Disease management practices among rabbit farmers in Enugu State Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed disease management practices among rabbit farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria. Structured interview schedule was used for data collection from 67 respondents in the state, using snow ball sampling technique. Descriptive statistics was used in data analyses. Findings reveal that the majority of the rabbit farmers were single male, with mean age of 20 years and 1.2 years of experience in rabbit farming. The majority (73.1%) of the respondents had a stock size of 1-10 rabbits with mean flock size of 2 rabbits. New Zealand white was the most possessed and preferred breed. Greater proportion (55.2%) of the respondents obtained their breeding stock from other farmers, with health status being the most important factor considered when selecting breeding stock. The study established that 68.9% of the respondents used modern drugs in treatment of diseases and hence, recommended that extension agents should reach out to rabbit farmers with relevant information that could boost their production and in turn increase their living standard.

Keywords: Disease management, Rabbit production, Enugu State