KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE TOWARDS ZOONOTIC BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS AMONG NOMADIC PASTORALISTS IN NASARAWA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Tuberculosis is a chronic debilitating disease occurring worldwide affecting a wide range of animals and man. In developing countries like Nigeria, the situation is still high among pastoral communities, occupationally related livestock workers, and immune-compromised individuals living with HIV and Aids whose knowledge, practice, and attitude could predispose them to zoonotic tuberculosis (ZTB). In this study, a total of 125 questionnaires were administered to pastoralcommunities in the southern zone of Nasarawa to determine the Knowledge Attitude and Practice among pastoralists towards ZTB, and informed consent was sought among the individuals before the interview was granted. A descriptive statistic was used to calculate and analyze data from the KAP level of response and the socio-demographic variables: Educational Level; duration in Pastoral activities and Age of the respondents. From the KAP level interview, the response indicated that (77.6 %) of respondents with a secondary level of education are aware of the zoonotic transmission of TB from animal to man while (62.4 %) have knowledge that man can contract TB from animals. The participants have some understanding of the signs of TB, but greater awareness (77.6 %) was observed mostly among participants with a secondary level of formal education. Consequently, on the knowledge of how TB is transmitted, there was inadequate knowledge among the participants as (68.8 %) of primary level and (41.6 %) of respondents without formal education said meat is the vehicle for the transmission of TB from animals while only (33.6 %) of the participants with secondary education mention Milk produ cts. All the participants consumed Sour Milk (100 %) while the level of consumption of fresh and boiled milk among the participants was (24.1 % and 27.6%; Table 2) regardless of their educational level. Regarding the practice of using protectives while in contact with animals, (68.0 %) and (61.6 %) of respondents with primary and secondary formal education said they wash their hands after contact with animals while only (20.8 %) of respondents without formal education wash their hands after contact with animals. KAP level observed a divergence of opinion among the participants due to inadequate awareness and knowledge of protection from ZTB.KAP level observed that more than (65 %) of the respondents do not undergo BCG vaccination. Consequently, the study observed a (100 %) consumption of Sour Milk among the respondents. There is a need for an integrated education in line with one health approach to pastoral communities to safeguard them from zoonotic bovine tuberculosis.