Occupational Practices and Hazards of Rural Livestock Keepers in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Study

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Health and Safety
• Zoonotic Disease Prevention
• Occupational Epidemiology

Background:

• 70% of Uganda's rural poor depend on livestock for subsistence and security.
• African livestock farming is transitioning from traditional to intensified systems.
• Understanding occupational hazards in agropastoralist communities is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe occupational practices and hazards among agropastoralist livestock keepers in Uganda.
• To identify risk factors associated with animal-related injuries.

Main Methods:

• Household surveys conducted with 49 agropastoralist heads of household in Moyo District, Uganda.
• Descriptive statistics used for livestock-associated practices and exposures.
• Logistic regression analyzed risk factors for animal-related injuries.

Main Results:

• Adult men perform most tasks; women and children handle meat, milk, and poultry.
• High contact with animal waste, urine, and blood reported; low use of soap and protective gear.
• 45% reported animal-related injuries, and 12% reported needlestick injuries; no significant risk factors identified.

Conclusions:

• Distinct occupational risks exist for female and young agropastoralists.
• Inadequate hygiene and protective practices increase zoonotic transmission risk.
• Animal and needlestick injuries are common, necessitating interventions for occupational health.