Regulatory compliance of small holder livestock farmers and herdsmen in the use of acaricides and gastrointestinal anthelmintics in sub-urban Accra, Ghana

Abstract

Labelling information on Acaricides and Anthelmintics were monitored in some small scale livestock
farms in suburban Accra to ascertain compliance to the Ghana Standard Authority regulations. 77
livestock farms were visited to record labelling information on Acaricide and Anthelmintics cans, bottles
and boxes. Farmer age groups, academic background, numeracy, responsibility in acaricide and
anthelmintics application and the types of acaricides and anthelmintics being used by the farmers were
monitored. LC values were not conspicuously displayed on all the acaricides monitored whilst only 1
acaricide did not have manufacturing date.17 varied acaricides were used within the study period. Most of
the acaricides and anthelmintics complied with the necessary regulations. In most instances, formulation
procedures were based on what colleague farmers related to them. We therefore concluded that with the
low level of education and the varied usage of acaricides, there was the potential of improper usage of
the acaricides that could lead consequently to resistant tick species. And also that various levels of
misapplication of both the acaricides and anthelmintics had occurred in the study areas as a result of
their low educational background, incomplete labelling information and varied acaricides and
anthelmintics.