The Potential use of Plant Anthelmintics for the Control of Livestock Helminthoses in Kenya
Date
2004Author
Gakuya, DW
Mbithi, PMF
Maitho, TE
Musimba, NKR
Type
ArticleLanguage
enMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Helminthoses are a major constraint to livestock
production in Kenya. The control of these
infections by the use of synthetic anthelmintics is
constrained by a number of problems that
include; lack of foreign exchange to import them,
development of anthelmintic resistance, lack of
finance to purchase them, unavailability and
misuse due to lack of appropriate information.
The use of plant anthelmintics would be a
rational alternative to bridge these shortfalls. In
some tropical countries, research work has been
carried out to validate this possibility. In order to
integrate plant anthelmintics in the overall
helminth control in Kenya, there is a need to
document research findings on indigenous
knowledge, through carrying out experiments to
determine efficacy, toxicity and optimum dosage
rates. In addition, Isolation and identification of
active ingredients using current laboratory
techniques will be a critical milestone.
Citation
The Kenya Veterinarian VOL. 26 (2004)Publisher
Department of clinical studies Department of Public Health, pharmacology and Toxicology