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. 2010 Jun 21:6:16.
doi: 10.1186/1746-4269-6-16.

Ethnoveterinary treatments by dromedary camel herders in the Suleiman Mountainous Region in Pakistan: an observation and questionnaire study

Abdul Raziq  1 , Kerstin de Verdier, Muhammad Younas
Affiliations

Ethnoveterinary treatments by dromedary camel herders in the Suleiman Mountainous Region in Pakistan: an observation and questionnaire study

Abdul Raziq et al. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed. .

Abstract

Background: The Suleiman mountainous region is an important cradle of animal domestication and the habitat of many indigenous livestock breeds. The dromedary camel is a highly appreciated and valued animal and represents an important genetic resource. Camel herders, living in remote areas, have developed their own ways to treat diseases in camels, based on a long time of experience.

Methods: Information about the diseases and the ethnoveterinary practices performed was collected from a total of 90 herders and healers by interviews and participant observations.

Results: The respondents classified the diseased in major and minor fractions. Clinical signs were given in detail. Mange followed by trypanosomosis and orf were considered the most prevalent diseases, and also caused the greatest economic losses. Orf was regarded the most complex disease. The season was considered to have great influence on the occurrence of the diseases. A variety of different treatments were described, such as medicinal plants, cauterization, odorant/fly repellents, pesticides, larvicides, cold drink, yogurt and supportive therapy (hot food, hot drink).

Conclusions: There is paramount need to document and validate the indigenous knowledge about animal agriculture in general and ethnoveterinary practices in particular. This knowledge is rapidly disappearing and represents a cultural heritage as well as a valuable resource for attaining food security and sovereignty.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Map of the study area in the Balochistan province. The brush painted line indicates the Suleiman mountain series.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Contagious skin necrosis (CSN) on the hindleg of a one-year-old camel calf. Photo: Abdul Raziq.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Ranking of the occurrence of major diseases in dromedary camels as perceived by camel herders and healers. (CSN = contagious skin necrosis).
Figure 4
Figure 4
Ranking of the complexity of major diseases in dromedary camels as perceived by camel herders and healers. (CSN = contagious skin necrosis).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Ranking of the economic losses for major diseases in dromedary camels as perceived by camel herders and healers. (CSN = contagious skin necrosis).
Figure 6
Figure 6
Camel under treatment for febrile disease (Oshmak). Photo: Abdul Raziq.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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