title: Management and control of gastrointestinal nematodes in communal goat farms in Zimbabwe.
abstract: Goats are an important source of livelihood especially in smallholder communities. Infections with gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) remain the most prevalent parasitic diseases affecting small ruminants. The study was conducted to assess management, the level of knowledge and control of gastrointestinal nematodes. Surveys were conducted in Chipinge, Shurugwi, Binga, Tsholotsho and Matobo districts, representing the five natural/agro-ecological regions (NR) in Zimbabwe. Data was collected in 135 households using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Results indicated that goats were ranked the most important livestock species, with high flock sizes in NR IV and V. Partitioning of roles was such that the adult males were involved in decision-making while females and children were involved in day-to-day management of animals. Farmers showed low levels of input use, with natural pasture (98.4%) being the main feed source and indigenous breeds (73.2%) being kept. Farmers ranked food and financial benefits as the main reasons for keeping goats. Gastrointestinal nematodes ranked the highest as the most common disease, with majority of farmers (57%) not controlling or treating animals and 63% of farmers not having knowledge on the spread of GIN. Access to veterinary services, anthelmintic class used and breeds used by the farmers had the highest effects on parasitic infections in households. Farmer education is required for capacitation of farmer in terms of disease prevention and control so as to improve goat production.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa. ivy.zvinorova@gmail.com.|Department of Para-clinical Veterinary Studies, University of Zimbabwe, P. O. MP167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe. ivy.zvinorova@gmail.com.
authors.forename: P I
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: Zvinorova
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, University of Zimbabwe, P. O. MP167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.
authors.forename: T E
authors.initials: TE
authors.lastname: Halimani
authors.affiliation: Biotechnology Platform, Agriculture Research Council, Private Bag X5, Onderstepoort, 0110, South Africa.
authors.forename: F C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Muchadeyi
authors.affiliation: Department of Para-clinical Veterinary Studies, University of Zimbabwe, P. O. MP167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Katsande
authors.affiliation: Department of Para-clinical Veterinary Studies, University of Zimbabwe, P. O. MP167, Mt Pleasant, Harare, Zimbabwe.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gusha
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dzama
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods; D000818:Animals; D000871:Anthelmintics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005191:Family Characteristics; D000072480:Farms; D005260:Female; D015511:Goat Diseases / Q000469:parasitology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006041:Goats; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009348:Nematoda / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D009349:Nematode Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015030:Zimbabwe / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D000871:Anthelmintics
keywords: Anthelmintic; Gastrointestinal parasites; Goats; Smallholder farmers