Institute of International Animal Health/One Health (IITG)

We were honored by the opening visit of Zanzibar's Minister of Agriculture, Shamata Shaame Khamis, who has supported the ZALIRI-FLI project from the beginning. He expressed his appreciation for the sustainable cooperation between Zanzibar and the FLI and thanked Prof. Sascha Knauf, head of the IITG, and his team for their commitment and support in networking the various institutions at the FLI with colleagues working in the field of animal health in Zanzibar. Special greetings were extended to the President of the FLI, Prof. Christa Kühn. In his speech, the Minister pointed out that the FLI-ZALIRI project is important for the future of Zanzibar and motivated the participants to use their commitment to drive forward the positive changes they desire. Unfortunately, due to technical problems, the inauguration of the Zanzibar Animal Health Research Centre had to be postponed until early 2026.

Anthrax, a disease caused by Bacillus anthracis, was selected as a relevant disease by our colleagues from Zanzibar. The zoonotic disease primarily affects cattle, sheep, and goats and is equally dangerous to humans. The bacterium is found worldwide and remains a current problem, mainly due to its ability to form spores that can survive in the soil for decades. Environmental factors can bring the infectious spores back to the surface, endangering animals and humans. As part of the "train-of-trainers" concept, participants were introduced to the various components of risk analysis, including risk assessment, in a series of lectures and practical exercises. The aim of the workshop was to develop an action plan for the coming year so that measures can be initiated locally to identify hazards, carry out risk assessments, and draw up a risk management and communication plan within the framework of the One Health approach (cross-sectoral). 

The participants were very interested and eager to learn, which led to an action plan to establish cross-sectoral working groups to continue the risk analysis knowledge taught in the course. The Field School not only formed a team of young, committed (animal) health experts in Zanzibar, but also highlighted current challenges in livestock imports that can be addressed in a policy brief. The training strengthened communication between the various authorities and consolidated German-Zanzibari partnerships to combat pathogens and diseases in sub-Saharan Africa for sustainable food security and One Health.

Written by: Ann-Kathrin Walter, Stefanie Michl, and Maren Epting (participating students from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Justus Liebig University Giessen)