Assessment of the Knowledge Attitude and Perception (KAP) of Camel Trypanosomosis (Surra) Among Camel Marketers in Northern Nigeria

Authors

  • S.A Mamman
  • D.A Dakul
  • J.A Yohanna
  • G.A Dogo
  • J.G Peter
  • J. Kamani

Abstract

Camel trypanosomosis (surra) is endemic in most camel producing areas of Nigeria resulting in severe socioeconomic impact on the livelihood of farmers. A study was designed using a structured questionnaire to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Perception (KAP) of camel trypanosomosis among 100 respondents in two camel producing states of northern Nigeria. A high level of awareness of the disease was found among the respondents; 84% in Kano and 88% in Katsina state. All the respondents identified biting flies as the principal vector of camel trypanosomosis with high preponderance during the rainy season.  The clinical signs respondents associate with the disease include; emaciation by 44% of respondents in Kano and 36% in Katsina, reduction in the hump size by 28% of the respondents in Kano and 36% in Katsina state. Other signs are, lacrimation reported by 36% of respondents in Kano and 20% in Katsina and anaemia by 12% of respondents in Kano and 38% in Katsina state. To treat the disease, few of the respondents; 10% in Kano and 18% in Katsina use conventional drugs like diminazene aceturate (Berenil®) while the majority uses traditional preparations like potash, Kaya senegalensis and garden egg. Similarly, fly control measures were mostly attempted by traditional methods such as smoking or application of ashes to animals. Only 18% of respondents used insecticide sprays. Few of the farmers; 22% in Kano and 26% in Katsina state seek for veterinary attention in the treatment of camel trypanosomosis while the majority; 64% in Kano and 74% in Katsina state resorted to selling off the affected camels. Despite the high level of awareness on camel trypanosomosis among the respondents, their poor attitude to seeking veterinary care for their animals needs to be improved. The statistical findings show no level of significant (P > 0.05) in the respondents Knowledge, Attitude and Perception in the two study areas.

Keywords: Surra, KAP, Questionnaire survey, Nigeria, herbs

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