A review on status of ethnoveterinary medicine and challenges it faces in Ethiopia

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to give an overview on the status of Ethnoveterinary medicine (EVM) in Ethiopia and to highlight its advantages, limitations, challenges it faces and make readymade document available for users. EVM comprises of traditional surgical techniques and immunization, magic religious practices and the use of herbal medicines to treat livestock diseases. Peoples in different locations with different religious, linguistic and cultural backgrounds have their own specific knowledge about use of plants which in part has gradually entered wide circulation in the country. Ethiopian farmers and pastoralists rely on traditional knowledge, practices and locally available materials, plants in particular, to control and manage domestic animal diseases. Ethiopian plants have shown very effective medicinal value for some ailments of human and domestic animals. These medicinal plants (MPs) and knowledge of their use provide a vital contribution to human and livestock health care needs throughout the country. Ethnoveterinary (EV) drugs are prepared in various dosage forms and can be administered in different ways. It is not enough that traditional medicinal plants (TMPs) are useful but has disadvantages. Some MP species of Ethiopia are reported to have been threatened. Environmental degradation, agricultural expansion, loss of forests and woodlands, over use and over harvesting, fire, cultivation of marginal lands, overgrazing and urbanization appear to be the major threats to the MPs of Ethiopia. Ethiopians have used traditional medicines (TMs) as early as the 17th century; however, very little is documented. The knowledge of traditional uses of MPs in Ethiopia has mostly been passed on by verbal communication. This method of information conveyance has probably resulted in distortion or loss of indigenous knowledge. To solve such problems and to keep the practice in hand, there must be ongoing research and documentation.