Assessment of Community Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Towards Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in Tanga and Pwani Region-Tanzania

Abstract

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is WOAH listed transboundary disease of cattle with high economic impact which threaten the global cattle industry. The disease was first diagnosed in Zambia in 1929 and the first outbreak in Tanzania was in 1981. LSD is regarded endemic in sub-Saharan   countries. However, the community knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards LSD in Tanzania is poorly understood. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Tanga and Pwani region between December 2022 and February 2023 to assess KAP towards LSD. A questionnaire tool was used to collect information from116 herds/households. Questionnaire was administered by face-to-face. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistic and univariate logistic regression model. In this study, it was found that majority of the respondents were aware of LSD occurrence (86.93%, CI=79.40-92.51) and over half of the respondents 54.78% (CI=45.23-64.04) had past LSD experience in their herds. However, our study revealed limited knowledge on LSD sign, associated losses, transmission control and on the role of vectors in LSD epidemiology. Majority of the respondent believed LSD has impact (86.09%, CI=78.39-91.83) and believe cattle are at risk (78.26%, CI=69.60-85.41). Moreover, respondents believed vaccine is important in LSD control (70.26%, CI=69.60-85.41). Nevertheless, majority believed they had limited access to vaccine. Respondent age, herd size, district, role in the households, main source of income, time in livestock farming, cattle type and past experience on LSD occurrence appeared to influence both the knowledge and attitude towards LSD in Tanga and Pwani regions.