A preliminary survey of major diseases of ruminants and management practices in Western Tigray province, northern Ethiopia

Abstract

BackgroundDespite the highest population, the productivity of Ethiopian livestock is low, and the direct contribution to the national economy is limited. Poor genetic potential, shortage of feed in quantity and quality, poor health care and management practices are the main contributors to low productivity and production. Data on animal disease and management practices are not in place, in this regard; we estimate the burden of animal health ailments and management practices in ruminants via simple cross-sectional study design in randomly selected peasant associations in western Tigray of northern Ethiopia.ResultsA preliminary disease survey in ruminants and their management practices comprising of cattle, sheep and goats was undertaken to evaluate the existence, burden of ruminant diseases and management practices. A total of 121 randomly selected household respondents of Maikhadrah and Bakhar (26.2%), Dansha (19.7%), Adi-Hirdi (18.0%), Adi-Remets and Inda-Selassie (36.1%) sub-districts were inspected throughout the study period. Most (81%) of farmers feed their animals on free grazing in the open environment travelling from highlands and midlands to lowlands in search of adequate feed (different species of grasses) and crop residues during the wet season up to the beginning of the dry season. Majority of farmers (43.8%) had veterinary access from governmental veterinary officers. Thirty-four (33.9%) of the respondents got veterinary access from illegal drug dealers in mini shops or market. Among the major disease constraints identified; Tick infestation (89.3%), lice infestation (68.6%) mange mite infestation (77.7%) lumpy skin disease (LSD) (42.1%), trypanasomiasis (62.8%) bovine pasteurellosis (52.1) mastitis (13.2%), sheep and goat pox (15.7), abortion (19.0%), dystocia (24.8%), retained fetal membrane (25.6%), prolapsed uterus (13.2%) delayed heat period (38.8%) were most endemic ailments directly affecting livestock production and farmers livelihood.ConclusionIn conclusion management practices in livestock production is poor to a large extent. Burden and endemicity of livestock diseases are substantially higher. The data obtained could be the source of facts for planners in animal health service delivery system in this sub region.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12917-018-1621-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Epidemiological investigation of brucellosis in breeding female cattle under the traditional production system of Jimma zone in Ethiopia

“…Despite having a large cattle population, the country is unable to optimally use this potential resource as a result of different constraints affecting cattle production ( CSA, 2017 ). Animal disease, poor genetic, management problems, nutrition deficiency, and lack of appropriate animal health service were the major constraints to cattle production in the country ( Kebede, Melaku, and Kebede, 2014 ; Welay et al., 2018 ). Among the infection of animal disease, brucellosis is among the serious problem in cattle and humans ( Haileselassie, Kalayou, Kyule, Asfaha, and Belihu, 2011 ; Lakew, Hiko, Abraha, and Mengistu, 2019 ).…”

Small Ruminant Production in Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia: A Systematic Review of Constraints and Potential Solutions

“…A total of 16/54 articles (11 from Ethiopia [ 9 , 10 , 15 , 21 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ], 1 from Tanzania [ 40 ], and 4 from Uganda [ 19 , 28 , 41 , 42 ]) that reported constraints to small ruminant production in order of importance by farmers were selected for ranking analysis. Six articles included studies from multiple districts/regions which comprised different altitudes or production systems, and therefore for these articles each study was considered as a separate result (n = 25) [ 9 , 10 , 28 , 33 , 37 , 39 ].…”

“…Results from this review demonstrate a requirement for improved veterinary services and infrastructure, as at least one article from each of the three countries mentioned access to veterinary services as a constraint to small ruminant production. Without adequate local veterinary services, farmers often take alternative measures to improve the health of their animals, such as obtaining illegal or inappropriate drugs or visiting traditional healers [ 21 ]. Improved diagnostic capability, facilities, and medicine supply has been suggested in many of the articles.…”

“…However, many constraints remain to small ruminant production, including limitations in access to animal health products and services [ 10 , 12 , 14 ], a lack of good quality grazing due to bush encroachment and urbanisation [ 15 , 16 , 17 ], increasing episodes of drought [ 18 ], ineffective disease control [ 19 , 20 , 21 ], and limited access to markets [ 22 ]. Additionally, funding for the livestock sector is often under-represented and under-appreciated.…”

Prioritization of Economically Important Cattle Diseases Using Participatory Epidemiology Tools in Lalibela, Sekota, and Ziquala Districts of Amhara Region, Northern Ethiopia

“…In almost all parts of the country, ectoparasites have been reported as highly prevalent with huge economic loss [5]. Besides, infectious diseases like blackleg, FMD, and CBPP have been reported widely [6][7][8][9][10].…”