Knowledge, attitude and treatment practices associated with the control of African animal trypanosomiasis among Fulani cattle herders in selected areas of Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed the knowledge, attitude and practices of Fulani cattle herders in relation to the control of African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT) in selected areas of Enugu State, Nigeria. Interviews and administered questionnaires were used to collect information on knowledge, control and treatment practices associated with AAT and tsetse from 49 cattle herders. Results showed that all the respondents have knowledge of tsetse and AAT. Most of them (98.0 %) know that the disease is transmitted by tsetse fly, which bites more in the rainy season and in the morning and have higher densities by the river banks. Majority (87.8 %) treats their animals with trypanocides when infected and use locally made herbal insecticides to control the flies. The study has established that the respondents have good knowledge of the AAT and tsetse, as important factors in disease control and treatment. However, the misuse and unsystematic use of some conventional trypanocidal drugs by the herders is reported to be one of the predisposing factors for the development of drug resistance which has become a menace in the control of the disease. In conclusion, more sensitization among herders on the control and treatment of AAT is needed. Researchers need to tap into the knowledge of the use of locally found herbs in the control of tsetse and AAT, and explore and exploit the knowledge gained for the development of insecticides for tsetse and novel drugs for AAT.