Knowledge, attitude, and practice of dairy workers about toxoplasmosis and other zoonoses on the farm in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite of medical and veterinary importance. This study evaluated dairy workers knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding toxoplasmosis in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Using a close-ended-structured questionnaire, the data were collected from 150 registered dairy farms in five district municipalities (Amathole, OR Tambo, Chris Hani, Cacadu, and Alfred Nzo). The structured questionnaire was utilized to collect data. Responses from the farmers were analyzed against various potential risk factors and the public health implications assessed for them to be monitored. Of the respondents, 15.8% correctly acknowledged knowing about toxoplasmosis. The majority of the respondents could not correctly recognize the following parasitic zoonosis as being food-borne pathogens: Toxoplasma (84.2%), Cryptosporidia (82.0%), Entamoeba (93.5%), Trichinella (88.5%), Hymenolepis (92.1%), Giardia (90.6%), Cysticercus (92.1%), Echinococcus (87.8%), and Dicrocoelium (92.8%). Most respondents (77%) responded that they assisted infected cows during calving without the use of gloves or sanitation practices, which could cause infection in humans. This study contributed to the knowledge and awareness of the parasitic disease that is Toxoplasma gondii. The study highlighted a deficiency in knowledge about toxoplasmosis and food-borne illnesses. Hence, it presents an opportunity for various stakeholders in the health, veterinary, and other government parastatals to institute mitigation measures aimed at training and re-training farm workers to always practice hygiene.