Knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding the COVID-19 pandemic among Ruminant and Exotic Animal farmers in Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has had a remarkable impact on human lives and livelihoods, including livestock farmers and exotic animal owners. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding the COVID-19 pandemic among ruminant and exotic animal farmers in Selangor, Malaysia. Using a quantitative research methodology, an online-based and face-to-face survey was conducted among 102 farmers. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression models. Overall, slightly more than half of the respondents demonstrated good knowledge of and attitude towards COVID-19 and its potential zoonotic implications. Likewise, 58.4% of the respondents exhibited satisfactory preventive practices against potential exposure to COVID-19 except for the low usage of hand gloves and facemasks when handling animals. Farmers’ knowledge of COVID-19 was associated with increasing age (Odds ratio; OR = 1.06; 95 % Confidence Interval: CI 1.01-1.11) and those that kept exotic animals (OR = 10.84; 95% CI 2.32-50.70) relative to ruminant farmers. Respondents were more likely to engage in preventive practices against COVID-19 as their age increased (OR = 3.72; 95% CI 2.54-6.21), and a tendency (P = 0.08) for better preventive practices among farmers with lower (1-5 years) years of farming experience (P = 0.02; OR = 3.77; 95% CI 1.15-12.34). These findings highlight the need to improve farmers’ knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 and encourage them to adhere to recommended preventive measures. The associated factors might be considered in improving livestock farmers’ knowledge of COVID-19 and promoting their adherence to recommended guidelines during farm operations.