Ethnoveterinary plant remedies and practices used for treatment of chicken diseases in Dodoma, Tanzania

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Background</h3> Traditional medicines from plants used to treat poultry diseases are potential candidates for developing new drugs amidst growing antibiotic resistance. Ethnoveterinary practices concerning poultry are prevalent among local communities in the Dodoma region, primarily due to restricted access to and affordability of modern veterinary drugs. This study explores a diversity of plant remedies, methods of preparation, and dosages for treating chickens in Dodoma. <h3>Methodology</h3> This study employed a cross-sectional design, utilizing a semi-structured questionnaire to gather information on traditional practices and plant species from 131 local chicken keepers across three wards. Data analysis involved the application of statistical indices, including the informant consensus factor, frequency of use, and fidelity level. Descriptive statistics, such as percentages and tables, were used to present data related to proportional categories and dosage administration. <h3>Results</h3> This study documented 22 medicinal plants from 15 families used to treat chicken diseases, including Newcastle disease, Gumboro, and Fowl cholera. Fresh plants were primarily collected from the wilderness, with <i>Aloe secundiflora</i> and <i>Azadirachta indica</i> identified as the most frequently used species, exhibiting use frequency indices of 60.405 and 25.191, respectively. Preparation methods were crushing and grinding of the bark or leaves mixed with water. Oral route of administration was predominant 89.5 %, while external application comprised 21.7 %. The high Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) values were observed for species treating Newcastle and respiratory diseases (0.952), dermatological diseases (0.857), and external parasites (0.826). <i>Terminalia stuhlmanni</i>, <i>Capsicum annuum</i>, and <i>Ocimum gratissimum</i> exhibited the highest fidelity levels (100 %), followed by <i>Aloe secundiflora</i> (94.9 %), <i>Azadirachta indica</i> (84.8 %). In contrast, cactus species demonstrated significantly lower fidelity levels, indicating differential reliance on these plants in traditional practices. <h3>Conclusion</h3> This research paper represents a systematic effort to document traditional plant remedies used to treat poultry diseases and further phytochemical testing will contributes to the development of novel therapeutic agents in the context of rising antibiotic resistance.