Livestock owners’ anthrax prevention practices and its associated factors in Sekota Zuria district, Northeast Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: In Ethiopia, the second most prioritized of the zoonotic diseases next to rabies is anthrax. About 50.6% of anthrax cases and 33.3% of deaths of livestock have been reported from Wag-Himra Zone, where appropriate anthrax prevention practices are not implemented by the owners of the animals. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the extent of appropriate anthrax prevention practices of livestock owners and associated factors in Sekota Zuria district, northwest Ethiopia. Results: Twenty-five percent (95% CI: 25.2, 26.1%) of the livestock owners implemented appropriate anthrax prevention. Three quarters (74%) of the owners consumed infected meat; more than three quarters (78%) used the skins and hides of animals found dead with anthrax. The odds of appropriate anthrax prevention practices were higher among livestock owners with positive attitude (AOR = 4.16, 95% CI: 2.72, 6.37), who received health education (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.21, 3.28) and owners who lived in urban areas (AOR = 2.62, 95% CI: 1.43, 4.77) compared to their counterparts. Ability to read and write (AOR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.74, 4.37), and primary (AOR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.74, 4.37) or secondary school and above education (AOR = 4.24, 95% CI: 1.61, 11.13) were significantly associated with appropriate anthrax prevention practices. Conclusion: In Sekota Zuria district, only one quarter of the livestock owners were aware of appropriate anthrax prevention practices. Thus, implementing effective health education and creating positive attitude are vital to improve anthrax prevention practices in the area.

Anthrax prevention practice and associated factors among farmers in Farta district, South Gondar, Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia

“…The sample size was computed using Epi info version 7.1, statistical software for cross-sectional studies, considering the following assumptions; 95% Confidence Level, power 80%, a ratio of 1:1, and taking the proportion of Anthrax preventive practice in a non-exposed group of 20.6% and an AOR of 2 [ 16 ], a design effect of 2 and adding 10% non-response rate, the final sample size was 1338. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select study participants.…”

“…Knowledgeable: Farmers who answered more than or equal to 50% of the thirteen knowledge assessment questions were considered as knowledgeable on anthrax prevention. Otherwise considered as non-knowledgeable [ 17 ].…”

“…Attitude: Farmers who answered more than or equal to 50% of the seven attitude assessment questions were considered as having a favorable attitude towards anthrax prevention. Otherwise considered as having an unfavorable attitude [ 17 ].…”

“…Anthrax preventive practice: Farmers who answered more than or equal to 50% of the ten practice assessment questions were considered as having a good practice of anthrax prevention. Otherwise were considered as having a poor anthrax prevention practice [ 17 ].…”

‘We dry contaminated meat to make it safe’: An assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices on anthrax during an outbreak, Kisumu, Kenya, 2019

“…The disease is an occupational hazard for farmers, shepherds, butchers, leather works, bone and wool processors, wildlife attendants, and veterinarians. Individuals with cuts and abrasions are at high risk of infection when handling infected carcasses [ 5 ]. Carnivores e.g.…”