Ethnoveterinary Medicinal Plants for Infectious Disease Management in Livestock: Practices, Evidence, and Research Gaps from Kulbo Forest, Southwest Ethiopia

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> <p>Background Ethnoveterinary medicine plays a crucial role in livestock healthcare in rural communities where access to modern veterinary services is limited. This study aimed to document ethnoveterinary medicinal plant knowledge and assess its cultural importance and conservation status in the Kulbo Forest area of southwest Ethiopia. Methods Data were collected from 138 informants using semi-structured interviews, guided field walks, and group discussions. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV), Relative Importance (RI), and Fidelity Level (FL), were applied to evaluate the significance and reliability of reported plant-based remedies. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess differences in knowledge distribution among informant groups. Results A total of 42 medicinal plant species belonging to 38 genera and 27 families were documented for the treatment of 31 livestock ailments. Fabaceae, Asteraceae, and Euphorbiaceae were the most represented families. Shrubs and herbs were the dominant growth forms, and most plants (68%) were harvested from wild forest habitats. Leaves (41%) and roots (33%) were the most frequently used plant parts, with remedies mainly prepared from fresh materials using infusion and decoction methods. Oral administration was the predominant route (67%). High ICF values were recorded for gastrointestinal (0.87), respiratory (0.84), and ectoparasitic (0.81) disease categories, indicating strong agreement among informants. Ethnoveterinary knowledge was significantly higher among older informants (p &lt; 0.001). A limited number of species showed high cultural importance based on UV, RI, and FL indices. Conclusions Ethnoveterinary knowledge in the Kulbo Forest area is rich but unevenly distributed and highly dependent on natural forest resources. The observed reliance on wild plant species, combined with threats such as agricultural expansion and overharvesting, poses risks to both plant diversity and knowledge continuity. Community-based conservation strategies, including domestication and sustainable harvesting, are essential to ensure the long-term availability of ethnoveterinary resources and support livestock health management.</p>