Seroprevalence of camel brucellosis and its relationship to camel owners' knowledge, attitudes, and practices in Dire District, Borana Zone, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Brucellosis is a neglected zoonotic disease that affects approximately 2.1 million people annually, primarily in rural populations that depend on animals for income and food. However, there is limited evidence regarding the prevalence of camel brucellosis and its association with farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) in the Dire District. A cross-sectional study employing multistage sampling was undertaken among 460 camels and their owners in Dire District from November 2023 to March 2024, aiming to determine the seroprevalence of camel brucellosis and explore the relationship between its seroprevalence and the owners' KAPs. Altogether, 460 camels were screened for brucellosis using the Modified Rose Bengal Plate Test (MRBPT) and confirmed using indirect Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (I-ELISA). The owners' KAP regarding brucellosis was investigated using a validated survey tool. Among 460 camels, 7.83% (95% CI: 5.69-10.67) and 4.78% (95% CI: 3.17-7.17) were seropositive for brucellosis by MRBPT and I-ELISA, respectively. Females (OR: 4.76, 95% CI: 1.02-22.30) and large herd size (OR: 4.34, 95% CI: 1.07-17.57) were significant factors for seroprevalence of camel brucellosis. Abortion history in female camel (OR: 6.63, 95% CI: 2.36-18.65) was also related to brucellosis. The respondents' KAPs were 17.60% (95% CI: 14.24-21.40), 24.35% (95% CI: 20.49-28.54), and 7.83% (95% CI: 5.54-10.67), respectively. Being female decreases knowledge level by 62% compared to males (OR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.67). No formal education also reduces knowledge by 90% compared to those who have attained high school (OR = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.2). No formal education (OR: 0.10, 95% CI: 0.01, 0.21) and <10 years of farming experience (OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.22, 0.99) were significant factors for adopting positive practices. Poor knowledge (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 0.40-4.75), undesirable attitude (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 0.49-4.45), and inappropriate practices of respondents (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 0.24-13.97) were not significant factors for the seroprevalence of camel brucellosis. The study shows the presence of camel brucellosis and its possible public health impact in the Dire District. The result also indicates that the disease could be responsible for considerable production losses in camels due to compromised reproductive performance.