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

Exploring bovine brucellosis in Bangladesh: Current scenario and future outlook

Bovine brucellosis is an enduring and formidable challenge in Bangladesh. In this first comprehensive review, we explored the historical, current, and future perspectives of bovine brucellosis outbreaks in Bangladesh. Data spanning from 1984 to 2023 regarding bovine brucellosis in Bangladesh were gathered from literature, reviews, conference papers, and online reports using various search engines and software tools. We considered 29 published documents and analyzed them thoroughly to evaluate the current status of bovine brucellosis for the present comprehensive review. We also suggest policy and other frameworks to mitigate and control the disease on a national scale. Bovine brucellosis in Bangladesh affects various livestock and poses economic burdens due to reduced milk and meat production with potential risks to human health. Over the past decade (2013-2023), the ruminant population in Bangladesh has increased substantially (between 1.46 and 26.95 million individuals), with goats showing the most significant growth, while financial losses due to bovine brucellosis have risen steadily, emphasizing its economic impact (basis on species between Euro currency 12.824 and 298.272). This review highlights brucellosis prevalence, diagnostic challenges, and traditional management practices contributing to its spread. Our findings indicate that bovine brucellosis was reported and prevalent in mild to severe forms across 26 districts of Bangladesh. Bangladesh has initiated measures such as vaccination and awareness campaigns, but effective control remains challenging due to diverse farming systems and resource constraints. A one-health approach is advocated for future strategies, emphasizing community engagement and multidisciplinary efforts to address the complex challenges posed by bovine brucellosis in Bangladesh, ultimately aiming to safeguard livestock health, public health, and economic stability.

Understanding brucellosis: knowledge, perceptions, and self-reported prevalence among agro-pastoralists in Nakasongola, Uganda

BACKGROUND

Brucellosis is an infectious zoonotic disease that poses serious health threats around the world including Uganda. Brucellosis is caused by Brucella spp., the bacteria being transmitted via contact through skin breaks, via inhalation, or orally through the consumption of raw milk and other dairy products. The aim of this study was to investigate self-reported prevalence, knowledge, and perceptions towards brucellosis transmission, within agro-pastoralist communities in the Nakasongola district, central Uganda.

METHODS

This study employed a cross-sectional survey design. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed and administered to 398 participants selected through convenience sampling method. The survey gathered information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of brucellosis transmission, symptoms, preventive measures, and self-reported prevalence of brucellosis. Qualitative data involved the use of six focus group discussions, identifying factors for transmission based on their perceived level of risk or impact using ranking by proportional piling.

RESULTS

A majority (99.2%, n = 398) had heard about brucellosis and 71.2% were aware of the zoonotic nature of the disease. There were varied responses regarding transmission routes, symptoms, and preventive measures. Self-reported prevalence was relatively high (55.5%). Following adjusted analysis, factors such as subcounty, source of income, knowledge about symptoms of brucellosis, whether brucellosis is treatable, perception, and living close to animals were statistically significant. Participants from Wabinyonyi had 2.7 higher odds of reporting brucellosis than those from Nabiswera, aOR = 2.7, 95%CI 1.4-5.5. Crop farming and livestock had much higher odds of reporting brucellosis than those earning from casual sources, aOR = 8.5, 95%C 1.8-40.1 and aOR = 14.4, 95%CI 3.1-67.6, respectively. Those who had knowledge about symptoms had 6.9 higher odds of reporting brucellosis than who mentioned fever, aOR = 4.5, 95%CI 2.3-18.3. Likewise, living close with animals and handling aborted fetuses (aOR = 0.4, 95%CI: 0.17-0.86), (aOR = 0.2,95% CI: 0.07-0.0.42,) had significantly lower odds for self-reported prevalence compared to those who believed did not cause brucellosis. Risk factors identified included, handling of aborted fetuses and living in close proximity with animals. Overall, there was a moderate statistical agreement in the ranking across the focus groups discussion (Wc = 0.48, p < 0.01; n = 6).

CONCLUSION

While awareness of brucellosis is high in the community, understanding of the transmission routes, clinical symptoms, and preventive measures varied. Investigating the understanding and assessing knowledge, perceptions and self-reported prevalence in this region indicated a necessity for risk communication strategies and community-based interventions to better control brucellosis transmission.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice related to brucellosis among livestock farmers and meat handlers in Saudi Arabia

Background

Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic infection that is endemic in Saudi Arabia and associated with clinical and economic impacts. Several studies from countries endemic for brucellosis evaluated the knowledge and attitude of livestock farmers regarding brucellosis. However, no such study was conducted in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of livestock farmers and meat handlers in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study, where participants were interviewed in-person in Arabic in livestock markets between September-December 2023. Convenient sampling was utilized. The questionnaire included basic demographics and questions to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward personal protection and protection of the animals from brucellosis. The questionnaire was adapted from a previously validated survey and included 59 questions. Providing at least one correct answer to a certain question indicated a good knowledge about this item or a safe practice. The participants were divided into: farmers (shepherds working for the animal owners), commercial animal owners (those who rent a stockyard in the livestock market and employ farmers to sell their animals), and private animal owners (owners of private farms from which they sell their animals).

Results

545 participants were interviewed (n = 291 farmers, n = 118 commercial animal owners, n = 113 private animal owners, and n = 23 animal slaughterhouse workers). >90% have heard of brucellosis. Lack of education and short experience (<5 years) of working with livestock were negatively associated with good knowledge of brucellosis symptoms and transmission (OR, 0.30; 95%CI, 0.10-0.94; p = 0.038 and OR, 0.23; 95%CI, 0.08-0.62; p = 0.004, respectively). Taking sick animals to the veterinarian was reported by 61.2%, whereas 36.4% follow safe practices when disposing of aborted fetuses. While 34% consume raw milk, only 10% consume rare/medium-rare meat. 51.2% acknowledged the need for more information on brucellosis.

Conclusion

This study revealed the need to augment the knowledge of people working with animals, particularly those with no school education and those with short work experience, via providing educational visits or materials or through veterinarians. This should help them identify human and animal brucellosis symptoms and increase the knowledge on how to protect oneself and animals from this disease.

Farmers' perceptions of bovine brucellosis in Benin

Background and Aim

Cattle are the main source of meat in Benin. To improve the attitudes and practices of cattle breeders in relation to bovine brucellosis, a study has been carried out in Benin according to different agroecological zones. This study aimed to assess farmers' knowledge and practices concerning bovine brucellosis to generate essential information for control programs and public health interventions.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted from February to May 2022, during which 608 farmers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire that provided information on socioeconomic characteristics, knowledge, and practices related to bovine brucellosis. Analysis of variance, Poisson regression, and the proportion comparison test were used to compare these characteristics in the different agroecological zones. At the end of the surveys, three distinct and homogeneous groups of perceptions (hierarchical classification of Multiple Correspondence Analysis components of R software) of bovine brucellosis were identified (these groups only consider farmers who declared knowledge of the disease). Groups were formed by applying the multiple correspondence analysis function of the FactoMineR library in R software, followed by a hierarchical ascending classification using the hierarchical clustering on principal component function of the same software (Agrocampus Rennes, France).

Results

Only 38% of respondents were aware of brucellosis. Knowledge of brucellosis was not related to sex or education level but was higher among farmers in agroecological Zones 1 and 4. Ethnic Dendi herders (62.16%) had better knowledge of the disease than those from other sociolinguistic groups (Somba: 50%, Fulani: 40.91%, Baribas: 26.97%, and others: 8.82%). Reduced milk production (98.29%), presence of hygroma (87.18%), and abortion (56.84%) are the main signs reported by herders familiar with the disease. All three groups had good knowledge of the disease and its zoonotic nature. Groups 1 (96% of breeders) and 2 (2.14%) were aware of the risk factors (contact with affected animals, the consumption of raw milk, the handling of runts, and reproductive rejection). In the case of Brucella, they prefer to treat animals rather than sell them and use both traditional and modern medicines. Group 3 (1.71%) did not know the risk factors and preferred to sell animals in the event of illness.

Conclusion

Pastoralists need to be made aware of the mode of transmission of bovine brucellosis, its clinical manifestations, its impact on animal health, and the zoonotic nature of the disease (impact on public health) so that bovine brucellosis can be rapidly detected in herds.

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

Background Brucellosis is an endemic infection in the Middle East. The World Health Organization has identified the illness as one of the most prevalent "neglected zoonotic diseases." Public perceptions regarding brucellosis infection vary across different regions. Thus, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning brucellosis among the general population in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia between March 2023 and May 2023. We distributed an online questionnaire through social media platforms and received a total of 1,244 responses from different governorates in the Qassim region. Results The level of awareness of brucellosis was moderate. Out of the 1,244 participants, 706 (56.8%) were aware of the disease. Among the participants who were aware of the disease, their knowledge of brucellosis was assessed. The majority of these respondents demonstrated a good level of knowledge (70.5%). Regarding attitudes and practices toward brucellosis, no significant association was found between the participants' level of knowledge and their attitudes. Conclusion Awareness levels about brucellosis in the Qassim region vary depending on age group, area of residency, and other factors. The younger age group and certain governorates in the Qassim region showed low levels of awareness. Moreover, participants with good knowledge about the disease obtained their information from healthcare practitioners. The significant difference in our findings between Qassim's governorates demonstrates the need for more targeted awareness campaigns in areas with lower levels of awareness.