Identification and Ranking of Ruminants Disease of Economic Importance in Plateau State, Nigeria

The economic burden of livestock diseases and inadequate veterinary services across the length and breadth of Nigeria reiterates the importance of sustained animal disease surveillance for sustainable prevention and control of diseases. This study was conducted with a view to identify and rank diseases of ruminants that are of economic importance in Plateau State. Basic descriptive analysis was performed, and the result expressed in frequencies and percentages. The result revealed that Foot and mouth disease 25.2% is the most predominant disease that affects cattle in the state. While Peste des petits ruminants 41.54% and tick infestation 34.3% are the diseases that mostly affect sheep and goats, respectively. This study also established that Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia 33.6% and Peste des petits ruminants 43.2% are the major diseases responsible for mortality in cattle and small ruminants, respectively. Most importantly, this study also revealed the practice of self-administration of medications by pastorals in the treatment of their sick animals, as such the need to enlighten farmers on the importance of correct diagnosis, cost-effective treatment regimen and consultation with professionals in the livestock healthcare delivery value chain were discussed..