Livestock Management Practices and Barriers to Vaccine Adoption in East Gojam Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

A questionnaire-based survey was conducted in the East Gojam Zone to assess livestock handling practices and generate relevant information for animal keepers and other stakeholders. The study sites were selected based on livestock production potential, disease incidence, and accessibility. A total of 81 household farmers and 12 professionals were participated. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Approximately 56.8% of the households allowed their animals to graze freely, and only 14.8% didn’t mix their animals with others. Approximately 37% of respondents housed animals with humans. Regarding vaccine uptake, 56.3% of them did not vaccinate one or more animal species available in their households. Farmers preferred to vaccinate cattle than other animals (χ2=71.4, p=0.000), and showing a greater willingness to pay for the anthrax vaccine. Dogs were the least vaccinated animals. The reasons were lack of awareness (54.5%), absence of vaccines (6.8%), being far from the vaccination point (6.8%), and vaccines not available in small doses (4.5%). Vaccine provision does not guarantee community-level uptake. Therefore, vaccine uptake barriers and the failure of proper management practices must be addressed. Vaccine formulations need to be revised to allow the vaccination of small numbers without wastage. Home vaccination is required for chickens and pet animals.