Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Regarding Rift Valley Fever Among Livestock Traders in the Alaotra Mangoro Region,...

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Zoonotic Disease Research

Background:

• Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a significant viral zoonosis in Madagascar, impacting human and animal health, with livestock trade facilitating its spread.
• Existing research on RVF in Madagascar has overlooked livestock traders, who are key to the long-distance transmission of the virus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) concerning RVF among livestock traders in the Alaotra Mangoro region.
• To identify factors associated with these KAPs to inform targeted interventions.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional survey was conducted among 406 livestock traders using a structured questionnaire.
• Multi-stage sampling (purposive market selection, snowball sampling) was employed to capture informal traders.
• Generalised linear mixed models were used for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Awareness of RVF was critically low (18.5%), with substantial regional variation.
• Knowledge of RVF symptoms and transmission was limited; higher education and older age correlated with better knowledge.
• Attitudes towards RVF were mixed, with low perceived personal risk but high confidence in vaccination; preventive practices were inadequate, with frequent engagement in risky behaviors like trading sick animals.
• Access to veterinary services was limited, and cost was a major barrier; participation in awareness campaigns was minimal.

Conclusions:

• Significant gaps in RVF knowledge, attitudes, and practices among Malagasy livestock traders contribute to the disease's persistence.
• A "One Health" approach integrating human, animal, and environmental health strategies is essential for effective RVF control.