Annabel Slater

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Articles

World’s tiniest library could be key to saving millions of cattle

Sep 24, 2024 | ilri.org | Annabel Slater

One of the world’s smallest and strangest bacteria also is responsible for one of the most devastating cattle diseases. The tiny bacteria, Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides (Mmm), cause contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) when inhaled by cattle. CBPP is a huge barrier to cattle farming in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is endemic in at least 12 countries. It’s estimated to cost the continent over USD 38.8 million a year.
Eating wild animals: The rewards are as big as the risks

Sep 23, 2024 | ilri.org | Annabel Slater

A new report ‘Eating Wild Animals: Rewards, Risks and Recommendations’ led by experts of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) uncovers the perils and promise of wild meat hunting, consumption and trade in Africa and Southeast Asia. The report was launched on 20 September 2024 at the 8th World One Health Congress in Cape Town, South Africa.
A revolutionary field test for East Coast fever

Aug 8, 2024 | ilri.org | Annabel Slater

Scientists at the International Livestock Research Institute have developed a highly sensitive, affordable and rapid test for East Coast fever (ECF). The test breaks new ground by using a variant of the Cas enzyme, popularized for its use in CRISPR gene editing and has been specifically tailored for farmers to carry out in field conditions at the pen-side of livestock holdings. And the technology poses more exciting possibilities.
Global villain, local savior? What's the role of livestock in sub-Saharan Africa?

May 29, 2024 | ilri.org | Annabel Slater

The livestock question is both complex and highly polarized, said Tara Garnett, the director of TABLE—a collaboration between six universities that looks at debates in and around the future of food. She was introducing a panel discussion on 28 March 2024 titled ‘Global villain, local savior? What's the role of livestock in sub-Saharan Africa?’People come at the livestock issue from very different disciplinary, sectoral and geographical perspectives, Garnett went on.
SPARC launches new podcast 'Dynamic Drylands' featuring ILRI experts

May 22, 2024 | ilri.org | Annabel Slater

Hot topicPosted on22 May, 2024 “Arid zones are not dead zones. They are areas full of life, full of challenges, challenges that are constantly changing. That’s why the responses must also be dynamic.” Colette Benoudji, ODI researcher. A new podcast mini-series ‘Dynamic Drylands’ is taking a fresh look at aid, development and resilience in the drylands of Africa and the Middle East, and features several ILRI researchers as contributors.
Celebrating International Women's Day 2024

Mar 26, 2024 | ilri.org | Annabel Slater

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I think this is always a time to take stock. Are we making progress?” So said Susan Kaaria, the director of African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD), on 8 March 2024. This year’s theme was ‘Invest in Women: Celebrate Progress’, and a celebration event 'Illuminating Impactful Investments: A Celebration of International Women’s Day' was taking place at CIFOR-ICRAF in Nairobi, Kenya.
What’s cooking? Developing solutions to transform the current food system

Mar 1, 2024 | ilri.org | Lasse Bruun |Annabel Slater

Hot topicPosted on01 March, 2024 The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) reports that globally, food systems are responsible for about 30% of current human-induced greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change, with animal products accounting for a total of 14.5 – 20% of global emissions. So is a shift to production and consumption of alternative proteins a key solution to the negative effects of unsustainable animal agriculture?
A vaccine solution for African swine fever is within reach

Feb 15, 2024 | ilri.org | Annabel Slater

In 2019, Michael Creed, Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, had a specific fear - 'a simple ham sandwich'. The minister was warning that people bringing pork products back from holiday could unwittingly help spread a fatal disease of pigs. And he wasn’t alone in his warning.
Book Review: Blue Ticket

Jan 22, 2024 | progress.org.uk | Hannah Flynn |Annabel Slater

Blue TicketBy Sophie MackintoshPublished by PenguinISBN-10: ‎‎0241986699, ISBN-13: 978-0241986691Buy this book from Amazon UKIn the country where 'Blue Ticket' by Sophie Mackintosh is set, girls are selected for childbearing or not as soon as they have their first period. Most tickets doled out by the official machine are the eponymous blue, as received by the protagonist Calla.
Science and advocacy: finding the right balance

May 19, 2023 | ilri.org | Annabel Slater

Over the last seven years, ILRI has been testing a new approach to evidence based advocacy through the Global Sustainable Livestock Advocacy for Development project – GLAD – funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Initiated in 2016, it makes the case for livestock systems to be significant parts of the development portfolios of investors, donors and policymakers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).