Background: Many diseases are known to be naturally transmissible between
vertebrate animals, including cattle and humans. Currently, much effort is being
made to promote dairy farming in Malawi but there is limited information about
zoonotic diseases including public awareness and practices. This study was
designed to determine factors associated with dairy producer's awareness and
practices with regard to zoonoses in Northern Region of Malawi.
Materials and
Methods: A structured questionnaire was used to collect information from 140
randomly selected dairy producers between January and June 2011. Level of
awareness and practices with respect to zoonotic infections was evaluated using
a score ranging from 0 to 11. Chi-squared test followed by a multivariable
logistic model were used to assess potential factors associated farmer's
awareness and practices.
Results: Awareness and practice level was
unsatisfactory. Significantly higher number of respondents (75.7 vs. 32.9%, χ2 =
51.81, df =1, p< 0.001) had satisfactory level of awareness when compared to
those who practiced preventive measures. Awareness of the existence of zoonotic
infections and practices was higher in farmers who acquired animals through loan
(p = 0.008), farmers with above primary education (p = 0.002) and farmers with
more than six years of dairy farming experience (p = 0.010). Most farmers
(59.3%) received information about zoonoses through Agricultural extension
services.
Conclusion: Awareness and practices with respect to zoonotic
infections was dependent on farmer's formal educational level, dairy farming
experience and means of acquiring parent stock. Regular disease surveillance and
promotion of education on the risk associated with zoonotic infections through
dairy extension and medical services should result in increased awareness and
efficient control of zoonoses in Malawi.
Keywords: knowledge, Malawi,
prevention practices, zoonoses
