Catalytic Effects of Temperature and Rainfall Variabilities on the Occurrence of Ruminant Livestock Diseases in Some Southern African Countries: A Review

Extreme climatic variations contribute to the increased occurrence of livestock diseases by creating new transmission routes brought about by the survival, adaption and population growth of disease vectors and pathogens. With the growing global concern about climate change, the sustainability of livestock production is threatened. In developing countries, livestock is used to combat the effects of poverty and malnutrition by providing income, manure and food security. The aim of this review is to evaluate the effects of temperature and rainfall variabilities on the occurrence of ruminant diseases. The literature used in this review was sourced from electronic databases such as Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Link springer and Science Direct and covers the period of 2006 to 2022. Literature search revealed that the occurrences of ruminant diseases in Southern African countries were influenced by temperature, rainfall and humidity variations. Climatic factors act as catalysts for the transmission of diseases by weakening the immune system of the host, facilitating the abundance of vectors and pathogens in their habitats and contaminated environments. Information on the impact of climatic conditions on the occurrence and prevalence of diseases is important in bringing disease awareness and developing disease control measures.