Medicinal plants used to treat livestock diseases in Bure district, illubabor zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Traditional medicine continues to serve as a primary source of healthcare for livestock in Ethiopia. However, ethnoveterinary practices are increasingly at risk due to cultural changes, habitat destruction, deforestation, and the overexploitation of medicinal plants. Documenting this traditional knowledge is essential for both drug discovery and the sustainable management of these resources. To address this, a cross-sectional study was conducted using semi-structured questionnaires by selecting 325 across five Kebeles to document the medicinal plants used in the treatment of livestock ailments in the Bure district. RESULT: A total of 33 plant species, belonging to 18 families that are used to treat 20 different livestock diseases were documented. The most frequently reported families were Asteraceae (18.2%), Solanaceae (12.1%), Fabaceae (9.1%), and Acanthaceae (6.1%). Shrubs accounted for the largest proportion of growth forms (42.4%), followed by herbs (30.3%). Leaves were the most commonly used plant part (57.7%), followed by fruits (11.4%). The majority of remedies were prepared from fresh plant materials (84.6%), with crushing being the predominant preparation method (35%). Oral administration was the most common route of application (67%). The highest informant consensus factor (ICF) was recorded for plants used to treat respiratory diseases (ICF = 0.97), followed by dermatological conditions (ICF = 0.88). CONCLUSION: The study area hosts a diverse array of medicinal plants, underscoring its importance as a valuable source of ethnoveterinary knowledge. Further research is essential to explore the phytochemical properties, antibacterial activities, modes of administration, and to establish standardized dosages for these medicinal plants.