A knowledge, attitude and practices assessment of control measures for bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis towards a more effective approach to national control programs in South Africa

Bovine brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis are zoonotic diseases with economic and public health importance across the world, especially in developing countries where the diseases are endemic. The diseases are classified as neglected diseases in developing nations with poor resources despite good control measures in some developed countries. The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions (KAP) of stakeholders towards control measures for bovine brucellosis (BR) and bovine tuberculosis (bTB) at a livestock-wildlife interface. Stakeholders selected were small-scale farmers and veterinary officials affected by disease control measures in northern KwaZulu Natal in South Africa. A mixed method approach was used (qualitative and quantitative) In the quantitative method, a total of 61 small-scale livestock farmers and 15 veterinary officials working in the livestock-wildlife interface study area, completed a structured questionnaire. In the qualitative method, a focus group discussion was held with each stakeholder group (farmers and veterinary officials) were held using an interview guide that was developed based on common themes/topics emerging from the quantitative method. In terms of farmers, 62.3% and 75.4%, did not know about BR and bTB, respectively. All veterinary officials (100%) knew about BR and bTB. Majority of small-scale farmers (55.7%) and veterinary officials (66.6%) did not believe that the current methods for control of BR and bTB were effective. However, both farmers (55.9%) and veterinary officials (73.3%) believe that the state has capacity to control the diseases provided adequate resources are available, and practical disease control policies are implemented. Farmers (96.5%) and veterinary officials (93.3%) believe that the success of control of BR and/or bTB also depends on both role players working together. In the focus group discussions, reasons provided were, lack of sufficient resources (people and funding) by the government. Communal farming infrastructure was stated as a hindrance to effective disease control. Poor training of farmers and unrestricted animal movement had negative effect on disease control. Factors such as difficulty in isolating/separating test positive from test negative animals (biosecurity) in communal areas, provincialisation of disease control strategies, lack of enforcement, lack of compensation for farmers, were raised by stakeholders. It is recommended that the current structure of the South African veterinary services' delivery model be revised to enable coherent disease control co-ordination between National Department and Provinces. The current failures to successful control of BR and bTB can be attributed to limited stakeholder engagement and analysis of stakeholder perspectives. To address this, a bottom-up approach that involves inputs from stakeholders on the ground can help enhance the successful implementation of control strategies. The outcome of the study should serve as guide for policy development and implementation for both BR and bTB control measures in South Africa.