SHEIKH TECHNICAL VETERINARY SCHOOL (STVS)

Sheikh Technical Veterinary School

Field work Report in Hargeisa, Wajaale and Berbera

Period: from 23, June to 12 July 2009

Name: Abdirahman Said AbdirahmanStudent No: 0043 Date 24/07/2009

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Acknowledgement

First praise is due to Allah who made it possible for this field report to be completed.

After Allah I also extend to my thanks to all people who have helped me in the

preparation of this field report.

The people listed are to be thanked for their contributions and more importantly their

sharing thoughts. The list includes but is probably not limited to the following people.

Dr: Ibrahim OsmanDr: Ahmed HaibeDr: Hassan OsmanMr.Benson WafulaMr. yousuf Jama

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DECLARATION

I, Abdirahman Saeed Abdirahman here to declare that this work is my original work, and

has not appeared anywhere else in any other form.

Student signature ………………………………………………

Date: 25-07-2009

Supervisor signature …………………………………………

Date: 25-07-2009

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Table of contents

Content Page number

Chapter one: Introduction……………………………………………...1

1.1 introduction of the field work……………………………………………………...1

1.2 background of the study areas……………………………………………………..1

1.2.1 Wajaale district………………………………………………………………......2

1.2.2 Hargeisa City…………………………………………………………………….3

1.2.3 Berbera town…………………………………………………………………….3

Chapter two: Aim, Objective and Methodology………………………5

2.1 Aim………………………………………………………………………………...5

2.2 Objectives………………………………………………………………………….5

2.3 Methodology………………………………………………………………………5

Chapter three: Activities carried out…………………………………..6

3.1 FMD vaccination program in Somaliland…………………………………………6

3.1.1 Inspection of the animal before vaccination……………………………………..7

3.1.2 FMD vaccination performance in Wajaale district……………………………...7

3.1.3 FMD vaccination in Alla-ibaday village………………………………………...8

3.1.4 Certification procedure in Wajaale………………………………………………9

3.1.5 Constraints of vet activities……………………………………………………...9

3.2 clinical examination and treatment in Wajaale……………………………………9

3.2.1 Clinical examination on cattle…………………………………………………...9

3.2.2 Treatment of the animals………………………………………………………...10

3.3 Veterinary infrastructures at Wajaale…………………………………………….11

3.4 Hargeisa slaughter house…………………………………………………………11

3.4.1 Role of Maandeeq enterprise in the slaughter house…………………………...12

3.4.2 Meat inspection in the slaughter house………………………………………...12

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3.4.3 Hygiene analyzes of the slaughter house………………………………………13

3.4.4 Animal welfare of the slayers…………………………………………………..14

3.4.5 Constraints of the slaughter house……………………………………………..14

3.5 Hargeisa milk markets……………………………………………………………14

3.5.1 Handling of milk in the markets………………………………………………..15

3.5.2 Sources of the milk……………………………………………………………..15

3.5.3 Price of the milk………………………………………………………………..15

3.5.4 Milk adulteration……………………………………………………………….16

3.6 Hargeisa livestock market………………………………………………………..16

3.6.1 Composition of the market……………………………………………………..17

3.6.2 Main players of the market……………………………………………………..17

3.6.3 Infrastructures and operational capacity of the market………………………...18

3.7 Berbera veterinary infrastructures………………………………………………..18

3.7.1 Berbera quarantine station……………………………………………………...18

3.7.2 Berbera livestock laboratory…………………………………………………...19

3.8 livestock shipping system………………………………………………………...20

3.9 Certification procedure…………………………………………………………...21

3.10 Experienced gained from the attached areas……………………………………22

Chapter four: Conclusion and recommendations…………………...23

4.1 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………..23

4.2 Recommendation…………………………………………………………………24

Annexes…………………………………………………………………25

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Chapter one: Introduction

1.1 Introduction of the field work

Sheikh technical veterinary school is an institution based on learning by doing, practical

activities are continuous and they are related to the lectures. By the end of each academic

year is assigned a field work to apply the learned skills as well as the improvement of

writing and reporting system. On 23/06/2009 STVS second year students composed of

fourteen members have entertained the fulfillment of this accumulated activity, the

learners were equipped protective aprons, long boots, gloves, disinfectants, first aid and

post mortem kits and drugs used for the treatment activity. The towns of hargaisa, berbera

and wajaale were analyzed, mainly clinical examination, treatment, vaccination, milk and

livestock markets and veterinary infrastructures have been emphasized, and the

assignments were concluded on 12/07/2009 by operating about a week in each town.

1.2 Back ground of the study area

Unlike previous field activities three different areas were studied; Hargeisa which is the

city of Somaliland, Wajaale (also Tog Wajaale) along the border of Ethiopia and under

the administration of Gebilay region of Somaliland and the seaport town of Berbera.

The map of the study area

Wajaale (tog wajaale) Hargeisa city Berbera seaport

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1.2.1 Wajaale district

Wajaale is fur from Hargeisa about 80km of the west ward; the district is not so large it

has an area of 4km2 with population above 20,000 persons. It lies in the valley of Oogo

high land which receives large amount of rain and characterized by cold and windy

climate, the temperature ranges between 11and 300C.

The district has a suitable soil for the agriculture; several types of food are produced like

maize, sorghum, beans, onion and watermelon.

Although there is available electricity unfortunately there is no suitable water supply, the

water is taken from large pools and shallows which are uncovered and exposed for

contamination.

In Wajaale the most species reared is cattle but it is subsistence for families’ lives instead

of commercial purpose. The exporting cattle from the region (Gebilay) and its neighbors

are inspected and vaccinated in wajaale district.

Wajaale is a major hub town that links between Ethiopia and Somaliland. All imports

destined to Ethiopia from the major port of Berbera go through this strategic border, with

a twin Ethiopian [sister town] on the other side of the bordered also called Wajaale.

Veterinary institution in Wajaale

There is one doctor and four vet assistants who operate in wajaale, they are public staffs

responsible for veterinary activities in the area, though their main duty is inspection and

vaccination of the exporting cattle some times they perform passive surveillance, clinical

examination and treatment of their surroundings.

Figure one: veterinary institution in Wajaale

Vet. Doctor

Vet assistant Vet assistant Vet assistant Vet assistant

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1.2.2 Hargeisa city

Hargeisa is the city of Somaliland (the northwestern) regions of Somalia. It was the

colonial capital of British Somaliland from 1941 to 1960, when it united with Italian

Somaliland to form the Somali Republic. Hargeisa is the largest city in the Somaliland

regions and the second largest city in Somalia after Mogadishu, the nation's capital.

Hargeisa is located in a valley in the western section of the country. The city is in a

mountainous area because it is situated in an enclosed valley of the Galgodon (Oogo)

highlands, at an elevation of 1,334 meters (4,377 ft) above sea level. The temperature

ranges between 13 and 32 degrees Celsius (55 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit).

Hargeisa is the financial hub to many entrepreneurial industries ranging from food

processing, fully operational slaughter house, livestock and milk markets, gem

stonecutters, construction, retail, import and export, Internet cafes, and companies that

process remittances from relatives abroad who send money. Some families have moved

back to the city, living in mansions in the hills during the summer.

Hargeisa receives larger amounts of rain, and used to be surrounded by forest when the

city was smaller but the countryside around the city still has small juniper forests.

Due to its fertility and greenery, wild animals (e.g. zebras) come to the Hargeisa area to

either breed or graze on the grassland savannah. Animals that can be found in Hargeisa

include the Kudu, wild boar, Somali Wild Ass, warthogs, antelopes, the Somali sheep,

wild goats, camels, cattle and many different types of birds. South of Hargeisa is a

grassland savannah, which attracts many types of wildlife to the area including lions and

leopards.

1.2.3 Berbera town

Berbera is the main port of Somaliland and the center of Sahil region, it is situated the

northern direction of the country and it is along the red sea of Gulf of Aden. The coastal

belt is usually cold between the months of October and January while may to September

is normally hot and windy weather condition, in the summertime (June - September)

temperature rises up ward 45oC which causes residents to move during that season.

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The coastal belt around Berbera (Guban) is desert or semi-desert which receives rain ones

or twice in the year.

The economic sources of Berbera depend on the port activities which is the largest which

is the largest income generation for the whole of the country. Thousands of livestock are

exported every week from Berbera port to the Arabian countries like SAUDI-ARABIA,

QATAR, KUWEIT, BAHREIN and EGYPT.

Veterinary institution in Berbera

Since Berbera is the capital of Sahil region and the base of regional veterinary

coordinator, it has district veterinary office, port section and quarantine and laboratory

departments. Several activities are carried in Berbera like inspection, Brucella test and

certification of the exporting animals. The organizational chart below illustrates the

hierarchy and the connection of the veterinary institution.

Figure two: veterinary institution in Berbera

Regional veterinary coordinator

Berbera district veterinary office

Quarantine sectionBerbera laboratory

departmentPort section

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Chapter two Aim, Objectives and Methodology

2.1 Aim

The aim of the field work was to promote students’ practical skills in the veterinary

profession.

2.2 Objectives

To apply the various skills and knowledge acquired in assessment of livestock

To analyze the various veterinary services in the attached areas

2.3 Methodology of the field work

In order to achieve the above objectives the following methods were used

Interview method

Observation and Inspection

Physical examination

Sampling and Testing method

Treatment and Vaccination

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Chapter three: Activities carried out

3.1 FMD vaccination program in Somaliland

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is an acute infectious viral disease causing fever,

followed by the development of vesicles (blisters) chiefly in the mouth and on the feet. It

is probably more infectious than any other disease affecting animals or man and spreads

rapidly if uncontrolled. It affects cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats. Wild and domestic cloven-

hoofed animals are also susceptible, including a significant number of zoo animals and

animals such as the hedgehog.

The disease is caused by Aphthovirus in the family of picorna viridae and has seven

serotypes, A, O, C, Sat1, Sat2, Sat3, and Asia sat1.

Although FMD is not common in the region thus it is the only vaccination program

currently going on in the country.

Only exporting bulls are vaccinated from FMD due to a request from the Arabian

countries especially Yemen republic since the most bulls are exported to it.

The used vaccine in Somaliland is inactivated known as fotivax, which is produced by

Kenya agricultural institute, veterinary vaccine production center and it is effective

against A and O serotypes.

The vaccine was bought by the ministry of livestock of Somaliland which is kept under

refrigeration in a temperature of 4oC and it is shaken before inoculation.

Fotivax is administered 3ml/animal subcutaneously in cattle with no regard of sex, age

and weight, but it needs to repeat after six month as booster.

The main sites in which the vaccination is conducted are Wajaale district and some

villages near to it since a large number of the exporting cattle are from those zones.

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3.1.1 Inspection of the animal before vaccination

Inspection is the first technique used to identify the sick animals from the herd, before the

vaccination the whole animals are inspected by the veterinary officers, body condition

and health status are focused during inspection.

The easily observable signs are rough hair coat, poor body condition (emaciation), nasal

and ocular discharge, profuse salivation, dullness and depressed appearance, lack of

rumination, diarrhea, and coughing, heavy infestation of ecto-parasites and swelling of

external lymphanodes.

Any presence of the mentioned signs can enforce the inspector to isolate that animal and

not to vaccine because the vaccine it self can detorierate the condition if the animal is

immuno-suppressed.

All suspected animals are separated from the herd and studied their case specially; the

patient animals are treated and returned to their owners.

3.1.2 FMD vaccination performance in Wajaale district

Wajaale is the center of vaccination in Somaliland, more than 500 bull are vaccinated per

week in Wajaale, the vaccinating animals are owned by local traders and they inform the

veterinary officers before they bring their animals to the crush pens, then the vaccine

vials are taken from the ministry of livestock in Hargeisa and it is preserved with ice box.

During the vaccination the animals are lined in the crush and they are performed on

vaccination and ear tag.

Ear tag is an important symbol conducted to differentiate vaccinated and non vaccinated

animals, both vaccine inoculation and eartag is charged for $1.5 and$1 respectively.

The role of veterinary personnel is not only administering of the vaccine but the animals

are inspected thoroughly before they are vaccinated, if there is any clinical signs it is

forbidden to vaccinate the animal as it will lead to further deterioration.

Both 24/06/2009 and 29/06/2009 more than seven hundreds of bulls were vaccinated in

Wajaale, the students took part the inspection, inoculating of the vaccine and eartags

under the supervision and guidance of the supervisor.

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The significant role played by the students during the hard work is an evidence showing

how they are talented performing of veterinary practices.

The following table illustrates vaccination activities done by the students in Tog wajaale

district.

Table one: FMD vaccination in Wajaale

Date Species Sex No of animals Dosage rate Route of

administration

No of owners

24/06/2009 Cattle male 179 3ml/animal subcutaneous 8

29/06/2009 Cattle male 526 3ml/animal subcutaneous 1

3.1.3 FMD vaccination in AllA-ibaday village

Alla-ibaday village is about 33km south east of wajaale; it is under the administration of

Gebilay district and lies along the border of Ethiopia.

Alla-ibaday has an old crush used to vaccinate the livestock from its surrounding areas.

On Saturday 27/06/2009 Alla-ibaday village was visited by the students and their

supervisor, they have participated vaccination of 508 bulls.

Prior of the vaccination it was done general inspection of the animals, fortunately no

clinical signs appeared. Inspection is the first technique used before the vaccination to

identify the sick animals, mostly the vaccinating animals are bulls selected for export,

body conditions of the animals were good and fair and the health status seemed to be

normal. The table below is summarized FMD vaccination conducted in Alla-ibaday

village.

Table two: FMD vaccination in Alla-ibaday village

Date Species Sex No of

animals

Dosage

rate

Route of

administration

No: of

owners

27/06/2009 Cattle male 508 3ml/animal subcutaneous 27

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3.1.4 Certification procedure in Wajaale

After inspection and vaccination activities, it is mandatory to clarify the animals were

inspected. In wajaale the vaccinated animals are attached with inspection form which

declares that the animals are examined according to the veterinary laws and regulations

of the republic of Somaliland, the certificate is confirmed that the animal did not show

any signs of infectious disease and the were no reports of notified diseases in the area of

origin of the animal, the statements of the certificate is signed by Gebilay region

veterinary coordinator. After the attachment of the inspection form the animals are

transported to Berbera port through Hargeisa city were is taken from the movement

permit which is described that the animals were inspected and they can be moved from

one region to an other.

3.1.5 Constraints of vet activities

There are several obstacles which are encountered by veterinary staffs; the first one is

transportation problem because there is no especial vehicle for the vaccination activity, it

is contacted to the ministry of livestock in Hargeisa if vaccine vials needed which can

take several days to arrange.

The crush pens used for vaccination are two old and broken and need to repair. And other

important barrier is the delay of the animals; it is possible that the owners bring their

animals several days after the time they appointed.

3.2 Clinical examination and treatment in Wajaale

3.2.1 Clinical examination on cattle

On 28/06/2009, 13 sick animals were visited, whole of them were cattle and it was

complained that all animals have been in a poor body condition for several months, in

addition to that one of the animals showed serious condition of emaciation, diarrhea,

anorexia and dullness appearance during the last two weeks and no previous medications

used as it has been cleared by the owner.

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Both visual appraisal and physical examination were performed deeply; the emaciated

caw had the signs mentioned in the case history and others like rough hair coat,

depression, cough and decreased temperature of 34oC.

There were other two animals those had purulent ocular and nasal discharge and

temperature of 38.70C and 39.3oC respectively.

Most of the animals were thin and rough hair coat, there were no infestation of ecto-

parasites, the farm and the environment were grassland with good pasture, respiratory and

pulse rate them selves were assessed and indicated to be normal.

3.2.2 Treatment of the animals

After clinical examination tentatively it was concluded that all animals are common in

helmenthiasis according to the case history and clinical signs.

All the animals were administered Albendazole orally in a dosage rate of 14ml/50kg

since it is very effective anti-helmentic drug recommended the treatment of different

worms infections such as round worms, tape worms, lung worms and liver flukes in

cattle, sheep and goats and it was shaken well before the administration.

The owner was informed not to slaughter the animals for human consumption for two

weeks after treatment and not to milk the lactated ones until 5days.

The severe emaciated one who had diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and decreased

temperature was treated with Pen & Strep (combination of penicillin and dehydro

streptomycin) after consultation with the field supervisor.

Pen&Strep is effective against infections and agents sensitive to penicillin and

streptomycin and the recommended dosage rate is 1ml/25kg body weight intramuscularly

for up to three consequence days.

In addition to that the two caws showed purulent nasal and ocular discharge and evidence

of fever with temperature around 39oC were used for CILAMYCIN long acting in deep

intramuscular in a dosage rate of 1ml/10kg body weight.

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Each 1ml of Clamycin is contained by 100mg of oxytetracycline. This compound is

suitable for the treatment of acute infections and the other hand it is formulated to

provide a prolonged action resulting in a sustained anti-bacterial activity.

The treated caws were not lactated and the owner accepted not to use their meat for 28

days after the administration of the drug.

Table three: animal treatment in Wajaale

Date Species Number of

animals

Drug used Dosage rate Route of

administration

28/06/2009 Cattle 10 Albendazole 14ml/50kg Oral

Cattle 2 Albendazole &

cilamycin

14ml/50kg and

1ml/10kg

Oral and

intramuscular

Cattle 1 Albendazole and pen &

strep

14ml/50kg and

1ml/25kg

Oral and

intramuscular

The total number treated is 13

3.3 Veterinary infrastructures at wajaale

There are view old infrastructures in wajaale and its surroundings; wajaale and Alla-

ibaday crush pens are too old and broken which is difficult to work, although huge

number of animals are inspected there is no laboratory center if there is need of further

confirmation, there only three vet offices and two ramps at wajaale livestock market and

no sheds for the animal.

3.4 Hargeisa slaughter house

Hargaisa is laughter is located in the east ward of the city and it has an area of 2km2, the

slaughter house functions from 1:00AM up to 9:00PM.

An average of 950 small ruminants and more than 85 animals of cattle and camel are

slaughtered per night.

Hygiene, transportation and distribution of meat are sponsored by mandeq enterprise

which is based on the principles of public private partnership (PPP).

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Maandeeq takes incentive for the hygiene and transportation of carcass, 6000 s/land

shilling and 42500 s/land shillings are charged the small and large ruminants

respectively.

3.4.1 Role of the Maandeeq enterprise in the slaughter house

Maandeeq was the fist company service, which has been set up in Hargeisa to improve

health status in hargaisa slaughter house. It transports the carcass by using a covered van

vehicles instead of uncovered donkey carts and wheel barrows.

The liquid and the solid wastages such as dirty used water, animal fluids, abdominal

remainders and bones are removed and transported to designated dump site, and pores

with special trucks of both liquid and solid wastages.

These dump sites are dug for every three months where the full ones are covered.

3.4.2 Meat inspection in the slaughters house

About one thousand and two hundred of sheep, Goat, Cattle and camels are slayed in the

slaughter house for local consumption. There are only 3 meat inspectors for this huge

activity which is difficult to inspect thoroughly. On first and second July 2009 the

students participated inspection of more than 500 animals, after slaughtering and skinning

of the animal; the lungs, visceral and mediastinal organs are removed then the carcass is

carried in to plastic containers which is written by the symbol of its owners.

Both carcass and removed organs were observed to find any gross lesions, color,

consistency and texture of organs and tissues were considered, some of the of the

removed organs like liver, lung, kidney and heart were palpated and cut sectioned, any

swollen lymphanodes were inspected.

During the examination of the carcass several abnormalities were found and they are

listed below.

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Table four: abnormalities found in Hargeisa slaughter house

Species Inspected

number

Number of animals grossly infected Types of abnormalities

Goat 290 3 Swollen of the mediastinal lymphanode,

effusion of yellowish fluid in the

pericardium, scattered patechial

hemorrhages in the small intestine

Sheep 160 2 Fatty degeneration of the liver, emphysema

of the left lung

Cattle 32 3 Milliary nodules of both right and left

lung, cyst at the pancreas, adhesions

between parietal and visceral pleura

Camel 30 1 Generalized abscess in the liver

Total animals inspected 512 Total number grossly infected 9

3.4.3 Hygiene analyzes of the slaughter house

Prior of the slaughtering, the slayers are distributed in to sterile knives to slaughter the

animals, after the skinning; lungs, visceral and mediastinal organs are removed from the

carcass and it is covered to its skin.

The carcass is carried on plastic containers which have especial symbols for their owners.

The fresh meat is transported with covered van vehicles to protect it from dirty and

environmental Hazards.

All blood, bones, and remained fluids are transported with especial trucks and poured on

dump sites away from the town. All though the slayers were equipped with protective

aprons, and long boots, unfortunately they had no gloves which were important for them

selves as well as the product.

Hargeisa is laughter house has sufficient drainages and water pipes, by the end of the

activity the slaughter house is cleaned with water and detergents.

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3.4.4 Animal welfare of the slayers

The slaughters are untalented for the animal welfare, the animal is slayed in front of the

life ones, the camels are beaten on the neck, and occipital regions with huge sticks until

the animal falls down then it is slaughtered.

The small ruminants are drugged on the ground till they are brought to the slaughtering

places. The space for the slaying animals (all species) is too small according to the

number of animals.

3.4.5 Constraints of the slaughter house

More than one thousand animals are slaughtered per night; only three inspectors are

involved the examination of this large number, both inspectors and the slayers do not use

gloves to protect them selves and the products from contamination. The operation area is

too small compared to the capacity of the animals and no suitable cleaning solutions for

the slaughterhouse, only detergents are used for hygiene instead of chlorine and other

preferable substances, it is claimed that chlorine can be used for other purposes like

explosive materials and the government banned it due to a terror precautions.

3.5 Hargeisa milk markets

There are two common milk markets in hargaisa; one is in the center of the town and it is

kwon WAAHEEN, the other one is located the north of the city and is named

GOBANIMO. Both of them are highly crowded and operate between 9:00AM and

5:00PM, by considering species it is understandable that there is difference between the

regions of the country, mainly camel and cattle milk are sold in Hargeisa markets,

although goat milk may be found thus they are view and are merely consumed.

While the eastern regions of Somaliland camel and goat milk are the most abundant types

used and cattle milk rarely consumed.

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3.5.1 Handling of milk in the markets

Unlike the other towns, the milk is sold in large halls with sufficient sheds to protect it

from the sun light. Unfortunately, the selling milk is stored in uncovered vessels and is

exposed to the dust and the other environmental contaminants.

3.5.2 Sources of the milk

Hundreds of Jerrycans are brought to the markets per day, during the summer time an

average of 700 liters are sold by each seller and can exceed in the spring (the rainy

season).

Most of the milk in the market is transported from areas a way from Hargeisa; some of

them are from the northwest like Geed-ballaar, Gebilay and Alla-ibaday others from the

north ward such as Illimaha, Faraweyne and Balligacas. In the west it transported from

Quraca abriin and Waddo miikaahiil. Balli-gubadle of the south ward and Haro-haadlay

of the east them selves are taken from huge amounts.

3.5.3 Price of the milk

Whole of the milk are consumed by Hargeisa local community and are priced according

to the demand and their availability. Both cattle and camel milk are highly consumed and

are sold 3000 S/L shillings per milk cup; they are measured a cup of 7500ml which

means each liter is about 4000 S/L shillings.

Goat milk is rarely preferred, each cup is sold about 1500 S/L shillings and sheep are not

milked because of the culture of the Somali communities.

The below table is summarized types of milk and their prices of both milk cup and liter.

Table five types of milk and their price

Milk type Price/milk cup Price/liter

Camel milk 3000 S/L shillings 4000 S/L shillings

Cattle milk 3000 S/L shillings 4000 S/L shillings

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Goat milk 1500 S/L shillings 2000 S/L shillings

3.5.4 Milk adulteration

Milk adulteration test was performed to find out milk viscosity, camel and cattle milk

were taken to identify the denser one.

First 250ml of camel milk was poured in a beaker and put a lactometer; it was found that

the density of the milk is 1.026g/ml. And other time 245ml of camel milk was diluted

with 5ml of distilled water to make them 250ml, it was read a density of 1.024g/ml.

After that 250ml of cattle milk were inserted the lactometer, it showed a density of

1.0279g/ml, secondly 245ml of cattle milk was added to 5ml of distilled water which

produced a density of 1.265g/ml.

It is clear that cattle milk is denser and more viscous than the camel milk and camel milk

can be adulterated easily compared to the cattle ones.

The following table is summarized types and amount of milk, the amount of water used

for the dilution and the lactometer reading.

Table: six milk adulteration test.

Types of milk Amount of milk Amount of water used Lactometer reading

Camel milk 250ml No water used 1.026g/ml

Camel milk 245ml 5ml of distilled water 1.024g/ml

Cattle milk 250ml No water used 1.0279g/ml

Cattle milk 245ml 5ml of distilled water 1.0265g/ml

3.6 Hargeisa livestock market

Hargeisa livestock market is located the south east of the city and it occupies an area of

1.5km2. The livestock in the market are brought from different regions like Gebilay,

Awdal, Sahil, Hawd and rural areas surrounding Hargeisa.

Although some of the animals seemed good body condition most of them were fair and

no emaciated animals were seen, the hair coat appeared as shiny, and the posture and gait

were almost normal.

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3.6.1 Composition of the market

The common four species of the ruminants (sheep, goats, cattle and camels) are sold in

the market. Sheep and goats are the majority ones brought to the market, they are

classified in to three categories; one group is the exporting Billy goats and rams, locally

known as AHMI, the second group is locally consumed shoats (sheep and goat) mainly

are females locally called DAABAX, the third group is for farming purpose and they are

known DHAQAN. Camels are for farming and meat consumption purposes while cattle

are only for meat consumption.

Although there is price difference with in the species because of the status of the animal

every species has a fixed amount of taxes with no regard of their condition weather they

are for export or local consumption.

The following table is the concise of the average price and the taxes of the livestock.

Table seven: price and taxes per animal

Animal Average price per animal Tax

Exporting goats & ships 260,000 S/L shillings 1000 S/L shillings

Local consumption goats &

sheep

235,000 S/L shillings 1000 S/L shillings

farming goats & ship 125,000 S/L shillings 1000 S/L shillings

Meat consumption camel 2,100,000 S/L shillings 5000 S/L shillings

farming camel 1,400,000 S/L shillings 5000 S/L shillings

Cattle 1,000,000 S/L shillings 4000 S/L shillings

3.6.2 Main player of the market

The livestock in the market come in to two ways; either from the producer or they are

brought by middle traders locally known as JEEBLEEY who collects the animals from

the rural areas and villages.

Although view exporters and farmers who were seeking exporting and farming animals

were present in the market, there were too many producers those brought the animals and

many butchers since most of the animals were for local consumption.

22

The selling and buying activities were facilitating by brokers those certifies that the

owner is trustful and the animals were not stolen as well as mediating of the price.

3.6.3 Infrastructure and operational capacity of the market

More than 1500 and small ruminants and over 200 camels and cattle are brought to the

market every day which is too many compared to the area of the market. The livestock

market operates starting from 6:00am and ends around 5:00pm.

The market infrastructures are view, it has 6 shades those are insufficient to the livestock,

7 ramps made of soil and they are used to load or unload the animals and several private

pens around the market with small amount of grass.

3.7 Berbera veterinary infrastructures

Berbera is the center of the veterinary activities in Somaliland; thousands of animals are

diagnosed and transported from it every week, in Berbera there is a fully operational

quarantine station which is used to rehabilitate the exporting animals for a specific period

and a laboratory center for the confirmation of the diseases.

3.7.1 Berbera quarantine station

Berbera quarantine station was invested by AL-JABIRI Company of SAUDI-ARABIA to

feed, rest and inspect the animals before they are transported. The quarantine station is

fully operational consists of two main sections one part is for the suspected animals after

general examination of the inspectors, the other part is for the grossly inspected animals

which have no clinical signs but they will be confirmed with laboratory test if there is

required disease to detect.

Each section has shades, long water troughs for the irrigation of the animals, feeding

systems and other facilities. The quarantine station also has crush pens and two large

ramps for loading and unloading of the animals. Berbera has too hot and windy climate

and the quarantine was not planted to reduce the effect of the winds and the climate.

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Not all of the animals are brought to the quarantine station; the animals exporting to

Yemen, Djibouti, Egypt and Libya are inspected and transported directly from the port

with out quarantine because it is not a condition from the exported countries.

The livestock exporting to SAUDI-ARABIA, EMARATES, QATAR, KUWEIT,

BAHRAIN, and OMAN is obligatory to inspect, investigate and quarantine according to

their requirement. Like SAUDI-ARABIA animals are detected from brucellosis while

OMAN does not accept if the animal is castrated. The period of the quarantine ranges

from 7 to 21 days.

Figure three: Berbera quarantine station

3.7.2 Berbera livestock laboratory

The lab was built and equipped by AL-JABIRI Company and it is in the compound of the

quarantine station it composes of several departments like; bacteriology which is used

for the identification, classification and characterization of the bacterial species, virology

department which is detected the viral diseases and serology department to detect the

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presence of antibodies against a microorganism. The common diseases diagnosed in the

lab are FMD, Rinderpest, PPR (Peste des petite ruminants) rift valley fever and

Brucellosis.

Different diagnosing methods are performed in the lab such as, Direct Enzyme-linked

immunosorbent assay (direct ELISA) for FMD, competitive ELISA for rinderpest and

PPR, detection of antigens or antibody to the virus in the blood (serology) like rift valley

fever and rose pengal test which is the most widely and simplest test used for brucellosis.

The lab performs other diagnostic methods if they are required like direct microscopic

examination, complement fixation test and culturing method. In serology antigen has an

international standard of dilution of serum which separates whether the animal is positive

or negative, e.g brucellosis if the antigen dulutes1/47.5 or less than the serum, it is an

international standard of a positive reaction.

Berbera livestock laboratory is well equipped, after diagnosing sections it has

management, secretary and technician offices.

Figure four: Berbera livestock laboratory

3.8 livestock shipping System

During shipping it is crucial to consider several important components; capacity, speed,

hygiene, ventilation, light, separation of the pens, feed and water in the ship are checked.

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On July 11 2009 two ships named martial star and sea star were visited to analyze the

decks, pens, feeding, watering system, and spaces for the animal.

The following table shows the area suitable for each species.

Table six: suitable area for each species

Species Number of animals Suitable area

Camel One animal 2.5m2

Cattle One animal 1.5m2

Goat Four goats 1m2

Sheep Four sheep 1m2

3.9 Certification procedure

It is necessary to certify that the exporting animals were inspected either in Berbera

quarantine or any other points like wajaale and they are examined according to

Somaliland rules and the requirement of the exported countries. There are three types of

certification as detailed below.

Inspection form: - which declares that the animal was examined according to veterinary

rules and regulations of the republic of Somaliland and it has neither signs of infectious

diseases nor reports of infectious disease notified in the area of the origin of the animal.

In this certificate, it is mentioned inspection point, region, trader name, previous

certification numbers if any, origin of the animals and supplementary sheet is used if

required other identifications.

The inspection form is not sent to the exported countries, the original sheet is given to the

livestock owner and other two copies are left from the inspection book and regional

veterinary co-coordinator office.

Heath certificate: - by referring the inspection form the port veterinary officer inspects

the animals and attaches with health certificate which is mentioned that he examined the

livestock and the animal has neither signs nor report of infectious diseases in the place of

the origin of the animal and port area.

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If the animals were vaccinated or detected from specific diseases a supplementary letter

is attached. The name of the port, the name of the vessel, destination and the number of

the animals, the species and sex are listed in the certificate.

Vessel certificate: - it is used to certify that the vessel according to the spaces, design,

feeding and drinking water, construction materials of the pens and disposal system is

suitable for carrying the livestock. The name and the type of the vessel, the name and

address of the owner and the agent and the number of animal schedule for this particular

voyage are mentioned

.

Both health and vessel certificate are signed by port veterinary officer and received by the

owner or agent of the livestock owner.

3.10 Experiences gained from the attached areas

During the field activities in Wajaale, Hargeisa and Berbera the following experiences

were gained

The relationship between livestock stakeholders like livestock producers, traders

and veterinarians

Inspection of the exporting animals and the signs which can be observed during

the inspection

Preparing and administering of FMD vaccine and performing of eartags

Testing of milk adulteration and viscosity of different species

Understanding the sections and functions of Berbera quarantine station and

laboratory

Analyzing of the certification procedure like inspection form, health certificate

and vessel certificate

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Chapter four: Conclusion and Recommendations

4.1 Conclusion

More than one thousand and two hundreds of animals were vaccinated in Wajaale and

Alla-ibaday village, the crushes were broken and it was difficult to work.

Hargeisa livestock market was visited to analyze the market composition, main players

and the operational capacity of the market; there were a lot of animals in the market

which seemed beyond the capacity of the market and the animals had no sufficient sheds

and feeds except for a little amount in private pens around the market.

In Hargeisa milk market, it is easy to find several types of milk like camel, cattle and goat

milk but they are stored in uncovered vessels which are exposed for contamination.

On 2 and 3 July 2009 hundreds of animals were inspected in Hargeisa slaughter house

and several gross lesions were found, there is only three meat inspectors in the slaughter

house, the inspectors and the slayers do not use gloves to protect them selves and the

product from contamination.

There area of the slaughter house is too small and is cleaned with detergents instead of

other solutions like chlorides.

The animal slayers in Hargeisa slaughter house are not trained for animal welfare, they

slaughter the animal in front of the others and even the camel slayers beat the animal with

huge sticks on the head and neck region until it falls down.

In Berbera the quarantine station, laboratory and the port were visited to analyze the

infrastructures and the activities going on there. Both quarantine and laboratory are fully

functional and have their essential requirements except plantations supposed to plant

since they can minimize the effect of the windy and hot climate.

It was pointed all the certification procedures like inspection form, health and vessel

certificates and shipping system during the exporting of the animals.

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4.2 Recommendations

After the analyses of the conditions detailed in the content and summarized in the

conclusion, I suggested the following recommendations.

I would suggest to the international organizations to built new slaughter house and

livestock market in Hargeisa city since the current ones are insufficient to the

community according to the number of the animals and to improve the old

infrastructures of Hargeisa and Wajaale livestock markets like sheds, ramps and

the crush pen of Wajaale

The government should increase the number of meat inspectors and train the

slayers for the animal welfare

Both meat inspectors and slayers must use their protective equipments like gloves

to protect the product as well as them selves

The government must bring a suitable solutions for the cleaning of the slaughter

houses and encourage the milk sellers to use covered vessels instead of uncovered

ones

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Annexes

Annex one

CERTIFICATE OF VETERINARY INSPECTION

I, the undersigned declare that, according to the veterinary laws and regulations of the

republic of Somaliland, I have to day examined the under mentioned animals /animals

products and certify that they showed no signs of infectious disease and were in good

condition and that there were no reports of notified diseases in the area /area of origin of

the animals /animal product.

Inspection point ………………………………… region ………………………………

Trader name …………………………………………………………………..

Origin of animals ……………………………… By ……………………………………

Previous certificate numbers (if any) ……………………………………………………..

Proceeding to ……………………………………. By …………………………………..

Live animal (no.) Animal products ( species, quantity)

Cattle Skins

Sheep Hides

Goats Meat

Camels Butter

Others Others

Use supplementary sheet if animals are individually identified e.g. tagged.

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Remarks ……………………………………………………………………………………

Name of Vet Officer ………………………………………..

Signature ……………………………………………………

Annex two

VESSEL CERTIFICATE INSPECTION

Date: ____________________________________

Name of the vessel ______________________________________________

Type/No. of animal _____________________________________________

Vet. Port Officer

___________________

The undersigned declares that he has examined the below described vessel following

the under mentioned data.

Name of the vessel: ________________________________________________

Type: ___________________________________________________________

Name of the owner/master: __________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________

Name of the Agent: ________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________

Space, design and construction material of the pens and stalls are:

Good _________________ Satisfactory ________________ Bad ____________

Enough hay during the voyage on board: Yes _________ No ________________

Enough drinking water voyage on board: Yes _________ No ________________

Sufficient bedding grass provided: Yes ______________ No _________________

Waste disposal system: Good __________________ Bad ____________________

The above described vessel has been thoroughly inspected and I have found it

suitable for carrying livestock, the number of animals schedule for this particular

voyage is:

Sheep and Goat ___________________________________________________

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Camel: __________________________________________________________

Cattle: ___________________________________________________________

Date: ____________________________________________

Vet. Port Officer _____________

Annex three

HEALTH CERTIFICATE (Export)

Name of port ………………………………… Name of vessel ………………………..

Destination (country, port) ……………………………………… Date ………………….

1. Number of animals

Cattle ………………….. Camels ……………………….. Shoats ……………………

2. Animal identification numbers if required (use supplementary sheet if necessary)

Cattle ………………………………………………………………………………..

Camels ………………………………………………………………………………

Sheep ………………………………………………………………………………..

Goats ………………………………………………………………………………..

3. Origin of animals (name of previous inspection point) …………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………..

4. Name, address/phone of exporter ………………………………………………..

5. Name and address of consignee (destination) ……………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………..

6. Health statement – I, the undersigned official veterinarian certify that :-

a) The animals indicated above and examined by me this day present no clinical signs of

disease,

b) There are no reports of transboundary diseases in the area of the port, nor in the place of

origin of the animals,

c) When required, the animals have been tested/vaccinated as follows (use supplementary

sheet if appropriate): ………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………

d) Animals are all male unless otherwise stated,

e) The above mentioned animals are authorized for export to the above destination.

Port Veterinary Officer (name and address) …………………………………………..

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………………………………………………………………………………………….

Signature …………………… stamp

The Veterinary Official and the use of this stamp are authorized by the ministry of livestock,

Somaliland republic.

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