Delivery Of Animal Health Services Research Articles

Assessment of veterinary pharmaceutical warehouse management practices and its associated challenges in four selected zones and Bahir Dar city of Amhara regional state, Ethiopia.

A pharmaceutical warehouse is part of the pharmaceutical supply chain and is essential to maintaining the quality and efficacy of veterinary pharmaceuticals for successful animal health service delivery. However, poor storage conditions, improper handling, and inappropriate use and disposal constitute challenges for veterinary supplies in animal health services. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the existing practices and challenges in warehouse management in government veterinary clinics and private veterinary drug wholesalers in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 37 veterinary health facilities in four selected zones (south Gondar, west Gondar, central Gondar, and west Gojam zones) and Bahir Dar administrative city. Zones were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, pre-defined and tested observational checklists, and semi-structured interview guides. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the quantitative data, while qualitative data was analyzed using a thematic approach. The study revealed the presence of poor stock management practices, such as the absence of standard operating procedures for warehouse activities in ~59.5% of facilities surveyed. In none of the surveyed facilities, bin cards and system software utilization were satisfactory. The absence of disposal guidelines was detected in 83.8% of the facilities, and the practice of timely disposal of expired drugs was not satisfactory. Compared to the government veterinary clinics, private veterinary drug wholesalers had better storage practices (86.25%) following theoretical recommendations. The storage conditions in government clinics were rated poor at 48.3% (>80%, which is the limit to the acceptable rate for good storage conditions). The challenges of inadequate infrastructure, a lack of qualified staff, problems with the availability and affordability of pharmaceutical products, insufficient regulatory practice, and budget constraints were identified. A holistic approach involving related stakeholders should be followed to improve the existing challenges and the sector's efficiency.

Livestock for Livelihoods: Role of Goats in Improving the Livelihood and Well-being of Women Pastoralists in Ethiopia and Uganda

Abstract Farm Africa worked with semi-nomadic pastoralist women living in the South Omo region of Ethiopia and Karamoja subregion in Uganda, thereby supporting them to set up sustainable, small-scale goat-rearing enterprises that contributed to increased household income, improved dietary diversity and nutritional status of their families. The project also supported community-based animal health service delivery as part of the integrated approach. Livestock is the main source of livelihood for the pastoralist communities in East Africa, though disease, drought and degraded grasslands make it unproductive. Rural women in pastoralist communities in Ethiopia and Uganda lack nutritional knowledge, financial skills, credit access and a voice in household decision making, which result in them having a low economic status and which contribute to malnutrition. Declining animal health services, due in part to reduced government capacity, exacerbate the challenge of increasing goat productivity. Farm Africa through the Livestock for Livelihoods project (March 2019–July 2021) supported 10,000 women to improve their socio-economic status and improve household nutrition. It supported women beneficiaries to be more economically empowered through access to finance provided by Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs) and facilitated them to be involved in profitable enterprises in the goat value chain (goat breeding, leather tanning and milk value addition). These activities stimulated livelihood diversification and trade, contributing to reduced levels of poverty and malnutrition. Some of the remarkable results include increased revenue that women acquired from the sale of live goats, meat, hides, skins and milk; improved dietary diversity in children under 5 years and women; and increased Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) scores. This project created and strengthened a network of Community-Based Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) linked to agro-input dealers to enhance pastoralists’ access to quality animal health services. A total of 155 CAHWs (127 men and 28 women) in the two countries were empowered to provide animal health services to the pastoralists across the project area. The logo of Farm Africa. Information © The Author 2023

Assessment of Veterinary Voucher Scheme Intervention Already Present in the Area and Proposed Strategy: A Case Study

This research focuses on with the livestock technical assessment carried out in DaweQachen, Raytu, and Guradamole districts under the different NGOs working in the area. Attempts to introduce sustainable animal health service delivery through the private sector have fared poorly due to the provision and perceived risk of subsidized or free veterinary drugs provided by the Implementer during implementation. The concept of the use of veterinary vouchers addresses a ground-breaking attempt at ensuring project responses in the animal health sector strengthen rather than undermine sustainable animal health service delivery systems in both the private and public sectors while insuring the needy target groups continue to receive affordable or essential services. The guidelines case study aims to give clear visual information about the current animal health status and way of implementing the project area to be as a benchmark for the future evaluation of the impact of the project and divided the resource according to survey in addition to Baseline survey From the result of assessment all human elements are at risk of drought in shortage of water, food, and health care, Productive assets (livestock ) are at high risk, Lack of training/ uniformity to improve community animal health workers performance Lack of some CAHWS equipment, High need for sustainable animal health service delivery strength CAHWS with a private veterinary practitioner, It is found that in three districts has huge untapped livestock resources but its contribution to the individual pastoralist household is still insignificant. This is mainly attributed to the poor productivity of livestock. The disease is the major constraint to livestock production next to drought, which are rampant and widespread in the district. Poor animal health service is still mentioned as the major cause of production and productivity of livestock losses. Government services are constrained by inadequate drug supply and access to veterinary drugs and vaccination rates are low. On the other hand, CAHW's services were found very good and preferred due to their proximity to the livestock owner. CAHWs were mostly seen providing veterinary service in remote areas where the government service did not reach need to give refresher training and equipped them to link them with private veterinary Vender.

A pilot survey on factors limiting veterinary service delivery systems at animal health facilities in Hawassa, Shashemene, and Negele Arsi, Ethiopia

A pilot questionnaire survey was carried out from December 2021 to June 2022 at animal health facilities in Hawassa city and Shashemene and Negele Arsi towns in Ethiopia. The objective of the survey was to determine what factors in the study area limited the provision of veterinary services at animal health facilities like veterinary clinics, veterinary pharmacies, and veterinary administrative offices. Government veterinary staff, clinical veterinarians, and private veterinary pharmacists were purposefully chosen based on their availability at each study area, whereas livestock owners (clients) were chosen at random at the point of service. A semi-structured questionnaire with multiple-choice and open-ended questions was administered to 100 study participants. It was discovered that the public sector was generally preferred by 74% of livestock owners and the private sector was preferred by 26%. In terms of infrastructurecoverage, the current animal health service delivery system was found to be deficient (35.7%). Drug shortages were a major problem for most public veterinary service providers (66.7%), while expensive drug prices were a problem for private veterinary service providers (34.0%). Additionally, it was determined that poor management (57.1%), a lack of funding (14.3%), a lack of commitment (28.6%), and a lack of attention to the veterinary sector (78.6%) were among the factors that hindered the provision of proper veterinary services in these areas. To carry out efficient veterinary clinical activities, the existing public veterinary institutions should be given sufficient financial resources,qualified personnel, and physical resources.

Sustainable Improvement Alternatives to Animal Health Service Delivery Constraints in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District of the Upper West Region of Ghana

Livestock production plays a key role in the livelihoods of rural people, serving as a source of employment, income, food, and security against the uncertainties of crop production. Yet delivering quality, affordable, and sustainable animal health services remains a major constraint in developing countries, including Ghana. This study explores the sustainable improvement alternatives to animal health service delivery constraints in Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District, Ghana. A total of 150 livestock farmers were randomly selected from fifteen communities and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS/IBM) version 20.0 was used to compute all descriptive statistical variables. Chi square analysis was done to check for the effect of some variables on others at a significant level of 5%. The study showed that 42.7% of the respondents were between 46-60 years. However, age had no influence on veterinary service patronage (X=8.672, df=3, p=0.34). Sixty-four percent of the respondents had no educational background. Also, education did not influence veterinary service patronage (X=2.357, df=5, p=0.798). Majority (41.3%) of the respondents traveled over 16 km to access animal health service providers. All (100%) of the respondents who had access to veterinary drugs practiced self-medication. The study revealed government animal health service providers as a sustainable animal health delivery channel. Based on these findings, livestock farmers should be encouraged to consult veterinary service providers before administering drugs and vaccines to their livestock.

Community animal health centre approach and its impact on the delivery of animal health services

The present paper documents the effect of Community Animal Health Centres (CAHCs) on accessibility, affordability and quality parameters pertaining to animal health services rendered by them and subsequent impact on livestock health and productivity. The CAHCs were established in three tribal dominated villages of Banka district (Bihar) which were operated by trained and certified local youths. Ex-post-facto approach was adopted in the study, and data were collected from randomly selected 120 livestock owners in the geographic area served by the CHACs. It was found that, as a result of the CAHCs, the average distance of travel for seeking animal health services has reduced by 71.97%; ease of access has increased by 43.96%; timeliness of services has increased by 44.92%; average cost of seeking each of the animal health service has reduced by 79.71% and transportation cost associated with travel requirements has reduced by 44.92%. The CAHCs have also resulted in reduction in mortality among poultry birds and goats by 19 and 50%, respectively.

Major livestock health constraints and veterinary service delivery system in Arbegona, district of Sidama Region, Ethiopia

A study was conducted in 2019 G.C in Sidama Region, Arbegona woreda to identify existing constraints of livestock health and veterinary service delivery system to recommend intervention strategies for sustainable improvement of animal health service delivery. Data were collected by using pre-tested questionnaires, focus group discussion, retrospective data from woreda and observation of infrastructures. The result showed that Mastitis, Ovine Pasteurellosis and Newcastle diseases were the first ranked diseases of cattle, sheep and poultry, respectively in the study area. Most veterinary service delivery centers lacked appropriate facilities to restrain and handle clinical cases and they were not well equipped. 95% of the clinical cases were diagnosed only based on the clinical signs or history alone. Based on veterinarian’s response, shortage of diagnostic and treatment materials including drugs (100%), lack of drug handling and storage room (75.5%) and budget shortage (42.8%) were management related problems while home service need of farmers (85.7%) and less interest of farmers in paid vaccination (64.3%) were farmers’ related constraints. Whereas lack of commitment were the veterinarian related constraints raised by veterinarians themselves. The five years annual budget allocation was very low compared to the planned budget every year in government veterinary clinic. Fulfilling the necessary equipments for diagnosis and treatment, controlling smugglers, crush development in each kebele, awareness creation for farmers and capacity building of animal health assistants could help in improving the livestock health problems and quality of veterinary service delivery system in the district.

Satisfaction of dairy farmers towards attributes of services rendered by privately practicing para-vets at farmers’ doorstep in different states of India

A study was conducted in 2021 to measure the level of satisfaction of farmers towards para-veterinary services in four districts of India, namely Mathura, Hisar, Jaipur, and Ahmadnagar of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, respectively, using an exclusive 5-point Likert type scale. A total of 160 dairy farmers were surveyed under the random sampling method of investigation. In this study, ordered logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of satisfaction towards the delivery of animal health services to farmers. When the cause-effect relationship was analyzed, it was found that education, herd size, and annual income were negatively associated with satisfaction towards para-veterinary services. Comparative analysis of weighted mean scores for satisfaction revealed that dairy farmers were moderately satisfied with para-veterinary services in dimensions of behavioural aspects and, the cost of rendered service. When overall satisfaction of farmers towards para-veterinary services was analyzed, it was found that 44.38% of farmers were highly satisfied (having scale value of 0.42 and above on 0 to 1 point scale), followed by 32.50% respondents having a moderate level of satisfaction (value of 0.29-0.41). Para-vets need to put more effort in satisfying farmers vis-à-vis roles associated with extension and advisory services and, animal welfare aspects. Quality of service is the major factor affecting the satisfaction of the clientele. Thus, assessing the satisfaction of farmers towards para-veterinary services could be helpful in delivery of competent and efficient minor veterinary services at farmer’s door-step.

Impact of COVID-19 on animal health care services, coping practices and associated financial loss to livestock farmers in Karnataka

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a serious impact on the human health and livestock sector. This study assessed the impact of COVID-19 associated lockdowns on animal health services delivery including vaccination, coping practices and financial loss to livestock farmers in Karnataka. A cross-sectional survey among 170 livestock farmers and 24 field veterinarians working in the study jurisdiction were interviewed using a structured schedule questionnaire. A significant decline in the number of hospital cases attended by veterinarians with a major decline in pets (54.9%) followed by goats (35.3%) and sheep (29%) was observed during lockdown. The contact of veterinarian for advices by the farmers through WhatsApp and phone calls increased and  farmers visit to veterinary hospitals decreased considerably. The applications for welfare schemes that supports livestock farmers were not processed during lockdown. The vaccine administration against Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR), Enterotoxaemia (ET) and Haemorrhagic Septicaemia (HS) per veterinarian declined in sheep and goats whereas, targeted vaccination against FMD in cattle was achieved. During lockdown, increased mortality of small (75.2%) and large ruminants (14.3%) with a overall increase of 84.8% in the financial loss (112$ per farm) was observed. The COVID-19 and associated lockdown affected the livestock farmers in multiple dimensions. Hence, to cope with the lockdown effects, it is recommended to engage trained personals and Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO’s) associated with animal welfare services to provide uninterrupted veterinary services to the farmers.

How Do Marginal and Small Farmers Perceive the Impacts of Climate Change on Livelihoods? A Case Study from Jammu Region, India

This study investigated the perceived impacts of climate change on livelihoods of marginal and small farmers in Jammu region, India. The objectives of the study have been to analyze the impacts of climate change on crop farming and livestock rearing by marginal and small farmers in study area, to understand socio-economic implications of climate change impact on livelihoods, and to draw policy implications for ameliorating the livelihoods of marginal and small farmers in changed climatic conditions. The study is confined to irrigated and non-irrigated areas in Jammu and Rajouri districts of Jammu region. The study is based on primary data collected from household survey using pre-tested structured questionnaires. A total of 600 farm households were selected using the multistage sampling technique. The study findings revealed that while climate change was negatively affecting livelihoods of marginal and small farmers in both irrigated and non-irrigated agriculture through reduced crop and animal yields, crop damages, crop and animal diseases, weed infestations and pest/insect attacks on crops, the adverse impacts were experienced by comparatively more marginal and small farmers in non-irrigated agriculture. The study further noted finer variations in socio-economic impacts from households to households which can be attributed to their involvement in diverse livelihood strategies providing them with increased income security. For enhancing their resilience to climate change, the governments should-create more research capacity to enhance development and timely supply of hybrid seeds and varieties at subsidized rates; strengthen agriculture extension services to give them knowledge, information and technical support; improve animal health service delivery system with improved knowledge and technique to prevent and timely treatment of climate change-induced disease outbreaks among animals; introduce small irrigation schemes like drip irrigation and sprinkle irrigation schemes in non-irrigated areas and promote rainwater harvesting technique for irrigation in dry periods.

Continuing professional development for veterinarians in a changing world.

The veterinary profession has time and again successfully adapted to new challenges and developments, with considerable evolution of the skills needed. Different contexts, production systems and societal requirements continue to shape the profession, resulting in an increasing demand for specialisation, interdisciplinary collaboration along value chains, and preparedness for the omnipresent risk of emerging diseases. To keep up with changes, new insights, advances in research and novel ways to address challenges, continuing professional development (CPD) and the adaptation and updating of the veterinary curriculum have been essential to maintain and enhance the quality and performance of Veterinary Services. This paper reviews actors involved in the provision of Veterinary Services and discusses how vital CPD is in addressing current and future challenges, by focusing on veterinarians and allied veterinary professionals. The authors examine how providers of CPD contribute to the system and how the internal and external factors of a cohort or individual affect the quality and impact of capacity development. The paper further examines the landscape of veterinary CPD in terms of organisational structures, pedagogical approaches, the transition from input- to outcome-based learning, modern delivery tools, and the demands on the different actors involved in the delivery of animal health services. The authors conclude that CPD is essential if the quality of Veterinary Services is to keep pace with the ever-increasing and evolving demands of the 21st century. A CPD programme should therefore be constructed in a way that is tailored to the needs of veterinary professionals and to the requirements of their workplace, whether they work with animal keepers, livestock value chains, national governments or international regulatory bodies. An optimised and successful veterinary sector requires an evidencebased CPD programme that keeps those professionals who are involved in the delivery of animal health services both competent and relevant in a changing world.

Animal Health Service Delivery in Crop-Livestock and Pastoral Systems in Ethiopia.

Livestock diseases are a priority problem for livestock keepers throughout Ethiopia. Livestock keepers have also singled out poor animal health service delivery, which is largely the domain of the public sector, as the major constraint to improving animal health and productivity. In the current study, we describe the animal health service delivery system and compile from five questionnaire surveys involving 4,162 livestock keepers to characterize animal health service delivery in Ethiopia. The mapping of the animal health service delivery system along the livestock value chain clearly highlights the role of informal animal health services and variations of roles of the private sector. Also, the survey results clearly showed that livestock keepers' access to, use of and satisfaction with animal health services significantly varied across livestock production systems, geographic locations, socioeconomic strata, and service providers. Livestock keepers in crop-livestock and agropastoral systems had 5.5 (odds ratio = 5.453, P = 0.000) and 2.5 (odds ratio = 2.482, P = 0.000) times more access to services in reference to the pastoral system. In reference to private veterinary clinics, livestock keepers reported higher access to services provided by all the other service providers, particularly to services provided by extension agents, drug shops and CAHWs. Similarly, better access was reported by male than female (odds ratio = 1.098; P = 0.025) and wealthier than poorer (odds ratios = 1.40–1.79; P = 0.000) farmers and pastoralists. In general, low access to services was reported, 32.7, 25.2, and 19.3% of the respondents reporting access in crop-livestock, agropastoral and pastoral systems, respectively. Effective demand for services was evaluated through proxy variables, namely number of visits to service providers and health expenditures over a year. Highland farmers used the services more often than pastoralists (odds ratio = 2.86; P = 0.000), but pastoralists' expenses were significantly higher. Wealth (measured by livestock owned), gender and age also had significant effects on the use of services and expenditure on services. Satisfaction with services was evaluated based on four measures, namely availability (av), accessibility (ac), quality (qw), and timeliness (tm) of services. The average scores (out of 10) for av, ac, qw, and tm were 6.1, 5.9, 6.2, and 5.7, respectively. Principal component analysis was conducted to derive the latent variable “satisfaction” from the four measures, extracted only one factor, indicating the four variables are measuring the same construct (satisfaction). Regressing the latent variable satisfaction on the four measures gave significant (P = 0.000) b values of 0.22, 0.20, 0.13, and 0.14 for av, ac, qw, and tm, respectively, indicating strong relationships between the latent variable satisfaction and its measures. There was a significant dissatisfaction with the public sector, with average scores of 0.06 and 0.19 for the public and private service providers, respectively. It can be concluded that livestock keepers in remote regions of the country, pastoralists, women, poorer, and older livestock keepers have less access to services. Satisfaction with services is low to medium and the major concerns of livestock keepers appears to be availability and accessibility of services. Based on our findings, we recommend an integrated, multi-sectoral involvement to improve the veterinary service delivery through improved veterinary infrastructure, public-private partnership, and animal health information system across the various livestock production systems.

Role Perception and Performance of Privately Practicing Paravets in Delivery of Animal Health Services at Farmers' Doorstep: an Exploratory Study in India.

Privately practicing paravets have been under value assessment since a long time vis-à-vis delivery of prompt and efficient animal husbandry services at farmer's doorstep. Wide variation in educational qualifications, training duration, and the shortage of veterinarians could act as impetus to test suitability of service provider to availability, accessibility, acceptability, adequacy, and affordability by farmers. The present study was conceptualized to analyze the role perception by delineating role priorities and to assess the role performance of paravets in perspective of stakeholders, namely trainers of paravet schools and paravets themselves. In the study, analytical hierarchical process (AHP) has been used to establish role priority for para-veterinary services. Two indices, namely, role performance index (RPI) and perceived effective index of measures (PEIM), were devised to assess the prospects of effective delivery of minor veterinary services. Results indicated that paravets perceived roles under productive services as first priority, followed by preventive services, curative services, while miscellaneous services as last priority (0.237), while trainers perceived preventive services as the first priority. Results of chi-square test revealed that variables such as age, experience, and educational qualification of trainers were found significant and had a positive association with the scores of evaluative role performance of minor veterinary services and perceived effectiveness of measures to improve para-veterinary services.

Mobile veterinary clinics in the drylands of Kenya: securing pastoralists’ livelihoods by bringing services close

ABSTRACT Livestock productivity for pastoralist households, who depend upon their livestock as a source of livelihood, is constrained by infectious diseases among other factors. Pastoralists in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) of the Horn of Africa lack access to livestock health inputs and services. To assess the profitability of private animal health service delivery, mobile veterinary clinics were piloted in three ASAL counties in Kenya. Our findings reveal the positive impact of the clinics on animal health provision as well as policy and regulatory factors that affect its viability.

Determinants of livestock keepers’ primary animal health care practices

ABSTRACT Livestock production remains vulnerable to animal disease, threatening the productivity and food security of smallholder farmers. Application of primary animal health care (PAHC) practices is considered a cost-effective method for farmers to prevent and control livestock diseases. Using data collected on 593 smallholder farmers in five provinces of South Africa, this paper uses partial proportional odds (PPO) modelling to evaluate the determinants of livestock keepers’ choice of PAHC practices. Access to animal handling facilities, contact with animal health practitioners, farmers’ associations, household income and positive perceptions about vaccines had a positive influence on the farmer’s choice of PAHC practices, while negative perceptions about vaccines had a negative influence. Increased timely delivery of animal health services and provision of animal handling facilities is recommended to expedite increased farmers’ uptake of PAHC practices. Development of animal health policies using the “One Health” approach is advised to ensure a collaborative, multisectoral and transdisciplinary effort at local and national level to achieve optimal health outcomes. Use of the PPO model is a departure from the norm in the literature for determining a farmer’s adoption strategies. The model proved to be instrumental as it predicted significant variables extra to those usually applied in multinomial models.

Evaluation of the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVM) Curriculum at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Tanzania: Mapping to OIE Veterinary Graduate 'Day 1 Competencies'.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) provides the requirements needed for graduating veterinary professionals to be competent in the delivery of animal health services. However, significant differences in veterinarycurricula across countries-attributable to differing animal health priorities and predominant types of veterinary practice-provide a challenge for veterinary schools to address these competencies adequately. As part of the OIE's veterinary education establishment Twinning Project activities, the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (CVMBS) of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in Tanzania undertook a curriculum mapping and gap analysis to assess the extent to which the veterinary curriculum addresses OIE's 'Day 1 Competencies' for graduating veterinarians. Results of the analysis indicated that all the OIE's Day 1 Competencies (general, specific, and advanced) are addressed to some degree by the courses present in the curriculum. However, gaps in the depth and breadth of instruction were found for a number of competencies in all three categories. These findings indicate a need for addressing the gaps in the next curriculum review. This will allow the development of a stronger curriculum that will efficiently meet the national and international animal health requirements.

A One Health framework for integrated service delivery in Turkana County, Kenya

Pastoralists in sub-Saharan Africa have limited access to public services due to their mobile lifestyle, economic and political marginalization, and the limited health infrastructure that is common to arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) where they primarily reside. This often results in poor health outcomes, including increased rates of maternal, neonatal, and under-5 mortality. One Health approaches that integrate human and animal health service delivery can help to improve pastoralists’ health through increased vaccine coverage and improved access to services.Kenya has institutionalized One Health at the national level; however, progress at the subnational level has been limited due to sustainability concerns, competing priorities, and insufficient coordination platforms. To address this gap, this paper presents a One Health framework (OHF) to aid in the implementation of integrated human and animal health policies in Turkana County, which can act as a model for other ASALs. Utilizing a grounded theory design, we conducted semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with human health, animal health, and pastoralist stakeholders. Inadequate engagement with the public sector was identified as a major limitation by community members. Factors that contributed to this include distance to health facilities and restricted department capacities such as availability of vehicles, personnel, and cold chain maintenance.Our proposed OHF harnesses the existing structure of service delivery in Turkana and establishes an official coordination mechanism to implement One Health activities, through the form of mobile “One Health Huduma Centres”, offering a range of public services. This innovative framework is supported by stakeholders in Turkana and can improve service delivery constraints thereby improving the health of Turkana pastoralists.

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

BackgroundDespite 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.ResultsA 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.ConclusionIn 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.

Assessment of the veterinary cost recovery scheme in the Amhara region, Ethiopia

This study was conducted in November, 2015 in selected Woredas of Amhara region with the aim of assessing the impact of veterinary cost recovery on efficiency of public private livestock services and to share the experience of the region with other regional states. Structured questionnaire and a field survey with focus group discussion were applied on a total of 475 randomly selected households. Animal health service in the Amhara region is clearly dominated by the public sector. Private-sector involvement was prominent only in the veterinary drug sales and treatment services. Seventy five percent of livestock owners responded that they received veterinary services from their residence within 1km radius. The results indicated that only 18% of respondents were satisfied by clinical examination provided by public sector. There was wide disparity in the effectiveness of delivery of animal health services between public and private sectors in the study Woredas. Majority of farmers were not been satisfied with the services provided by private sector. The supply of drugs is increasing especially after implementation of veterinary cost recovery scheme but with the limited ranges. Most respondents had positive views regarding availability of veterinary drugs (62.2%) and vaccines (78.1%). Many livestock owners believed that illegal veterinary drug sales have decreased after implementation of veterinary cost recovery scheme (VCRS). The fact that payment for veterinary services has already been adopted by livestock owners in the study Woredas could be considered as a good opportunity to start a full cost recovery scheme as well as pave the way for initiating veterinary privatization in some pilot Woredas.Keywords: Amhara Region; Drug sales; Private; Public; Revolving fund; Veterinary cost recovery scheme

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices about Quality and Management of Anthelmintic Drugs in Adea Berga District, Central Ethiopia

The efficacy of anthelmintic is affected by incorrect dosage, exclusive use of drugs of the same mode of action, substandard quality drugs, and inappropriate handling. Questionnaire survey was administered to 384 farmers to assess the awareness level of farmers about practices in relation to quality and management of anthelmintic drug in Adea Berga district, Central Ethiopia. A total of 384 farmers were contacted, 69% of the respondents were males while 31% were females. The majority of interviewees were uneducated (63%) and 77.6% of the respondent had awareness about the drug store. Of the interviewees, majority of them had no enough knowledge about safe handling and its management. 59.5% of the respondent bought the drugs from veterinary clinic and 78.3% kept the drugs at room temperature that compromise the quality of the drug. Majority of the respondents (87.5%) obtained the information about drug administration from professionals and 86.5% of the respondents were consult nonprofessionals to administer the drug to animals. Majority of the farmers (93.8%) practice deworming. 72.4% of the study participants were calculate the dose of the drug by guess based on age and the size of the animal and 28.8% were given over and under dose of the drug respectively. 15.8% and 4.9% were explained about the cause of over dose as severe diarrhea and death of the treated animal but most (77.9%) of the farmers responded as there were doubtful with under dose. 70.6% and 75.8% of the participants revealed that the challenges faced when they bought the drugs from public and private shops as the distance and the cost as major issue respectively. Therefore, continuous awareness creation works to the community, training on safe veterinary drug handling and drug administration and sustainable improvement of animal health service delivery through a well-regulated private service.