Ethno veterinary practices for poultry and cattle in Zimbabwe: A case study of Takavarasha village

Abstract

Ethno veterinary practices are increasingly becoming important in theprimary health care of livestock the world over. This is so especially for smallholderfarmers in developing countries where conventional veterinary drugs areexpensive, inaccessible and unaffordable. In this study, the traditionalpractices used in the control of livestock diseases in Chivi district ofMasvingo province in Zimbabwe were investigated.  A semi-structured questionnaire wasadministered to 60 farmers sampled through a two stage process. Thequestionnaire sought information on common cattle and poultry ailments as wellas the respective ethno veterinary practices used to control them. Informationon methods used to prepare the medicines and the form in which it is administeredwas also collected. Eighty two percent of the farmers regarded ethno veterinarymedicines as very useful in the provision of primary healthcare for theanimals. A wide array of traditional remedies and their preparation methodswere documented. There was also evidence of a complementary link betweenconventional and traditional animal health practice. This shows that farmershave alternative ways of ensuring the safety of livestock which can be usedtogether with conventional methods to ensure livestock health.