An Assessment of Tick-Borne Diseases Constraints to Livestock Production in a Smallholder Livestock Production System: a Case of Njiru District, Kenya

Abstract

ABSTRACT The principle objective of the study was to determine the tick- borne diseases constraints to livestock production in Njiru District, Kenya. The survey was carried out in six locations, clusterly selected and spread across the district. 120 livestock farmers were sampled into the study. Proportion to size sampling was done in all locations for the study. Pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection. The study results shows that tick infestation affects livestock production especially in the prevalence of tick borne diseases (53 percent) followed by tick infestation worry (45 percent), toxicosis (39 percent), and the cost of tick control especially acaricides costs 37.5 percent and mortality rate of the livestock 20.8 percent. The study results shows that tick infestation negatively affect farmer’s livelihood. Tick infestation has impacted in reduction of income of farmers (72.5 percent) and resulted to food insecurity (30 percent) with 1 percent seeking non-farm employment. The tick control measures need to be strategized in the district especially provision of extension services and government veterinary services. Keywords: tick borne diseases, small holders, production, Kenya