Lesotho continues to bear one of the highest tuberculosis (TB) burdens globally. According to the Ministry of Health, 664 out of every 100,000 Basotho are infected with TB.
With a population of just over two million, this translates to at least 15,000 people living with the disease. Experts warn that TB can be transmitted not only between humans but also between cows and humans, a concern especially for dairy farmers.
This was highlighted by South African consultant Ronald Raphoolo during a three-day training workshop for dairy farmers organised by the Lesotho National Dairy Board (LNDB) in Maseru on Monday.
The workshop aimed to equip dairy farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to improve production, compete internationally and protect both human and animal health.
Raphoolo explained that unpasteurised milk from infected cows can transmit TB to humans.
He also warned about other zoonotic diseases, infectious illnesses that can pass between animals and humans.
“Zoonotic diseases are caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites and can spread through direct contact, food, water, insects, or other vectors. Examples include rabies, salmonella, Lyme disease and influenza, which account for over 60 percent of human infectious diseases.
Brucellosis, another bacterial disease caused by Brucella bacteria, Raphoolo said, also poses a significant risk.
“It spreads through direct contact with infected animals or their fluids and by consuming unpasteurised milk or dairy products. Symptoms include fever, sweats, headaches and body aches, and in chronic cases, the disease can lead to long-term health issues such as joint pain or heart valve inflammation,” he described.
The first day of the workshop emphasised that dairy farmers should exercise caution when handling livestock. Experts recommended that both humans and animals undergo health screenings at least once a year to prevent disease transmission.
Statistics from the 2019/2020 agricultural year by the Bureau of Statistics show that Lesotho had 330,726 cattle, 59% of which were female.
Most cattle were over two years old, with 105,117 males and 154,992 females.
Maseru had the largest cattle population (59,029), followed by Leribe (56,094), while Qacha’s Nek had the fewest at 1,303.
During this period, 7,158 cattle died from various diseases, with anaplasmosis responsible for the highest number of deaths (2,119). Berea recorded the highest cattle mortality (2,060), while Quthing and Qacha’s Nek recorded the lowest (97).
Dr. Llang Maama, head of the TB and Leprosy Department at the Ministry of Health, noted that while TB transmission from animals to humans and vice versa is possible, it has not yet been confirmed in Lesotho.
She noted that with improved testing mechanisms, the country’s health system may determine the origins of TB variants in humans.
“With improved testing, the country may one day determine whether animals are a source of TB, but to this date, we aren’t able to determine,” she said.
She further highlighted the link between agriculture, nutrition and health outcomes, noting that poor agricultural practices and food insecurity can contribute to malnutrition, which in turn increases TB susceptibility and worsens treatment outcomes.
The Ministry of Health continues to advocate for community TB screening through programs in Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilisation (ACSM).
Summary
- The workshop aimed to equip dairy farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to improve production, compete internationally and protect both human and animal health.
- Symptoms include fever, sweats, headaches and body aches, and in chronic cases, the disease can lead to long-term health issues such as joint pain or heart valve inflammation,” he described.
- Llang Maama, head of the TB and Leprosy Department at the Ministry of Health, noted that while TB transmission from animals to humans and vice versa is possible, it has not yet been confirmed in Lesotho.
