When farmers’ knowledge matters: Improving epidemiological understanding of Peste des petits ruminants in northern Nigeria

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an endemic disease of sheep and goats in Nigeria and represents a major threat to the livelihoods of smallholders. Understanding the epidemiology of this disease and its management by livestock farmers is essential for developing appropriate surveillance and control programmes. This study aimed to enhance the knowledge about PPR by conducting a large-scale survey in 52 villages in Plateau, Bauchi and Kano states in the northern part of Nigeria. Our approach involved holding focus group discussions with farmers, both men and women, to collect their knowledge about the disease and to understand their perspectives on its management. The results showed that farmers use several different terms to refer to diseases that are likely to be PPR, and that these same terms might also be used to refer to diseases caused by other infectious agents. Farmers rarely call on veterinary services to prevent the disease and vaccination is seldom practiced. Disease control is attempted using conventional treatments, with or without veterinary supervision, or using traditional therapies. There is limited or poor implementation of good farming practices such as biosecurity measures. This study has increased our understanding of PPR and its management in areas with limited public and private veterinary services. In addition, it has also fostered trust between scientists and communities, paving the way for future participatory action research programmes.