Assessing Alternative Strategy options for the Delivery of Tick-Borne Disease Control; A case Study of East Coast Fever Control in Uasin Gishu District Kenya.

Abstract

Lack of effective tick and tick-borne disease (TED) control is among the factors limiting dairy production in Uasin Gishu district in Kenya. Besides constraining productivity through morbidity, TBDs are among the most important causes of death of cattle, most serious being East Coast fever (ECF). In the district ECF is currently controlled largely by controlling ticks using chemicals (acaricides) and by treating sick animals. A new technology which involves immunizing cattle against the disease has been developed and found to be feasible under research conditions. This new method of controlling ECF is intended to be introduced in Uasin Gishu District by the Kenya Government. This study was initiated 'With the main objective of examining the issues associated with the alternative strategy options for the control of ticks and TBDs in Uasin Gishu District. The study examined the current control methods and compared them to alternative strategies based on immunization. Various options of the delivery systems for the control strategies were also examined. Data were gathered from a sample of 120 farmers in two divisions (Ainabkoi and Moiben) and from extension personnel in the district. Other sources of data included published and unpublished research papers, government reports and opinions from experts and researchers. The data were Computerized and analyzed using relevant statistical procedures and a spreadsheet analytical model.