A Study of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Relating to Brucellosis among Small-Scale Dairy Farmers in an Urban and Peri-Urban Area of Tajikistan

<div><p>Improvement of knowledge, attitudes and practices among urban livestock farmers could have a significant impact on the reduction of many zoonotic infections in urban farming. This study aimed to describe and evaluate weak areas in knowledge, attitudes and practices with regards to brucellosis among urban and peri-urban small-scale dairy farmers in a low income country to generate information essential for control programmes and public health interventions. The cross-sectional study was conducted during six weeks in 2011. The study subjects were small-scale dairy farmers living in the urban and peri-urban area of the capital Dushanbe in Tajikistan. In total, 441 farmers were interviewed using a questionnaire with questions about demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to brucellosis. Descriptive statistics were used and a logistic regression model applied to evaluate potential predictors to knowledge about brucellosis. The majority (85%) of the farmers had never heard of brucellosis. Low educational level was found to be associated with low awareness of brucellosis (P = < 0.001). Respondents who talked about animal health issues with family members or friends were less likely to have heard of brucellosis compared to those who often talked to veterinarians (P = 0.03). Sixty three per cent of the participants wanted more information about brucellosis. Seventeen per cent sold unpasteurized dairy products on a regular basis direct to consumers. Almost 30% of the households consumed unpasteurized dairy products on regular basis. A majority of the respondents did not use any protection when handling cows having an abortion or when dealing with aborted materials. Poor knowledge, high-risk behaviours and a willingness to learn more strengthens the logic for including health education as part of control programmes.</p></div

Results of multivariable logistic regression analysis investigating potential predictors to knowledge about brucellosis i.e. if the farmer had heard about the disease, among 438 households in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

<p>Results of multivariable logistic regression analysis investigating potential predictors to knowledge about brucellosis i.e. if the farmer had heard about the disease, among 438 households in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.</p

Demographic characteristics of cattle farmers in the urban and peri-urban area of Dushanbe, Tajikistan (n = 441).

<p>^aHousehold defined as family members regularly sharing meals.</p><p>Demographic characteristics of cattle farmers in the urban and peri-urban area of Dushanbe, Tajikistan (n = 441).</p

Knowledge about brucellosis among the respondents who had heard of the disease in the urban and peri-urban area of Dushanbe, Tajikistan (n = 65).

<p>^aStated at least one correct route of transmission.</p><p>^bStated no correct route of transmission.</p><p>Knowledge about brucellosis among the respondents who had heard of the disease in the urban and peri-urban area of Dushanbe, Tajikistan (n = 65).</p

Descriptive results of self-reported practices among dairy farmers in the urban and peri-urban area of Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

<p>Descriptive results of self-reported practices among dairy farmers in the urban and peri-urban area of Dushanbe, Tajikistan.</p

Free-ranging mink sampled for AMD antibody and AMDV virus detection (small circles) and virus sequence analysis (crosses).

<p>1a) Percentage positive mink (by PCR)/total mink within each area (areas within ellipses are calculated together). 1b) Crosses are labelled with UNC number and phylogenetic group.</p

Percent mink positive for viral DNA (PCR) and AMDV antibodies (ELISA) in three different age groups; juvenile (24 of 56 mink and 14 of 55 mink, respectively); one year old (28 of 47 mink and 26 of 45 mink, respectively) and mink two years or older (15 of 18 mink and 16 of 18 mink, respectively).

<p>Percent mink positive for viral DNA (PCR) and AMDV antibodies (ELISA) in three different age groups; juvenile (24 of 56 mink and 14 of 55 mink, respectively); one year old (28 of 47 mink and 26 of 45 mink, respectively) and mink two years or older (15 of 18 mink and 16 of 18 mink, respectively).</p

Percentage of positive and negative mink for detection of AMDV antibodies (ELISA) or AMDV DNA (PCR).

<p>Percentage of positive and negative mink for detection of AMDV antibodies (ELISA) or AMDV DNA (PCR).</p

Avvlidna vikter och var

Where and weight of dead piglets in each managament routine and repea

Datablad dödlighet pek

Piglet mortality on sow leve