Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Sense or nonsense? Traditional methods of animal parasitic disease control.
- Journal:
- Veterinary parasitology
- Year:
- 1997
- Authors:
- Schillhorn van Veen, T W
- Affiliation:
- Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources · United States
Plain-English summary
Recently, there has been a growing interest in traditional health-care methods for animals, both in developed and developing countries. This has led to a new area of study called ethnoveterinary research, which looks at local animal care practices and the use of plants in treatment. These traditional methods can be useful for controlling parasites in animals, including how to diagnose and manage diseases effectively. While some traditional practices may not always align with modern veterinary science, they can be valuable, especially in places where veterinary services are limited. Overall, these methods can be effective and empower local farmers and herders to address their animals' health issues more affordably, though it's important to ensure they are safe and not misused.
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional health-care practices in the western as well as in the developing world. In animal health, this has led to further interest in ethnoveterinary research and development, a relatively new field of study that covers traditional practices, ethnobotany and application of animal care practices embedded in local tradition. This development has practical applications for animal parasite control, whether related to epidemiology, diagnostics and therapy, or to comprehensive disease control methods leading to integrated pest/disease management. Examples are provided of traditional practices in diagnostics, herd-, grazing- and pasture-management as well as of manipulation and treatment. Many of these applications indicate a basic understanding of disease, especially epidemiology, by farmers and herders, although not always explained, or explainable, in rational western ways. Although abuse and quackery exist, the application of traditional practices seems to make sense in areas without adequate veterinary services. Moreover, acknowledgement of the value of traditional knowledge empowers local herders/farmers to try to solve their herds' disease problems in a cost-effective way. Traditional practices often make sense, albeit with some regulation to ascertain safety and to prevent abuse.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9261977/