Investigating baseline red meat slaughter operator capacity and directions for development in Lao PDR

A study of operator knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) in red meat slaughter premise operations in northern Laos was conducted and compared with international best practice, to inform future industry development. The survey interviewed 68 (of 94 possible participants) employees from all ten commercial slaughter premises in six districts in three northern Laos provinces. This was supported by observations of slaughter premises, processes and the conduct of personnel. Descriptive analysis and linear regression modelling identified significant KAP predictor factors, and a gap analysis supported or rejected inferences from the generally low KAP scores for human and animal health, animal welfare, good manufacturing practices (GMP), work conditions and economics. The median proportion of correctly/desirably answered knowledge-related questions was 35.2% (interquartile range [IQR] = 22.2-51.9%) with 27.3% (IQR = 15.9-31.8%) for the attitude-related questions and 21.4% (IQR = 14.3-35.7%) for the practice-related questions. Two districts had significantly lower KAP scores than other districts, and staff had the lowest and meat inspectors had the highest scores. This study indicates that the current KAP for red meat processing falls short of international standards and that training programmes on disease risks and prevention are important in facilitating red meat industry development.