Abstract

Bovine leptospirosis, caused by Leptospira spp., is a major cause of reproductive failure and economic loss in cattle globally, including in Nigeria. Given its zoonotic potential, understanding human-animal interface risk is critical. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of livestock stakeholders (e.g., farmers, handlers, veterinarians) regarding bovine leptospirosis in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria.
A cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 150 livestock stakeholders were randomly selected from 10 cattle farms in Ibadan. Data was collected using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire comprising sections on demographic information, 7 awareness questions, 6 attitude statements, and 12 practice questions. Data analysis utilised descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages) and inferential statistics (e.g., Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Analysis) to identify associations between respondents’ age, level of education, years of experience, and gender with their levels of awareness, knowledge, and attitudes regarding leptospirosis. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
62% of the participants were adults, with 97.3% having tertiary education. Most participants (78%) were aware of leptospirosis, with good knowledge of its aetiology, transmission, zoonotic importance, and its preventive measures, but only very few, about 29.3%, know about its symptoms. Also, a greater number of participants practiced satisfactory management procedures, but about 53.3% indulged in unsatisfactory farm management practices. Age, level of education, and years of experience have significant influence on the participants' knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding bovine leptospirosis, with p-values of 0.018, 0.049, and 0.010, respectively.
These results reveal significant gaps in knowledge, especially regarding symptom recognition, despite participants' general positive attitudes toward disease prevention.
This study, therefore, prescribes improvement in awareness campaigns that should focus more on symptom identification. It advocates for stronger collaboration among government agencies, veterinary professionals, and public health stakeholders to establish effective prevention and control strategies.

Key words: Leptospirosis, Cattle, Livestock stakeholders, Knowledge, and Practices