Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) Regarding Milk-borne Zoonotic Diseases in Agro-pastoral Communities of Yobe State, Nigeria
Easy Nuhu Japhet *
Department of Animal Health and Production Technology, Yobe State College of Agriculture Science and Technology Gujba, Yobe State, Nigeria.
Mohammed Malah
Department of Animal Health and Production Technology, Yobe State College of Agriculture Science and Technology Gujba, Yobe State, Nigeria.
Mohammed Kasim
College of Veterinary Surgeon of Nigeria (CVSN), University of Maiduguri Campus Borno State, Nigeria.
Ali Musa Usur
Veterinary Public Health Department, Ministry of Livestock Development, Yobe State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Zoonoses are diseases transmissible from animals to humans. Milk-borne zoonotic diseases (MBZDs) are mainly contracted through the consumption of milk from infected animals. Diseases such as brucellosis, bovine tuberculosis, and Q fever constitute a major but frequently overlooked public-health risk in agro-pastoral communities. Their impact may be greater in rural communities, where much of the population has inadequate basic knowledge and awareness of zoonoses. In Yobe State, Nigeria, raw milk consumption is culturally entrenched, and veterinary infrastructure is concentrated mainly in urban communities, creating conditions that facilitate disease transmission and spread.
Objective: This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding milk-borne zoonotic diseases among agro-pastoral communities in Buni Yadi, Damaturu, and Damagum, Yobe State, and to generate evidence for targeted public-health interventions.
Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 150 respondents (50 per community) selected through multistage sampling in agro-pastoral communities of Yobe State. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 25.0. Descriptive statistics were applied.
Results: Substantial knowledge gaps were identified: only 16.7% of respondents were aware of brucellosis, and 70% knew none of the listed MBZDs. Only 30% knew that milk from apparently healthy animals could transmit disease. High-risk practices were prevalent: 66.7% consumed raw milk, 73.3% stored milk at room temperature, 46.7% reported no udder cleaning before milking, and 66.7% were recorded as never boiling milk before sale. Although 86.7% knew that sick animals could cause human disease, 60% would sell milk from sick animals, either unconditionally or after boiling. The principal reported barriers were a lack of practical knowledge (80%) and the cost of fuel for boiling (60%). Respondents strongly supported community education (93.3%), led by health workers (86.7%) and delivered through radio programmes (80%).
Conclusion: The findings indicate a gap between general awareness and routine milk-safety practices. A multi-pronged intervention combining culturally appropriate education, practical milk-hygiene guidance, veterinary support, and measures addressing economic barriers is warranted and is supported by the surveyed communities.
Keywords: Milk-borne zoonoses, knowledge, attitudes and practices, raw milk, brucellosis, bovine tuberculosis, milk hygiene, agro-pastoral communities, food safety, one health