Prevalence and risk factors of brucellosis and dairy farmers’ KAP in 2 townships, Myanmar

Abstract

Brucellosis is a highly infectious zoonotic disease and has a great economic impact on dairy production. In Yangon Region of Myanmar, 0.47% seroprevalence of brucellosis in dairy cattle and 8 human IgG positive cases was reported. This study aims to determine the prevalence of brucellosis in dairy farms and its risk factors as well as to assess the current knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of dairy farmers regarding brucellosis. Our study was conducted in Hlegu and Taikkyi Township during September 2019 to January 2020. Pooled milk samples were collected from 174 dairy farms. Using Milk Ring Test (MRT), Brucella spp. was found in 30 dairy farms and the prevalence was 17.2%. Statistically significant farm factors associated with MRT positive results were farm location in Takkyi Township (Odds ratio (OR) 3.19; 95%CI =1.42, 7.15), pasture sharing (OR 3.43; 95%CI = 1.34, 8.76), and abortion (OR 2.68; 95% CI = 1.21, 5.98). Survey for the KAP for brucellosis in farmers indicated that good knowledge, attitudes and practices were in 35.1, 99.4, and 62.1% of the respondents, respectively. In conclusion, brucellosis was still a problem of dairy farms in study area and MRT can be used as a farm level screening test. Educational campaign for brucellosis prevention and control should be considered according to a lack of knowledge and inappropriate farm practices among dairy farmers