Equine vaccination knowledge, attitudes, and practices among horse owners in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Horses serve important functions in Nigeria, making their health condition economically and socially significant. There is a dearth of data on the vaccination knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) of horse owners in Port Harcourt. This study aimed to assess KAP regarding horse vaccination among owners in Port Harcourt and to identify influencing demographic factors. A cross-sectional survey was conducted via a structured questionnaire administered to 80 randomly selected horse owners. The data were analyzed via SPSS v.22, with responses scored numerically and categorized as good or poor. The results revealed that 52.5% of the owners demonstrated adequate vaccination knowledge, whereas only 47.5% exhibited positive attitudes, and 41.3% implemented appropriate practices. Only 30% of the participants maintained written vaccination records, 40% consulted veterinarians before vaccination, and only 27.5% checked vaccine expiration dates. Most owners (56.25%) used only tetanus toxoid vaccines, with 37.5% using a combination of the African Horse Sickness vaccine and tetanus toxoid and only 6.25% employing comprehensive vaccination protocols. Education level was the most significant factor affecting KAP (p<0.001), with those lacking formal education showing higher odds of inadequate knowledge (OR=14.26), attitudes (OR=11.67), and practices (OR=16.33). Experience with horses (p<0.036), age (p<0.042), and number of horses owned (p<0.015) also significantly influenced outcomes, whereas gender did not. There are gaps in knowledge concerning vaccination KAP. Educational programs focusing on proper vaccine handling and schedules are recommended, particularly for less experienced horse owners with limited formal education.