This archive report was first published on 23 May 2020.
May 23, 2020 - By JECINTA MWIRIGI
Traditional medicine has been used to treat livestock ailments for thousands of years, with various cultures developing unique practices and remedies.
India, for example, has a sophisticated medical culture with a tradition of over 5,000 years, while in Kenya, ethno-veterinary medicine (EVM) is highly practiced by pastoral communities.
However, the use of EVM requires caution due to potential interactions with modern drugs, seasonality and geographical distribution of plants used as traditional medicine, presence of quacks and unregistered traditional animal healers, variability and lack of standardization, and inability by herbal drugs to kill viruses.
One of the EVMs whose use is on the increase is the aloe plant species, which includes Aloe secundiflora and Aloe vera.
There is a misconception that these plants are a 'treat it all', leading to their indiscriminate use and resulting in massive losses, especially in poultry.
However, the aloes can treat coccidiosis in poultry, a disease characterized by bloody diarrhea or blood-stained faecal material, bacterial diseases such as colibacillosis, fowl cholera, and infectious coryza among others.
Post-mortem examination of birds treated with the aloe species has shown that prolonged use has contributed to deaths.
Magadi soda is also used to treat bloating (accumulation of gas in the rumen) in cattle, sheep, and goats, among other ailments.
For now, venturing into EVM requires caution, and farmers should consult with veterinarians before using these remedies.
