Working Document Series Open Access 2010 RUF-34918

Assessment of milk producers’ awareness of milk-borne zoonoses, prevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in selected smallholder and commercial dairy farms of Zimbabwe

G. MatopeD. MosalagaeD. Pfukenyi

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Abstract

149 words

The study assessed milk producers’ awareness of milk-borne zoonoses and prevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in selected smallholder and commercial dairy farms of Zimbabwe. A total of 119 dairy producers were interviewed; 21 (17.6%) commercial dairy and 98 (82.4%) smallholder dairy farmers. Most respondents were males (74.8%) and the majority (71.4%) of the respondents had undergone formal education. Milk producers awareness of milk-borne zoonoses was low; only 41.5% were aware with a significantly (P<0.05) higher percentage of commercial dairy farmers (65.0%) being aware compared to smallholder dairy farmers (36.7%). The prevalence of antibodies to Brucella spp. in raw milk was low. Logistic regression model identified dairy sectors (OR 3.1; P<0.04) and vaccination status (OR 0.4; P<0.04) to be independently associated with herd abortions status. Training milk producers on milk-borne zoonoses, dairy hygiene and milk quality would help to improve milking quality and reduce transmission of zoonoses to public.

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