Self-reported selected zoonotic diseases among animal handlers in Urban Ahmedabad, India

Background and aim: Out of all global microbial pathogens, 61% are zoonoses. Zoonotic diseases (Z/D/S) are responsible for a large burden on the public health, livestock economies, and wildlife of India. Data on burden and knowledge about Z/D/S among animal handlers are limited for urban and peri-urban areas of India. The present study aimed to estimate the prevalence of self-reported selected Z/D/S and knowledge about those diseases among animal handlers in the urban area of Ahmedabad city, India.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 170 animal handlers from three zones of Ahmedabad city, India, from February to May 2017. Data were collected on sociodemographic, different exposure, knowledge, practices about animal handling, and self-reported Z/D/S condition.

Results: Majority of study participants were females. Participants had numbers of animals, and it ranged from 1 to 70. However, the majority of them were cattle. Average experience and hours/day spent for handling animal were reported 22±15 years and 5±2 h, respectively. From all participants, about one-third perceived that handling animal could be a cause of disease. Average knowledge on the mode of transmission of Z/D/S was found 4.1%. Most common high risk and preventive practices found consumption of raw milk (72%) and handwashing (83%). The proportion of self-reported Z/D/S in the past 5 years was found to be 23% among respondents and 17% among family members. However, the proportion of existing self-reported Z/D/S or symptomatic Z/D/S was 17% among respondents and 18% among family members. Most common self-reported Z/D/S were vector-borne, animal bite, and respiratory disorders.

Conclusion: The knowledge and prevalence of Z/D/S were found low as compared to other studies from India. Further awareness and screening of animal handlers can be useful to increase the reporting and prevention and control of Z/D/S among them.