Participatory appraisal of the impact of epizootic lymphangitis in Ethiopia.
Abstract: Epizootic lymphangitis (EZL) is reported to have a significant impact upon livelihoods within resource-poor settings. This study used a participatory approach to explore peoples' experiences of EZL and examine the perceived impact of disease, owner knowledge and understanding of EZL, lay management of disease and, attitudes and strategies towards disease prevention. Focus-group discussions were held with 358 cart-horse owners and drivers recruited from 7 towns attended by SPANA (Society for the protection of animals abroad) mobile veterinary clinics and 2 unexposed towns where no SPANA clinics were available. Focus group discussions explored four main research questions: (1) Is EZL recognised by animal owners, and is this considered an important disease in equids? (2) What factors do animal owners associate with the development of disease? (3) What happens to an animal with clinical disease and how does this impact upon the owner/community? (4) Are measures taken to reduce disease occurrence? These key areas were explored using photographs, disease ranking, matrices and open discussion. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results are presented thematically and include: recognition and descriptions of EZL, treatment strategies used, disease priorities and ranking, impact of disease, disease transmission and attitudes and approaches to disease prevention. EZL was widely recognised and ranked highly as an important disease of equids. However, there was uncertainty around identifying early cases of EZL, and this could impact upon the timing of initiating treatment and separating potentially infectious animals. People had varying knowledge of effective methods for disease prevention and reported particular difficulties with isolating infected animals. The impact of EZL was multi-dimensional and encompassed effects upon the horse, the individual owner and the wider society. Working equids provide a vital utility and source of income to many people in resource-poor settings. Often, infection with EZL resulted in a reduction in working ability which had a direct impact upon the livelihoods of owners and their dependent family members. EZL also impacted upon the welfare of the horse as sick animals continued to be worked and, in advanced cases, horses were abandoned due to ineffective or unavailable treatment. This study conceptualises the importance of EZL due to the effects of the disease on the horse and its impact upon human livelihoods. Epizootic lymphangitis is a neglected disease that requires further investigation in order to develop practical and sustainable disease control strategies within endemic regions.
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2015-03-23 PubMed ID: 25980831DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.03.012Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This study sought to understand the experiences and impressions of Ethiopian cart-horse owners and drivers regarding epizootic lymphangitis (EZL), a disease that affects their horses. The research involved participatory discussions on various aspects of the disease including its recognition, transmission, impact, and preventive measures. The researchers discovered varied levels of knowledge about EZL among the participants, with several difficulties in identifying early cases and implementing effective prevention.
Research Methodology and Sampling
- The study was conducted by using a participatory approach and it involved focus group discussions with 358 cart-horse owners and drivers from different towns.
- Participants were drawn from seven towns attended by SPANA (Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad) mobile veterinary clinics and two unexposed towns where no SPANA clinics were available.
Research Questions and Data Analysis
- Four key research areas were examined, which include: recognition and importance of EZL among the owners, factors associated with the disease’s development, the influence of the disease on the animal and the owner/community, and preventive measures.
- Evidence was collected through photographs, disease ranking, matrices, and open discussions.
- The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.
Key Findings
- EZL was recognized and ranked highly as a crucial disease of equids (horses, donkeys, and mules, among others).
- There was uncertainty among participants in identifying early cases of EZL that could affect timely treatment and isolation of infected animals.
- Participants had varying knowledge regarding the prevention of the disease and reported particular challenges with isolation of infected animals.
- The impact of EZL was multi-dimensional, affecting not only the horse but also the owner and the wider society.
Impact of EZL on animal and human livelihoods
- Working equids provide a vital utility and income source to people in resource-poor settings.
- Infection with EZL often resulted in a reduction in the animals’ working ability, which directly impacted the livelihoods of the owners and their dependent family members.
- Advanced cases of EZL led to abandonment of horses due to lack of effective treatment or unavailability of treatment, thereby impacting their welfare.
- This study conceptualized the importance of EZL based on its effects on the horse and its impact on human livelihoods.
Conclusions and Recommendations
- This research highlighted that epizootic lymphangitis is a neglected disease which requires further investigation.
- The authors recommend the development of practical and sustainable disease control strategies within regions endemic to EZL.
Cite This Article
APA
Scantlebury CE, Zerfu A, Pinchbeck GP, Reed K, Gebreab F, Aklilu N, Mideksa K, Christley R.
(2015).
Participatory appraisal of the impact of epizootic lymphangitis in Ethiopia.
Prev Vet Med, 120(3-4), 265-276.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.03.012 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, School of Veterinary Science, Leahurst Campus, University of Liverpool, Neston, Wirral CH64 7TE, UK. Electronic address: claire.scantlebury@liverpool.ac.uk.
- SPANA Ethiopia, College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture, University of Addis Ababa, Debre Zeit Campus, Ethiopia. Electronic address: abebaw_zerfu@yahoo.com.
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, School of Veterinary Science, Leahurst Campus, University of Liverpool, Neston, Wirral CH64 7TE, UK. Electronic address: ginap@liv.ac.uk.
- SPANA UK, John Street, London, UK(3). Electronic address: Karen@thebrooke.org.
- SPANA UK, John Street, London, UK(3).
- SPANA UK, John Street, London, UK(3). Electronic address: nigatakat@yahoo.com.
- SPANA UK, John Street, London, UK(3).
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, School of Veterinary Science, Leahurst Campus, University of Liverpool, Neston, Wirral CH64 7TE, UK. Electronic address: robc@liv.ac.uk.
MeSH Terms
- Animal Husbandry
- Animal Welfare
- Animals
- Community-Based Participatory Research
- Ethiopia
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horse Diseases / prevention & control
- Horses
- Humans
- Lymphangitis / diagnosis
- Lymphangitis / prevention & control
- Lymphangitis / veterinary
- Ownership
- Socioeconomic Factors
- Zoonoses / diagnosis
- Zoonoses / prevention & control
Grant Funding
- BB/H009396/1 / Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Citations
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