The 2008 program will be similar in content and intensity to the 2007 program. The 2008 program details will be forthcoming when they are finalized.

Developing Country Session

Issues and Techniques from the Developing World

Below is the itinerary for the 2008 session.

Tanzania Portion

July 18 - August 5, 2008

Introduction & Course Overview
The Health for Animals and Livelihood Improvement Project (HALI) is proud to have the opportunity to host the 2008 Envirovet Summer Institute Developing Country Session in Tanzania. HALI is a collaborative stakeholder-driven research and capacity building program led by the UC Davis Wildlife Health Center. Our partners are the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Sokoine University of Agriculture, the Wildlife Conservation Society Ruaha Landscape Program, and the University of Vermont Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources. We use an interdisciplinary approach to investigate the health and economic impacts of zoonotic and waterborne diseases in wildlife, livestock and people in the Ruaha ecosystem of Tanzania. We are supported by the Global Livestock Collaborative Research Support Program (GLCRSP) which receives its support from USAID.

Through our partnerships with universities, non-profit organizations, and government agencies in Tanzania we have created an itinerary where Envirovet participants will learn about wildlife and ecosystem health issues through field-based activities and interactions with developing country professionals currently working to address these challenges. By linking Envirovet and HALI, students will have the added experience of participating in an ongoing research project and interacting “on the ground” with HALI team members and the communities we work with.  

Themes to be Covered:
In order to maximize opportunities at multiple national parks, management areas, and community sites, this portion of the course will not be organized into strict modules. Instead the following themes will be introduced and then reinforced at many of the sites throughout the course.

Theme 1 - Health and Conservation at the Wildlife-Livestock-Human Interface (HCI)
Days 2-10, 11, 14, 15.
Description: Natural resource conflicts and disease transmission are most likely to occur at the spatial and temporal interface between human populations (with their domestic animals) and wildlife. Anthropogenic changes to our ecosystems are expanding this interface with often deleterious consequences for both people and wildlife. Envirovet students will explore this issue by talking with and learning from case studies presented by researchers actively working to mitigate these problems; participating in field excursions to sites of wildlife-human conflict; talking with pastoralists living near a wildlife protected area; and participating in HALI project research activities (bovine tuberculosis testing of cattle, sampling of water for pathogens) to evaluate the prevalence of zoonotic disease at the interface between wildlife, livestock and human populations. 

Theme 2 - Challenges with Diagnosis, Surveillance and Control of Zoonotic and Emerging                      Infectious Diseases in Developing Countries (ZED)
Days 2, 6, 9 10, 11, 14, 15.
Description: Zoonotic pathogens are the most significant cause of emerging infectious diseases in people. Wildlife and domestic animals are an important part of the public health picture, as they provide a “zoonotic pool” from which diseases may emerge. We will explore the challenges to diagnosing, controlling and implementing surveillance programs for zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases in Tanzania. Diseases that will be highlighted include highly pathogenic Avian Influenza, Rift Valley Fever, and bovine tuberculosis, with an emphasis on current research and innovative methods being developed in Tanzania for diagnosis and surveillance.

Theme 3 – Wildlife Health and Conservation Challenges in Protected Areas (CPA)
Days 1-8, 8-12, 18.
Description: Approximately 25% of Tanzania’s land lies inside protected areas. Despite this significant achievement, Tanzania’s biological diversity remains threatened. Envirovet participants will learn about the health and conservation challenges faced by professionals working in Tanzanian National Parks. They will participate in projects addressing some of these issues in Mikumi and Ruaha National Parks. By visiting two parks, participants will have the opportunity to compare and contrast the challenges facing these parks. Additionally, participants will learn about new initiatives that have created community based wildlife management areas. The course will have field exercises inside the newly created Pawaga-Idodi Wildlife Management Area, and discuss the pros and cons of community-based conservation initiatives with Tanzanians actively working in the field. The benefits and problems associated with ecotourism and cultural tourism will also be discussed. Finally, challenges and recent success in the conservation of Zanzibar’s indigenous forests and mangroves will be highlighted in a visit to Jozani Chakwa Bay Conservation Area.  
                       
Theme 4 – Health and Conservation Policy at the National and Global Level (POL)
Days 4, 7, 8, 14.
Both national and international policies affect conservation in developing countries. Policy implications arising from case studies about the drying of the Great Ruaha River and community-based conservation will be discussed. Participants will also gain familiarity with Tanzanian law regarding the environment, wildlife, and veterinary medicine.

Theme 5 – Threats to Tropical Fresh Water and Marine Ecosystems (FWM)
Days 7-11, 14, 15, 17, 18.
Tanzania’s incredible biodiversity depends on the health of its fresh water and marine ecosystems. Tanzania has more inland waters than any other country in Africa, 1424 km of Indian Ocean coastline, and the Zanzibar and Mafia Island archipelagos. The health and ecosystem services of Tanzania’s freshwater ecosystems are severely strained by the needs of Tanzania’s human population. We will highlight these issues by closely studying the 15 year conservation crisis of the Great Ruaha River. The history and consequences of the drying of the Great Ruaha River will be presented in a detailed case study. Participants will visit various sites along the river and its tributaries to 1) see examples of irrigation and water diversions, 2) assess fish species diversity and 3) sample for pathogens in the water. Pollution problems and the latest research in freshwater and marine ecosystems will be highlighted through discussions and field exercises at Sokoine University of Agriculture and the Institute for Marine Sciences on Zanzibar. Coral health, and innovations in mariculture will also be addressed.

 Envirovet Developing Country Session Itinerary*:

*Please note that exact dates, speakers, and times are subject to change as course details are finalized and speakers are confirmed.

Thursday July 17 – Day 0 (Arrival in Tanzania)
Some participants arrive throughout the day in Dar es Salaam

Friday July 18 – Day 1  Orientation & Introduction to Mikumi NP (CPA)

7:00 am: Most participants arrive in Dar es Salaam.

8:30 – 1:00 pm: Travel to Mikumi, passing through Mikumi National Park en route.

1:00-4:00 pm: Lunch and settle into lodgings on the border of Mikumi National Park. Time to shower and rest.  Lodgings: Tan-Swiss Restaurant & Hotel, Mikumi Genesis Lodge & Chella Lodge. Meals at Tan-Swiss.

**NOTE: If we need to do these presentations inside the park, then we would start at 4:30 pm at Mikumi HQ.

4:10-4:30 pm: Welcome & Opening of Envirovet Course
Presenter: Rudovick Kazwala, Professor of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA)

4:30-5:00 pm: Orientation to Course Itinerary, Logistics, and Activities
Presenter: Deana Clifford, Associate Veterinarian and HALI Project Coordinator, UC Davis Wildlife Health Center (UCD WHC)

5:00-5:45 pm: Overview of Mikumi National Park: conservation priorities and challenges
Presenter: John Shemkunde, Chief Park Warden, Mikumi NP and/or Mafuru, Chief ecologist, Mikumi NP.

6:00-6:45 pm: Giraffe ear disease in Mikumi National Park
Presenter: Vitalis Lyaruu, Southern zone veterinarian, Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA)
Dr. Lyaruu will describe the progress of his doctoral research investigating the prevalence and etiology of giraffe ear disease in Mikumi National Park. He will detail the drugs used and his experience with anesthesia of giraffe, and prepare the participants for the upcoming field exercises inside the park.
 
7:00: Dinner  *Dinner will be at 7:30 if presentations are inside the park.  

Saturday July 19 – Day 2 (CPA/HCI/ZED)

7:00-11:30 am: Field exercises: Survey for giraffe ear disease and giraffe immobilization
Instructors: Vitalis Lyaruuu, Titus Mlengeya and (TANAPA), Donald Mpanduji, (SUA)
Participants will divide into two groups. Group A will conduct a vehicle based survey to assess the prevalence of ear disease in giraffe. Group B will assist with the immobilization of a giraffe or other species as determined by the veterinarian (tentative). Although an immobilization exercise is scheduled, there is no guarantee that an animal will be immobilized each session due to weather conditions, locations and suitability of animals, and other unforeseen circumstances. Animal welfare and human safety are the first priorities. The decision to immobilize is the responsibility of the TANAPA veterinarians in charge.

12:00 pm:  Lunch

1:00-1:45 pm Time for groups to prepare brief summary of field exercises

1:45-2:15 pm: Groups briefing and discussion of field exercises
Each group will make a short 10-15 minute presentation summarizing their exercise. The giraffe ear disease survey group will report on the prevalence of affected giraffe observed.

2:15-3:15 pm: Role of wildlife veterinarians and wildlife health in Tanzania
Presenter: Titus Mlengeya, Chief Veterinary Officer, TANAPA
Dr. Mlengeya, an Envirovet alumnus, will describe the role of wildlife veterinarians in Tanzania and the current wildlife health issues in Tanzania’s National Parks. Challenges to implementing wildlife health monitoring and research will be discussed.
 
3:15 pm:  Tea

3:30-4:30 pm: Bovine tuberculosis in Africa
Presenter: Rudovick Kazwala, SUA
Prof. Kazwala will explain the history of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) in Africa and detail what we know to date regarding the significance of BTB in wildlife, livestock and human populations. He will highlight current BTB research efforts and discuss the development of the African Bovine Tuberculosis Network.

4:45-5:45 pm: Elephant conservation in the Selous-Niassa wildlife corridor
Presenter: Donald Mpanduji, SUA
The Selous-Niassa wildlife corridor is a landscape linkage between Africa's largest protected areas: the Selous Game Reserve of Tanzania, (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Africa's largest elephant, buffalo, sable and other wildlife populations) and the Niassa Game Reserve of Mozambique, well renowned for its large elephant population. Dr. Mpanduji will detail his research investigating elephant movements in the Selous - Niassa wildlife corridor, and discuss implications of his work and the challenges associated with transboundary conservation.

7:00 pm: Dinner

Sunday July 20 – Day 3 (CPA)

7:00-11:30 am: Field exercises: Survey for giraffe ear disease and giraffe immobilization
Instructors: Vitalis Lyaruuu and Titus Mlengeya (TANAPA)
Participants will divide into two groups. One group will conduct a vehicle based survey to assess the prevalence of ear disease in giraffe. The second group will assist with the immobilization of a giraffe or other species as determined by the veterinarian (tentative).

12:00 pm: Return to Tan-Swiss lodge, gather luggage and packed lunch for departure

1:00-5:00 pm: Travel from Mikumi National Park to Iringa  
Participants will drive by Uduzungwa National Park and Baobob Valley on their way to the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. These and other points of interest along the way will be highlighted.

5:00-6:30 pm: Arrive and settle into lodgings at Riverside campsite.  Laundry opportunity

6:30 pm: Dinner

7:30 pm: Operating and developing small-scale tourism in Tanzania
Leader: William and Amanda Phillips, Riverside Campsite, Iringa (tentative)
Will and Amanda will lead an informal talk about how they have developed Riverside campsite to offer affordable locally-based tourism in Tanzania. The challenges with operating and developing small-scale tourism that both employs and offers opportunities for Tanzanians will be discussed.

Monday July 21 – Day 4 ( POL/HCI/CPA)

7:00 am: Breakfast

8:00 am-12:00 pm: Village visit: community level sustainable development and appropriate technologies to improve health and livelihoods
Leader, Andy Hart, Anglican Diocese of Ruaha
Dr. Andy Hart will lead the group on a tour through Ismani village where he is helping the community try a variety of self- supporting strategies to improve both animal health and people’s livelihoods. Highlights will include a veterinary drug shop project, cattle and poultry health improvement efforts, donkey welfare improvements, water sanitation efforts, edible insects and more!

12:30-2:30 pm: Lunch & Workshop Tour: Neema Crafts  
Leaders: Suzie Hart and the Neema Crafts staff
Neema Crafts provides opportunities for disabled Tanzanians by employing and teaching disabled people the skills to make unique ecologically conscious crafts. Participants will tour the workshop, learning about this innovative project, interacting with the staff, and have a chance to sample Neema Café’s famous ice cream.

3:00-5:30 pm:  Visit to Kibebe Farm, Iringa
Leaders: Richard and Victoria Phillips
Participants will tour a high-input diary and beef farm with the owners, Richard and Victoria Phillips. The Phillips will discuss challenges relating to biosecurity, delivery of veterinary services, and disease threats. They will also discuss their philosophy of raising livestock while protecting the natural environment, and their efforts to make their products certified organic.
 
6:30 pm: Dinner

7:30-8:30 pm: Bird diversity in Tanzania and surveillance for avian influenza in wild birds
Presenter: Neil Baker, Tanzania Bird Atlas (tentative)
Neil will give an overview of the incredible bird diversity that Tanzania has to offer and discuss the conservation importance of Tanzania’s important bird areas.  Additionally, Neil will highlight the current surveillance efforts for highly pathogenic avian influenza in Tanzania’s wild birds, with an emphasis on sentinel species and possible conservation impacts.

Tuesday July 22 – Day 5 (CPA)

7:30:  Breakfast

8:30 – 12:30 pm: - Optional Field trip Ismilia Stone Age site
Isimilia is one of Africa’s richest Stone Age sites; excavations have uncovered thousands of stone tools dating from about 60,000 years ago (Acheulian period). Over time the Isimilia River has also created a beautiful canyon with natural sandstone pillars. Participants will learn about the historical significance of this site and hike through the canyons with a trained guide.

1:00 pm: Lunch

2:00-6:00 pm: Afternoon free to explore the Iringa Market and town-life (Shuttle to town and back will be provided).

6:30 pm: Dinner

 
Wednesday July 23 – Day 6 (ZED/HCI/CPA)

7:00 am: Breakfast

8:30-9:45 am: Control and surveillance for zoonotic diseases and diseases of economic importance in livestock
Presenters: Dr. Hamza Mwamhehe, Chief Veterinarian, and Dr. Hilda Mrema, Veterinary Investigation Centre-Iringa
Drs. Mwamhehe and Mrema will highlight the economically important and zoonotic diseases that are priorities for surveillance and control in Tanzania. The impact of the 2007 Rift Valley Fever outbreak and constraints to disease control will be discussed, with a focus on the goal of establishing disease-free regions. They will also discuss the role of government in veterinary disease surveillance and the specific role of the VIC Iringa.

10:00 – 11:00 am: Participants will tour facilities of the Veterinary Investigation Centre in Iringa and have time for informal discussion.

11:30 Box lunch, pack luggage and prepare to leave Iringa.

12:00-4:00 pm: Travel from Iringa to Lunda Camp, Pawaga-Idodi Wildlife Management Area (PIWMA)
Leader: Peter Coppolillo, WCS Ruaha Landscape Program
The participants will travel through villages that are impacted by overgrazing, water limitation and limited veterinary services. The group will stop at various points along the route to see evidence of overgrazing, water diversions and a cattle dip tank.

5:00-6:00 pm: Overview of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Ruaha Landscape Program
Presenter: Peter Coppolillo, Director, WCS Ruaha Landscape Program
Dr. Coppolillo will introduce participants to the wide range of conservation activities conducted by the Ruaha Landscape Program. He will talk about their approach to building local capacity for conservation; success and challenges. An orientation to Lunda camp and the PIWMA will also be presented.

6:30 pm: Dinner and campfire

Thursday July 24 – Day 7 (CPA/FWM/HCI/POL)

7:00 am: Breakfast

8:00-11:00 am: Wildlife Field Exercises
The participants will be divided into three subgroups (A, B, C) and participate in the exercises below.

Exercise 1: Fish diversity and sampling in the Great Ruaha River-Group A
Leader: Festo Semanini, Ecohydrologist, WCS Ruaha Landscape Program
Festo will give an overview of the fish diversity in the Great Ruaha River, and review the techniques he has used to capture fish. Participants will set up traps in the river for fish and invertebrates, and examine specimens. Threats to the river’s fish populations will be discussed.

Exercise 2: Walking transect for wildlife presence and sign- Group B
Leader(s): Pete Coppolillo, Rogassian & MBOMIPA game scouts
Participants will learn how to identify tracks and sign of various wildlife species. Methods for estimating wildlife population presence/absence and density on foot will be discussed; how wildlife density data is mapped using ArcGIS and used for conservation and health studies will also be demonstrated.  

Exercise 3: Field Necropsy Lab, special considerations for developing countries - Group C
Leaders : Harrison Sadiki & Deana Clifford, HALI Project
Participants will assist in necropsy of specimen for HALI Project disease surveillance.  Special considerations for conducting necropsies in the field will be discussed with an emphasis on protection from infectious disease and working in adverse conditions with limited equipment. The HALI Project’s wildlife disease surveillance efforts, including training of game scouts and working with hunter-killed wildlife will also be discussed. 

12:00 pm: Lunch

1:00-2:00 pm: Case Study: The Unintended Consequences of Development Assistance: the case of Usangu irrigation schemes
Presenter(s): Peter Coppolillo, D. Mutekanga, WCS Ruaha Landscape Program
In the Usangu region of Tanzania, smallholder rice schemes established with development assistance in the 1980s and early 90s precipitated a cascade of unintended outcomes, many of which are still being realized. The primary and direct effect was that legal channelization of water facilitated a proliferation of illegal diversions and satellite farms surrounding the rice schemes. The resultant loss of water to the Great Ruaha River is the central driver of the environmental and socioeconomic cascade of unintended effects most notably: a 77% reduction in the area of the Ihefu swamp; over 60% loss of dry season habitat in Ruaha National Park; the collapse of fisheries in Mtera Reservoir; increased potential for transmission of disease among livestock, wildlife and people (both waterborne & other); and the loss of hydroelectric power produced by the Mtera hydroelectric plant. The social and economic costs of these unintended consequences remain untallied, but the power crisis alone likely cost the Tanzanian economy around one billion U.S. dollars. These consequences and current actions to address them will be discussed.

2:00-5:00 pm: Wildlife Field Exercises (continued)
Exercise 1: Fish diversity and sampling in the Great Ruaha River-Group C
Exercise 2: Walking transect for wildlife - Group A
Exercise 3: Necropsy lab - Group B

6:30 pm: Dinner/campfire

Friday July 25 – Day 8 (CPA/FWM/HCI/POL)

7:00 am: Breakfast

7:30-8:45 am: Integration of concepts – Discussion of health and economic challenges faced by pastoralists
Leaders: D. Mutekanga, Mariam Nguvava, WCS Ruaha Landscape Program
In preparation for a visit to pastoralist households, WCS staff will lead a discussion about the health and economic challenges faced by pastoralist households. Water limitations, access to markets for livestock products, livestock diseases, access to veterinary and human health care services will be discussed. Participants are encouraged to formulate some questions to ask the pastoralist households that will be visited.

9:00 am – 1:00 pm: Cultural visit with Maasai households, Malinzanga village
Leaders: David Mutekanga, Peter Coppolillo, Mariam Nguvava, Sarah Selendu.
Participants will visit the households and livestock bomas of two Maasai families. They will have the chance to ask the questions that were formulated earlier and tour the households, view livestock and gain a deeper understanding of pastoralist culture. Traditional dancing or a livestock demonstration may be performed and traditional jewelry will be available.

1:00 pm: Lunch at Lunda camp

1:30-2:30 pm: Discussion
Leaders: David Mutekanga, Peter Coppolillo, Mariam Nguvava, WCS Ruaha Program
Participants have extra time to discuss questions that may have arisen from the household visit and additional aspects of challenges faced by pastoralists.  Furthermore, tensions between pastoralism and conservation will be addressed.

2:30 – 5:30 pm: Wildlife Field Exercises
Exercise 1: Fish diversity and sampling in the Great Ruaha River-Group B
Exercise 2: Walking transect for wildlife - Group C
Exercise 3: Necropsy lab - Group A
 
6:45 pm: Tanzanian dinner
An authentic Tanzanian bush dinner will be served with ugali, wali, maharagwe, nyama choma, mchicha and more. 

8:00-9:00 pm: Night game drive (optional)
Leaders: WCS and HALI staff
Participants will have the chance to look for nocturnal wildlife.

Saturday July 26 – Day 9 (HCI/ZED/FWM)

7:30 am: Breakfast and prepare to leave Lunda

9:00-9:45 am: Case Study: Spatial decline of buffalo in the Ruaha ecosystem
Presenter: Peter Coppolillo, WCS Ruaha Landscape Program
Pete will review the evidence to date suggesting that Ruaha’s once large buffalo populations have suffered a spatial range contraction and possibly a population decline. Possible causes for the decline will be described and participants will have the chance to brainstorm ideas about how they would begin to study and address this issue.

9:45-10:30 am: Health for Animals and Livelihood Improvement (HALI) in the Ruaha ecosystem
Presenters: Deana Clifford & Harrison Sadiki, HALI Project Coordinators, UCD WHC & SUA
The Health for Animals and Livelihood Improvement Project is collaborative and stakeholder-driven research and capacity building project of UC Davis Wildlife Health Center, Sokoine University of Agriculture, WCS Ruaha Landscape Program, and the University of Vermont.
We use an interdisciplinary approach and team to investigate the health and economic impacts of zoonotic (bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis) and waterborne diseases in wildlife, livestock and people. Research findings, training and capacity building activities to date will be presented, and the upcoming field exercises for Envirovet participants in conjunction with HALI researchers will be described.

10:45-1:00 pm: Travel from Lunda to Tungamalenga village, Chogela campsite
*Note Group A will stay behind and join the rest of the class later in the day, as the Practical field exercise occurs at water sites closer to Lunda.

1:00 pm: Lunch (will be earlier at Lunda for Group A; will be at Chogela for rest of class)

2:00-7:00 pm: Field Exercises at the Human-Livestock-Wildlife Interface
The participants will be divided into three subgroups (A, B, C) and participate in the exercises below.

Exercise 1: Sampling for zoonotic pathogens in water sources - Group A
Leaders: Annette Kitambi & Deana Clifford – HALI Project, SUA and UCD WHC
As part of HALI project research activities, participants will assist Dr. Kitambi with water sampling to detect zoonotic pathogens in water sources shared by people, livestock and wildlife. The methodology for isolating zoonotic bacteria and protozoa from water will be discussed. Students will collect data on channel width, speed, water quality, and use of the area by animals and people. Field sites are the Great Ruaha River at Lunda and the Mlowa River near Malinzanga.

Exercise 2: Bovine tuberculosis testing in pastoralist cattle - Group B
Leader(s): Howard Kombe, Harrison Sadiki, & Julius John - HALI Project, SUA
Participants will join HALI project researchers in testing cattle for bovine tuberculosis at pastoralist households. The results of intradermal tuberculin tests given 3 days prior will be interpreted, and owners of positive animals counseled. Biological samples (blood, milk and feces) may also be collected from cattle, sheep or goats. Risk factors for transmission of bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis will be highlighted at these visits, and challenges with administration and interpretation of intradermal skin testing in African conditions will be discussed.

Exercise 3: Wildlife conflicts at the human-livestock-wildlife interface - Group C
Leaders: Pete Coppolillo & Ayubu Omari Msago - WCS Ruaha Landscape Program
Participants will learn about efforts to reduce conflicts between agricultural activities and elephants/hippos, and livestock conflicts with carnivores by visiting sites where these activities have occurred. A unique program to use natural chili pepper oil to deter elephants from farms and design changes to livestock bomas (corrals) that reduce depredation will be highlighted.

7:00 pm: Dinner

Sunday July 27 – Day 10 (HCI/ZED/FWM)

5:00-11:30 am: Field Exercises at the Human-Livestock-Wildlife Interface*
*note Exercise 2 may leave very early and return early, as timing of cattle sampling may be very early in the morning.

Exercise 1: Sampling for zoonotic pathogens in water sources - Group C (Kitisi & Idodi Rivers)
Exercise 2: Bovine tuberculosis testing in pastoralist cattle - Group A
Exercise 3: Wildlife conflicts at the human-livestock-wildlife interface - Group B

12:00 pm: Lunch & meet with officials from the Pawaga Idodi Wildlife Management Area

1:00-2:15 pm: Case Study: Community-based Wildlife Management Areas in Tanzania
Leader: Bakari Mbano, Senior Conservation Scientist, WCS Ruaha Landscape Program & Former Director, Wildlife Division, United Republic of Tanzania
Mr. Mbano will give an overview of the initiative to create community-based wildlife management areas in Tanzania, focusing on the successes and challenges that were encountered during and after the establishment of the Pawaga-Idodi Wildlife Management Area, and broader pros and cons of community-based initiatives. 

2:00-7:00 pm: Field Exercises at the Human-Livestock-Wildlife Interface
Exercise 1: Sampling for zoonotic pathogens in water sources - Group B (Bwawa & Tungamalenga River)
Exercise 2: Bovine tuberculosis testing in pastoralist cattle - Group C
Exercise 3: Wildlife conflicts at the human-livestock-wildlife interface - Group A

7:30 pm: Special BBQ Dinner/campfire with Wahehe drama group performance

Monday July 28 – Day 11 (HCI/ZED/CPA/FWM)

7:30 am: Breakfast

9:00-10:30 am: Wrap-up discussion of field exercises
Participants will have time to provide feedback and discuss any thoughts or questions resulting from the field activities.

10:30 am: Tea

10:45-11:45 am: Wildlife Conservation in Protected Areas of Tanzania
Leader: Bakari Mbano, Senior Conservation Scientist, WCS Ruaha Landscape Program & Former Director, Wildlife Division, United Republic of Tanzania
Tanzania has designated over 28% of its land area under some degree of protection.  Mzee Mbano will give a brief overview of the history of wildlife conservation in Tanzania and describe the structure of the current Protected Area system.  Challenges to conservation in protected areas and successes will be highlighted.

12:00 pm: Lunch and prepare to leave Chogela

1:15-2:15 pm: Travel from Tungamalenga to Ruaha National Park Headquarters

2:30-3:30 pm: Conservation and Management of Ruaha National Park
Presenter: Chief Park Warden (tentative) & Ole Meing’ataki, Chief Ecologist, Ruaha NP
Participants will be introduced to the reasons why Ruaha National Park is so significant from a conservation standpoint. The current ecosystem health issues, expansion of the park, plans for tourism growth, and management challenges for this park will be highlighted.

3:30 pm: Tea

3:45-4:30 pm: Wildlife health issues in Ruaha National Park
Presenter: Epaphras Alex, Veterinarian, Ruaha National Park
Dr. Alex will present an overview of his responsibilities at veterinarian for Ruaha, and describe the current health concerns in the park’s wildlife. He will describe his ongoing parasite monitoring, research to elucidate the cause and impact of a novel skin disease in giraffe, and describe the next morning’s field activities.  

4:30-5:15 pm: Threats from unmanaged fire in the Ruaha ecosystem 
Presenter: Bakari Mbano, WCS Ruaha Landscape Program & Ole Meing’ataki, TANAPA
Mzee Mbano will describe the impact of fire on the health of the Ruaha ecosystem, and detail WCS and TANAPAs efforts to research the effects of fire and create a fire management regime. Field activities for the vegetation sampling activity will be described.   

6:30 pm: Dinner

Tuesday July 29 – Day 12 (CPA)

7:00 am: Breakfast

8:00 am -11:30 am: Game drive: survey for giraffe skin disease & buffalo herd counts
Leaders: Epaphras Alex & Ole Meing’ataki, TANAPA
Participants will split into groups and drive through different parts of the park to determine the prevalence of skin lesions in giraffe. Counts of affected and unaffected giraffe will be determined and the locations of giraffe recorded using handheld GPS units. Digital photographs of skin lesions will be taken to build a digital library of the disease presentation.  Additionally, if buffalo herds are encountered, the location will be recorded, the number of bulls, cows and calves counted, and the body condition of the herd assessed. Participants may input data to create a map of affected and unaffected individuals and buffalo herds.

12:00 pm: Lunch

1:00-2:00 pm: Giraffe and buffalo counts discussion
Leaders: Ole Meing’ataki & Epaphras Alex, TANAPA
Each team will give a brief presentation about what was observed on their transects and any findings of interest.

2:00-6:00 pm: Vegetation sampling at fire research plots
Leaders: Bakari Mbano & Ole Meing’ataki
Students will participate in vegetation monitoring of fire research plots as part of an ongoing project to understand the impact of fire on herbivores and vegetation communities.

7:00 pm: Dinner/campfire with park personnel

Wednesday July 30 – Day 13

7:00 am: Breakfast and prepare to leave Ruaha

8:00 am-4:30 pm: Travel from Ruaha to Morogoro (lunch at Tan-Swiss)
 
6:30: Dinner and settle into lodgings in Morogoro

Thursday July 31 – Day 14 (ZED/POL/HCI/FWM)

7:00 am: Breakfast

8:30-8:45 am:  Introduction and Welcome to Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA)
Presenter: Dean of the veterinary school

8:45-9:30 am: Veterinary Education in Tanzania; roles of public and private sector
Dominic Kambarage, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs, SUA
Dr. Kambarage will explain the history and current capacity for veterinary education in Tanzania, and the current employment options for the public and private sector. Challenges to delivery of veterinary services and veterinary education will also be discussed.

9:30-10:15 am: Rift Valley Fever: Lessons learned from the 2007 outbreak, health significance & implications of climate change
Presenter: Rudovick Kazwala, Prof. of Veterinary Medicine & Public Health, Envirovet Tanzania Co-director, SUA

10:15 am: Tea

10:45 am-12:00 pm: Tour of Sokoine University Veterinary School  
Leaders: SUA vet school staff
Participants will tour the small and large animal clinics, rabies isolation unit, anatomy and pathology facilities, animal areas, instruction facilities and the Mycobacterium laboratory.  
 
12:30 pm: Lunch

2:00-6:00 pm: – Laboratory demonstrations
The class will split into two groups and rotate through each activity lasting approximately 2 hours.

1) Innovations in disease diagnostics for the developing world-tour and demonstration of APOPO Vapour Detection Technology
Leaders: Apopo staff
APOPO trains sniffer rats to detect explosives and diagnose disease. This unusual idea has been developed into a competitive technology by a group of Belgian and Tanzanian researchers and animal trainers. Participants will visit the APOPO facility to hear more about this unique program and to see a demonstration of the sniffer rats trained to detect tuberculosis.

2) From the field to the lab: Isolation and characterization of zoonotic bacteria from water sources 
Leaders: Rudovick Kazwala? Annette Kitambi, Ally Kitime and XX Ndaki,  SUA
Participants will follow up on the results of the water sampling for pathogens they conducted in the field. Enrichment broths and media used to isolate specific pathogens will be discussed, and students will get to assess the growth of specimens from the samples collected. Morphologic and biochemical characteristics used to identify pathogenic bacteria such as, E.coli, Shigella, Salmonella and Vibrio will be covered.

6:30 pm: Dinner

7:30-8:15 pm: Small Animal Practice and Animal Welfare in Tanzania
Presenter: Armandus Muhairwa, Senior Lecturer, SUA 
Dr. Muhairwa will discuss the current state of companion animal veterinary medicine and welfare in Tanzania.

Friday August 1 – Day 15 (ZED/HCI/FWM)

7:00 am: Breakfast

8:00 am-12:00 pm: Focused Sessions on Health and Pollution
The participants will divide into two groups and rotate through each laboratory.

Session One - Avian Influenza and Village Poultry Health-Group A
Instructor(s): Peter Msoffe, Senior Lecturer, SUA, Armandus Muhairwa, Deana Clifford
The potential impact of and possible entry points for High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Tanzania will be discussed. Surveillance limitations for HPAI in developing countries will be addressed, and a new initiative to create Village Biosecurity through improved poultry health will be highlighted.  During a hands-on laboratory participants will learn how properly handle chickens, take appropriate biological samples for HPAI testing, how to use and interpret the rapid influenza test, and how to minimize virus contamination during processing for food consumption.

Session Two – Using biomarkers to assess environmental pollution in Tanzania-Group B
Instructor: Robinson Mdegela
Dr. Mdegela will describe his research assessing biomarkers for pollutants in the widely distributed African sharptooth catfish. Practical activities may include: visits to affected water sites, capture of catfish, visit to on-site laboratory tanks with catfish and testing of catfish.

12:30 pm: Lunch

2:00-6:00 pm: Session One – Group B and Session Two – Group A

7:30 pm: Special Dinner Out – Dragonairre’s Restaurant Pizza Night!

Saturday August 2 – Day 16

6:45 am: Breakfast and prepare to leave

8:00-11:00 am: Travel from Morogoro to Dar es Salaam Airport (note – we will need some snacks in our cars )

12:15 pm: ZanAir flight from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar

1:00 pm: Arrival Zanzibar Airport

1:00 – 3:00 pm: Settle into lodgings and lunch
 
3:30 – 6:30 pm : Zanzibar Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam
Section Leader: Dr. Aviti Mmochi, Assistant Research Fellow

3:30 – 5:15 pm: Coral reef ecology and its implications to coastal communities
Presenter: Christopher Muhando, Assistant Research Fellow

Dr. Muhando will touch the following themes:  Introduction to coral reef environment. Function of coral reefs to coastal ecology and socio-economy of coastal communities. Natural and anthropogenic factors influencing the distribution and health of coral reefs in Tanzania. The 1998 Coral bleaching event and Crown-of-thorns-starfish outbreaks. Coral recovery patterns after the 1998 coral bleaching event.  Management of coral reefs. Research and monitoring strategies.
 
5:30 – 6:30 pm: The profile of the Institute of Marine Sciences
Instructor: Aviti Mmochi, position here
Dr. Mmochi will describe the activities of IMS and the general effect on the ecological, economic and social development of the coastal communities. The Institute has had a long history of interaction with both governments especially on policies and environmental assessment and more recently this has moved to local communities. A number of small scale ecological and economic initiatives have been developed and some of these are in full scale economic implications stage.

7:00 pm: Dinner

Sunday August 3 – Day 17 (FWM/CPA)
7:00 am: Breakfast
8:00-11:00 am Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park
Leaders: park guides, WCS program representative (tentative)
Jozani Forest is the largest remnant of the indigenous forest that once covered the island, and is at the center of the island’s only terrestrial nature reserve. The park also contains swamp forest, evergreen thickets, mangroves and salt-tolerant grasslands, and a wide variety of wildlife including, Ader’s duiker, suni antelopes, blue monkeys and the endangered Kirk’s red colubus monkey (Zanzibar endemic). Participants will hike through this unique area, learn about local conservation efforts and get the chance to see rare species.

11:00 am – 2:00 pm Seaweed farming in Paje village (JOURNEY CONTINUED FROM ABOVE)
Leader: Dr F. E. Msuya, Assistant Research Fellow
Seaweed farming which was a strong initiative of Prof Keto Mshigeni of the University of Dar es Salaam started in Paje village in Zanzibar Island in 1989. The mainly women livelihood activity has grown to make Tanzania the 3rd in combined mariculture production of Eucheuma denticulatum and Kapaphyicus alvarezii and the leading producer in E. denticulatum. Dr Msuya has been working with the Tanzanian farmers since 1989 will take you on a tour that will enable you to talk with the farmers and the buyers.

3:00 pm to 5:30 pm  (can we say until 6pm?)
The group will be divide in to two depending on individual interests
Group one: Snorkeling and diving in Prison Island (BOAT REQUIRED)
Leader: Dr Christopher Muhando, Assistant Research Fellow
Prison Island is a half hour outboard engine boat ride from the Institute of Marine Sciences
Dr Christopher Muhando has been diving in this and other areas in Tanzania since 1987. Pioneering coral reef restoration and investigating the effect of global warming on coral reefs he and his team will give you instructions on what to look for, what to expect and what precautions to take. A specialised Institute of Marine Sciences technician (Dive Master) will escort you to snorkeling or diving sites, depending on the individual wishes to view reefs off Zanzibar stone town. - Zanzibar City.

Group two: Guided or unguided tour of the stone town (JOURNEY CONTINUED FROM ABOVE)
Leader: Dr A. Mmochi or Tour Operators
Zanzibar Stone Town is a designated cultural heritage by UNESCO. There are a lot of things to see in the Stone Town ranging from the House of Wonders and the Old Fort, the oldest and still standing churches on the East African coast, the former slave market, the Maruhubi ruins etc. This is beside the art, culture and the hospitality of the people. Depending on what we agree we can divide or move together to see some of these areas
 

Monday August 4 – Day 18 (FWM/CPA)
7:00 am: Breakfast

8:00 -9:30 am:  Water quality and Marine Pollution in Tanzania
Presenter: Dr A. Mmochi
The lecture highlights the world status of water, definitions of water quality and marine pollution and the state of pollution in Tanzania. Case studies on the agricultural, sewage and tourism pollution in Zanzibar.

9:30 - 10:30 am: Seaweed Farming
Dr F. E. Msuya
Traditional seaweed farming methods, gender participation, strategies to combat seaweed die-offs and development of new techniques of seaweed farming. Innovation of the seaweed industry – using the seaweed in the country and how to increase the production and the future of the seaweed industry.

10:30 – 11:00: Tea

11:00 – 12:00 Finfish farming, half pearl production and shell polishing
A brief introduction of the history of mariculture in Tanzania and the integrated mariculture pond system in Makoba Bay Zanzibar. Case studies on sitting, construction, pond management and economics or milkfish farming in Tanzania. The cockle management initiatives, half pearl farming and shell polishing in Fumba Peninsular, Zanzibar, Tanzania.

12:15 – 3:00 pm: Visiting Bweleo village in Fumba Peninsular
Leaders:  Dr Nariman Jiddawi and Dr A.Mmochi (BUS REQUIRED WILL NEED PACKED LUNCH HERE)
Participants will see first hand the pearl farming and the shell polishing enterprises and get to ask additional questions.

3:30 – 6:00 pm: Envirovet 2008 Course Wrap-Up
Leader: Val Beasley, Envirovet Director

7:15 pm:  Special end of course dinner

Tuesday, August 5th – Depart Tanzania

BUS PICK UP FOR ZANZIBAR AIRPORT. 

6:50 am: Depart Zanzibar via ZanAir to Dar es Salaam.