Addis Ababa: Digital solutions and standards have been utilized in order to enhance the quality and safety of animal products and meet international standards, Livestock and Fishery Resources Development Sector State Minister Fikru Regassa said. In an exclusive interview with ENA, the state minister noted that outbreaks and diseases in livestock have had a negative impact on both quality and quantity of animal products.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, innovative digital solutions have been developed to enable rapid intervention and address health issues. Among these are the Disease Outbreak and Veterinary Action Reporting (DOVAR) and the Animal Disease Notification Information System (ADNIS), a smartphone application that enables effective animal disease monitoring and control. This system helps field personnel quickly report potential outbreaks of significant diseases to decision-makers.
The digital tool can identify various types of diseases in animals by simply capturing an image, playing a crucial role in enabling immediate preventive actions before diseases have the opportunity to spread. These tools are particularly effective as they accurately pinpoint the locations of outbreaks and outline potential solutions to address the issues at hand.
Moreover, the government has implemented a variety of policies designed to enhance the production and quality of animal products. Multiple standards concerning quantity, quality, and nutrition have been established to ensure that animal products are consistent across Ethiopia and supplied to pertinent stakeholders.
According to Fikru, the decline in quality of animal products can occur not only during the production phase but also during the transportation of the products from markets to consumers. Ethiopia is committed to ensuring that the products meet stringent quality standards and actively engages with importing countries to understand their specific requirements. This collaborative approach aims to customize the products in alignment with the preferences and standards of those markets.
Alongside the quality control agencies responsible for overseeing product standards, the Agricultural Control Authority has established its own set of quality criteria, specifically for export slaughterhouses. The authority is actively extending the necessary support to these facilities to ensure that they meet the standards effectively. Ongoing professional development initiatives are being implemented to enhance the capabilities of slaughterhouses located in urban areas to ensure they meet the necessary standards for meat safety and quality.
The state minister emphasized that initiatives focused on increasing awareness among farmers and herders have become increasingly important in improving animal health and nutrition.