Animal health management practices among dairy cattle farmers in the urban community of Niamey

Cattle herd management, combined with the use of veterinary products, represents a major challenge in animal production. A study was conducted in the urban community of Niamey with the aim of examining the health management of dairy cattle herds. A preliminary survey identified these livestock farms and the vendors of veterinary products with the help of the Rougas (Fulani representatives) from the various communes and the General Directorate of Veterinary Services (DGSV). Through convenience sampling, 25 vendors of veterinary products were interviewed. Hygiene practices are generally based on cleaning and disinfection for all the farmers, and health practices include regular monitoring (47%) and self-medication (45%). The vast majority of farmers (39%) purchase antiparasitic drugs and antibiotics, and more than two-thirds of these products are not approved. Antiparasitics are the most represented on the market with 30% of products and occupying second place in order of importance followed by antibiotics (27%) occupying the first class in order of importance. A rate of 96% of the surveyed farmers benefited from vaccination against peste des petits ruminants (PPR) and contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP). The dominant diseases are parasitic in origin (54%), followed by infectious diseases (32%). There is therefore a diverse range of practices in the health management of dairy cattle farms, highlighting the need to raise awareness about the risks of using unauthorized veterinary medicines.