga is home to a substantial livestock population, with 1,221,784 cattle, 757,772 goats, and 372,351 sheep. The cattle sales are crucial for the income of many families in the district, with livestock taxes generating 319,230,000 shillings in the 2015/2016 fiscal year. The economic impact of the livestock deaths is profound, as many families rely on these animals for their livelihoods [fc795c81].
Former Deputy Minister Abdallah Ulega highlighted the ongoing shortages of veterinary medicine, which exacerbates the situation. Dr. Subira Mwakabumbe has reported outbreaks of diseases such as cattle plague and swine fever, further complicating the crisis. The urgent need for modernization in animal husbandry practices and improvements in veterinary services has become increasingly clear as the district faces this alarming surge in livestock deaths [fc795c81].
As the situation develops, local authorities and the government are under pressure to implement effective measures to safeguard the livelihoods of herders and ensure the health of the livestock population in Shinyanga District.