Knowledge profile of cattle farmers on east coast fever in Kalagala Sub-county, Luweero district.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge profile of farmers in Kalagala Sub-County on East Coast Fever. Eighty (80) randomly selected respondents from eight (8) parishes of the Sub-County were interviewed and issued questionnaires. Respondents were assessed on their knowledge of identification, predisposing factors, prevention and control of ECF.The results showed that overall majority of-the respondents (55%) had good knowledge with scores of 50- 65%,28% respondents had excellent knowledge with a score of 80%, 18%had inadequate knowledge with a score of 5%. Most respondents (60%) were most knowledgeable about prevention of ECF and the majority applied acaricide through hand spraying for tick control. Generally, 93% farmers had inadequate knowledge on the control of ECF with a score of 20%. Most respondents did not know how the' disease is treated. Respondents. were aware of vaccination against ECF, although the adoption rate of the method for prevention was very low (1%). There is need to investigate the causes of the low adoption rate at vaccination against ECF in Kalagala sub county. The knowledge of farmers in Kalagala Sub County on ECFcan be improved by training and sensitization of the farmers on key areas of concern with regard to ECF.