One health assessment of farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) on zoonoses in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, farming serves as a key livelihood, leading to a higher risk of zoonotic diseases due to frequent animal interactions and traditional practices. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of livestock farmers regarding zoonotic disease outbreaks. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 658 livestock farmers from randomly selected regions in Bangladesh from April to June 2024. The participants included farmers with at least two livestock animals and ten or more birds on their farms. Among livestock farmers, 89.06% were male, mostly aged 30-45, but predominantly from non-science educational backgrounds. The survey revealed significant knowledge and practice gaps regarding zoonosis, with only 11.55% possessing good knowledge and 37.54% demonstrating good practices. Farmers with a science education had higher KAP scores. Most avoided consuming raw animal products, although 23% lived in close proximity to animals. Logistic regression identified factors influencing KAP, including rearing systems, farming experience, pet ownership, and biosecurity training. The study found that farmers lack adequate knowledge and practices regarding zoonosis, despite exhibiting a positive attitude. The study emphasizes the need for targeted educational programs and a collaborative One Health approach to improve zoonotic disease control, particularly among less educated farmers, to enhance public health and economic outcomes.