**Abstract**

Most resource-constrained smallholder farmers rely on ethnoveterinary medicine to treat village chicken diseases. An in-depth literature review and empirical study was conducted to establish ethnoveterinary practices used in indigenous chicken health management. The study showed that most village chicken farmers were female (70%). Most farmers kept chickens for socio-economic purposes; food, status and income. Common birds' ailments treated and controlled using EVPs include Fowl Cholera; Pullorum; Diarrhea; Gumboro; Avian Influenza; Ngorok & Snot (Infectious Coryza); Bloody & watery diarrhea (Coccidiosis). Variety of materials were used to treat and control chicken diseases either as purely indigenous methods or in combination with conventional medicines. Among the practices, medicinal plants like *Aloe vera* emerged as the most commonly used botanical plant. More so, both literature and the empirical study, showed that farmers prepared and applied *A. vera* uniquely depending on the region and type of *A. vera*. Majority of remedies are used to treat more than one ailment. It is recommended that these practices be preserved and considered for new drug advancement and commercialization to promote cheaper and environmentally friendly options for poultry health management.

**Keywords:** chicken diseases, ethnoveterinary medicine, medicinal plants, village chickens, smallholder farmers

#### **1. Introduction**

The use of traditional medicinal practices in animal health management also referred to as Ethnoveterinary Practices (EVPs) dates back to the time in memorial [1, 2]. Since the onset of industrial revolution, the use of EVPS like medicinal plants and herbs began to decline as the preferred alternative to conventional medicine. Recently, their use is gaining attention and importance in modern day

practices that pursue organic solutions to health problems emanating from the use of the populous conventional medicine [3]. This shift is prompted by sustainability, comprehensiveness, cost effectiveness, availability and environmental friendliness of medicinal plants, traditional practices and herbs [4]. Resultantly, this necessitated a revisit to traditional grassroots medicines and paradigm shift to modern day animal health practices. This chapter critically reviews literature and empirical documents on medicinal plants or herbs and other traditional practices and approaches used in the control and treatment of indigenous village chicken diseases. Village chickens are domestic fowls of either indigenous type or any genetic stock, improved or unimproved [5, 6]. Almost every household in rural sector owns a chicken. The chickens play a significant role towards rural household income, food security and rural development [7]. Despite their substantial importance, they are significantly affected by diseases and parasites infections and infestations. Specifically, an inventory of common indigenous chicken disease types as well as medicinal plants or herbs resources used, their availability, parts used, harvesting methods, preparation and their therapeutic value are investigated and documented. This is key to promote awareness and avoid extinction of valuable information.
