Breeder’s knowledge on ticks and tick-borne diseases and management strategies in Menoua division (Western region of Cameroon)

Cattle are challenged by numerous tick species in the western highlands of Cameroon. Consequently, several tick-borne diseases (TBDs) are known to be endemic in this region. To face this situation, farmers mainly resort to the use of chemical acaricides. But to date, no study has focused its attention on the evaluation of tick control methods in this area. Therefore, the present study was designed to assess the knowledge and practices of breeders against ticks and TBDs in Menoua Division. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in 4 Sub-divisions of Menoua Division. Breeders who consented to the study were interviewed using semi structured questionnaires. Interviews were conducted in French, English or local language (Fulfulde). The questionnaire was made of 25 questions sectioned into; (i) farmer’s knowledge on ticks and TBDs, (ii) treatment practices of infested animals and, (iii) the estimated amount spent for vector control of ticks. All the breeders interviewed had a good knowledge on ticks and the main direct effects they inflict on animals. However, only 7% of respondents associated ticks to the main TBDs. Manual removal and chemical control using synthetic acaricides (usually pyrethrinoids) were the main methods of tick control. Despite the multiplication of treatments (on average 1/week), their effectiveness was not perceived by almost all breeders (82.0%; n = 82) who complained of treatment failures, regardless of the sites and molecules used. In addition, each farm spent on average 8, 521 ± 2, 968 CFAF (US$16.08 ± 5.6)/month for vector control. That is a cumulative amount of CFAF 588, 000 (US$1, 109.45)/month and CFAF 7, 056, 000 FCFA (US $ 13, 313.49)/year for all the farms visited. The lack of pasture (OR = 43.5; p