One Health in Uganda: Why Animal Health and Human Health Are Inseparable

Livestock diseases do not respect borders — between districts, countries, or species. The One Health approach recognises the interconnection between animal health, human health, and environmental health. In Uganda, where over 70% of the population depends on agriculture, this interconnection is critical.

Zoonotic Diseases in Uganda

• Brucellosis: Found in cattle, goats, and pigs, transmitted through unpasteurised milk and direct contact. Affects 10-25% of cattle herds in some districts
• Bovine Tuberculosis: Transmitted through milk and meat, particularly dangerous in communities consuming raw milk
• Anthrax: Sporadic outbreaks in cattle and humans, often linked to contaminated grazing land
• Rift Valley Fever: Mosquito-borne disease affecting both livestock and humans during heavy rainfall
• Rabies: An estimated 500+ human deaths annually in Uganda from rabies

Antimicrobial Resistance

The misuse and overuse of antibiotics in livestock production is contributing to the growing global crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In Uganda, where farmers can often buy veterinary drugs without prescription, AMR is particularly acute. Resistant bacteria developing in livestock can transfer to humans through the food chain.

How Digital Livestock Tracking Supports One Health

Disease Surveillance: Real-time reporting of animal disease events creates an early warning system for potential zoonotic outbreaks.

Drug Use Tracking: U-LITS records all veterinary drug treatments including drug name, batch number, dosage, and withdrawal period. This data supports AMR surveillance.

Vaccination Coverage: Accurate vaccination data helps allocate resources to areas with low coverage before outbreaks occur. For diseases like brucellosis and anthrax, high livestock vaccination coverage directly reduces human risk.

Movement Tracking: When a zoonotic disease outbreak occurs, the ability to trace animal movements helps identify human communities that may have been exposed.

The Path Forward

Uganda’s National One Health Platform, established in 2016, coordinates across human health, animal health, and environmental sectors. Digital livestock management systems like U-LITS are critical infrastructure for this coordination. As climate change alters disease patterns, the links between animal and human health will only grow stronger. Investing in comprehensive livestock tracking is not just good agricultural policy — it is essential public health infrastructure.