Publications from CTA [4]

Publications from CTA Ethnoveterinary medicine in Kenya Although animal health is a major constraint to livestock production in many countries, including Kenya, modern veterinary inputs and services are often not readily available. They are either too difficult to obtain or too expensive for poor, marginal farmers and pastoralists. Under these conditions, traditional animal health care practices, also called 'ethno veterinary medicine', provide a readily available, low-cost alternative. This field guide is the first practical manual of traditional animal health care practices in Kenya. It has been compiled by a team of 40 veterinarians and traditional healers, and includes information on the indigenous livestock health care practices of many of Kenya s pastoral and farming communities. It covers more than 60 of the most important diseases and problems faced by livestock holders that occur in camels, cattle, chickens, dogs, donkeys, goats and sheep. For each disease or problem, the manual gives the signs, causes, prevention measures and a range of traditional treatments. The treatments are in recipe format to enable readers to prepare and use the remedy themselves. The text is written in clear, simple language and is amply illustrated with line drawings. The manual is intended for managers of livestock health projects, departments and businesses. Ethnoveterinary medicine in Kenya: a field manual of traditional animal health care practices 1996 ISBN 9966 9606 2 7 published by Intermediate Technology Kenya and the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction, Kenya (available from CTA)