Background and Aim: Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is a neglected zoonotic disease in sub-Saharan Africa, with substantial implications for public health and livestock-based livelihoods. In Burkina Faso, evidence on stakeholders’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward bTB and its economic consequences remains limited, particularly outside major urban centers. This study aimed to assess the KAP of livestock farmers and butchers regarding bTB in Koupéla and to estimate financial losses associated with suspected bTB-related organ seizures at the local slaughter facility between 2016 and 2023. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional KAP survey was conducted among 115 participants (83 livestock farmers and 32 butchers) using structured questionnaires administered between October 2023 and January 2024. Knowledge and practice scores were computed using predefined scoring systems, and associations with sociodemographic variables were analyzed using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. In parallel, a retrospective analysis of official abattoir records from January 2016 to December 2023 was performed to quantify suspected bTB lesions and estimate direct and indirect financial losses resulting from organ seizures and carcass weight reduction. Results: Although 94.8% of participants had heard of bTB and 88.7% recognized its zoonotic nature, only 8.7% demonstrated satisfactory knowledge. Risky practices were common, including consumption of raw milk (59.1%) and meat from dead animals (29.6%), while only 44.3% of respondents exhibited practices considered protective against bTB transmission. Education level was significantly associated with knowledge (p < 0.05). During the eight-year period, 213 organs were seized from 271,032 slaughtered ruminants, corresponding to an overall suspicion rate of 0.08%, with cattle showing the highest species-specific rate (0.44%). Total financial losses due to bTB were estimated at 22,977,180 West African Financial Community Franc (approximately USD 36,760), largely attributable to indirect losses in cattle. Conclusion: Substantial knowledge gaps and high-risk practices regarding bTB persist among livestock stakeholders in Koupéla, contributing to ongoing zoonotic risk and considerable economic losses. Targeted education, improved biosecurity practices, and integrated One Health interventions are essential to mitigate the public health and economic impact of bTB in similar rural and peri-urban settings. Keywords: bovine tuberculosis, Burkina Faso, economic losses, knowledge, attitude, and practices, One Health, ruminant slaughterhouse, zoonotic disease, zoonotic tuberculosis.

Background and Aim: Seasonal variation profoundly influences aquatic ecosystems, altering water quality, microbial ecology, and food safety. In Egypt’s Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest artificial freshwater reservoirs, climatic fluctuations may shape pathogen dynamics, affecting fish health and public safety. This study investigated the seasonal variations in physicochemical parameters, heavy metals, and the phenotypic and genotypic profiles of major fish-borne pathogens in Lake Nasser, Egypt, within a One Health framework. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 water and 300 Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) samples were collected seasonally from five lake sectors. Physicochemical indicators (temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen [DO], electrical conductivity, and six heavy metals) were analyzed following the American Public Health Association and the Association of Official Analytical Collaboration standards. Bacteriological examinations were performed according to ISO protocols to enumerate total bacterial counts (TBCs) and to isolate Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio cholerae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aeromonas hydrophila. Molecular confirmation of species and virulence determinants was achieved using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeting 16S ribosomal RNA and virulence genes. Correlations between environmental parameters and pathogen prevalence were evaluated using Pearson’s analysis (p < 0.05). Results: Water temperature peaked in summer (29.7°C) while DO and pH were highest in winter (8.05 mg/L and 8.7, respectively). While zinc, copper, cadmium, and lead exceeded the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment thresholds for aquatic life, all heavy metals were below World Health Organization limits for drinking water. TBCs increased significantly during summer (3.59×105 Colony Forming Unit/g). S. aureus and V. cholerae predominated in summer, P. aeruginosa in spring, and A. hydrophila in autumn. Temperature positively correlated with bacterial counts (r = 0.82, p < 0.001), whereas DO showed a negative association (r = –0.71, p = 0.001). PCR confirmed multiple virulence genes in all isolates. Conclusion: Seasonal climatic fluctuations strongly influence microbial contamination in Lake Nasser. Although water quality remains within acceptable limits, elevated temperatures and reduced oxygen during summer promote pathogen proliferation, posing food safety risks. Continuous One Health-based surveillance integrating environmental, microbiological, and climatic indicators is recommended to safeguard aquatic ecosystems and public health under changing climate conditions. Keywords: Egypt, fish-borne pathogens, Lake Nasser, One Health, seasonal variation, water quality.

Background and Aim: Leishmaniasis is a persistent zoonotic disease and a major public health problem in Morocco, where healthcare workers play a central role in its detection, prevention, and management. Despite national control efforts, knowledge gaps among health professionals may hinder timely diagnosis and effective surveillance. This study aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge regarding leishmaniasis among health professionals in the Marrakech–Safi region, Morocco’s most endemic area, and identify factors influencing their awareness. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study was conducted between December 2024 and April 2025 among 514 healthcare professionals, including nurses, doctors, midwives, and technicians, working in public health facilities. Data were collected through a self-administered, expert-validated online questionnaire covering socio-professional characteristics and knowledge of leishmaniasis. Knowledge was scored on a 16-point scale and classified as “good” (9–16) or “poor” (0–8). Binary logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of good knowledge, with p < 0.05 as the threshold for statistical significance. Results: Overall, 67.9% of participants demonstrated good knowledge of leishmaniasis. Health professionals from Essaouira were 13 times more likely to have good knowledge than those from Youssoufia (p = 0.035; Odds ratios [OR] = 13.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.20–152.21). Those holding a doctorate (p = 0.050; OR = 8.00; 95% CI: 0.998–64.11) and those with 11–15 years of experience (p = 0.046; OR = 10.12; 95% CI: 1.04–98.49) exhibited significantly higher awareness. Completing a university-level course on leishmaniasis strongly enhanced knowledge (p = 0.002; OR = 4.55; 95% CI: 1.76–11.81). Conclusion: The study revealed uneven distribution of knowledge among healthcare professionals, with educational level, experience, and training as key determinants. Strengthening targeted training programs and integrating leishmaniasis content into academic curricula are essential for improving disease control. Future research should adopt a broader One Health perspective involving veterinary and environmental sectors to enhance surveillance, early detection, and community awareness. Keywords: endemic regions, healthcare professionals, knowledge, Leishmaniasis, Morocco, One Health.

Background and Aim: Rabies remains a persistent zoonotic threat in Indonesia, where dogs are the primary reservoir driving animal-to-human transmission. Despite longstanding control efforts, the country continues to report fluctuating rabies incidence with increasing public health and economic burdens. This study aimed to analyze 17 years of animal rabies data from the World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS) to identify temporal patterns, hotspot provinces, species distribution, and vaccination coverage, and to highlight gaps relevant for strengthening One Health–based rabies control in Indonesia. Materials and Methods: A retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted using WAHIS quantitative data from 2006–2023. Records were filtered by country (Indonesia), disease (rabies virus infection), province, and animal species. Data were cleaned, standardized, and categorized by year, province, species, and vaccination status. Visualization was performed using Python (bar charts and heatmaps) and ArcGIS (choropleth maps). Descriptive tables were generated in SPSS. Analyses were limited to 2023 due to Indonesia’s transition to aggregated national reporting from 2021 onward. Results: A retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted using WAHIS quantitative data from 2006–2023. Records were filtered by country (Indonesia), disease (rabies virus infection), province, and animal species. Data were cleaned, standardized, and categorized by year, province, species, and vaccination status. Visualization was performed using Python (bar charts and heatmaps) and ArcGIS (choropleth maps). Descriptive tables were generated in SPSS. Analyses were limited to 2023 due to Indonesia’s transition to aggregated national reporting from 2021 onward. Conclusion: Rabies remains endemic in Indonesia with considerable interprovincial disparities and repeated surges linked to limited vaccination coverage and inconsistent surveillance. The dominance of dog-mediated transmission underscores the need for sustained mass dog vaccination, strengthened provincial reporting, and coordinated One Health strategies that integrate veterinary, human health, and environmental sectors. Improved transparency and routine submission of disaggregated rabies data to WAHIS are critical for achieving national and global rabies elimination goals. Keywords: Rabies, Indonesia, WAHIS, dogs, vaccination, One Health, surveillance, spatiotemporal trends.

Background and Aim: Despite the availability of the two-dose JYNNEOS Mpox vaccine, global uptake remains suboptimal due to limited awareness, low perceived personal risk, and persistent mistrust in health institutions. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a brief, multimedia educational package, comprising an animated video, infographic, and frequently asked question (FAQ) sheet, on improving knowledge, perceived risk, and vaccine intention among adults in Aseer, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A single-group pre-post design was implemented between March and April 2025 in three primary healthcare networks across Aseer. A total of 150 unvaccinated adults (mean age 38.4 ± 11.2 years; 51% female) completed pre- and post-intervention surveys. The intervention, developed using the Health Belief Model framework, aimed to enhance perceived susceptibility, severity, and self-efficacy. Knowledge (0–10 scale), perceived risk (1–5 scale), and vaccination intention (5-point Likert) were assessed before and immediately after the intervention. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon tests were used to evaluate changes in scores, and hierarchical regression identified predictors of post-intervention acceptance. Results: Mean knowledge scores increased from 4.2 ± 2.1 to 8.9 ± 1.0 (p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.02). The proportion with good or moderate knowledge rose from 45% to 96% (+51 percentage-points [pp]). Combined vaccine acceptance increased from 30% to 58% (+28 pp; p < 0.001; d = 0.84), while reluctance decreased from 40% to 16%. Video-dominant delivery yielded the highest gain (+36 pp). Independent predictors of intention included higher knowledge (β = 0.32), greater perceived severity (β = 0.24), and prior positive vaccine experience (β = 0.19) (R2 = 0.41). Qualitative insights highlighted residual barriers, access limitations, and institutional mistrust. Conclusion: A 5-min culturally adapted educational package produced substantial and statistically significant improvements in Mpox knowledge, perceived risk, and vaccine intention. Integrating such micro-learning interventions into primary healthcare and digital health platforms may bridge information gaps and foster vaccine confidence. Combining concise multimedia education with accessible, same-day vaccination services can rapidly enhance preparedness and close the immunity gap in emerging infectious diseases. Keywords: health belief model, Mpox vaccine, multimedia education, One Health, Saudi Arabia, vaccine acceptance, vaccine hesitancy.

Background and Aim: The re-emergence of monkeypox (mpox) as a global public health concern necessitates assessing awareness and preparedness, particularly among educated youth who can act as health knowledge multipliers. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding mpox among undergraduate and postgraduate students at Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2024 to March 2025 among 443 university students selected through a simple random sampling method. A structured, prevalidated questionnaire was used to assess knowledge (18 items), attitudes (8 items), and practices (10 items). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to identify associations between demographic factors and KAP domains, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Most participaints were male (75.2%) and from urban areas (58.0%). Overall, 94.6% recognized mpox as a viral disease, while 77.7% identified it as a zoonotic disease. However, misconceptions persisted; only 55.8% acknowledged airborne transmission and 47.2% recognized possible reverse zoonosis. Concern about contracting mpox was expressed by 53.3% of students, and 61.6% were willing to receive vaccination. Knowledge levels were significantly associated with academic year (p = 0.003) and major (p = 0.010), with medical students demonstrating better knowledge (55.0%) compared to their non-medical peers (25.4%). Gender significantly influenced attitudes (p < 0.001) and practices (p = 0.025), with females showing lower positive attitudes and practice scores. Common preventive behaviors included handwashing (93.9%) and seeking medical attention (84.9%), while only 34.1% were vaccinated. Conclusion: Although awareness about mpox was high among Gomal University students, notable gaps existed regarding the transmission and prevention of the disease. Gender, academic discipline, and study year had a significant influence on knowledge and attitudes. Integrating zoonotic disease education into university curricula, campus health promotion, and social media-based awareness programs could strengthen students’ preventive practices and outbreak preparedness. Keywords: knowledge, attitudes, and practices, monkeypox, Pakistan, public health, university students, vaccination, zoonosis.

Background and Aim: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health threat, projected to cause up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050. Livestock production, where antimicrobials are widely used, plays a significant role in the emer­gence and spread of resistant pathogens. In India, small-scale dairy farming forms a key part of rural livelihoods, yet lim­ited evidence exists on antimicrobial usage and animal health practices in this sector. This study assessed antimicrobial usage patterns, awareness, and associated animal health management practices among smallholder dairy farmers in West Medinipur district, West Bengal. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between January and June 2024. Using expert-validated questionnaires and observational checklists, data were collected from 302 household dairy farmers and eight veterinarians across four blocks. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were per­formed to identify factors associated with antimicrobial misuse and non-adherence to withdrawal periods. Results: All farmers reported antimicrobial use for their cattle, yet only 18.2% had heard of AMR and 8.9% adhered to drug withdrawal periods. About 13.2% used antimicrobials without prescriptions and 15.2% relied on previous prescriptions. Storage of antimicrobials at home (odds ratio [OR] = 3.998; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.598–10.002), sharing drugs with peers (OR = 5.289; 95% CI = 2.148–13.020), and lack of veterinary consultation (OR = 0.148; 95% CI = 0.0365–0.597) were significant predictors of misuse. Farm-level practices such as absence of isolation units, herd overcrowding, and poor cleaning frequency were significantly associated with higher cattle morbidity (p < 0.001). While all farmers vaccinated and dewormed cattle, 78.1% did not quarantine new animals, and only 19.5% maintained treatment records. Veterinarians generally adhered to guidelines but reported inadequate facilities for safe drug disposal. Conclusion: This study reveals widespread antimicrobial misuse and low AMR awareness among small-scale dairy farm­ers, compounded by inadequate biosecurity and waste disposal practices. Strengthening AMR mitigation requires targeted farmer education, regulation of over-the-counter antimicrobial sales, better veterinary infrastructure, and integration of One Health-based waste management systems. Interventions should prioritize prescription-based antimicrobial access, continuous farmer training, and community-level monitoring to safeguard both animal and human health. Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial use, drug withdrawal period, India, One Health, smallholder dairy farming.

Background and Aim: The global rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) poses a major threat to environmental and public health, particularly in regions with inadequate wastewater treatment. Iraq’s Euphrates River is heavily contaminated with pharmaceuticals and resistant pathogens due to poor disposal practices and untreated effluents. This study evaluated the antibacterial efficacy of the electro-Fenton (EF) process, an advanced oxidation method that generates hydroxyl radicals (•OH), in reducing ARB from Euphrates river water. Materials and Methods: Water samples were collected during May–August 2024 from three sites in Al-Muthanna Governorate: Al-Samawah, Al-Mahdi, and Al-Khidhir. Samples were subjected to eight EF treatments (5–40 V, 20 min each) using a locally fabricated EF unit with hydrogen peroxide, potassium chloride, and nitric acid to optimize hydroxyl radical generation. Bacterial contamination was assessed using multiple tube fermentation, thermotolerant detection of fecal coli­forms, total plate counts, biochemical identification, and analytical profile index (API) 20E tests. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined through disk diffusion against eight antibiotics. Results: Before EF treatment, high bacterial loads were recorded across all sites, with counts exceeding >1600 most probable number (MPN)/100 mL for Escherichia coli, fecal coliforms, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Many isolates exhibited multidrug resistance, including resistance to vancomycin, ampicillin, and tetracycline. After EF treatment, bacterial counts markedly declined to <1.8 MPN/100 mL for most species, aligning with World Health Organization and Environmental Protection Agency water quality standards. Thermotolerant fecal coliforms were reduced to 6.8 MPN/100 mL. A slight resurgence of bacterial growth occurred at 40 V (treatment 8), likely due to com­peting side reactions at higher voltages. Conclusion: This is the first study in Iraq to demonstrate the application of EF for ARB removal from river water. The results confirm EF as a highly effective, environmentally sustainable, and scalable approach for degrading pharmaceutical residues and reducing ARB contamination in surface water. Future research should include molecular profiling of resistance genes and broader geographic evaluation. Keywords: advanced oxidation process, antibiotic resistance, electro-Fenton, Euphrates river, public health, water pollution.

Background and Aim: Zoonotic parasitic infections remain a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, especially where humans and livestock share water sources. Cattle may serve as reservoirs for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), thereby undermining control programs that focus solely on humans. This study applied a One Health lens to investigate the parasitic burden in cattle from peri-urban communities near Weija Lake in the Ga South District of Ghana. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted across 13 cattle kraals (KRLs) from five endemic communities. Fecal samples (n = 131) were collected by certified veterinary officers and analyzed using sedimentation and flotation techniques. Parasites were identified through light microscopy, and prevalence data were analyzed with 95% confidence intervals. Spatial data and KRL-level variables were also recorded to assess environmental risk factors. Results: Overall, 80.15% (105/131) of cattle were infected with at least one parasite. The most prevalent species was Fasciola spp. (58.77%), followed by Schistosoma spp. (SCH) (45.03%), hookworm (21.37%), and Taenia spp. (14.50%). Mixed infections occurred in 61.90% of cases, with Fasciola spp. SCH combinations accounting for 50% of mixed cases. Notably, Schistosoma mansoni – a typically human parasite – was detected in 1.53% of cattle. Parasite prevalence varied significantly by location, and proximity to water sources significantly influenced the risk of infection. Conclusion: The high prevalence of zoonotic parasites, including human-specific S. mansoni in cattle, underscores the animals’ role in maintaining transmission cycles. These findings support the integration of veterinary interventions with human public health efforts under the One Health framework. Co-targeting cattle in mass deworming campaigns and implementing environmental controls are crucial for the sustainable elimination of neglected tropical diseases. Keywords: cattle, Fasciola spp., Ghana, neglected tropical diseases, One Health, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminths, zoonoses.

Background and Aim: Rabies is a fatal yet preventable zoonotic disease, disproportionately affecting children in endemic regions. Despite the availability of post-exposure prophylaxis, behavioral gaps in prevention persist. Understanding the determinants of preventive behaviors and evaluating the effectiveness of educational interventions are critical for achieving the global goal of eliminating dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030. This study aimed to systematically review the psychosocial, cognitive, and contextual determinants influencing rabies prevention behaviors in children, and to evaluate the effectiveness of related interventions through meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines and registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD420251085699). Four databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and Thai Citation Index) were searched for peer-reviewed studies published from 2015 to 2024. Thirteen eligible studies were included: Six observational and seven intervention studies. Effect sizes were synthesized using random-effects models. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine heterogeneity and moderator effects. Results: Environmental factors (r = 0.28), knowledge, attitudes, and practices variables (r = 0.22), health literacy (r = 0.20), and protection motivation theory constructs (r = 0.16) were significantly associated with rabies prevention behaviors. Parental attentiveness showed a strong inverse relationship with risk behaviors (r = −0.30). Interventions demonstrated large pooled effect sizes (standardized mean differences [SMD] = 1.54–2.10), although statistical significance was affected by heterogeneity (I2 >90%). Short interventions (<2 weeks) were significantly more effective (SMD = 1.93) than longer ones (SMD = 0.31). Eastern country settings yielded greater behavioral improvements than Western contexts. Conclusion: Children’s rabies prevention behaviors are shaped by contextual, cognitive, and parental influences. Short, developmentally appropriate, theory-based interventions – particularly those implemented in schools – demonstrate practical effectiveness. Standardized evaluation frameworks and culturally adapted strategies are essential for improving behavioral outcomes and informing One Health policy efforts in high-risk regions. Keywords: child behavior, educational intervention, meta-analysis, One Health, rabies prevention, school health education, systematic review.