A Laboratory Manual on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Laboratory Tests and Testing procedures for Trade Related Transboundary Animal Diseases

Abstract

The arid and semi-arid lands of the Horn of Africa (HOA) are home to poor and vulnerable populations, the majority of whom rely on livestock to sustain livelihoods. However, the performance of livestock in the region remains low, given the widespread occurrence of transboundary animal diseases (TADs) that are responsible for production losses, and reduced performance of intra- and inter-regional trade in livestock and livestock products. Because of disease outbreaks, live animal exports have been severely constrained during the past two decades, by bans imposed by importing countries to reduce risks associated with these diseases.