Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs and Practices of Inhabitants of the Tamale Municipality on Antrhax: Implications for the Prevention of Human Anthrax
Date
1999-09
Authors
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Publisher
University of Ghana
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.
Description
Thesis ( MPH) - University of Ghana, 1999.