Zoonotic Diseases Risk Perception and Infection Prevention and Control Practices Among Poultry Farmers in the Buea Health District: a One Health Perspective

Abstract Background Livestock are associated with pathogenic microbes and farm workers play a significant role in the transmission of zoonotic diseases (ZDs). Lack of awareness of exposure risk among farmers may influence their farm practices thereby enhancing the spread of diseases in farms and to the community. This study aimed at evaluating the knowledge, risk perception and prevention and control practices of ZDs among poultry farmers in order to baseline data for establishing a one health practical approach to reducing zoonotic disease transmission in poultry farms. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study involving poultry farmers was carried out in the Buea Health District from April to July 2021, using a multi- stage sampling technique. Six feed-producing mills were used as focal points to meet farmers and the snowball technique was used to trace the farms. Questionnaires were used to collect data related to participants’ knowledge, risk perception and preventive and control practices of ZDs. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 25. Results In all, 183 poultry farms and 207 workers were enrolled in the study. Despite being aware that animal diseases can be transmitted to humans, most participants showed poor knowledge, poor risk perception and poor prevention/control practices on ZDs. Majority did not consider coming in contact with bird’s blood/body fluid or apparently healthy birds to be a risk of infection. More participants with small farm size (< 500 birds) had low risk perception to ZDs than those with larger farms (> 1000 birds) (P = 0.03). Furthermore, most participants reported practicing hand washing but they neither used protective devices such as gloves and face mask and > 50% would not invite veterinary professionals to their farms. There was significant association between risk perception and knowledge (P = 0.007; CI = 1.257–4.200) as well as between risk perception and prevention/control practice (P = 0.002; CI = 1.451–4.867). Conclusion Poultry farm workers in Buea have poor knowledge and perception on zoonotic disease risk and this has contributed to their poor prevention/control practices in the farms. Enhanced informal education of farm owners and workers through training workshops and seminars will improve on their knowledge and skills on zoonotic disease transmission risk and prevention.