Abstract
We evaluated livestock owners' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding brucellosis in Jordan. A questionnaire was administered and biological samples were examined to verify the serological status of animals. Seroprevalence estimates indicated that 18.1% (95% CI: 11–25.3) of cattle herds and 34.3% (95% CI: 28.4–40.4) of small ruminant flocks were seropositive. The results showed that 100% of the interviewed livestock keepers were aware of brucellosis: 87% indicated a high risk of infection if unpasteurized milk is consumed and 75% indicated a high risk if unpasteurized dairy products are consumed. Awareness of the risk of infection through direct contact with fetal membranes or via physical contact with infected livestock is considerably lower, 19% and 13%, respectively. These knowledge gaps manifest in a high frequency of high-risk practices such as assisting in animal parturition (62%), disposing aborted fetuses without protective gloves (71.2%) or masks (65%), and not boiling milk before preparation of dairy products (60%). When brucellosis is suspected, basic hygiene practices are often disregarded and suspect animals are freely traded. Public health education should be enhanced as the disease is likely to remain endemic in the ruminant reservoir as long as a suitable compensation program is not established and trust on available vaccines is regained.
Highlights
Brucellosis is a highly contagious zoonosis affecting humans and a wide range of terrestrial animals.[1]
Around 90% of the participants were sure that sheep can be infected with brucellosis, 62% were sure that goats can be infected with brucellosis, and about 44% were sure that cattle can be infected with brucellosis
Results from 537 livestock owners participated in a knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) study carried out between May and October 2013 in Jordan
Summary
Brucellosis is a highly contagious zoonosis affecting humans and a wide range of terrestrial animals.[1] The disease is caused by members of the genus Brucella among which Brucella melitensis that mainly infects small ruminants is considered the most virulent species.[2] Despite a high burden of infection in many areas of the world brucellosis is rarely prioritized by health systems and is considered a neglected zoonosis by the World Health Organization (WHO).[3]. Persistent and recurrent fever are the most common clinical symptoms in subacute cases. Complicated cases may go on to develop arthritis, spondylitis, sacroiliitis, osteomyelitis, meningoencephalitis, and endocarditis.[6]
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