Assessment of the knowledge and effects of foot and mouth disease amongst cattle farmers in Ogun state, Nigeria

Abstract

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a disease of economic importance that is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa  and contributes significantly to cattle morbidity and mortality. A major factor useful in the control of this disease is  the ability of cattle farmers tosuspect FMD cases. This paper assessed the knowledge and effects of FMD amongst  cattle farmers in Ogun State, Nigeria.Perception of the respondents about the effects of FMD is fair as 64.4% of the  respondents are aware of its direct and indirect losses. The respondents indicated that the outbreak of FMD is   always during the latewet and early dry seasons. This implies that vaccination may be scheduled in order to   achieve  adequate immunization of vaccinated animals since FMD vaccine provide only short lived immunity.Majority of the farmers can identify animals with the infection through the physical signs exhibited by sick animals. This will help in early reporting and confirmatory diagnosis for appropriate action to be taken.Although 61.5% of the    farmers  agreed that vaccination is useful for FMD prevention, the animals of those that do not accept this fact may serve as a means of maintaining the virus in the area, since there is no restriction of movement of animals within Nigeria.In conclusion, the farmers indicated that there is need for government assistance in the provision of  adequate and  timely vaccines and vaccination against FMD which is the ultimate remedy for FMD in Nigeria.

Keywords: Assessment, Knowledge, Foot and Mouth Disease, Nigeria