Role of Ethno-veterinary Practices (EVP) in reducing antimicrobial resistance in livestock production systems: a field experience

Abstract text (including references) A high disease incidence in Indian cross-bred dairy cows leads to high economic losses. Widespread use of antimicrobials and other veterinary drugs in dairy animals cause (a) residues in animal products and (b) a rising number of antimicrobial resistances, both related to consumer's health hazards. The traditional health care approaches have effective solutions for humans, animals and agriculture. The Ethnoveterinary Program of the Trans-disciplinary University of Bangalore documented local ethnoveterinary practices (EVP) in cooperation with the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University. Using the rapid assessment method [1] 353 out of the 460 documented ethnoveterinary formulations could be assessed as safe and efficacious. One forty medicinal plants were used in these formulations They subsequently mainstreamed in to the livestock primary health care through field veterinarians and farmers. Veterinarians (154) were trained for using EVP to manage 15 clinical diseases in livestock. They were given practical training for identification of the plants and raw drug, preparation of the formulations and the application under field conditions. We have also trained 2700 farmers for managing and preventing certain clinical diseases in dairy animals using EVP. The Field study using the fresh EVP formulation for mastitis on 314 cases in three states (Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu) indicated 97 & efficacy. 240 milk sample collected from the farmers of different milk cooperative from Kerala and Karnataka before and after intervention showed 18 to 49% residue in the milk which indicative EVP-based natural products is an effective alternative to synthetic chemicals in dairy farming. [1]