Evaluation of Cattle Rearer’s Knowledge, Attitude and Practices About Tsetse Fly in Muri District, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

A study using a structural questionnaire was conducted in Muri district, Taraba State to evaluate knowledge, attitude and practices of cattle rearers about Tsetse fly (Glossina). Most cattle rearers (94.8%) had adequate knowledge of Tsetse fly, (69.0%) gave a local name to it and (100%) know the effect of Tsetse fly to their cattle. Cattle rearers (52.3%) reported Tsetse flies transmit disease to cattle, (85.7%) know where their cattle make contact with the tsetse flies and (67.0%) know season and period of the day when tsetse flies bite their cattle. 48.1% recognized tsetse fly as an important threat to their cattle, (90.0%) reported their herd had contact with tsetse flies in the preceding 12 months, (90.9%) practices preventive measures against tsetse flies, and only (9.1%) do not. Respondents had high knowledge of tsetse fly and the economic significance attributed to cattle and the use of pour- on in the control of tsetse fly in the districts should bee raised among cattle rearers. Results obtained from this study could be used in the formulation of extension material in trypanosomosis prevention.

Keywords: Knowledge, attitude, practice, tsetse fly (Glossina) trypanotolerant, Taraba, Muri.