INVESTIGATING WAR AND SIEGE INFLICTED VETERINARY FACILITIES DAMAGE AND ITS ROLE ON ZOONOTIC DISEASE BURDEN IN SELECTED DISTRICTS OF SOUTHERN AND SOUTHEASTERN ZONES OF TIGRAY

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November, 2023 to February, 2024 to assess the damage and post war functional status on veterinary facilities in selected districts of southern and southeastern zones of Tigray. During the study, 440 respondents who owned animals, six focus group discussions and twelve key informant interviews, as well as, on-site visits to twenty-two veterinary facilities were carried out during the research period. The results shed light on the circumstances, with unanimous recognition of the cessation of veterinary services during the conflict. Furthermore, heightened awareness of zoonotic diseases was noted, with 55.2% attributing their increased spread to veterinary facility destruction. Of the total veterinary facilities visited 81.8% were not functional. The remaining 9.1% and 9.1% were found to be partially and fully functional, respectively. Qualitative insights highlighted pervasive infrastructure damage, resource loss, and challenges in staff availability and expertise, impeding disease monitoring and management efforts. The targeting of veterinary facilities reflects global patterns observed in conflict zones, amplifying risks to both animal and human health. Urgent interventions are imperative to rebuild veterinary facilities, reinstate health education programs, and enhance disease surveillance. Community involvement in reconstruction efforts is crucial for context-specific interventions. Furthermore, strengthening zoonotic disease surveillance and education are essential for mitigating health risks in the conflict affected areas of southern and southeastern zones of Tigray.