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. 2018 Sep 26;14(1):293.
doi: 10.1186/s12917-018-1621-y.

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

Getachew Mebrahtu Welay  1 , Dawit Gebremichael Tedla  2 , Gebreyohans Gebru Teklu  2 , Shishay Kahsay Weldearegay  2 , Mearg Belay Shibeshi  3 , Haftom Hadush Kidane  4 , Berhe Beyene Gebrezgiabher  5 , Teklehaymanot Huluf Abraha  6
Affiliations

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

Getachew Mebrahtu Welay et al. BMC Vet Res. .

Abstract

Background: Despite 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.

Results: A 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.

Conclusion: In 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.

Keywords: Disease survey; Management practices; Northern Ethiopia; Ruminants; Western Tigray.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

Ethical clearance was obtained from Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Aksum University, College of Agriculture, Shire Campus. The purpose of study was well explained to the study participants and informed consents were obtained through verbal consent form approved by institution ethical committee. Confidentiality was maintained at all levels of the study by avoiding identifiers such as any personal identifying characteristics; images, videos of study participants were kept anonymously. Participants’ involvement in the study was on voluntary basis; participants who were unwilling to participate in the study and those who wish to quit their participation were informed to do so without any restriction.

Consent for publication

Since our data do not involve any personal identifying characteristics; images, videos, names and data kept anonymously of study participants; we believe that “Consent for publication” is not applicable.

Publisher’s Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Geographical location of western Tigray province showing the three study districts
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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