ASSESSMENT THE OWNER’S AWARENESS TOWARDS LIVESTOCK DISEASES AT RURAL OF IRAQ

Abstract

   Livestock production is a source of food for many people in rural and urban areas in Iraq and all the world. This study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge of 200 owners about  the health problems of their animals in the countryside surrounding the city of Baghdad also to document the health status of 400 heads of livestock (cows, sheep, goats and buffalo) brought with the owners  to the veterinary clinics. The questionnaire contained 19 questions about different aspects of suitable veterinary practices. It appears that the negative attitudes observed among herd owners are that only 30% give periodic vaccinations on a regular basis , 40% of owners make an immediate visit to the veterinary clinic when a critical condition occurs, such as dystocia, retained placenta, 20% of them breed sheep or goats in their herds separately . The study indicated that positive attitudes are limited, critical and not at a satisfactory level. The main health problems faced by the herds were. 40%parasitic infections, 20% diarrhea and mastitis each one, 10%bloat and acidosis. Therefore, it is necessary to provide owners the newest knowledge by cooperation with governmental agricultural extension institutions to develop their herds. The livestock breeding profession has good financial returns and provides self-sufficiency for the individual and society if it is used properly.