Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Practices of Inhabitants of the Tamale Municipality on Antrhax: Implications for the Prevention of Human Anthrax

Abstract

The study was intended to find out the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices of cattle owners, herdsmen, butchers and consumers on anthrax, its transmission, risk factors and prevention, in order to determine the human behaviour factors responsible for human anthrax outbreaks in the Tamale municipality. It was also intended that the findings would help in the control of animal anthrax as well as the prevention of human anthrax. A descriptive study was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data was collected using structured questionnaire, focus group discussions and indepth interviews. The study revealed that 96% o f the study population have knowledge o f anthrax and the signs that indicate anthrax in cattle. However, knowledge about the causative agent is poor and included links with the supernatural. This lack o f knowledge about the cause o f the disease does not encourage participation in control measures in livestock, such as vaccination and also prevention of human disease by proper disposal of carcasses. Eight percent of the respondents believe that using herbs can prevent human anthrax and 9% indicated that they would send suspected anthrax patients to the herbalist. These percentages even though small, would suggest that human anthrax can persist in the areas of these respondents. About two-thirds o f respondents are o f the view that animals which have died of unknown causes are cut up and used because they serve as a source o f inexpensive meat for the community. Also, 16.8% o f the respondents indicated that cooking meat from carcasses with herbs could prevent anthrax. This, taken together with the low incomes o f the farmers and cattle owners makes it very tempting to eat meat o f animals which have died of unknown causes including anthrax. On the risk of getting anthrax from handling or cutting meat, about 10% of the study population indicated there is no risk. This is alarming since such views mean no compliance with the rule o f burning or burying suspected anthrax carcasses and may perpetuate human anthrax, through consumption of infected carcasses. Based on the findings of the study, the following key recommendations are made to the relevant authorities; 1. The Veterinary Services in collaboration with the Ministry o f Health (MOH), the Municipal Assembly and other related agencies should organise durbars to educate residents of Tamale about the public health importance of anthrax and in particular about the causative agent o f anthrax, how it is spread, and how this can be prevented by disposal o f cattle which have died o f unknown causes. 2. Livestock owners should be compelled by law to report all unexpected deaths in their herds. 3. Suspected anthrax cases should be confirmed by reliable laboratory tests.