Abstract

Abstract
Background: Brucellosis is a widespread zoonosis in the world and remains endemic in Uganda. However, its control remains a challenge requiring consciousness and coordination of all key actors. Objectives: This study determined knowledge, attitudes and practices of the community, medical and veterinary workers regarding brucellosis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at selected health facilities in Apac, Gulu, Lira and Pader districts of northern Uganda using a standardized questionnaire. A total of 251 patients testing positive for brucellosis using the Brucella Plate Agglutination Test (BPAT), 59 medical and 29 veterinary workers were studied. Data was analyzed using a Chi Square test at 95 % confidence level. Results: Only 8% patients, 15.3 % medical and 21.4% veterinary workers were knowledgeable on transmission methods and symptoms for brucellosis and knowledge differed with level of education among patients (P=0.001), medical (P = 0.001) and veterinary workers (P = 0.012). Over 80% patients, medical and veterinary workers had positive attitude. Only 8% patients, 13.6% medical and 7.1% veterinary workers had good practices regarding brucellosis control. Conclusion: Poor knowledge, poor practices and a positive attitude provide an opportunity for health education and policy formulation for the control of brucellosis.Prevalence studies of human and animal brucellosis are recommended to determine the magnitude of the problem.

Key words: Brucellosis, Awareness, Zonoosis, Health, Uganda