Ambrose S. Jubara, Shereen Ahmed, Emmanuel P. Lita and Jaja L. K

ABSTRACT

1860 Nilotic Zibu cattle were subjected to a three-month cross sectional study, involving clinical examination, questionnaire and direct interview, to assess knowledge, attitude and practices of the pastoralists toward skin diseases. The major skin diseases identified in Bahr el Ghazal region were ecto-parasites, Papilomatosis (Wart), Dermatophilosis, mange mites, photosensitization, cutaneous myiasis, lumpy skin disease and wounds, with their mean prevalence rate of 27.8% , 0.7 % , 1.3 %, 0.9 % , 1.2 %, 0.7 %, 0.9 %, 0.9%, respectively. But the overall mean prevalence rate was 4.3%, with ecto-parasites presented the highest prevalence (27.8%). Comparing prevalence per study areas, Tonj state had the highest prevalence rates of 38.7%, 6.6%, 3.5% and 4.8% for ecto-parasitic infestation, Dermatophilosis, lumpy skin disease and cutaneous myiasis, respectively. Calves and heifers were more susceptible to skin diseases than cows and bulls. Although pastoralists were aware of the skin diseases, most of them were ignorant about their zoonotic aspects; they have low attitudes toward skin diseases, reflected in poor treatment and adoption of prompt control measures. Most of the major skin diseases were identified in the region with high prevalence of ectoparasites and the young animals are more susceptible. The study recommended awareness creation and strategic campaign be undertaken to control skin diseases especially those with attached economic impacts and zoonosis, and that similar studies in other regions of South Sudan with more emphasis on seasonal dynamics of individual skin disease is recommended. Keywords: Nilotic Zebu cattle; Bahr el Ghazal Region; skin diseases; prevalence

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