Woman milking a water buffalo
Possible Improvements for the Water Buffaloes of Egypt
The majority of the management and a large number of the health related problems which I saw in the water buffaloes of the Nile delta region of Egypt had two main causes. The first of which is based on the economic conditions of the small scale farmers which do not allow them to feed an adequate amount and quality of concentrate to their water buffaloes. Economic constraints can also be attributed to some of the poor housing conditions, but with improved education many of these conditions can at least be improved. Lack of extension services is the second biggest problem facing the small scale farmers in Egypt. Educational programs dealing with improved hygiene for milking practices, improved waste management and ventilation for the animals, and improved parasite control measures would have a dramatic affect on the condition of many of the water buffaloes as well as improving their economic value. For these programs to work, however, they need to be aimed at the appropriate caretakers. Milking hygiene education should be aimed at the women of the villages who do the majority of milking, whereas, education dealing with waste management and housing need to be primarily directed towards the men. Local veterinarians need to take an active role in the education of farmers since they are in the best position to educate and advise due to the respect which they are given.
Organizations dealing with animal disease:
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
Office International des Epizooties (OIE)
International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS)