Ethnoveterinary management of cattle helminthiasis among the Fulani and the Mossi (Central Burkina Faso): plants used and modes of use

Abstract

Because of the weakness of the modern veterinarian services in Burkina Faso, ethnoveterinary medicines are frequently used to control cattle diseases like helminthe parasites. Ethnobotanic survey was performed in the central region of Burkina Faso with 22 livestock breeders on their helminthiasis management, and traditional treatments. Differences in knowledge of the disease, in treatments and in plant species used were evaluated. The relationship between informants and herbs was graphed as an interaction network. According to the survey results helminthic diseases (recognized by piloerection, lack of appetite and weight loss) are caused by water and pasture qualities. Ten single-herb preparations and 8 herbal recipes were reported. Among the 13 plant species cited, 4 are very frequently used to control helminthiasis: Mitragyna inermis (Wild.) O. Ktze, Vitellaria paradoxa Gaertn., Acacia macrostachya Rchb. ex DC., Combretum glutinosum Perr. ex DC. Ethnoveterinary practices are an economic necessity for small-scale livestock owners in rural regions of Burkina Faso. Probably, the most used species can provide, after phytochemical analysis, molecules of pharmaceutical interest. There also appears a definite need for more specific diseases diagnostics that will help to improve helminthiasis control by farmers.

Keywords: Ethnoveterinary practices, Anthelminthics, breeders, Fulani, Pastoralism.