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Journal of Ideas in Health

Articles
DOI: 10.47108/jidhealth.Vol7.Iss6.386
Submitted: 2024-10-09
Published: 2024-12-31

knowledge, attitude, and practice on brucellosis among livestock keepers in Kilosa district, Tanzania

Department of Veterinary Medicine and Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3019, Morogoro, Tanzania
The Institute of Pest Management, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3110 Morogoro, Tanzania
Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Science, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3016,Morogoro, Tanzania
Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, St. Francis University College of Health and Allied Sciences, P.0.Box 175 Ifakara, Tanzania
Brucellosis, Livestock Keepers, Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Brucellosis is a contagious bacterial zoonotic disease that is primarily caused by Brucella species. The current study aims to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice towards brucellosis among livestock keepers in Kilosa District-Tanzania. 

Methods: The cross-sectional study design was employed from February to March 2023 in Kilosa district, Tanzania. A semi-structured questionnaire was employed to evaluate participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to brucellosis. Collected data were analyzed by using (Microsoft) MS Excel, and the chi-squared test.

Results: A total of 150 randomly selected livestock keepers participated in the study, with the majority being male. Participants’ ages ranged from 20 to 70 years. While 138 out of 150 (92%) had heard about brucellosis, only 18 (12%) demonstrated good knowledge of its transmission between livestock and from livestock to humans. Most respondents (80%) were aware of the disease's clinical signs, identifying abortion in animals and headaches in humans as primary symptoms. Regarding attitudes and practices, 52 (34.7%) strongly agreed that brucellosis is a serious disease in livestock, but only 20 (13%) considered it a significant health threat to humans. Alarmingly, 138 (92%) reported consuming unboiled raw or soured milk. A statistically significant difference was observed in knowledge levels based on sex and education, with a p-value (**p < 0.01) for each variable. These findings highlight gaps in knowledge and risky practices that may contribute to the spread of brucellosis among livestock and humans.

Conclusion: This study has shown that there is little understanding and poor attitudes and practices towards brucellosis among livestock keepers in the Kilosa district. This can be addressed by providing community awareness campaigns about zoonotic diseases including brucellosis.



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How to Cite

1.
Mwamengele G, Sabuni C, Mathew C, Thomas C. knowledge, attitude, and practice on brucellosis among livestock keepers in Kilosa district, Tanzania. J Ideas Health [Internet]. 2024 Dec. 31 [cited 2025 Feb. 17];7(6):1192-8. Available from: https://jidhealth.com/index.php/jidhealth/article/view/386

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