Paraveterinary medicine An information kit on low-cost health care practices

Based on intensive field experiences with small-scale livestock producers in the Philippines, this set of four manuals covers the essentials of keeping healthy livestock in the tropics. The manuals cover ruminants (cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats), pigs and chickens. All the practices recommended are cheap and easily available in local veterinary or farm supply stores.

Compiled by Nita Cueva-Abena, an experienced veterinarian, and pretested with Filipino farmers, these manuals are written in simple, non-technical language and are clearly illustrated with line drawings. They will be invaluable for field practitioners and paraveterinarians throughout the tropics.

Booklet 1. Restraining animals and simple treatments

• Guidelines on restraining and examining animals, calculating dosages, administering medicine, and emergency procedures.

Booklet 2. Basic husbandry practices and veterinary care

• Descriptions of major livestock types, breeding, care of young animals, nutrition, deworming, vaccination and other basic husbandry techniques.

Booklet 3. Disease control and treatment

• Brief descriptions of 13 diseases and problems in ruminants, 14 in pigs, 6 in chickens, and 5 diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. For each disease, the booklet gives the causes, symptoms, several treatment alternatives, and prevention methods.

Booklet 4. Herbal medicine for animals

• Descriptions of 15 types of medicinal plants, what diseases they are used to treat, and how to prepare and apply them.

Boxed set of four books. 191 pp. Published 1996 by the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction, Silang, Cavite 4118, Philippines, tel. +63-46-414 2417; fax +63-46-414 2420 or +63-2-522-2494; email bookstore@iirr.org. ISBN 0-942717-63-5.

Available on the Community Development Library

Also available online:

• Booklet 1: Restraining animals and simple treatments
• Booklet 2: Basic husbandry practices and veterinary care
• Booklet 3: Disease control and treatment
• Booklet 4: Herbal medicine for animals

Role of Paul Mundy: Overall responsibility for production