Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Tuareg ethnoveterinary treatments of camel diseases in Agadez area (Niger).
- Journal:
- Tropical animal health and production
- Year:
- 2007
- Authors:
- Antoine-Moussiaux, N et al.
- Affiliation:
- Tropical Veterinary Institute
Plain-English summary
In the Agadez area of Niger, nomadic herders have developed their own ways to keep their camels healthy, especially since veterinary services are hard to access. They often treat sick camels by bleeding them, as they believe that "tainted blood" is responsible for many illnesses. They also perform some surgical procedures, like removing hardened tissue under the tongue. The remedies they use come from various plants and even some unusual items like battery powder, creams, crushed glass, insecticides, and motor oil. While this approach shows a willingness to blend traditional and modern veterinary practices, the lack of clear production goals limits their progress.
Abstract
For generations, nomadic herders have been learning to manage herd health, particularly in dromedaries because of their great value. Owing to the unavailability of veterinary services, camel herders in remote areas have been developing their own pharmacopoeia and veterinary techniques. The bleeding of sick animals is a common treatment, as Tuareg herders believe that 'tainted blood' (izni) is the cause of many conditions. Several surgical techniques are also used, such as excision of calcified sublingual cord. The remedies mentioned in this survey are derived from Maerua crassifolia, Boscia senegalensis, Acacia raddiana, Cucumis prophetarum, Calotropis procera, Ricinus communis, Citrullus colocynthis, green tea, millet, tobacco and onions. Artificial elements are also used for treatment of animals: Powders collected from batteries, various haircare or skincare creams, crushed glass, insecticides or motor oil belong to their pharmacopoeia. This broadmindedness allows the introduction of modern veterinary medicine. Factors such as the lack of real production objectives constitute limits to this progress, however.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18318345/