Western Kenya Tea Zone

Figure

Typical Problems In This Area

1. The weather conditions are suitable for transmission of stomach and intestinal worms throughout the year, so worm numbers can be high.

2. Because of the relatively cool conditions at this altitude, pasture can remain infective for long periods after it has been last grazed.

3. Liver fluke is present in valley bottoms.

4. SEVERE RISK OF ANTHELMINTIC RESISTANCE.

Features Of The Area That Can Help In Control

1. Farms are often larger than in other areas, so it can be possible for farmers to manage rotational systems.

2. Cattle are often present in numbers which can permit alternate grazing systems to be effective.

3. Rapid grass growth can enable cut and carry systems of animal feeding to be effective.

Control Methods That May Be Useful

· Frequent observation of individual animals and treating only clinical cases.

· Adult cattle can graze areas after sheep, goats or calves in an alternate grazing system.

· Fresh grass grown after a crop has been harvested will be clean. A rotation of cropping and grazing areas can provide constant availability of clean grass (Cropping Rotation).

· Medicated feed blocks can be made with locally available ingredients and provided to the animals overnight in the boma.

· Cut and carry systems can prevent animals grazing and contaminating pasture.

· GUIDELINES FOR USE OF ANTHELMINTICS SHOULD BE CAREFULLY FOLLOWED TO SLOW THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANTHELMINTIC RESISTANCE.