Knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to traditional and conventional ectoparasite control in domestic ruminants: a cross-sectional survey conducted in Hawassa City, Ethiopia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Ruminant livestock is an integral component of agricultural production in Ethiopia. However, productivity is constrained by ectoparasites such as ticks, lice, fleas, and mites, which cause economic losses and transmit pathogens. In this study, traditional methods refer to ethnoveterinary remedies based on indigenous knowledge, whereas conventional methods refer to commercially manufactured ectoparasiticides. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess community knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding traditional and conventional ectoparasite control methods in domestic ruminants, identify associated risk factors, and document treatments known in Hawassa City, Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted from January to June 2025. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using Kobo Toolbox from 423 randomly selected participants. Data were analyzed using STATA version 17, and binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with KAP scores. RESULTS: Of the 423 participants, 167 (40.0%, 95% CI: 34.8-44.3) were aware of both traditional and conventional treatments, 107 (25.0%, 95% CI: 21.2-29.7) knew only traditional treatments, 48 (11.0%, 95% CI: 8.5-14.8) knew only conventional treatments, and 101 (24.0%, 95% CI: 19.9-28.2) had no knowledge of any treatments. Regarding traditional treatments, 35.5%, 38.1%, and 40.4% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practices, respectively. For conventional treatments, the corresponding proportions were 73.8%, 21.0%, and 53.4%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis indicated that age, education level, occupation, religion, farming system, and farming experience were significantly associated with KAP scores for traditional treatments (P < 0.05). For conventional treatments, age, sex, religion, marital status, and farming experience were significant predictors. Additionally, the study identified ten reasons for the use of traditional treatments, fourteen types of traditional remedies, and seven types of conventional treatments. CONCLUSION: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding traditional ectoparasite control methods were generally low, whereas knowledge and practices related to conventional methods were higher, although attitudes remained low. These findings highlight the need for targeted community awareness programs to promote the safe and informed use of both traditional and conventional ectoparasite control methods.