Assessment of ethno veterinary practice and medicinal plants used to treat chicken diseases in selected districts of Arsi Zone

Abstract

Poultry disease is a major cause of reduced productivity in traditional production systems, mainly due to high mortality caused by diseases and predator attack. In order to control various poultry diseases, ethno veterinary medicine is widely practiced by poor village farmers in Ethiopia. This study was conducted to identify the ethno veterinary medicinal plants used for the treatment of chicken disease and practices in selected districts of the Arsi Zone. Ethno veterinary data were collected from 150 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Fifteen different plant species with ethno veterinary importance used for chicken disease prevention and control were identified in the study areas. Leaves were most commonly used plant part for ethno veterinary medicine preparations. Topical, oral, nasal, ocular and anal routes were used to administer medicinal plants. In addition to traditional medicinal plants; conventional veterinary drugs were used. It is good to substantiate their assertions through research on the medicinal plant efficacy and toxicity.