Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding bovine tuberculosis in cattle and humans in Malawi

Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) has a significant impact on both the cattle industry and human health. Understanding its transmission, clinical signs, risk factors, and control measures is essential for prevention. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding BTB in high-burden areas of Malawi.

A stratified sampling design was employed to collect data from 463 butchers, dairy farmers and cattle farmers in different locations and settings in Malawi. Aggregate scores on knowledge, attitudes, and practices were taken as multivariate measurements and fitted with multivariate linear regression models.

Participants displayed satisfactory knowledge (88.68%), negative attitudes towards risky behaviours (92.27%), and appropriate practices (86.83%) concerning BTB. Most were aware of its presence in cattle (85.71%) and potential transmission to humans (74.09%), yet exhibited gaps in understanding clinical signs and held misconceptions about hereditary transmission. Many participants demonstrated risky behaviours, such as consuming raw animal products and selling products from infected animals. Individuals with secondary (β: -2.148; 95% CI: -4.168, -0.127) and tertiary education (β: -3.488; 95% CI: -6.626, -0.349) exhibited more negative attitudes towards risky behaviours compared to those with informal education. Adults aged 18-30 (β: -2.777; 95% CI: -5.469, -0.085) and those aged 31-45 (β: -3.035; 95% CI: -5.752, -0.319) demonstrated better protective practices than youths under 18.

There is an urgent need for targeted health education on BTB, focusing on clinical signs and the myth of hereditary transmission, particularly aimed at young people, individuals with limited formal education, and farmers, to enhance prevention efforts.