doi: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.434-447

Article history: Received: 21-10-2023, Accepted: 05-02-2024, Published online: 23-02-2024

Corresponding author: Adeyemi Sharafa Dine Djibril

E-mail: djibrildine2004@gmail.com

Citation: Djibril ASD, Bothon FTD, Boko KC, Koutinhouin BG, and Farougou S (2024) Farmers’ perceptions of bovine brucellosis in Benin, Veterinary World, 17(2): 434–447.

Background and Aim: Cattle are the main source of meat in Benin. To improve the attitudes and practices of cattle breeders in relation to bovine brucellosis, a study has been carried out in Benin according to different agroecological zones. This study aimed to assess farmers’ knowledge and practices concerning bovine brucellosis to generate essential information for control programs and public health interventions.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from February to May 2022, during which 608 farmers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire that provided information on socioeconomic characteristics, knowledge, and practices related to bovine brucellosis. Analysis of variance , Poisson regression, and the proportion comparison test were used to compare these characteristics in the different agroecological zones. At the end of the surveys, three distinct and homogeneous groups of perceptions (hierarchical classification of Multiple Correspondence Analysis components of R software) of bovine brucellosis were identified (these groups only consider farmers who declared knowledge of the disease). Groups were formed by applying the multiple correspondence analysis function of the FactoMineR library in R software, followed by a hierarchical ascending classification using the hierarchical clustering on principal component function of the same software (Agrocampus Rennes, France).

Results: Only 38% of respondents were aware of brucellosis. Knowledge of brucellosis was not related to sex or education level but was higher among farmers in agroecological Zones 1 and 4. Ethnic Dendi herders (62.16%) had better knowledge of the disease than those from other sociolinguistic groups (Somba: 50%, Fulani: 40.91%, Baribas: 26.97%, and others: 8.82%). Reduced milk production (98.29%), presence of hygroma (87.18%), and abortion (56.84%) are the main signs reported by herders familiar with the disease. All three groups had good knowledge of the disease and its zoonotic nature. Groups 1 (96% of breeders) and 2 (2.14%) were aware of the risk factors (contact with affected animals, the consumption of raw milk, the handling of runts, and reproductive rejection). In the case of Brucella, they prefer to treat animals rather than sell them and use both traditional and modern medicines. Group 3 (1.71%) did not know the risk factors and preferred to sell animals in the event of illness.

Conclusion: Pastoralists need to be made aware of the mode of transmission of bovine brucellosis, its clinical manifestations, its impact on animal health, and the zoonotic nature of the disease (impact on public health) so that bovine brucellosis can be rapidly detected in herds.

Keywords: Benin, brucellosis risk factors, public health, knowledge.

The document is about a research study conducted in Benin to assess farmers' knowledge and practices regarding bovine brucellosis, with the aim of generating essential information for control programs and public health interventions.

Only 38% of farmers in Benin were aware of bovine brucellosis, indicating a lack of knowledge about the disease among cattle breeders.

Knowledge of bovine brucellosis was not related to gender or education level, but it was higher among farmers in agroecological Zones 1 and 4.

Ethnic Dendi herders had better knowledge of the disease compared to other sociolinguistic groups.

The main signs of bovine brucellosis reported by herders familiar with the disease were reduced milk production, presence of hygroma, and abortion.

Farmers who were aware of bovine brucellosis also had knowledge of the zoonotic nature of the disease and the risk factors associated with it.

Approximately 5% of farmers who were aware of bovine brucellosis believe that meat consumption could be a factor in the transmission of the disease.

The majority of breeders belong to Group 1, which is the largest perception group. They are aware of the signs and risk factors of brucellosis, prefer to care for their animals instead of selling them in case of illness, and believe that disease control is the best way to preserve the herd.

Group 2, consisting of only 2.14% of breeders, has a similar perception to Group 1 but does not take any preventive measures to avoid the disease.

Group 3, consisting of only 1.71% of breeders, is aware of the signs of brucellosis but unaware of the risk factors for humans. They prefer to care for their animals instead of selling them in case of illness and do not use any preventive measures or treatment methods.

The perception of brucellosis is influenced by factors such as gender, ethnic group, level of education, group membership, agroecological zone, age group, and herd size.

Livestock farming, particularly cattle breeding, is predominantly carried out by men in Benin and other African countries.

The Fulani ethnic group is the largest sociolinguistic group engaged in cattle breeding in Benin.

The majority of cattle breeders in Benin have a low level of education and literacy.