Study on abortions in livestock

STAFF REPORTER



WINDHOEK

Farmers are requested to participate in a research study to learn more about diseases that can cause abortions in livestock.

Neosporosis and toxoplasmosis are two very important livestock diseases that are known to cause abortions in cattle and small stock.

During the 2016 to 2018 abortion outbreak in the country, there were not any tests done for these two diseases.

Consequently, it is unknown whether these diseases occur in Namibia and whether farmers are even aware of them.

It is with this background that the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Namibia’s (Unam) Neudamm Campus is conducting research on the topic.

One component of the research is to interview farmers about their practices as well as their knowledge of these two diseases.

The Namibia Agricultural Union was approached to request members to complete a questionnaire. The results obtained from the research will form the basis for advice and education regarding these two diseases.

For enquiries, contact Alaster Samkange, head of the department of clinical studies of production animals at the School of Veterinary Science, at 081 242 9053 or 061 206 4179.