Each year a million cows in Africa die from East Coast fever. The disease is spread by tick bites. Young cows are most at risk; they can die within days. Farmers and herders can lose up to half or more of their calves to East Coast fever.

The disease is widespread in eleven countries. And experts say it now threatens ten million more animals in new areas including southern Sudan.

Researchers first developed an experimental vaccine against East Coast fever thirty years ago. Now, the nonprofit Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines is trying to expand production and lower the cost.

Read more … (VOA Special English Agriculture Report)