Knowledge, attitude and practice related to anthrax among livestock farmers in West Kazakhstan

• Published in: Veterinary medicine and science Vol. 10; no. 5; pp. e1553 - n/a
• Main Authors: Kulpiisova, Altyn, Aitpayeva, Zukhra, Maimatayeva, Assiya, Ussenova, Lyailya, Paritova, Assel, Zhanabayev, Assylbek, Bakishev, Temirlan, Tursunkulov, Spandiyar, Kitapbay, Tileubek, Abutalip, Aspen, Mussayeva, Assiya, Ospanov, Yerzhan, Omarbekova, Urzhan, Turalin, Bauyrzhan, Sapa, Vladislav, Aisin, Marat, Bizhanov, Alim, Baikadamova, Gulnara, Chylbak‐ool, Salbak, Pakhomova, Elena, Rametov, Nurkuisa, Issimov, Arman, Burambayeva, Nadezhda
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01-09-2024; John Wiley and Sons Inc; Wiley
• Subjects: 20th century; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Agriculture; Animal Husbandry - methods; Animals; Anthrax; Anthrax - epidemiology; Anthrax - prevention & control; Anthrax - veterinary; attitude and practice (KAP); Bayterek; Cattle; Cross-Sectional Studies; Developing countries; Education; Epidemics; Farmers; Farmers - psychology; Farmers - statistics & numerical data; Farms; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Immunization; Interviews; Kazakhstan - epidemiology; Knowledge; LDCs; Livestock; Male; Middle Aged; Original; Outbreaks; Population; Population studies; Public health; Questionnaires; RUMINANTS; Sample size; Sociodemographics; Surveys; Vaccination; West Kazakhstan; Young Adult; Zoonoses; zoonosis; Kazakhstan; Union of Soviet Socialist Republics > USSR; Russia; Bayterek; anthrax; zoonosis; attitude and practice (KAP); West Kazakhstan; knowledge
• ISSN: 2053-1095; 2053-1095
• DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1553

Background
Anthrax is the most prioritized zoonotic disease in Kazakhstan due to its threatening potential to the public health and agricultural sector. Sporadic anthrax outbreaks are being reported annually among human and livestock populations throughout the country, with the highest frequency occurring in West Kazakhstan.
Methods
A cross‐sectional study was conducted using a survey‐based face‐to‐face interview. From January to May 2022, 489 randomly selected participants were surveyed in 6 districts of the Baiterek province in West Kazakhstan oblast to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding anthrax among community members. This is the first KAP study conducted relating to outbreaks of anthrax in Kazakhstan.
Results
In this study, most participants (74%) surveyed were males, and 40% of respondents had a secondary level education. Overall, 91% of the community respondents were engaged in agriculture and livestock rearing. Among these community members, cattle rearing was the most common (67%) occupation compared to other livestock species. Additionally, over a 50% of the population studied had no knowledge about the zoonotic nature of the disease, and about 82% and 87% of respondents were unaware of any animal and human anthrax symptoms, respectively. About 70% of the respondents were interested in vaccinating their livestock against anthrax. Individuals aged 45–54 displayed notably higher animal vaccination rates (45%; 95% CI: 38.4–52.0; p < 0.025) compared to those aged 25–34 and 65–74. Respondents residing in the Beles district (20%; 95% CI: 17.1–24.7; p < 0.005) exhibited a significantly higher level of awareness concerning the fatality of anthrax in contrast to participants from Bolashak. Roughly 61% of respondents held the belief that anthrax is a lethal disease. An overwhelming majority of the survey participants (99%) affirmed their non‐participation in the slaughter of infected animals.
Conclusion
The findings of this study indicate that KAP among community members relating to anthrax is low and requires swift implementation of education programmes in building awareness of anthrax under the One Health approach, especially in anthrax prone regions.
Anthrax poses a significant threat to public health and agriculture in Kazakhstan, particularly in West Kazakhstan, where sporadic outbreaks occur annually. This cross‐sectional study evaluates the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding anthrax among community members in the Bayterek province. The survey, conducted from January to May 2022, involved 489 randomly selected participants from 6 districts. Results reveal limited awareness of anthrax's zoonotic nature and its symptoms among respondents. Despite the high engagement in agriculture and livestock rearing (91%), a significant portion of the population lacks knowledge about anthrax. However, there is a notable interest (70%) in vaccinating livestock against anthrax. Demographic factors such as age and district of residence influence awareness and vaccination rates. The study underscores the urgent need for educational programmes to enhance anthrax awareness and promote preventive measures, especially in high‐risk regions, under the One Health approach.