Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Ticks, Tick-Borne Pathogens, and Tick Prevention among Beef Producers in Oklahoma

Abstract

Tick-borne diseases are increasing in the United States, with regional need to understand how knowledge of ticks translates into preventative behavior among specific occupational groups. Little is known regarding what livestock producers know about ticks and their perceived personal and herd-based risk despite being one of the largest agro-industries in the United States. Using a nonprobability convenience sampling protocol, 183 beef producers representing 65% of the counties in Oklahoma completed a 15-question survey focused on knowledge of ticks and perceived risks ticks pose to their cattle and themselves, their methods of prevention (personal and their cattle), and sources of information. Most producers thought ticks were not a major problem for their cattle (58%), themselves, their families, and those who worked for them (66%). Most were personally concerned about spotted fever group rickettsiosis (79%) but had never heard of ehrlichiosis (9%). Eighty-five percent used at least one type of personal protective behavior, and 86% used at least one source of information for issues with ticks on their cattle. As the first published tickfocused survey involving livestock producers in the United States, it is apparent that beef producers in the central region are cognizant of ticks on their cattle and perceive ticks to be a risk on some level. However, increasing their knowledge of all areas of ticks and tick-borne pathogens, especially preventative measures for humans and cattle, is needed.

An Epidemiological Survey Regarding Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases among Livestock Owners in Punjab, Pakistan: A One Health Context

“…Despite the above, few studies have been conducted and published on people's knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding tick and TBDs, with even fewer from Pakistan, where TBDs are causing devastating economic losses [50][51][52][53][54][55][56]. With this in mind, the current study was designed to evaluate livestock owner's knowledge, attitude, and practices towards ticks in Punjab, Pakistan, to assess the awareness about ticks and TBDs, zoonotic concerns, and need for a One Health approach towards tick control in this region.…”

College Students’ Knowledge of Ticks in Oklahoma: Assessment and Insights

“…Studies assessing tick and TBD knowledge have focused on a variety of vulnerable populations, such as those at occupational risk for TBDs [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ] and those facing linguistic and cultural barriers to TBD protection [ 16 ]. A survey of Brazilian immigrants living in a Lyme disease (LD) endemic area of the USA found that the majority of respondents (65%) had heard of LD; however, only a minority of respondents were very (4%) or somewhat certain (16%) they could identify LD symptoms [ 16 ].…”

“…Lone star ticks are associated with transmission of both Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii bacteria [5]. In 2017 in Oklahoma, 349 cases of spotted fever group rickettsiosis, 84 cases of ehrlichiosis, 41 cases of tularemia, and one case of Lyme disease were Insects 2021, 12, 658 of 11 reported [6]. These numbers do not include unconfirmed cases.…”

“…Ranchers of Oklahoma have been surveyed previously to assess their tick knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). A majority of survey responses from beef producers across the state ( n = 144, 78.7%) responded that Rocky Mountain spotted fever was their biggest concern [ 12 ]. Here we present a KAP survey administered to college students at Oklahoma State University at both the beginning and end of an academic semester.…”

A survey of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of veterinary professionals regarding ticks and tick-borne diseases: Insights from Ohio, USA

“…Findings from population surveys that target the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of participants regarding ticks and TBDs have been used to characterize the assets and needs of high-risk groups, such as agricultural [ 5 ], medical [ 6 ] and veterinary professionals [ 7 ]. In this manner, health practitioners can more effectively design education strategies to improve and sustain health outcomes related to ticks and TBDs.…”