Major animal health constraints of market oriented livestock in Kersa Woreda, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kersa Woreda of the Oromia Regional State, Southwest Ethiopia, with the objective of characterizing the livestock production system and investigating the major livestock health problems in the studied area. A simple random sampling method was used to select 180 households for the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The survey results revealed that mixed crop-livestock production system is the predominant system in the area. In the studied area pasteurellosis, GIT parasitosis, fasciolosis, mastitis and calf diarrhea were the most important diseases in cattle while ovine pasteurellosis and GIT parasitosis were the most important in small ruminants. Colic and respiratory problems were considered important in equine while African Horse Sickness is the most important disease in horse. In poultry Newcastle disease was the most devastating disease. Modern veterinary medicaments (82.80%) were known and used by most of the farmers, but traditional medicines were also used to a significant extent (16.70%). The present survey established that livestock development in Kersa Woreda is constrained by several animal diseases and warrants different stakeholders to take necessary measure to help improve productivity and market success of local farmers.