Factors limiting veterinary service delivery at animal health facilities in selected districts of West Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia

Abstract

Livestock diseases continue to threaten livestock production in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, due to inadequate veterinary services. However, little is known about the factors limiting effective veterinary service delivery at local animal health facilities. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2024 in Bako Tibe, Toke Kutaye, and Ambo districts of West Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, to assess these limiting factors. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 100 purposively selected respondents, including 62 clients, 12 public veterinary clinics, 13 private veterinary pharmacists, and 13 government administrative employees. Data were analyzed using STATA version 14@. Descriptive statistics summarized the data, and the chi-square (χ2) test and Fisher’s Exact Test (FET) examined associations between the hypothesized and dependent variables. The study identified several limitations in veterinary service delivery. Many respondents reported a lack of basic veterinary equipment, with varying levels of agreement across districts (FET < 0.05). Awareness of illegal drug sellers was high: 100%, and 83.3% in Bako Tibe and Ambo, respectively (FET < 0.05). Laboratory results were underutilized for treatment, with 75.0% in Bako Tibe and 50.0% in Ambo not using them (p > 0.05). Additionally, veterinary drugs were often administered without a veterinarian’s prescription: 100%, 55%, and 86.4% in Toke Kutaye, Bako Tibe, and Ambo, respectively (FET < 0.05). These findings indicate that multiple factors constrain veterinary service delivery in the study area. To address this, an integrated, multi-sectoral approach is recommended, including improved veterinary infrastructure, strengthened public–private partnerships, and a coordinated animal health information system to support livestock production sectors.