Sustainable Utilization of Indigenous Plants to Mitigate Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases amongst Selected Rural Households of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Abstract

The objective of the study was to explore IK used to control ticks and associated diseases. A structured questionnaire (n = 250) were administered randomly to collect IK amongst the households active in goat production. Challenges on the use of ethno veterinary plants were also captured using focus group discussions. There was an association between goat ownership and gender, males used IK (70%) more than their female counterparts. Ticks were ranked as the major ectoparasites affecting goat productivity. Amongst ticks, Amblyomma species were ranked as the most important. Cissus quadrangularis. Lin (32%), Gomphocarpus physocarpus E. Mey (27%) and Portulaca pilosa L. (25%) plants had the highest FL values for their use to control ticks. Four plant species were identified to treat goats against tick-borne diseases. Pittosporum viridiflorum Sims and Boophane disticha were reported to treat heart water. Aloe marlothii A.Berger and Erythrophleum africanum (Benth.) Harms plants cure anaplasmosis. Livestock farmers hold substantial knowledge of ethno-veterinary plants to control ticks and their associated challenges. More research is required to affirm the acaricidal properties claimed to promote and optimize sustainable use of these medicinal plants.