ABSTRACT
Appraisal of foot and mouth disease [FMD] outbreaks in Ilesha baruba LGA, Kwara state in Nigeria was conducted to establish the knowledge, attitude and management control system practiced by the Fulani herdsmen. Participatory appraisal approach using designed questions in an open ended interview with the herdsmen during outbreak investigation in December, 2010, January, February, and March, 2011 was employed. Overall Morbidity, Mortality and Case fatality rates of 19.82%, 0.92% and 4.63% respectively was recorded in fifteen outbreaks investigated. Semi nomadic husbandry management system characterized by no history of FMD vaccination was mostly practiced in the affected herds. Yakana [white Fulani] and Bokoloji breeds were the most affected manifesting with very severe forms of clinical signs. Common source of water points predisposed these in-contact cattle with other herds, sheep, goats and donkeys but not wildlife. Response of the Fulani herdsmen showed all can recognize FMD and that all ages, sex, breeds of cattle could be affected by the disease expect donkeys. No particular season was associated with FMD occurrence. It was also gathered that some herdsmen use local herbs and drug medication. Inadequate veterinary service which compels them to engage a few common service providers was emphasized by the herdsmen. Finally, non treatable cattle are usually sold to butchers for human consumption at a reduce market value as death of affected cattle was usually avoided. All responses were independent and statistically significant by chi square [P<0.05]. This finding confirmed that FMD is a serious problem amongst the Fulani livestock pastoralist which requires a proactive intervention plan