A Study of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Associated to Brucellosis among Cattle Keepers of Jalaun district, Uttar Pradesh, India

Author: Rashmi Singh, Deeksha Marwari and Akanksha Singh

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Abstract

The magnitude and ubiquitous nature of brucellosis occurrences in cattle throughout the India remains to be animal and public health concern. In humans, the disease is mainly transmitted through the ingestion of raw/unpasteurized milk or unhygienic practices during handling their cattles. India has the greatest cattle population in the world; consequently, the risk of brucellosis incidences grows exponentially in India compared to other nations. In addition, the knowledge of brucellosis among cattle keepers is limited; therefore, comprehending the knowledge, attitudes, and practises (KAP) of cattle keepers is a primary objective of the present study. A cross-sectional study was performed on brucellosis in Jalaun districts of Uttar Pradesh. Cattle keepers (n=500) were interviewed on the basis of a standard structured questionnaire (41 questions). It was found that the farmer's educational status was strongly correlated with their knowledge of the zoonotic risk of brucellosis (p<0.001). More than 60% of the participants did not consider unpasteurized milk as possible contamination sources. The current investigation showed that cattle keepers had limited education of brucellosis, which might enhance the zoonotic risk. Awareness has to be encouraged, and significant control measures should prioritize in rural and underdeveloped sections of the country to prevent the spread of the disease from animals to humans.

Keywords

Brucellosis, KAP, Zoonosis, SPSS, Vaccination

Conclusion

The persistent presence of B. abortus infection in cattle, in combination with religious concerns regarding the slaughter of infected animals and the resulting distressful sale of such animals, has led to positive serological diagnoses. This has created a critical need for the strict implementation of a control policy in cattle, prompting government authorities to adopt a vaccination strategy as a means of preventing and controlling brucellosis in cattle. The implementation of preventive measures during the handling of infected cattle can lead to a significant reduction in the incidence of brucellosis in humans. Despite the significant accomplishments in eradicating bovine brucellosis in various countries such as Europe, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, and New Zealand, the disease continues to prevail in certain areas of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia owing to inadequate awareness, governance, and financial resources. The principal strategies employed to manage and avert brucellosis comprise of the identification and segregation or culling of infected cattle, as well as administering a one-time vaccination to all eligible female calves.

References

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How to cite this article

Rashmi Singh, Deeksha Marwari and Akanksha Singh (2023). A Study of Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Associated to Brucellosis among Cattle Keepers of Jalaun district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(4): 434-439.