Malabar regional co-operative milk producers' union ltd

INTEGRATED APPROACH FOR ANIMAL HEALTH CARE
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR HELD AT KOZHIKODE
ON 4-6 FEBRUARY 1999

VOLUME 1: ABSTRACTS

Key words and phrases:

animal health, community based animal health care, environment, ethnoveterinary medicine, indigenous knowledge, indigenous systems, participation, veterinary

Edited by Dr Evelyn Mathias, Dr Denis Fielding, Ms Marina Martin

MALABAR REGIONAL CO-OPERATIVE MILK PRODUCERS' UNION LTD.

Kozhikode, Kerala, India

Malabar Regional Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd.

The Malabar Regional Co-operative Milk Producers Union (MRCMPU) is one of the three regional milk Unions in Kerala covering six northern districts. The primary objective of the Union is to carry out activities conducive to the socio-economic development of the milk producers by effectively organising production, processing and marketing of commodities. The Mission of MRCMPU is "Farmers’ Prosperity through Consumer Satisfaction." The Union comprises of about 500 milk co-operative societies owned by 120,000 farmers. MRCMPU procures about 200,000 litres of milk from farmers and pays approximately Rs 21,00,000 as milk value per day. The annual turn over of the union is Rs 110 crores which is equivalent to 26 million US Dollars.

Seminar Proceedings

This is the first volume of the proceedings of the seminar on "Integrated Approach for Animal Health care".
This contains the current thinking of scholars of why integration is required, what form it could take and how it could be effected.
This also contains abstracts of the 13 papers presented in the seminar, outputs and recommendations of group work, seminar summary and lists of participants and authors.

The second volume consists of all complete papers presented in the seminar.
Those who are interested to have the second volume, may please write to:

Managing Director
MRCMPU Ltd. (Milma)
Kunnamangalam P.O.
Kozhikode, Kerala

Tel: 0091 495 200651, 200612
Fax: 0091 495 200652
E mail: mrcmpu@md3.vsnl.net.in

Published by MRCMPU Ltd.
May 1999

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Background

The majority of cattle owners in Kerala are marginal farmers who spend a major share of their income for the health care of their animals. These farmers mainly adapt allopathic systems of treatment. But there are many farmers, especially in the remote areas, who posses and still use indigenous methods for animal treatment. Even though for human treatment alternative methods of treatment like Ayurveda, Homoeopathy Naturopathy etc. are extensively used, it is not found to be promoted for animal treatment in an organised way.

Now, many people the world over advocate a holistic approach for animal treatment. Taking a holistic approach means using Allopathic, Ayurvedic and Homoeopathic medical systems in an integrated way. The choice of methods and their combination depends on the disease and the availability of drugs. The holistic approaches are for eco-friendly, effective and sustainable animal production.

It is in this background the Malabar Regional co-operative Milk Producers’ union, an organisation working for the socio-economic development of dairy farmers, decided to organise a seminar on Integrated approach for Animal Health. This seminar will enable the researchers, veterinarians, extensionists and policy makers from different parts of the world to share their knowledge and experience so as to explore possible areas of integration.

Objective

The objectives of the seminar are:
  • to help the participants to understand and appreciate different medical systems (Allopathic, Ayurvedic, Homoeopathic, Naturopathic etc.) used for treatment
  • to find out possible areas for integration of the different medical systems which will make the treatment methods accessible, cheaper, farmer friendly, eco-friendly, effective and sustainable.

Integrated Animal Health Care - The Current Status

A Changing World

Lack of money, unsatisfactory results of technology transfer, and the recognition that the conventional methods have not reached the poor have forced governments in many countries to look for alternative approaches. Integrated animal healthcare widens the spectrum of available choices to farmers, veterinarians, and extension workers. It is one way to make services appropriate for local conditions and cost-effective.

What is integrated animal healthcare?

Production of livestock and crops are often interconnected particularly in the case of smallholders. Integrated animal healthcare takes into consideration the diversity of livestock raising and the environment. It combines animal treatment with disease prevention through vaccination, improved management, feeding, sanitation, and clean water. Farmers, animal healthcare providers and other stakeholders work as partners to identify and prioritise needs and find solutions to livestock production problems. They draw on the different types of veterinary medicine (e.g. allopathy, homeopathy, Ayurveda, see Box 1) and build on farmers’ knowledge (see Box 2).

Integrated animal healthcare allows greater flexibility than conventional approaches. The stakeholders can adapt prevention and treatment to the needs of the clients and the type and situation of each farm. The use of fine-tuned solutions is more cost-effective than general all encompassing ones.

Box 1. Types of veterinary medicine

There are at least 26 approaches to healthcare. Allopathy, Ayurveda, homeopathy and several others are useful in animal healthcare and production. Each approach has its own strength and drawback. Allopathic remedies, for example, are often highly potent and work fast. But they are costly and difficult to access in remote areas. Besides, they may have side effects such as the development of fungal infections during treatment with antibiotics, or they do not work any longer as disease causing agents have become resistant.

Homeopathy and Ayurveda, on the other hand, do commonly not act as fast and radically as allopathic drugs. But they stimulate the immune response and strengthen the patient as a whole. For epidemic diseases and any life-threatening conditions allopathy is the method of choice. But many other conditions can be treated with alternative medicines. Homeopathy, for example, has proved effective for some types of mastitis. In some conditions a combination of all three types may work

Biological control of livestock parasites such as using fungi to destroy nematodes is an upcoming control method. It has great potential in the light of parasites’ growing resistance against Ivermectin, a powerful allopathic dewormer widely used.

Which of the drugs or combinations to choose, will not only depend on the disease but also on costs and availability of the drugs and farmers’ preferences.

Box 2 Ethnoveterinary medicine – farmers’ knowledge about animal healthcare

Farmers closely observe their animals and environment. They know when an animal is sick or when a specific plant in the area is getting scarce. They have names for the different animal diseases and know animals of which age and sex are commonly affected. Over centuries, through trial and error and deliberate experimentation, farmers have developed a wide spectrum of prevention and treatment methods. These include the use of medicinal plants, vaccination, branding, and bone-setting as well as the provision of shelters adapted to the local conditions, the exploitation of a wide range of fodder plants and many other management practices. In India ethnoveterinary medicine partly overlaps with Ayurveda, as both often use the same plants.

Farmers’ knowledge provides a valuable resource for development. But not all of it is useful. Stakeholders have to select the most promising remedies and practices and test and validate them before promoting them.

How to achieve integrated animal healthcare

Methodologies used to achieve integrated animal healthcare reflect the flexibility of this approach.

Participatory methods

In conventional interviews and surveys, farmers respond to questions formulated by outsiders. The results will therefore be influenced by what the outsiders expect to find in a community. Participatory methods enable the farmers to define their needs from their own perspective. For example, a group of farmers may brainstorm the diseases they see as problems in their animals. They then write the names on cards and sort the cards according to the importance they assign to each disease. Outsiders facilitate the process and learn from farmers.

A wide range of participatory methods exist. Their usefulness is not restricted to farmers. Methods can be modified and adapted to meet specific situations and objectives. They can be used in project planning, research, training, extension, technology development, monitoring and evaluation, and documenting information on local knowledge. Participatory workshops that bring together representatives from different groups can facilitate communication and understanding between these groups. For example, trainers and trainees decide together which healthcare tools to give in training. Or veterinarians and healers can discuss treatments for animal diseases and identify promising treatments and practices.

Validation and dissemination

Many of the plants used in animal healthcare are also used in human ethnomedicine and have been studied in this context. Screening the literature for available information can help avoid unnecessary costs in plant validation. Databases and new technologies such as CD ROMs will make this easier in the future. If there is no information on a plant, it needs to be studied for its efficacy with laboratory tests and on-farm-trials. Alternatively, farmers and animal healthcare providers can field-test medicines by keeping careful records of treatments and their outcome. This validation method is likely to be cheaper and has the advantage that the remedies are tested under the conditions where they will be used. Not only medicinal plants but also other practices and technologies need to be validated. Researching and validating alternative veterinary practices is only the beginning. Disseminating the results is crucial to implementation by the stakeholders.

Community animal health workers

Trained in basic animal healthcare and husbandry selected farmers and healers extend services to remote rural areas and poor people. They also provide valuable epidemiological and disease surveillance information from the field. International experiences show that community animal health workers have to be backstopped by government veterinary services, or their work will not be sustainable.

Education and training

In many tropical countries, the curricula of universities, colleges and other training institutions are introduced from outside and do not meet the needs of rural areas and smallholders. Curricula and training schedules need to be revised to enable veterinarians, extension workers and other healthcare providers to extend integrated animal healthcare to these clients. For example, courses on appropriate technologies for smallholders and participatory technology development have to be initiated at veterinary schools and agriculture colleges. Training courses for extensionists should include the use of participatory methods. Education and awareness raising should start at the primary and secondary school level.

Considerations

Gender

A large number of domestic animals in India are mainly looked after by women. Their animal related duties cover the full range of animal care from housing, grazing, feeding to health care. The quality of input services to the sector is commonly low adding additional burden on women to make up for the lack of input services.

This situation highlights the importance of training and awareness building for women on all aspects related to profitable cattle keeping. While other agencies cannot create a parallel service structure, training and awareness creation about the entitlement for a good quality service is intended to build up pressure on government service agencies to perform.

The introduction of a ‘women cattle care’ programme by the MRCMPU is a step to address this problem. MRCMPU strives to constantly review and improve the program in an effort to promote decision competence for women in the cattle-keeping sector.

Economics

The application of microeconomic cost benefit analyses to rural cattle keeping enterprises is not as straight forward as in a business with price tags to all inputs and outputs readily attached. While a better understanding of the costs and benefits in relation to cattle keeping is required for many agrarian systems, the application of values to direct outputs such as byproducts appears more difficult. Many of the products and additional values of rural cattle keeping enterprises are not marketed hence lacking a price tag.

This argument applies equally to the value of local breeds, something which has been neglected in many circumstances where crossbreeding has dominated the animal production arena. However, without a value, not necessarily of monetary nature, crossbreeds can hardly be valued and compared to local breeds or strains.

Policy Review

In many instances policies with respect to cattle development is non existent. Therefore the term ‘Policy review’ is somewhat misleading. Rather the introduction of a policy is required which, besides the technical aspect shall also provide guidelines with respect to gender aspects in cattle keeping, shall address issues of income distribution from cattle keeping enterprises and shall provide environmental guidelines at the policy level. Apart from this a livestock policy is required to indicate avenues for new approaches e.g. integrated approach for animal health care.

Plant resources, Bio-diversity

Undue concentration of modern agriculture on a small number of productive genes have led to commercial neglect of those genes not identified as economically useful for known commercial processes. The re-discovery of alternative processes of production or species (plants or animals) mainly aimed at food security has led to the need to categorize, protect and value plant resources. This need has also intensified the discussion about who owns species resources and the knowledge of production processes using such resources. This discussion will become more intensive highlighting the importance of the shrinking biological resource base.

Monitoring and Evaluation

In many conditions where service agencies work with local cattle keeping systems, an evaluation of treatments, as a result of case monitoring, is hardly available. The same applies for alternative treatment methods that are mostly shifted from one generation to the other by word. Exceptions are a number of Indian medical systems which are described very early in ancient Indian literature. However, in an effort to revive alternative medical treatment systems, with the intention of integration, a more rigorous effort of approaching monitoring and evaluation is required. This would be the necessary first step towards a successful integration of ethno-veterinary medicine with the prevailing allopathic system.

The same need applies to the performance of species in order to be able to judge and compare their value in the human livelihood system.

The Seminar

The seminar was inaugurated by Padmasree Dr P K Warrier, Chief Physisian of Kottackal Arya Vaidyasala, well known hospital for ayurvedic treatment. The seminar was attended by some 80 Government veterinarians as well as traditional healers paravets, farmers and academics. Guest speakers were invited from around India, the UK, Germany and Malawi. The papers covered aspects of animal health care such as allopathy, homeopathy, ayurveda, ethnoveterinary knowledge, management, nutrition and hygiene. The use of community animal health workers and paravets as deliverers of animal health care was discussed.

On the first day, there were 11 presentations and discussions; five in the plenary and six in two parallel groups on the topics given below:

On the second day the participants visited the well known Kottackal Aryavaidyasala, an Ayurvedic hospital where human treatment is practised. The participants also visited the Factory attached to the hospital (where herbal medicine - decoctions, tablets etc. - are manufactured) and the herbarium where more than 200 species of medicinal plants are grown. After the above visits they attended a lecture on the basic principles of Ayurveda at the Ayurveda college.

In the afternoon, there was interaction of the participants with traditional practitioners. The traditional practitioners described their method of treatment supported by case histories. The interaction created a lively discussion. Being the first of this kind, the interaction highlighted clearly the different schools of perceptions between the different medical systems. This, however, also highlighted possible avenues of greater integration.

During the third day there were two presentations in the plenary on the following subjects:

  • Validation of Ethnoveterinary Medicine. Dr Denis Fielding
  • Developing Livestock Health Management System. Dr D V Rangnekar

After the plenary, the whole group was divided into four. Group 1, 2 and 3 (Internal group - participants from Kerala) discussed the following subjects:

- what are the integrated practices already existing in Kerala ?

- what are the possible practices that could be further integrated in Kerala ?

- what are the changes - technical, operational, educational and regulatory - required to facilitate the integrated approach in Kerala ?

Meanwhile the fourth group (External group - participants from outside Kerala) deliberated on the same subject, but in the tropical / global context.

Findings of the group work presented in the plenary is highlighted below:

Findings of the Internal group

A number of local plants and their extracts are used mainly for external structural damages. For the prevention of diseases, vaccination and good management practices are relied upon.

A closer customer orientation could be used as a guideline for integration, supported by improved R&D efforts and new concepts regarding a more decentralized system of animal health care. Integration should be oriented along the economic frame condition prevalent in a production system.

Basic to an integration, the validation of alternative approaches to animal health needs to be pursued by all stakeholders.

Findings of the External group

There are a number of integrated approaches existent in areas important to animal production; farming systems approach, agro-forestry approach, and the emphasis on the use of local knowledge

A number of broad areas are important for further work on integration:

  • combination of human – animal health
  • the integration of research and extension work
  • the involvement of stakeholders in the formulation of activities and to understand crucial linkages

In general, services to the animal health sector needs to be linked to the economics of the production system.

Based on participatory development of technology and the inclusion of new and tested technologies Into professional curricula, a closer integration of veterinary professionals and paravets is required. In the context of development of technologies, the question of patenting those technologies has to adDr essed.

The valedictory session of the seminar was inaugurated by Sri. E. Chandrasekharan Nair, Hon. Minister for Animal husbandry & Dairying.

Abstracts

Popularising ethnoveterinary medicine by animal scientists.

Basavaprabhu Jirli, Ram Kumar, and N. R. Gagadharappa.

For many years researchers of ethnoveterinary medicine worked alone. Recently, however, there has been a lot of interest in the subject and a realisation of its potential in sustainable, environmentally-friendly livestock production. Previously farmers using traditional practices were looked upon as being superstitious, now they are the focus of attention in the quest for documentation and dissemination of indigenous knowledge. The authors offer a step by step guide to popularising ethnoveterinary practices. These steps are

  1. The research, documentation, and classification of ethnoveterinary knowledge
  2. Field trials of economically promising practices
  3. Economic, technical, and social feasibility studies of EVK
  4. Training of extension workers in transferable EV practices
  5. Dissemination of promising EV practices to farmers through demonstrations
  6. Evaluation of results, refining objectives
Return to list of Abstracts

Different Approaches for Alternate Systems of Animal Health Care

Dr P.A.Deore

At every level of animal production sound health of animal is essential. Major contagious diseases like KP, Anthrax, HS, BQ are controlled. FMD can now be controlled by the use of new oil adjuvant vaccine. Remaining diseases such as digestive disturbance (e.g.Tympany, Enteritis), Mastitis, Production diseases, Lameness, Parasitic diseases need to control.

There are 26 different systems of treatment in animals. Allopathic drugs have biological hazards, besides their cost, side effects and development of resistance to them.

Herbal medicines, Traditional practices, Flower medicines, Homeopathy are being practised with good results by veterinarians. Acupuncture and Acupressure need special instruments and skill . They have limited scope in large animals. Chiropractic method is good in which sub luxations/ maladjustment of the vertebra are done by physical manipulation. It is good for Paresis & Lameness. Aroma therapy is costly for animals. Iridology system of diagnosis of diseases is a new avenue for vets. It needs initiation. Dowsing, Psionic system, Osteopathy and Shiatsu are not suitable in animals. Reflexology- a system of point pressure (done on the foot in humans) can be tried in animals on ears. Homeopathy stands better amongst all. It should be simple to formulate, economic and easy to administer. Next choice can be herbal or traditional medicine.

Return to list of Abstracts

Validation of Ethnoveterinary Medicine

Dr Denis Fielding

This paper discusses the important issues in the validation of ethnoveterinary medicine (evm), with the aim of reviewing why, how, and by whom, validation of evm should be carried out. Questions examined include: why should evm be validated, and, which methods should be used? An example is provided relating to the validation of anthelmintic plants. Given the situational specificity of evm it is argued that much more validation needs to be undertaken at user or near user level e.g. by livestock owners and field agents such as veterinarians. Key requirements and some possible tools for achieving efficient on-farm validation trials are listed. It is concluded that science (and validation) is not something only for scientists.

Return to list of Abstracts

Farmers' wisdom and integrated animal healthcare

Dr Evelyn Mathias

The various types of veterinary medicine, such as allopathy, homeopathy, Ayurvedic medicine, phytotherapy and ethnoveterinary medicine, have different strengths and drawbacks. Holistic approaches to animal healthcare recognise the complimentarity of the different alternatives and select and combine the most appropriate options from all medicine types. This, however, is easier said than done, especially if farmers’ wisdom is to be included as one of the options.

This paper starts with a discussion of the different facets of farmers’ wisdom, its potential and limitations, and its past use in development projects. It then explores steps and strategies of integrating the different veterinary medicine types into a holistic approach to livestock healthcare and production. Particularly, it focuses on the role of farmers’ wisdom, or "ethnoveterinary medicine", within such a holistic approach.

Return to list of Abstracts

Integration of indigenous veterinary remedies in farming systems in Malawi

Dr B M D Kambewa

This paper reviews the need for an integrated approach to animal healthcare in Malawi. Malawi’s government ministries are unable to support the large livestock sector of the country, so farmers continue to make good use of their indigenous knowledge when treating their animals. The author calls for more effort to promote integration of indigenous remedies in livestock and crop production, the household, and natural resources such as forests. For example, Tephrosia vogelii is being planted to improve soil fertility, its use as an animal acaricide and maize pest insecticide could be promoted at the same time.

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Integrated Approaches to Animal Health Care: Case Studies from Tanzania and Mozambique

Marina Martin

This paper demonstrates how traditional and modern animal healthcare can be combined to produce an optimum level of healthcare for livestock. Case studies from a British NGO (VETAID) are used to illustrate the concept of integrated animal healthcare delivery. Community animal health workers (CAHWs) are an essential method of delivering veterinary services in the remote rural areas of Tanzania and Mozambique. The paper highlights the selection criteria and training of CAHWs and the choices open to the CAHWs for treating livestock with the appropriate conventional or traditional therapy.

Return to list of Abstracts

Integrating Different Systems of Medicine Towards A Holistic Approach To Veterinary Health Care - The "ANTHRA" Experience

Dr Sagari R Ramdas and Dr Nitya S Ghotge

ANTHRA, a non-government organisation uses an holistic approach to disease management in livestock. The aim is to concentrate on prevention of disease and to utilise the best aspects of all methods of treatment. The field experiences of 100 Animal Health Workers are described.

Contagious diseases are mainly controlled by allopathic vaccination. Non infectious diseases are usually controlled by traditional herbal medicines while homeopathic medicines are preferred to treat infectious conditions. In certain surgical conditions such as wounds a combination of methodologies may be used.

The advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches to healthcare are briefly discussed. ANTHRA's methods have had a major impact on animal disease in Andhra Pradesh. It is stressed that disease management starts with adherence to basic principles such as the use of adapted breeds and the provision of sufficient food and good quality water.

Return to list of Abstracts

Farmer Perceptions of Livestock Health Services

Sangeeta Rangnekar

This paper gathers the results of various studies carried out over the last 10 years on livestock production and health. It aimed to understand farmers’ perceptions and priorities as effected by socio-economic status, area and gender. These studies helped to obtain a clearer understanding of the health systems in existence and the farmers’ needs so as to plan services more effectively. The studies were undertaken in Western India (Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh States). Livestock in rural systems, livestock keeping objectives, perceptions of farmers, women in livestock health, and animal health services were some of the areas covered by the studies.

Return to list of Abstracts

Developing Livestock Health Management Systems

Dr D.V. Rangnekar

Livestock are not only a part of the human food chain, but also an important source of income for small farmers. Current animal healthcare services, however, do not meet the needs of this clientele. They have limited coverage, and the adoption of preventive disease control and other measures is low.

To become more effective and efficient for small farmers, health services should become a tool for development. Besides treating sick animals, services should cover breeding and feeding, and help animals to produce at their full potential. They should recognise the value of local knowledge and combine both allopathic and alternative types of veterinary medicine such as Ayurveda, folk medicine and homeopathy.

Agencies working in animal production and health should co-ordinate with one other. They should use participatory approaches to learn about local constraints, clients’ perceptions and priorities, prevailing practices, production systems and infrastructure facilities. The information thus collected should be integrated into development planning. Paraveterinarians can supplement technical personnel in the treatment of minor ailments, emergency care and preventive health-control programmes.

Return to list of Abstracts

Biological control by predacious fungi for integrated parasite management in livestock.

Dr P K Sanyal

Parasitic gastroenteritis, particularly haemonchosis is a major constraint to profitable ruminant production in India. Conventional anthelmintics are used to combat nematodes but there are several constraints. These are anthelmintic resistance, residues in food, and environmental contamination. Biological controls for nematodes is being researched to provide a safe alternative. So far a number of organisms have been identified that could feed on nematodes: protozoans, predacious nematodes, viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Predacious fungi, for example, can be spread on animal bedding or fed directly to the ruminant for better efficiency. Further research is needed to assess the stability of the fungal spores in the various methods of delivery. Biological control will also allow farmers to capitalise on the increasing demands of consumers for chemical-free livestock products.

Return to list of Abstracts

Use of Homeopathic Drugs in the Treatment of Animal Diseases

Dr V A Sapre

A comparison is reported between the homeopathic drug phytolacca and oxytetracycline intramammary infusion in the treatment of mastitis. Sixty-six percent of the 15 quarters treated with phytolacca recovered while in the 15 quarters treated with oxytetracycline the recovery rate was 20% as determined using the California Mastitis Test (CMT). In a multilocational study over 5 years, 566 cases of Foot and Mouth Disease that failed to respond to allopathic treatment after 3 days showed a 66% recovery rate when treated homeopathically. The recovery rates following homeopathic treatment of 15 other common disease, all based on 10 cases or more, are reported. Recommendations are made for the homeopathic treatment of prolapse of the vagina, wounds, indigestion and diarrhoea. It is concluded that homeopathy has potential for the treatment of animal diseases and that its monitored use should be encouraged.

Return to list of Abstracts

Holistic Approach of Treating Animals

V N Viswanatha Reddy

The author advocates a holistic approach to treating livestock. A list of nine pathologies is provided with a choice of allopathic, herbal, and homoeopathic treatments. For example, the mouth lesions caused by Foot and Mouth Disease can be treated using allopathic antihistamines and antibiotics, or bananas dipped in sesame seed oil as a herbal topical application, or finally with homoeopathic pills of Zinc. The author also stresses the importance of good feeding and management in reducing the incidence of disease. He puts forward the theory that disease has an origin at conscious, subconscious, and super conscious levels which can be treated accordingly.

Return to list of Abstracts

Animal Protection: Indian tradition

Dr P K Warrier

The author provides a summary of the historical and religious relationship between people and animals in India. The Ayurveda (science of life) prescribes on how to live and how to treat people and animals paying attention to both the internal and external environment. The Mrigayurveda and Adharvaveda hold references to the treatment of animals and their protection. In Ashoka’s edicts there is a proclamation on the setting up of hospitals for people and animals along the trade routes. From Vedic times onwards, integrated healthcare delivery was practiced, physicians were expected to treat both humans and animals. The sages Shalihotra and Palakapya wrote discourses on horse and elephant anatomy and physiology and included treatments for them. Life in its totality is observed in Ayurveda and today these observations are as important as ever.

SEMINAR SUMMARY

There is a growing interest and realisation of the need to search our alternate systems to make livestock health services more accessible, efficient and effective. The seminar proceedings were so designed as to provide opportunities to discuss major issues related to the theme and objectives.

For group discussions, three major issues were identified as related to existing practices/systems of animal health services in Kerala, practices which can be further added and the need to look in the technical, regulatory and operational aspects for developing integrated systems. Out of the four groups that were formed one was exclusively of participants from out of Kerala and was to discuss and elaborate these issues from a national and global perspective. Discussions were also arranged between Veterinarians and local healers to promote interaction, interest and understanding of practices followed by these local healers, their experiences and views.

In the inaugural address, Dr Warrier spoke about the Ayurvedic system developed a few thousand years ago in India, which dealt with human as well as animal health. He stressed on the holistic approach of the Ayurvedic system, which gave a lot of importance to development of resistance against diseases. Extensive use of plants species was made for curative as well as preventive measures. The system advocated certain way of life to maintain healthy status and develop resistance against diseases. Animals, horses, elephants and cattle had a special place and considerable literature is available in Sanskrit on their behaviour, physiology and health aspects.

Amongst the invited papers presented in the plenary sessions of the seminar, two papers dealt with integrated and holistic approach for livestock health services and systems. These papers emphasise the need for looking at health, from a wider perspective aimed at maintaining health status of the animal for enabling it to produce it at its full potential. Thus feeding and management of animals, preventive measures, combination of various available systems of health control and treatment are to be considered according to the need and accessibility. Decentralisation of services for better coverage and looking into cost effectiveness were also emphasised.

There were two papers dealing with farmer knowledge and perception in respect to livestock health and the type of services preferred. One of the papers discussed facets of farmer wisdom, its potential and limitations and ways and strategies of integrating different systems for effective livestock health care, taking a holistic approach. The other paper described results of studies on perceptions of farmer men and women carried out in Western India, it elucidated the point that in respect to animal health, due importance needs to be given to the role of women and their knowledge and experience. The results of the study indicate that most women prefer decentralised livestock services, which are easily accessible, timely available and cost effective. There was agreement on the main aspects of the use of indigenous knowledge and methods through proper selection and encouraging women’s involvement and using their wisdom for effective health services.

There were three papers describing experiences of developing integrated animal health care. One of the papers was by an NGO in India, which has a studies animal health problems with farmers and the traditional methods used for treatment. Based on available information and combining the traditional practices with modern systems, along with an improvement in management in feeding, there is possibility of developing an effective integrated approach. The NGO has trained about 100 animal health workers, in preventive aspects, first aid and minor animal treatment work.

The other two papers described experiences of integrated animal health system being developed in African countries like Tanzania, Mozambique and Malawi. In Malawi, the indigenous remedies have to be used for livestock as well as crop diseases and pests, since the Government is unable to provide much support. Efforts are being made to promote integration of various remedial measures. The other paper described case studies and experience of a British NGO in Tanzania and Mozambique, where delivery of Veterinary services is being made through community animal health workers, who are trained for livestock health services. These health workers choose conventional or traditional therapy as appropriate in a given situation. These papers were well received and they indicate the possibility of integrating systems and working through health workers, selected by the farmers.

There was a paper on alternate systems available for animal health care and it covers systems like Ayurvedic, Homeopathic, Unani and Allopathic system besides the folk medicine. The paper emphasise the need to study these systems carefully and choose whichever is most suited and cost effective. It also mentioned the need for validation of methods wherever sufficient information is not available.

The paper on Homeopatic systems indicated that a number of veterinarians in the country are using homeopathic medicine in animal treatment and encouraging results are reported. Cases of indigestion, diarrhoea, mastitis, prolapse of vagina have been reported to be effectively treated using homeopathy. The cost of treatment in this system is low and it is an attractive feature. Discussions revealed the need for some more studies to develop specific recommendations and for formal training of veterinarians in the use of homeopathy.

Two papers dealt with the subject of the study of Ethno-Veterinary practices, validation of effectiveness and safety of the methods and disseminating information for popularising ethno-veterinary medicine. One of the papers recommended certain steps for study and popularisation of ethno-veterinary practices. The other paper dealt with the core issue of need for validation and that of undertaking validation at different levels. In many cases where information is available, clinical trials on field level may be more useful. The paper emphasised the need for involvement of scientists as well as field workers in validation and of taking a multi-disciplinary approach. It was also recommended that beginning of popularising traditional treatment methods can be made choosing methods where sufficient information is available.

  • The group discussions revealed several interesting aspects, which are summarised below:
  • There are many vets who are aware of traditional methods, for animal treatment, however, majority of them lack knowledge and confidence on these methods.
  • Many of the vets felt that the traditional methods would need to be utilised only in a limited manner, in view of extensive coverage of health services in Kerala State through Dispensaries and Aid Centres. The State probably has highest number of vets and veterinary institutions in relation to the area and livestock population (as compared to any other States in the Country). However, in view of undulating topography and forest cover, in some parts of Kerala, full coverage is difficult and hence the demand for local healers and folk medicine.
  • A major issue in Kerala is the rapidly increasing cost of animal production and the high cost of allopathic medicine. Hence, the needs to find alternate ways to reduce cost of health cover.
  • The discussions with local healers indicate that there is a good demand for their services, which could be due to factors like confidence, cost, accessibility and effectiveness.
  • The presentation of local healers and subsequent discussions with healers and vets revealed that many of their treatment methods are effective and are also known to vets. Some of the healers described diagnosis and treatment of diseases in a very systematic manners, it was convincing to the vets. They also indicated limitations of their folk medicines and mentioned about effectiveness of vaccines against some diseases, which traditional medicines cannot conclude. It was mentioned by local healers that they get some cases where vets have not been able to treat the animals effectively. At the same time they also refer some cases to Vets where they feel they are unable to treat those. Some of the healers were having skills for dealing with difficult birth in animals, besides use of herbal medicines.

The following were identified as issues related to integration of systems:

  • Lack of information on traditional methods of animal treatments, which are effective and safe for use. Information is also needed about medicinal herbs and preparations to be used.
  • Need to develop short courses for veterinarians on Ayurvedic and Homeopathic systems for animal treatment
  • Veterinary Curriculum may cover traditional treatment methods either at undergraduate or postgraduate level of teaching.
  • Orientation of Veterinarians needed in respect of holistic approach to animal health care
  • Studies need be initiated to understand traditional systems of animal health care and also to conserve the knowledge, which is threatened with extinction.
  • Validation of chosen traditional treatment methods, using proper methodology, be taken up at field as well as research institute level by inter-disciplinary team.
  • Conservation and propagation of medicinal plants needs to be taken up on priority or

else many species will become extinct

Address of participants

Dr K.K. Abdul Latheef, Sr.Vety Surgeon, Veterinary Polyclinic, Easwaramangalam, Malappuram, Kerala, INDIA

Dr Abey K Abhraham, Veterinary Surgeon, Veterinary Dispensary, Arabi(P.O), Ulikkal(Via), Kannur District, Kerala, INDIA, Tel (R : 0473-515126)

Dr T.Anilkumar, Veterinary Surgeon, Nareekamvally, Kannur, Kerala, INDIA

Dr Anilkumar , Veterinary Surgeon, Chorode, Kozhikode, Kerala, INDIA

Dr Anil Zachariah, Veterinary Surgeon, Vengappally, Wayanad, Kerala, INDIA

Dr Arun Zachariah, Veterinary Surgeon, Regional Poultry Farm, Chathamangalam, R.E.C.(P.O), Kerala, INDIA, Tel (O :0495-287481,R :298262, 298261)

Dr P V Ashraf, Veterinary surgeon, Challussery

Mr Basavaprabhu Jirli, 12 J Krishna, NDR I, Karnal - 132 001, Haryana, INDIA, Tel (O:0184 - 259 251 R:0184 - 259 363)

Dr Clap Anto,, Veterinary Surgeon, Vet. Dispensary, Thriprangode, Malappuram, Kerala, INDIA

Dr S.Dayal, Veterinary Surgeon, Veterinary Dispensary, Wayand, Kerala, INDIA

Dr Denis Fielding, Centre for Tropical Vet. Medicine, Easter Bush, Roslin, Midlothian U K, Tel (O : 44 0131 650 6259)

Dr Jayaraj, ERCMPU Ltd., Thrippunithara PO, Ernakulam, Kerala, INDIA

Dr C.D.John, Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Peravoor 670673, Kannur, Kerala, INDIA

Dr C.D.Jose, Veterinary Surgeon, Vety. Dispensary, Chittarikkal, Kasaragod, Kerala, INDIA, Tel (R : 0498 - 540058)

Dr K T Joseph, Malappuram

Dr BMD Kambewa, Christian Service Committee, PB - 30123, Lilongwe, Malawi, Tel (O: 732604, 831433)

Dr R.N.Kamath, Product Manager(Vet), Alembic Chemical Works Co.Ltd.,, Vadodara 390003, Tel (O: 0265-382 346 R: 0265-383861)

Dr C.I. Kutty, Veterinary Surgeon, Presently Public Health , Research Scholar, Calicut, Kerala, INDIA Tel (R:676528)

Dr K.Madhavan, Sr. Vet. surgeon, Kondotty, Malappuram, Kerala, INDIA

Ms Marina Martin, Vetaid, Pentlands science Park, Bush EH 26 OPZ, Scotland - UK, Tel ( O: 00-44-131-445-6241), Fax: 00-44-131-4456242

Dr Meera Mohandas, Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Thanoor, Malappuram, Kerala, INDIA, Tel (R: 766229, 360250), Pager: 9652-370276

Dr N.Mohanan, Senior Vety. Surgeon, Vety. Hospital, Chombala, Wynad, Kerala, INDIA, Tel (O: 0496-503002 R: 0496-524091)

Dr T.Prakash, Veterinary Surgeon, Kairady, Palakkad 678 510, Kerala, INDIA, Tel (O: 0492 - 345219 R : 0492-343174)

Dr C.K.Premkumar, Karipparath, (P.O) Kottayampoil, Kannur 670691(Tel R: 0490-300 891-362691)

Dr P.M.Radhakrishnan, (Rtd.) Deputy Director, Puduppady, Kozhikode, Kerala, INDIA, Tel (R: 0495-235103)

Dr N.Radhakrishnan, Vet. Surgeon, Hema Cottage , Ramasseri (P.O), Palakkad, Tel (R: 0491-863352, 538058)

Mr Radhakrishnan Naripatta, Mathrubhoomi, K P Kesavamenon Road, Calicut

Dr K.Rafeek, Fathima Manzil, (P.O) Kadirur - 670 642, Thalassery, Kannur, Kerala, INDIA, Tel (O: 0497-700184 R:0490-322055, 306549)

Dr K.T.Rajimon, Veterinary Surgeon, Vet. Dispensary, Mathur, Palakkad, Kerala, INDIA, Tel (R: 0492-285 416)

Dr T.V.RamachanDr an, Dist. Animal HusbanDr y Officer, Kannur, Kerala, INDIA, Tel (O: 0497-700267 R: 0495-382216)

Dr R.S.Ramaswamy, Vet. Surgeon, Sholayar (P.O), Palakkad, Kerala, INDIA Tel (R : 0492 - 454328)

Dr K Ramanpillai, Co-ordinator, PASSS, Pazhakulam PO, Adoor 691 527, Kerala, India, Tel (O: 0473 428262 R: 0475 273431), Fax: 0091-473-428491

Dr D S Rangnekar, Vice President, BAIF, PB No 2030, Asarwa Road, Ahmedabad 380016, Gujarat, INDIA

Dr K.V.Raveendran, Disease Investigation Officer, Dist. Vet. Cente,, Kannur , Kerala, INDIA, Tel (O: 0497-700184 R: 0490-342053)

r P.A.Deore, A/7 Vinze Wada, 129 Shukrawar peth, Pune 2, 411002, INDIA, Tel (R: 020 - 472 931)

Dr C.N.Dinesh, Vet. Surgeon, Vet Poly Clinic, Alathur, Palakkad, Kerala, INDIA

Dr Evelyn Mathias, Weizenfeld 4, 51467 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany, Tel ( O:49-2202-932921), Fax - 49 -2202-932922

Dr George P.John, Senior Vety Surgeon, Vety Hospital, Wandoor, Malappuram, Kerala, INDIA, Tel ( O: 247 634 R: 767133)

Dr V.I.Gigimon, Veterinary Surgeon, Veterinary Dispensary, Varadoor, Wayanad, Kerala, INDIA

Dr Gisha Ravi.V, Vet Surgeon, V Dispensary, Makkada, Kozhikode, Kerala, INDIA

Dr Gopalakrishnan, Vet. Dispensary, Ambalavayal, Wayanad, Kerala, INDIA

Dr Haroon Abdul Rasheed, Vety Surgeon, Vety. Dispensary, Tiruvangadi, Malappuram, Kerala, INDIA, Tel ( R: 0494 410715)

Sister Innocent M.S.H.I, Vimala Rural Health Centre, Puthuvayal, M.T.Nagar(P.O), Nilgiri, INDIA, Tel (R : 04262 41184)

Dr Janardhanan, Kannur

Dr Jayachandran, Senior Manager (P&I), TRCMPU, Sheerabhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, INDIA

Dr A.C.Mohandas, Sr.Vety. Surgeon, Veterinary Hospital, Koyilandy, Kozhikode, Kerala, INDIA, Tel (R: 0495-766229)

Dr P.P.Mujeeb Rehman, Veterinary Surgeon, Thiruvambady, Kozhikode

Dr A. Muraleedharan, Veterinary Surgeon, Regional AI Centre, Kanhangad, Kerala, INDIA, R: 0499-490488

Dr P.Muraleedharan, Vety Surgeon, VD, Eruthempathy, Palakkad, Kerala, INDIA

Dr P.K.Muhsin, District Animal Husbandy Office, Wayanad, Res: Shalimar, PO:Thamarssery, Calicut, Kerala, INDIA, Tel (O:0453-602292 R:0495-223343)

Dr P V Muraleedharan, Veterinary surgeon, Eruthumpathy

Dr K.Ninakumar, 2/54, Agasthianmuzhi, Mukkam(P.O) - 673 602, Kerala, INDIA, R: 0495-2958191

Dr V.N.Ninan, Sr.Vety.Surgeon, Veterinary Hospital, Edakkad, Kannur, Kerala, INDIA, Tel (R: 0497-706860)

Dr Nitya S Ghotge, Co-Director, ‘ANTHRA’, B-224, Sainikpuri, Secunderabad 500 094, Andhra Pradesh, INDIA, Tel (040 7112826, 7113167), Fax: 040 7117933 , E-mail: anthra@hd2 vsnl.net.in

Dr N.Ponnumani, Vet. surgeon, Vet Dispensary, Pallassana, Palakkad

Dr V.V.Pradeep Kumar, Vet. Surgeo, Vet. Dispensary, Kalichanadukkam 671 314, Kasaragod, Tel (O : 0499-756283 R : 0499 - 780876)

Dr Salvan. C.K, Vet. Dispensary, Kottayi, Palakkad, Kerala, INDIA, Tel (R : 0487-695544)

Dr Santhosh Joseph, Veterinary Surgeon, Chembanthotty, Kannur, Kerala, INDIA

Dr V.A. Sapre, Professor of Medicine (Rtd.), Nagpur Veterinary College, Nagpur 440010, INDIA, Res: A/2 Jantar Mantar Flats, Amaravati Road Tel ( R: 0712-525728)

Dr Sagari R Ramdas, Director, ‘ANTHRA’, B-224, Sainikpuri, Secunderabad 500 094, Andhra Pradesh, INDIA, Tel (040 7112826, 7113167), Fax: 040 7117933 , E-mail: anthra@hd2 vsnl.net.in

Mrs Sangeetha Rangnekar, C/O BAIF, PB No 2030, Asarwa Road, Ahmedabad 380016, Gujarat, INDIA

Dr K.M.Satheesan, Veterinary Surgeon, Vet. Dispensary, Karindalam,, Kasaragod, Kerala, INDIA , Tel ( R : 0499-732431)

Dr K.Sethumadhavan, Dist. Animal HusbanDr y Officer, Kasaragod, Res : ‘Soubhagya’, Kuttikol (P.O), Thaliparamba - 670 141, Kerala, INDIA, Tel (O: 0499-430483 R : 0498-202694)

Dr Shaji Paulose, Veterinary Surgeon, Veterinary Dispensary, Kalladikode, Palakkad, Kerala, INDIA, Tel ( O : 0492-446721 R : 0491-815206)

Dr Sivaiha, NDDB, Bangalore, INDIA Tel ( R : 0495 - 767973, 769024)

Dr P.S.Sreeja, Veterinary Surgeon, Calf Feed Subsidy Scheme, Calicut, Kerala, INDIA

Dr K.P.Sunilkumar, Vet.Surgeon, Vet. Polyclinic, Vatakara, Kerala,, INDIA , Tel (R : 0496-588795)

Mr Suresh A Thodiyil, Livestock Inspector, Intensive Cattle Development Sub centre, , Indianoor, Kottakkal 676 503, Kerala, INDIA

Mr Thankachan, Divine Dairy Farm, Meloor (P.O), Chalakkudy, Thrissur, Kerala, INDIA, Tel ( O : 0488-839297)

Dr V.R.Thara, Veterinary Surgeon, Vet. Dispensary, Thariyode, Wayanad, Kerala, INDIA, R :0493-603716

Mr Tony Chittettukulam, C/o Geordy George, Editor-in-charge, Karshakan, Rakstra Deepika Ltd.,, Kottayam, Kerala, INDIA, Tel ( O : 0481-566706)

Dr K V Uma, Veterinary Surgeon, Vet. Dispensary, Kadannamanna, Malappuram, Kerala, INDIA, Tel ( R : 0493-327624, 329492)

Dr T.V.Unnikrishnan, Asst. Project Officer, Regional AI Centre, Kannur, Kerala, INDIA, Tel ( O : 700184 R : 0490-344020)

Dr K.J.Varghese, Kuzhikkattu (H), Chittadi (P.O), Alakkode, Kannur 670 571, Kerala, INDIA, Tel ( R : 0498-285179)

Dr P Vidhyadaran, Veterinary Surgeon, Vet. Dispensary, Chemanchery, Kozhikode, Kerala, INDIA, Tel ( O : 0495-767073, 769024)

Dr Viswanatha Reddy, No. 5, 4th cross, Vinayakanagar, Hebbal, Bangalore 560024, INDIA

Dr P K Warrier , Chief Physisian, Kottakkal Aryavaidyasala, Kottakkal P O, Kerala, INDIA

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