Assessment of rabbit farmers’ knowledge in Bunia (Democratic Republic of the Congo) regarding coccidiosis and mange in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59228/rcst.026.v5.i4.358Keywords:
Rabbit farming, knowledge, coccidiosis, mange, BuniaAbstract
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), rabbit farming may contribute to food security, particularly in fragile settings such as Ituri. However, the management of parasitic diseases, especially coccidiosis and mange, may limit farm performance. This study aimed to describe the level of knowledge of rabbit farmers in Bunia regarding coccidiosis and mange in rabbits. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 40 rabbit farmers recruited using non-probability sampling combining purposive and snowball approaches. Data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire and summarized using counts, proportions, and 95% confidence intervals. None of the surveyed rabbit farmers had received formal training in rabbit farming, and 15% had received technical support. The proportion reporting no knowledge of the causes of coccidiosis was 92.5%, compared with 82.5% for mange. In addition, 75% did not know the symptoms of coccidiosis, whereas 75% reported knowing the symptoms of mange. Modern treatments were rarely reported: 7.5% for coccidiosis and 12.5% for mange. In this sample, reported knowledge of coccidiosis was particularly limited, whereas some aspects of mange, especially its clinical signs, were better known. Context-appropriate training and technical support may help improve rabbit farmers’ health-management practices.
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