While it features real solutions, final content will undergo review by a technical working group and incorporate feedback from a validation workshop planned for December 2020. Please see these as examples only, and not a definitive list.
Solution /Innovation:

The Infection and Treatment Method (ITM)

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Organization:

International Livestock Research Institute

For more information:

Technical contact:
Henry-Kimathi-Kiara.jpgHenry Kimathi Kiara 300x300
Dr. Henry Kimathi Kiara
Consultant
International Livestock Research Institute
h.kiara@cgiar.org
Categories:
Dairy, Livestock solution, One Health, and Red meat
Has been implemented in:
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Kenya, Malawi, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda
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Challenge

East Coast fever caused by the parasite Theileria parva, transmitted by the tick, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus is the most important disease of cattle in east, central and Southern Africa. The high mortality in improved breeds of cattle is a major constraint in livestock development.  Current control methods include frequent treatment of cattle with acaricides, treatment of sick animals and keeping animals in stalls, all of which have serious limitations.

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Solution

A vaccination strategy referred to as the infection and treatment method (ITM) was developed in the mid 70s under the former East African Community. ILRI made important modifications in the manufacturing process and vaccination to allow its commercialisation.  Vaccination involves injection of live Theileria parasites simultaneously with a long-acting oxytetracycline. The vaccine gives over 95% protection against the disease.  Only a single vaccination is needed to give a lifelong immunity.  Once vaccinated tick control to control other tickborne diseases can be reduced by more than half.  
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Impact

Calf mortality of indigenous cattle is reduced by more than 95% leading to greater offtakes with more incomes invested in education and health.  ITM also reduces use of chemical acaricides by more than half, reducing environmental pollution. Vaccination has allowed farmers to graze in areas where they could not previously because of fear of ECF.  The vaccine has been successfully used in extensive livestock systems in Tanzania, Kenya and in dairy systems in Uganda and Malawi. The vaccine technology is ready for large scale replication and is registered for commercial use in Tanzania, Kenya and Malawi.

Category

Dairy, Livestock solution, One Health, and Red meat

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