Abstract:
Goat farming plays a crucial role in rural livelihoods, providing meat, milk and income to farmers. However, diseases such as scours pose a significant challenge to productivity, impacting both animal health and profitability. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of scours, identify associated microbial and helminthic agents, and examine the management practices employed by farmers. A total of 300 respondents participated in the study, providing insights into scours occurrences, parasite infections, and management challenges. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, to determine patterns and associations in the findings.
The results showed that 51% of the respondents had experienced scours in their suckling kids, while 49% had not, with no significant difference from a random distribution (χ² = 0.06, p = 0.80). The most prevalent helminthic agents identified were Trichostrongylus (25.7%) and Haemonchus (20%), though 45% of farmers reported no helminthic infections, suggesting effective deworming practices among some farmers. Staphylococcus (31.3%) and E. coli (27.3%) were the leading microbial agents associated with scours. Most farmers observed scours quarterly (70.4%), with diarrhea (96.3%), lethargy (70.4%), and loss of appetite (85.2%) being the most common symptoms. However, limited access to veterinary services compelled many farmers to rely on traditional remedies, revealing gaps in disease management practices.
Based on these findings, the study recommends improved access to veterinary services, increased outreach, and enhanced farmer education on disease control. Regular deworming schedules and hygiene practices are essential to managing helminthic infections and bacterial diseases effectively. Encouraging farmers to adopt modern treatment protocols and forming cooperatives to access affordable veterinary supplies will further strengthen disease prevention efforts. This study provides a foundation for developing targeted interventions to promote healthier goat herds and improve productivity in the study area.
