A Comprehensive Review on Disease Transmission Dynamics at Human-Livestock-Wildlife Interaction in Ethiopia: Implications for Prevention and Control

Mahendra Pal^1, , Firaol Tariku Geleto², Tegegn Dilbato Dinbiso³, Tesfaye Rebuma Abdeta⁴, Ravindra Zende⁵ and Aishwarya Nair⁵

¹Narayan Consultancy of Veterinary Public Health, and Microbiology, Bharuch, Gujarat, India

²Nono Woreda Agriculture, Silk-Amba Veterinary Clinic, Ambo, Oromia, Ethiopia

³Ambo University, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Science, Ambo, Oromia, Ethiopia

⁴Shaggar City Administration, Sebeta sub-city administration Agriculture Office, Sebeta, Oromia, Ethiopia

⁵Department of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

Cite this paper:
Mahendra Pal, Firaol Tariku Geleto, Tegegn Dilbato Dinbiso, Tesfaye Rebuma Abdeta, Ravindra Zende and Aishwarya Nair. A Comprehensive Review on Disease Transmission Dynamics at Human-Livestock-Wildlife Interaction in Ethiopia: Implications for Prevention and Control. American Journal of Epidemiology and Infectious Disease. 2025; 13(2):19-26. doi: 10.12691/ajeid-13-2-1

Abstract

Emerging infectious diseases increasingly emerged from animal reservoirs affecting human populations, frequently originating from wild or domestic animals. The complex interactions between humans, livestock and wildlife significantly influence the transmission dynamics of various infectious diseases, particularly in regions like Ethiopia with diverse ecosystems and extensive livestock populations. Human and animal movements often blur the boundaries between agricultural lands and natural wildlife habitats, leading to both direct and indirect interactions between domestic and wild animal species. These interactions can serve as pathways for the transmission of infectious agents across. Therefore, this paper aims to review disease transmission at the human-domestic wildlife interface in Ethiopia to give evidence-based recommendations for the control and prevention of diseases. Current understanding of the transmission mechanisms and the main source remains incomplete. However, the overlap of habitats due to human encroachment, grazing practices, microbial evolution, vectors, and the movement of animals contribute to pathogen transmission and multi-host diseases. To address these challenges, the principal method for preventing or controlling transmission at the interface involves minimizing contact between livestock and wild animals through land use regulations and fencing, surveillance of vectors and wild reservoirs, regular collection and analysis of epidemiological data, early warning systems for animal diseases, and targeted vaccination programs to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases. The review examines passive management strategies, such as the 'soft edge' approach where livestock and wildlife coexist and share resources within managed interfaces. It recommends strengthening veterinary services, increasing community awareness, and implementing wildlife management strategies to reduce disease transmission.

Keywords:
Disease transmission Ethiopia Interface Livestock-Wildlife Zoonosis

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