Awareness, knowledge and practices of pastoralists towards contagious bovine pleuro pneumonia in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the awareness, knowledge and practices of pastoralists on contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) in cattle in 3 selected Local Government Areas (LGAs) (Ikara, Chikun and Kauru) of Kaduna State. A cattle population of a minimum of 20 heads was considered as a herd in this study and a total of 90 open and close ended structured questionnaires were designed and administered to all the 90 herdsmen that gave their consent for this study. The study revealed that, the level of awareness of CBPP by the pastoralists was 80 (88.9%) and formal education of 11 (12.2%), while knowledge of CBPP in the communities showed 66 (73.3%). Those that experienced outbreaks, as well as lost animals to CBPP, were 25 (27.8%) and 17 (18.9%), respectively. Of the respondents, 67 (74.4%) admitted vaccinating their cattle at various times, which is not regular, thereby achieving a low vaccination coverage of 36.7%, while, 23 (25.5%) do not vaccinate at all. Fourty-six (51.1%) acquired the CBPP vaccines from the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Plateau State, while, 21 (23.3%) from the open market. Personnel used in the administration of vaccine were; Veterinarians 14 (15.6%), animal health workers 18(20%), drug vendors 18 (20%) and herdsmen 40 (44.4%). The study has shown that most pastoralists within the study area are aware of CBPP and have good knowledge of the disease. However, unethical practices such as sourcing and indiscriminate administering of vaccines as well as irregular vaccination schedule may hamper successful disease control. Pastoralists should be encouraged to intensify the pursuit for formal education. Key words: Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides, awareness, knowledge, practices, pastoralists.