Abstract:
A survey was conducted to find out the prevalence of cattle diseases and their preventive
measures. One hundred and fifty farmers were surveyed in three veterinary ranges of Ampara
districtnamely, Sammanthurai,Amparaand Pottuvil. Relevant data weregathered throughstructured
questionnaire from randomly selected livestock farmers in each veterinary range and the regional
veterinary surgeons. Reports of the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH), private
veterinary medicine dealers and Divisional secretariats assisted to get the secondary information
for this study.
Foot rot, Foot and Mouth disease (FMD), Bloat, Mastitis and abortion were the diseases found to
be the most prevalent in the study area. The results of the study revealed that about 90% farmers
have encountered diseases in their cattle and the remaining 10% farmers were not aware of the
diseases. However, none of them could define the stage of the disease at which the occurrence of
a specific clinical sign was high. Most of the farmers lack in clear knowledge regarding the
diagnosis of the diseases and suitable preventive measures. About 88% farmers did not practice
any preventive measures as they were not aware of such aspects. The remaining 12% farmers
adopted some preventive measures to some extent including hygienic practices and recommended
management practices.
Regardingthe veterinaryservices, majorityof the farmers i.e. 70.5%, 68.5% and 65% from Pottuvil,
Sammanthurai and Ampara veterinary ranges respectively, visited their veterinary surgeon after
their own traditional treatment for their cattle. However, 24%, 23% and 19% of the cattle farmers
from Sammanthurai, Pottuvil and Ampara respectively never visited the veterinary offices for
treatment. Among the respondents about 22% farmers, who own large numbers of cattle, did not
even care the death incidences of their cattle. The average mortality rate was estimated to be one
per eight cattle annually.
