Exploring the use of indigenous knowledge to mitigate tick challenges in goats.

Abstract

Farmers in developing countries with limited access to orthodox veterinary care commonly use indigenous knowledge. Indigenous knowledge (IK) stems out of peoples' ingenuity, credulity and long insatiable curiosity of the environment and nature that is often passed from one generation to the next. The broad objective of the study was to investigate the use of indigenous knowledge and practices to control ticks in goats. A qualitative study was conducted to explore indigenous practices and methods used to control tick infestation in goats from Jozini Municipality of uMkhanyakude District in South Africa. Data collected included common ticks and associated tick challenges in goats, effects of ticks in goats, new tick species and diseases that have developed. Indigenous methods and practices used to control ticks and associated tick challenges were also captured. Source of knowledge, transference of knowledge to other community members or household members were also requested. Indigenous people have substantial knowledge on ticks exemplified by their ability to differentiate between different tick species. Ticks are traditionally identified using colour patterns and feeding sites. Ticks cause wounds, skin irritation and limping. Nine medicinal plant species were identified to control ticks and their associated challenges and four used to treat tick -borne diseases. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the extent of use of the IK to control tick infestation in goats. Amblyomma tick species were ranked as the most important amongst the tick species, followed by Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi ticks. A significant population of farmers (81%) depended on the use of tick sprays, whereas others used injections (3%). Cissus quadrangularis L. (Inhlashwana) was the most used ethno-veterinary plant to control ticks with a frequency of (64%), followed by Gomphocarpus physocarpus E. Mey (Uphehlacwathi) (56%). There was no association between the use of IK and cattle, sheep, chicken ownership (P >0.05), although, households that kept cattle less than 30 were using IK more than those with larger herd sizes. The most important purpose of using IK was that it is effective. Farmers older than 55 years were 2.89 times more likely to influence the extent of use of IK compared to farmers less than 30 years who were mostly young farmers. The likelihood of having the presence of herbalist in the particular rangeland was 3.64 times more likely to influence the use of IK (P < 0.05). To determine the relationship between tick count and coat characteristics, BCS, FAMACHA score a total of 96 Nguni goats of different ages based on dentition and sex were used. Weaners had lower tick counts compared to does and bucks. During the hot-dry season, BCS declined faster as tick count increased (p <0.01), compared to the post rainy season. The number of ticks increased (p <0.01) in the hot-wet season linearly as BCS increased whilst, during the cool-dry season, BCS decreased (p <0.01). The rate of change of BCS was higher in weaners as tick count increases compared to does and bucks. There was no relationship between BCS, FAMACHA and PCV on weaners (p >0.05). In the in vitro study aqueous plant extracts were applied at (6, 12 and 18% (v/v) and compared to a commercial acaricide, Eraditick (amitraz) positive control and negative control (distilled water). Extraction solvents used were methanol and acetone. The repellency percentage was highest at 6% v/v for acetone, methanol, and control (distilled water) extracts similar to positive control Amitraz. The acaricidal efficacy of the Gomphocarpus physocarpus at 12% v/v of methanol extracts was as good as that of 6% v/v, however different to that of 18% v/v was relatively low. The mortality rate of the positive control reached 100% after 72 hrs (p < 0.05) post-treatment, though it was similar to that of acetone, methanol, and control across different concentrations. The 6% v/v of Cissus quadrangularis for each extract were more effective (p<0.01) against Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi ticks. Repellency percentage of Cissus quadrangularis and different extraction solvents declined with time from 30 min to 5 hrs. It was concluded to achieve sustainable veterinary care there is a need to integrate the two knowledge systems into coming up with viable tick control strategies to enhance goat productivity. Also, it is important that when IK policies are implemented, factors that promote its utilisation need to be considered including the participation and interaction of IK custodians. Findings from this study also indicated that tick count increases during hot-wet and hot dry season in goats and cause substantial decline in BCS. It is crucial, therefore, to put measures to counteract the drop in BCS, and increase in tick counts with season, if productivity of the goats is to be improved. Also, ticks can be reduced efficiently in goats using IK, more especially the use of Cissus quadrangularis.Lin and Gomphocarpus physocarpus at a concentration of 6% v/v.