Disease Management Practices among Rabbit Farmers in Enugu State Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract The study assessed disease management practices among rabbit farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria. Structured interview schedule was used for data collection from 67 respondents in the state, using snow ball sampling technique. Descriptive statistics was used in data analyses. The findings revealed that the majority of the rabbit farmers were single males with mean age of 20years and 1.2years of experience in rabbit farming on the average. The majority (73.1%) of the respondents had a stock size of 1-10 rabbits with 2 rabbits on the average. New Zealand white was the most possessed and preferred breed. Greater proportion (55.2%) of the respondents obtained their breeding stock from other farmers, with health status being the most important factor considered when selecting breeding stock. The study established that 68.9% of the respondents used modern drugs in treatment of diseases and hence, recommended that extension should reach out to rabbit farmers with relevant information that could boost their production and in turn increase their living standard. Keywords: Disease, Rabbit, Management, Enugu State