Animal Health Professionals’ Knowledge, Risk Perception and Preventive Practices Towards Zoonotic Infections in Cameroon

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Animal health professionals act as the first line of defence in zoonosis transmission. By handling animals on a daily basis, they are at risk of contracting zoonotic diseases. However, the lack of data on animal health professional risk perception on zoonotic disease and preventive practices may hamper decision making and policies to fight against transmissible disease at the human‐animal and environmental interface. Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted between July and December 2022 to investigate the knowledge, risk perceptions and preventive practices towards zoonotic infections among 272 selected veterinarians (81) and para‐veterinarians (191) in four regions of Cameroon. Data collection was conducted using questionnaires, and responses were recorded into a binary scale. An ANOVA test was used to assess significant differences in mean knowledge, practice and zoonotic risk perception scores between the two groups of participants, whereas linear regression was done to explore the relationship between demographic characteristic and the knowledge, practice and risk perception. Results Overall, a mean knowledge score of 0.79 ± 0.15 towards zoonosis was obtained. Gender and educational level significantly (p < 0.05) influence the knowledge scores on zoonosis. More than half (60.5%) of veterinarians perceived wild animal species as the highest zoonotic disease transmitter, whereas 50.26% of para‐veterinarians considered pet animals as the highest risk transmitter species. A low risk of contracting a zoonotic infection during assistance in parturition and when handling apparently healthy animals was considered by all respondents. More veterinarians were reported using adequate personal protective equipment for surgery (17.3%), necropsy (4.7%) and delivery (11.1%) than the para‐veterinarians. A significant association (p < 0.05) among regions, service sector, risk perception when handling apparently healthy animals and when getting in contact with animal saliva and animal faeces and preventive practices against zoonotic infection risks was observed. This study reveals that the more participants perceive a risk of contracting a zoonotic infection, the more an adoption towards the right attitude during clinical practice (r = 0.20). Conclusion Reducing the risk of occupationally acquired zoonotic infections requires continuous education and sensitisation of all stakeholders coupled with appropriate infection prevention and control measures. Thus, the implementation of a One Health (OH) strategy as a sustainable solution for controlling zoonotic infection outbreaks through the enhancement of the collaboration among the key OH stakeholders will improve on the OH system's efficiency.