Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Abattoir Workers in Kumasi Towards Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens

Abstract

The high dependence on livestock in Ghana comes with the risk of zoonotic tick-borne pathogen infection. Abattoir workers are especially at risk due to their frequent contact with livestock that are infested with ticks and tick-borne pathogens. This study sought to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of abattoir workers in Kumasi towards ticks and tick-borne pathogens. A total of 130 workers were recruited from the Kumasi abattoir (92), Suame abattoir (24) and Akwatia Line slaughter slab (14). The respondents were males, mostly aged between 46 and 55 years (36.2%), had no form of education (43.8%) and had >10 years (68.5%) of working experience. Given that a significant number of the workers handled live animals (95.4%) or dead animals or animal parts (87.7%), were involved in slaughtering (69.2%) and had experienced tick bites (81.5%), there was a risk of tick-borne pathogen infection. However, only 35.4% thought humans can get diseases from tick bites, and 58.5% of the respondents believed tick bites lead to the development of a tick-borne disease. It was observed that education (p = 0.008) had a significant influence on the risk of zoonotic tick-borne pathogen infection, with 52% of the respondents with no education believing humans cannot get infections from ticks. The findings of this study indicate that the abattoir workers are at risk of zoonotic tick-borne infections, and there is a need for frequent education as well as the adoption of effective tick control and preventive measures.