Table 5 Distribution of positive versus negative views with regards to the applicability of udder health interventions mentioned in 13 focus group discussions (FGDs) with camel pastoralists in Isiolo County, Kenya, 2022. The table shows the number of positive/negative viewpoints that were voiced per intervention in total, not using each FGD as the point of measure. Direct quotes exemplifying some of the voiced opinions is included for each intervention
Suggested intervention | Positive | Negative | Positive comment | Negative comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
California Mastitis Test | 12 | 2 | “We have tested using the CMT and could clearly see the diseased ones and the healthy ones.” | “It can be difficult to use because the herders are with the camels and even if they are given instructions” they may do or not, you cannot control |
Milking order | 12 | 3 | “[We are] already doing that, milking the old and the ones with disease last.” | “This is not possible because you can’t control the baby that is coming from the boma (that is what is deciding the milking order).” |
Teat dipping | 12 | 5 | “After milking is very possible. If before, the camel will hold the milk.” | “Not possible to use teat dipping, camel will not allow it. They could kick the bucket of milk so it would spill.” |
Hand disinfectant | 8 | 8 | “This could be used, problem is that people use water but sometimes it is not available so if they could have an alternative that could be used.” | “[We] don’t us it. It is not possible. It can cause harm to the udder itself. Some disinfectants have spirit inside them, they can cause harm to the herd itself.” |
Wiping udder with cloth | 5 | 9 | “It depends on the camel, some would only allow the calf to suckle, some you can help and for them, wet wipes would be very possible.” | “Impossible, camels will not allow wet things touching their teats. Herders usually clean with their bare hands without water. Before milking they wash their hands.” |
Using gloves | 5 | 12 | “[We] have never tried using gloves but if they could get them maybe they could use them. The problem is that you have to find them and buy them. Camels are far away in the bush, they cannot access the gloves. Maybe the camel owner is in Isiolo and the herder is somewhere far away and when the gloves are used up, he cannot get new gloves.” | “Using gloves is not possible, the teats are usually hard in comparison with the cattle ones, use of gloves is not easy. Gloves slide.” |