This study quantified economic losses from respiratory diseases in pigs in Uganda. Researchers monitored 150 pigs on 80 farms over one year, recording input costs, growth rates, and exposure to pathogens. Preliminary results found that Porcine circovirus 2 and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus caused major economic losses, reducing production by 12-23%. The study aims to generate evidence to support disease control strategies like vaccination and improve livelihoods of smallholder pig farmers in Uganda.

1. Quantification of economic losses
associated with respiratory infections
in Ugandan pigs
POVERTY REDUCTION,
LIVELIHOODS & JOBS
Partners
Makerere University | NARO
District Local Governments | Private sector
Outcomes
• The first study looked at occurrence of RDs
and associated losses. An important
research gap is being addressed.
• 150 pigs from eighty farms were monitored
for growth; same pigs sampled for ≥ 3
times
• Data parameters included input costs, total
revenue, exposure status and growth
(ADGs)
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Attribution 4.0 International Licence. June 2020
Measuring live weight
of pigs during the
study
Context
• Respiratory disease (RD) in pigs are highly
prevalent and cause major economic losses
• Extent & magnitude of losses unknown in Uganda;
thus interventions difficult to formulate
• Need to generate evidence to support investments
that reduce economic losses in pig herds
(vaccination, disease prioritization, breeding)
• The study was conducted in Lira district, northern
Uganda from Oct 2018 to Sept 2019
• Beneficiaries: Pig farmers, district LGs, NGOs and
universities
Our innovative approach
• Longitudinal study allowed to compile herd
economic and performance data over time. At the
same time, serology assessed exposure to key
respiratory pathogens
• Propensity score matching techniques were used
to quantify economic losses due to RDs in pigs
Future steps
• Generated evidence will support planning and
policy processes
• Resource prioritization and capacity building
of stakeholders on disease control
• Scaling objectives: develop cost-effective
vaccination protocols and models against
Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) and porcine
reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
(PRRSv) in smallholder production systems
LIVESTOCK HEALTH
Peter Oba, Emily Ouma,
Michel Dione, Barbara Wieland
ILRI Uganda
P.Oba@cgiar.org
Preliminary results
§ PCV2 & PRRSv emerged as economically important
respiratory pathogens
§ Losses due to PCV2 & PRRSv infections estimated to
be between 12 - 23% of production