This study analyzed the indigenous foot and mouth disease control methods among nomadic cattle Fulani herders in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected by the use of semi-structured questionnaire administered to randomly selected 363 respondents. Data collected were analyzed using percentages, frequency distribution and regression analysis. Result of the analysis of socioeconomic characteristics of respondents showed that majority were above 40 years of age (87.9%), 94.5% were married and only 16.5% acquired formal education. On the average there were eight persons per household and about 80% of the respondents had more than 24 years of cattle herding experience. Twenty eight control methods were identified to be in practice among the respondents. Result of the regression analysis between socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents and use of indigenous foot and mouth disease control methods showed that coefficient of age was positive and significant at 1% level, while household size and experience were positive and significant at 5% level. Deforestation and concealment of indigenous control methods by the custodians among others were found to be the constraints against the utilization of indigenous foot and mouth control methods. The study concluded that indigenous control methods were well established and practice among herders who are well experienced and knowledgeable. It is recommended that laws banning bush burning and indiscriminate tree felling be re-enforced in order to preserve indigenous herbs to avert possible extinction. There is a greater need for extension workers and services to be strengthened so as to incorporate the indigenous methods used by the herders.

The study analyzed the indigenous control methods of livestock parasites by pastoralists' communities

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The ethno-veterinary care amongst the nomadic Fulani herdsmen in Southern Zone of Adamawa State, Nigeria was investigated. Purposive sampling technique was used to select four out of the eight Local Government Areas of the Zone, while a total of 227 nomads were randomly selected proportionately to the number of registered members from each of the Local Government Area selected. It was found that nomadic Fulani herdsmen utilize 51 plants species and other traditional practices and beliefs in the treatment of common livestock ailments such as foot and mouth disease, Streptothricosis, Bloat, Bovine ephemeral fever, Black quarter infections among others. Method of preparation and administration found to include direct feeding of the plant part, grinding to powder and mixing with feeds or direct external application of the plant paste or oil extract on the affected part. The farmers also use incantations and other beliefs in the treatment of cattle ailments. Deforestation due to human activities that led to the depletion of the herbs and lack of government recognition were among the constraints in the utilization of the traditional knowledge. It was concluded that livestock herders in Southern Zone of Adamawa State use a variety of medicinal plants and other traditional technologies for treatment of cattle diseases. The traditional knowledge underlying this kind of science has not been explored to the benefit of livestock farmers, to cause significant improvement in their wellbeing. It was therefore recommended that effort on the development of cheaper veterinary services and input in the State should focus more on the abundant traditional resources such as flora and culture.