Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to brucellosis among cattle farmers, meat handlers and medical professionals in Namibia

Abstract

Background Brucellosis is a re‐emerging zoonosis of significant socio‐economic, animal and public health importance. It is principally a foodborne or occupation‐associated infection of humans, whose effective control depends on maximum cooperation of high‐risk populations. Objectives The study assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to brucellosis among cattle farmers (communal and commercial), meat handlers (abattoir and butchery workers) and medical professionals (nurses and doctors) in Namibia. Methods Between June 2019 and September 2020, self‐administered questionnaires and questionnaire interviews were carried out in cattle farmers ( n = 264), meat handlers ( n = 143) and medical professionals ( n = 124) in Namibia. Results Overall, 43.50% (231/531) of respondents were aware of brucellosis, with the highest awareness among medical professionals (73.39%, 91/124) and the least in meat handlers (13.99%, 20/143). Awareness of brucellosis was associated with tertiary education ( p < 0.001) and the medical profession ( p < 0.001). However, most medical professionals (98.39%, 122/124) did not consider brucellosis as a differential diagnosis in cases of persistent febrile illness. A proportion of communal (85.60%) and commercial (71.00%) farmers; abattoir workers (44.40%); butchers (53.50%); nurses (55.60%); and medical doctors (28.00%) consumed raw milk. Conclusions The study identified the purchase of animals of unknown health status; assisting cow delivery; handling of aborted fetuses with no protective wear; consumption of raw milk, homemade cheese, cattle testes and undercooked livers, as risk factors for Brucella infection in cattle and humans. Thus, intensified risk communication, including public health education, is recommended, in particular, among meat handlers and communal farmers, to promote awareness and discourage risky practices.

Farmers’ perceptions of bovine brucellosis in Benin

“…[ 51 ] in Nigeria, Madzingira et al . [ 52 ] in Namibia, and Babo et al . [ 53 ] in Côte d’Ivoire also reported low awareness of brucellosis among livestock farmers.…”

“…Madzingira et al . [ 52 ] and Mangesho et al . [ 77 ] pointed out that veterinary agents and other animal health actors who were aware of the disease do not have different practices from farmers who were unaware of the disease.…”

“…Kang'ethe et al [47] reported a similar level of knowledge (30%) in Kenya. Furthermore, Kansiime et al [48] in south-western Uganda, Edao et al [49] in Ethiopia, Cloete et al [50] in South Africa, Cadmus et al [51] in Nigeria, Madzingira et al [52] in Namibia, and Babo et al [53] in Côte d'Ivoire also reported low awareness of brucellosis among livestock farmers. Buhari et al [54] reported high levels (93%) of awareness of brucellosis among cattle farmers in Kaduna State, northern Nigeria.…”

“…As shown in this study, there is no link between education level and knowledge of disease. Madzingira et al [52] and Mangesho et al [77] pointed out that veterinary agents and other animal health actors who were aware of the disease do not have different practices from farmers who were unaware of the disease. This suggests that all stakeholders in the cattle value chain should be fully aware of the risks associated with this disease and the best practices to be adopted.…”

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Brucellosis Among the General Population in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The study found that the level of awareness of brucellosis is relatively low, with a 43.5% awareness level among participants, with medical professionals exhibiting the highest level of awareness. This highlights the need for improved education and awareness programs [ 8 ]. A study conducted in Kenya revealed that knowledge of brucellosis is generally low among 120 pastoralists.…”