The Comorian Ministry of Agriculture recently convened a meeting on September 16-17, bringing together technicians, veterinarians, and partners to validate a national plan aimed at controlling and eradicating the peste des petits ruminants (Ppr) from 2026 to 2030. The plan's development was a collaborative effort involving the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the Pan-African Secretariat for Ppr.
Ahamada Djoubeire, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized the urgency of eradicating the disease, which has been present in Comoros since November 2012. He cited significant losses incurred by local farmers, particularly in Koua, Ngazidja, where 102 animals died between October and November 2025, affecting 67 farmers, and in Ntsaoueni, where 12 out of 16 farms were affected in January 2026, resulting in over 90 reported deaths.
The Ppr poses a substantial threat to the livelihoods of households that depend on small ruminant farming for income, food, and market supply. These animals also serve as a form of savings for many families. The disease's impact has prompted the ministry to intensify efforts to control and eliminate it. The national plan will focus on strengthening vaccination campaigns, epidemiological surveillance, and controlling animal movement, particularly in ports and airports.
Djounaid Ahamada, the National Director of Livestock, noted that a vaccination campaign was previously conducted in 2014. He recommended reinforcing vaccination, surveillance, and control measures to effectively combat the disease. The newly developed plan, with support from the FAO and the Pan-African Secretariat for Ppr, is expected to be submitted to the government for approval.
The Ministry of Agriculture aims to establish an operational roadmap by the end of 2026, leveraging the new Livestock Code. This will enable the effective implementation of the national plan and ensure a coordinated approach to Ppr eradication. Tadjidine Ben Ahmed, Secretary-General of the Ministry, and representatives from the FAO and the Pan-African Secretariat for Ppr were present at the meeting.
The peste des petits ruminants is a viral disease affecting small ruminants, such as sheep and goats, and can have severe economic and social consequences for farmers and communities that rely on them. Comoros' efforts to control and eradicate the disease are part of a broader regional and international initiative to eliminate Ppr.
The implementation of the national plan will require collaboration and support from various stakeholders, including farmers, local authorities, and international partners. With a concerted effort, Comoros aims to successfully control and eradicate the peste des petits ruminants by 2030, improving the livelihoods of farmers and contributing to the country's food security and economic development.
Key points
- Comoros' Ministry of Agriculture has validated a national plan to control and eradicate peste des petits ruminants by 2030.
- The disease has caused significant losses for local farmers, with reported deaths of over 90 animals in Ntsaoueni in January 2026.
- The national plan will focus on strengthening vaccination campaigns, epidemiological surveillance, and controlling animal movement.
