Sevidzem Silas Lendzele1*, Koumba Aubin Armel1 , Mintsa Nguema Rodrigue1 , Mavoungou Jacques Francois1 and Kong Anita Burinyuy2
Background: Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is endemic in Adamawa and hampers production and the health of animals with no routine vaccination in dairy and beef farms leading to significant economic losses to farmers. Although the disease has already been reported in the region, surveys on clinical Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in dairy farms are lacking.
Objective: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of clinical Foot-and- Mouth Disease (FMD) as well as to assess farmer’s knowledge and practices on the disease in dairy cattle farms in Adamawa.
Methods: Clinical diagnosis using classical Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) signs and semi-structured interviews were conducted from November to December 2019, during the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak period in Adamawa.
Results: Of the 401 animals examined for clinical Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in 11 dairy farms, the overall clinical Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) prevalence was 22.19% and most cases were identified in Herd 2 of Mbidjoro village besides the Ngaoundere cattle market. Of the 21 dairy farmers interviewed, 100% of them could identify clinical Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) cases. Low biosecurity level during hand milking practiced by 100% of farmers could spread the disease. About 100% of farmers witnessed a drop in milk production in clinically sick animals.
Conclusion: Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) clinical cases are frequent in dairy herds and are easily recognized and managed by farmers. The local milking techniques could enhance the spread of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) during outbreaks. Further investigations on Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) in dairy herds using molecular and serological tools as well as associated risk factors are required.
