Statement on livestock deaths in Yemen

In early February 2020, FAO distributed 1 500 head of livestock (mostly goats and sheep) to families in Haifan district of Taiz governorate in Yemen as a means of improving their ability to produce food for household consumption and earn extra income. 

Information received by the project grievance system established by FAO revealed that some livestock had become ill and died after delivery. FAO immediately initiated an assessment in the villages where distribution took place. This found that of the 1 500 animals delivered, approximately 10 percent had died.

The rest of the animals FAO delivered were reported to be healthy by the veterinary team that visited the distribution areas.

Because this death rate is higher than the average for livestock in Yemen (where a number of animal diseases that can result in a fatality are prevalent), a team constituted of FAO and Ministry of Agriculture epidemiologists undertook clinical studies on 20 – 23 February and on 20-29 February to determine the nature of the illness that affected the livestock. Preliminary results suggest that the cause of death is Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) which is a highly contagious infectious disease that is endemic in Yemen and can easily be transmitted, especially during the winter season.  During the clinical studies, the veterinary teams were tasked to treat all sick animals in all

 the villages assessed.

Furthermore, FAO conducted a thorough assessment of the procurement and delivery process to determine whether standard quality control, animal health and biosecurity protocols were adhered to.

Internal verification found that protocols were indeed adhered to. To name just a few, these protocols included:

• A transparent tender with clear technical specifications and careful evaluation process;
• Once a provider was selected, around 1 700 animals were placed in a secure facility and vaccinated against common diseases. They were also dewormed and tagged, healthiest animals were selected and distributed;
• The purchased animals were then kept in a strict quarantine for 14 days during which they were monitored for common diseases.

FAO is committed to supporting the nutritional wellbeing and livelihoods of the people of Yemen. We continue to ensure that strict quality standards are applied in the procurement and delivery of all livelihoods assistance we provide.

FAO Yemen has a well-established “beneficiaries feedback Mechanism” that can be easily reached by the population living in areas targeted by FAO interventions using the toll-free telephone number 800 19 19 or by e-mail at [email protected].