Abstract:
Strategies to control transboundary diseases have in the past generatedunintended negative consequences
for both the environment and local human populations. Integrating perspectives from across disciplines, including
livestock, veterinary and conservation sectors, is necessary for identifying disease control strategies that optimise
environmental goods and services at the wildlife-livestock interface. Prompted by the recent development of a global
strategy for the control and elimination of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), this paper seeks insight into the
consequences of, and rational options for potential FMD control measures in relation to environmental, conservation
and human poverty considerations in Africa. We suggest a more environmentally nuanced process of FMD
control that safe-guards the integrity of wild populations and the ecosystemdynamics on which human livelihoods
depend while simultaneously improving socio-economic conditions of rural people. In particular, we outline five
major issues that need to be considered: 1) improved understanding of the different FMDviral strains and how they
circulate between domestic and wildlife populations; 2) an appreciation for the economic value of wildlife formany
African countries whose presencemight preclude the country from ever achieving an FMD-free status; 3) exploring
ways in which livestock production can be improved without compromising wildlife such as implementing commodity-
based trading schemes; 4) introducing a participatory approach involving local farmers and the national
veterinary services in the control of FMD; and 5) finally the possibility that transfrontier conservation might offer
new hope of integrating decision-making at the wildlife-livestock interface.