Animal-related accidents on farms are more common than one would think. That’s right, apart from diseases, farm animals can easily sustain physical injuries from fence cuts, livestock handling, a festering abscess, and even bites from other animals.
So what can farmers do to nurse their animals back to health? Not all farmers have access to veterinarians, especially in far-flung areas, and have to administer first aid themselves.
According to crop and herb farmer, Lupho Kula in Nyanga, Cape Town medicinal plants are an effective way of treating livestock injuries, at least until a veterinarian steps in.
1. Kalanchoe lanceolata
“Kalanchoe lanceolata, also known as intelezi, is an effective treatment [method] for animal wounds. It takes some time for the wound to heal, but it works wonders once it has,” Kula says.
Amongst the Ba Tswana people, it is commonly known as ‘moithimodiso’. Moithimodiso means “something that makes you sneeze”.
Kalanchoe lanceolata is a succulent, annual herb, cultivated globally in the horticultural industry as a popular ornamental plant. It is also used in many rural communities as traditional medicine.
2. Aloe vera
Kula also suggests tiger aloe vera, a usually spiny leaf plant arranged in neat rosettes, and tall candle-like inflorescence.
Aloes have a very long history of medicinal, cosmetic and cultural uses. Many early civilisations were familiar with the healing properties of aloe vera in particular.
Parts of the leaf display antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties and are recently also claimed to have antiviral properties. This makes it a very commonly used remedy for skin irritations, cuts, abrasions, minor burns, sunburn, and bruises.
“Simply remove the leaf sap by cutting open a leaf from the plant, breaking it open, and applying it where the wound is,” Kula explains.
3. Bulbine latifolia
Bulbine latifolia is another option, says Kula. According to him, these aloe-like plants are good for wounds and bug bites, amongst others.
This plant is popular among traditional healers. The roots are used, taken orally to quell vomiting and diarrhoea, but also for a number of other ailments, including diabetes. The leaf sap is used to treat wounds, burns, eczema, rashes and itches.
“The gel that is extracted from the leaves is rubbed into the wound to heal livestock and human wounds,” Kula says.
4. Safe to use fluids
Meanwhile, Olwethu Laho, an animal scientist from Cofimvaba, Eastern Cape, says wounds on livestock should be treated with care and urgency.
He advises farmers to first apply ice, as it helps to constrict the blood vessels and halt bleeding.
“Use water or a diluted disinfectant to flush the wound as a first aid measure. The fluid washes away harmful germs and dust while also gently compressing the pliable tissues to promote healing,” he explains.
Laho doesn’t recommend alcohol injections since they cause pain and irritation to the animal. However, diluted iodine or another antibacterial disinfectant may be used as an alternative.
5. Good old antibiotics
To prevent further infection, Laho suggests using an antibiotic and covering the wound loosely with a clean dressing.
In the event of an abscess, as these infections often result from the introduction of germs via the skin through an external object, he advises that at the first hint of swelling, a minor wound should be checked.
“Snip off a tuft of fur and clean the area with a wet washcloth. If you let the wound drain for a while, the fluid will eventually flow out. Using gentle pressure, drain the wound completely.”
Furthermore, he says, if antibiotics are administered shortly after an abscess is discovered, the infection may be cleared very quickly.
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