Foreword

These manuals have been written with the simplest language possible for the convenience of the intended user—the animal health practitioners or ("pare-vets") working in isolated rural communities. It is not designed to be a complete veterinary medicine reference material. But rather, aims to present the most important animal health problems commonly encountered and some of the most effective, but simple treatments.

The manuals are based upon experiences documented through a series of intensive field work activities over a one-year period with a group of livestock small-holders living and working in Cavite province of the Philippines. The manuals were first produced in a draft form in early 1994. The manuals were then pretested by a group of small-scale animal producers in June of that year.

The manuals are divided into four separate booklets:

1 Restraining animals and simple treatments
2 Basic husbandry practices and veterinary care
3 Disease control and treatment
4 Herbal medicine for animals

Common antibiotics, hormone vitamins and dewormers mentioned are mostly in solution. For dosages on the mixtures prescribed, see page 12 of Restraining animals and simple treatments.

We hope that these manuals will help rural animal health practitioners to identify and remedy common health problems which they may encounter in their work. Further, we hope that this humble contribution will truly help practicing "pare-vets" to make greater contributions as partners in the veterinary profession.

We would like to gratefully acknowledge the funding support provided by the Canada Fund-Philippines of the CIDA through the Canadian Embassy. Their support financed the fieldwork upon which these manuals are based, as well as the actual production and printing of the manuals. Their continued assistance to the betterment of the rural communities of the Philippines is greatly appreciated.

Nita Cueva-Abena wrote the first draft of these manuals. Ms. Abena is a practicing rural veterinarian. She has worked with a feedmill operated by a cooperative and has worked as a veterinarian within rural development and extension programs. She is presently involved with two veterinary clinics which cater to both food and companion animals. She is also a consultant to swine production farms.