Ethnoveterinary research

Indigenous communities possess important botanical knowledge, which are used for different purposes; such as the development of medical products for the treatment of diseases in domestic animals. In order to recover this traditional knowledge, WCS supported two theses from students of the Public University of El Alto (UPEA). The first study was conducted in communities of Apolobamba. Tests were conducted for the control of gastrointestinal parasites in alpacas (Lama pacos) with infusions on sasahui (Senecio jarae), akhana (Senecio apolobambensis) and a combination of both. After 30 days of treatment it was determined that sasahui controls nematodes, while akhana is effective for the control of cestodes and nematodes.

The second study focused on the effects of the latex and fruit of bibosi (Ficus glabrata) in the control of gastrointestinal parasites in the pigs of 10 families in the Takana communities of San Silvestre and Tumupasa. The results showed the effectiveness of the bibosi resin in the control of nematode parasites.