Risk Factors Associated with East Coast Fever in Cattle while Ticks Control Strategy is Applicable in Rwanda

Abstract

A survey was conducted in Rwaniro sector, to determine the risk factors associated with ECF in cattle. A total number of 169 cattle constituted the sample size and data were collected through questionnaire and oral interview with farmers, edited and arranged then; they were analyzed by calculating the prevalence rate of ECF. The results of the study shown that East Coast Fever disease (ECF) is present in Rwaniro sector and it is associated with farming system, animal breeds, animal ages, season and weekly acaricides frequency use. According to the farming system, results shown that animals raised in semi-intensive system (20.4%) were the more exposed to the disease. Based on the breeds, the cross breeds (66.6%) are sensible than the local breeds (11%). By considering the animal ages, the results show that calves are the most affected (22.1%) than the adult's cattle (13.9%). According to the seasons, ECF appeared frequently in the dry season (39.9%) than in the rain season (9.9%). Results from our study also show that Nortraz (50%) is the more used acaricide among others. Also, the results show that many farmers (66.6%) in the study area are controlling ticks once a week. The results of the study therefore shown that ECF remains a problem in the study area and the recommendations and all strategies used to well control the ECF diseases was given directed to farmers, Government through MINAGRI and RAB; and to researchers for further study on the efficacity of acaricides used for ticks control in Rwanda.