Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice and risk factors of zoonotic diseases among the Dairy farmers of Peri-urban areas: A – Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background: Zoonotic diseases are naturally transmitted infections between vertebrate animals and humans, impacting social, cultural, and economic development. India, the leading milk producer globally, faces significant health hazards due to a lack of awareness about milk-borne zoonosis and milking hygiene practices, highlighting the need for improved awareness and awareness-raising on zoonosis causes and impacts. The object of this paper was to assess the knowledge, practice, and attitude (KAPs) and risk factors of zoonotic disease among the dairy farmers of peri-urban areas. Materials and Methods: The study design was cross-sectional and descriptive in nature. A total of 212 respondents were interviewed which included respondents more than 18 years old, milk suppliers from small dairy farms and distributors, and dairy farm workers who were directly involved in milking and handling of milk and milk products. The snowball sampling method was used. A Semi-structured questionnaire was designed to conduct interviews for data collection. This study has been conducted in Goyla Dairy, Dwarka division of South-West Delhi, India. Results: This study of dairy farmers revealed a high level of education, extensive experience, and a strong bond between farmers and their livestock. A risk-scoring scale categorizes dairy farmers into low, moderate, and high-risk factor practices, with 41.51 percent in category 1, 38.68 percent in category 2, and 19.81 percent in category 3. Conclusion: Farmworker knowledge is adequate in certain areas but lacking in others, such as awareness of an illness that may be transmitted from cattle to people. Most dairy farmers engage in moderate to high-risk factor practices and there is a need to raise hygiene knowledge among livestock caretakers in terms of personal, animal, and milk cleanliness.