Ethnoecological knowledge of ticks and treatment of tick-borne diseases among Maasai people in Northern Tanzania.

Avery Shannon,John Kioko,Julia Baker,Christian Kiffner

doi:10.14202/vetworld.2015.755-762

Abstract

Aim:The aim of this study was to understand traditional knowledge of tick ecology and remedies for tick-borne diseases (TBDs) among the Maasai people in northern Tanzania.Materials and Methods:Semi-structured interviews were conducted among specific groups likely to be knowledgeable about tick ecology and TBDs in livestock among the Maasai people.Results:A total of 25 plant species belonging to 18 families were used to treat 8 different TBDs of livestock. Most of the plant species used were of Fabaceae and Burseraceae families. Aloe volkensii, Cissus grandifolia, and Terminalia brownii were the most commonly used plant species. The major plant growth form used was trees, while stems and bark were the main plant parts used. Most treatments were taken orally.Conclusion:Maasai people have substantial knowledge on tick ecology exemplified by their ability to differentiate between different tick species and the range of remedies for each of the TBDs. Because traditional ethnoveterinary remedies are frequently utilized, their effectiveness should be further investigated.

Highlights

The Maasai traditionally live a pastoral lifestyle in parts of East Africa [1] and are known to have a strong culture with customs and norms manifested in their knowledge of traditional system of livestock keeping
A total of 25 plant species belonging to 18 families were used to treat 8 different tick-borne diseases (TBDs) of livestock
Maasai people have substantial knowledge on tick ecology exemplified by their ability to differentiate between different tick species and the range of remedies for each of the TBDs

Summary

Introduction

The Maasai traditionally live a pastoral lifestyle in parts of East Africa [1] and are known to have a strong culture with customs and norms manifested in their knowledge of traditional system of livestock keeping. In East Africa, tick infection and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are prevalent and a severe constraint to livestock keepers [2]. Traditional knowledge is critical in disease prevention, control, and treatment, and may enhance cost-effective management of TBDs in livestock [6]. There is continuing loss of traditional knowledge among the Maasai people as they adopt new lifestyles [5]. This is unfortunate because traditional knowledge on TBDs

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