Livestock markets as overlooked biosecurity risks to One Health in Somalia
This paper argues that Somalia's livestock markets represent a critical, overlooked One Health risk due to weak biosecurity and informal trading practices that facilitate zoonotic disease transmission and environmental degradation, necessitating an integrated approach combining quarantine, vaccination, surveillance, and improved management to safeguard public health, trade, and sustainability.
Original paper licensed under CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). This is an AI-generated explanation of the paper below. It is not written or endorsed by the authors. For technical accuracy, refer to the original paper. Read full disclaimer
In the vast, sun-scorched landscapes of Somalia, the economy and the daily survival of millions rest on the backs of livestock. Cattle, camels, sheep, and goats are not just animals; they are the primary source of food, wealth, and social stability for a nation where the land is often harsh and the climate unpredictable. Yet, the journey these animals take from the remote pastures to the places where they are sold is a critical, yet often invisible, link in a chain that connects animal health, human health, and the environment. This connection is known as the One Health approach, a way of thinking that recognizes that the well-being of people cannot be separated from the well-being of the animals they live with and the ecosystems they share. When animals move in large groups, gather in crowded spaces, and interact with humans and the soil, the risk of diseases jumping from animals to people increases. These are called zoonotic diseases, and in a country heavily dependent on mobile herding and informal trade, the places where animals are bought and sold become potential hotspots for these infections to spread.
A recent report by researchers from Somali National University shines a light on these specific gathering places: the livestock markets. While these markets are the heartbeat of the local economy, the study argues they currently function as a blind spot for national health security. The authors describe a scenario where animals from different herds, districts, and even countries are brought together in close quarters, often without enough space, clean water, or proper separation. In these crowded conditions, pathogens—the tiny organisms that cause disease—can move easily from one animal to another, or from an animal to a person, through direct contact, contaminated feed, or even the air. The researchers point out that the current system relies too heavily on simple visual checks of the animals. A trader or official might look at an animal to see if it appears sick, but this method misses many dangerous infections that do not show obvious symptoms until it is too late.
The paper identifies a specific set of diseases that pose the greatest threat in this environment, including Rift Valley fever, brucellosis, anthrax, and Middle East respiratory syndrome. These are not hypothetical dangers; they are real threats that the country has already prioritized for attention. The researchers found that the current way of managing these markets is insufficient to stop the spread of such illnesses. They explain that simply inspecting animals at a regional market is not enough to guarantee safety, especially for diseases that hide without clear signs. The study suggests that for a market to be truly safe, inspection must be combined with other measures: holding animals in quarantine areas where they can be watched, vaccinating them, and using laboratory tests to confirm they are free of infection before they are sold or moved on. Without these steps, the market acts as a bridge, allowing local diseases to spread across borders and infect farmers, traders, and the communities living near slaughterhouses.
Beyond the immediate risk of disease, the report highlights a second, often overlooked consequence of these markets: environmental damage. The study notes that livestock production is a major source of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. In the markets, this problem is compounded by poor management of animal waste. When manure is not collected or treated properly, it accumulates, creating unsanitary conditions that help pathogens survive longer in the soil and water. This creates a cycle where a lack of hygiene not only spreads disease but also degrades the local environment, putting further pressure on water sources and grazing lands that are already strained by drought. The researchers argue that fixing the markets is not just about stopping sickness; it is about cleaning up the environment and making the entire system more resilient to the stresses of a changing climate.
The authors conclude that the tools to solve this problem already exist. The country has identified the priority diseases, and policy documents have already called for better veterinary oversight and standardized quarantine systems. What is missing is the consistent application of these rules on the ground. The study suggests a practical path forward that does not require impossible resources but does demand organization. This includes setting minimum standards for the markets, such as controlling who enters and exits, separating different types of animals, and ensuring that pens are cleaned and disinfected. It also calls for more veterinary teams to be present at major markets, especially during busy trading times, and for traders and herders to be educated on how to recognize signs of illness and practice good hygiene. By treating market biosecurity as a shared responsibility rather than a private cost, Somalia can protect its people, its animals, and its trade reputation, turning these overlooked spaces from risks into models of safety and sustainability.
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