P8-02 Knowledge, attitude and practices associated with Brucellosis among livestock owners in Baure Local Government Area (LGA) of Katsina State-Nigeria

Abstract

A questionnaire was adopted and modified to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding brucellosis among livestock owners in the Baure local government area (LGA) of Katsina State, Nigeria. Of the 80 participants, the majority had heard about animal brucellosis (89%); but few (11%) had heard about human brucellosis. Based on this survey, 59% of the respondents were unaware about the zoonotic potential of brucellosis and have poor knowledge of the hazards associated with milk consumption, as 57% drink soured or fermented milk, 37% drink raw unpasteurized milk, and only 6% drink pasteurized milk. Fever is believed to be a sign of brucellosis by 51% of the respondents and is frequently misdiagnosed as malaria. The questionnaire revealed 95% practice natural mating for herd reproduction; and 58% and 29%, respectively, of the respondents purchase animals based on experience and trust. A majority of the owners had 1, 2, 3, or>3 abortions in their herd within the study period; and 81% have never screened their animals for brucellosis. Eighty-five percent of those surveyed are unaware of the existence of Brucella vaccines, while 15% know about vaccines against brucellosis; however, 94% never vaccinate their animals against brucellosis. There is little understanding about brucellosis screening as 79% of the participants are not familiar with that practice. Categorical data analysis based on the 4-point scale grade 75% of the respondents as having poor knowledge of brucellosis, 13% have an average knowledge, and only 12.5% have good knowledge of brucellosis. There is a lack of positive attitude and practice based on a 2-point scale with 90% has poor practices. The current study revealed that the knowledge and understanding about brucellosis among livestock owners in Baure LGA is very limited.