Chicken diseases and their ethno-botanical treatments among the rural poor in southern Zambia, Africa
Abstract
Village chicken production is widespread among rural farmers in Zambia because such chickens provide immediate proteins and cash to poor rural communities. Furthermore village chickens are very resistant to common diseases found in these rural settings so rearing them is sustainable. Most people in these communities have, over generations, learnt rearing techniques that include knowledge on managing the common chicken diseases. They have specific treatments for different diseases but unfortunately this information is kept and passed on informally along family lines and is rarely recorded. This study used Focus Group discussions (FGDs) to document some of the treatments they use for Newcastle disease, Diarrhea, Fowl pox, Wobbly legs, Worms, and Sneezing/coughing which are the notable diseases farmers commonly encounter. The study hopes to stimulate biomedical research in their usefulness and possible incorporation in the mainstream disease control strategies of the country.