An Appraisal of the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Abattoir Workers and Butchers on Bovine Tuberculosis in Kaduna Central Abattoir, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) caused by Mycobacterium bovis is a chronic infectious and contagious zoonotic disease of domestic animals, wild animals and humans. This research involved abattoir workers who are personnel involved in the management of animals before and during the slaughtering process. Three hundred pretested, well-structured and closed-ended questionnaires were self-administered to abattoir workers made up of 13 Veterinarians, 8 Animal Scientists, 37 Para-veterinarians, 197 butchers and 45 unskilled labourers to determine the level of their knowledge, attitude and practices on tuberculosis. The study revealed that the abattoir workers in this study had low knowledge of bTB 32(10.6%). Their knowledge on the transmission pathways, prevention, control measures against bTB and its zoonotic importance were also sought. Detection of tubercle lesions of bTB in slaughtered cattle makes their potential source of infection to human and pose a public health risk. There is the need for enhanced public education and awareness campaigns among meat handlers and abattoir workers especially on the mode of transmission, aetiology and public health importance of bTB in Kaduna State